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Panasonic S5 vs Pentax K-3

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 and the Pentax K-3 are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2020 and October 2013. The S5 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the K-3 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a full frame (S5) and an APS-C (K-3) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Pentax provides 24.1 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Panasonic S5
versus
Pentax K-3
Panasonic S5   Pentax K-3
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Leica L mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
24 MP – Full Frame sensor 24.1 MP – APS-C sensor
4K/60p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800) ISO 100-51,200
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 1840k dots 3.2" LCD – 1037k dots
Swivel touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
7 shutter flaps per second 8.3 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
440 shots per battery charge560 shots per battery charge
133 x 98 x 82 mm, 714 g 131 x 100 x 77 mm, 800 g
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Check K-3 offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 and the Pentax K-3? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Panasonic S5 and the Pentax K-3 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The K-3 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the S5 is only available in black.

Size Panasonic S5 vs Pentax K-3
Compare S5 versus K-3 top
Comparison S5 or K-3 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic S5 and the Pentax K-3 are of equal size. However, the K-3 is markedly heavier (12 percent) than the S5. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the S5 gets 440 shots out of its Panasonic DMW-BLK22 battery, while the K-3 can take 560 images on a single charge of its Pentax D-LI90 power pack. The power pack in the S5 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic S5 133 mm 98 mm 82 mm 714 g 440 Y Sep 2020 1,999 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax K-3 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 560 Y Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon R6 138 mm 98 mm 88 mm 680 g 360 Y Jul 2020 2,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Nikon D7100 136 mm 107 mm 76 mm 765 g 950 Y Feb 2013 1,199ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon Z6 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 310 Y Aug 2018 1,999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon Z6 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 410 Y Oct 2020 1,999 amazon.com
7.
 
Panasonic GH5 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 725 g 410 Y Jan 2017 1,999ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic GH5 II 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 727 g 400 Y May 2021 1,699 amazon.com
9.
 
Panasonic S1 149 mm 110 mm 97 mm 1017 g 400 Y Feb 2019 2,499 amazon.com
10.
 
Panasonic S1H 151 mm 114 mm 110 mm 1052 g 400 Y May 2019 3,999 amazon.com
11.
 
Panasonic S5 II 134 mm 102 mm 90 mm 740 g 370 Y Jan 2023 1,999 amazon.com
12.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
13.
 
Pentax K-5 II 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2012 1,099ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax KP 132 mm 101 mm 76 mm 703 g 390 Y Jan 2017 1,099ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7 II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 599 g 350 Y Nov 2014 1,999ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A9 II 129 mm 96 mm 76 mm 678 g 690 Y Oct 2019 4,499 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A77 143 mm 104 mm 81 mm 732 g 470 Y Aug 2011 1,399ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The K-3 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 35 percent) than the S5, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Panasonic S5 features a full frame sensor and the Pentax K-3 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the K-3 is 57 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Panasonic S5 and Pentax K-3 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the K-3 offers a slightly higher resolution of 24.1 megapixels, compared with 24 MP of the S5. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.90μm versus 5.94μm for the S5). Moreover, it should be noted that the S5 is much more recent (by 6 years and 10 months) than the K-3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

Unlike the K-3, the S5 has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (96MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200, which can be extended to ISO 50-204800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax K-3 are ISO 100 to ISO 51200 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

S5 versus K-3 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under review, the S5 provides substantially higher image quality than the K-3, with an overall score that is 14 points higher. This advantage is based on 1.4 bits higher color depth, 1.1 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.1 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Panasonic S5 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.114.5269794
2.
 
Pentax K-3 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
3.
 
Canon R6 Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484k/60p24.214.3339490
4.
 
Nikon D7100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.213.7125683
5.
 
Nikon Z6 Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/30p25.314.3329995
6.
 
Nikon Z6 II Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.014.4330394
7.
 
Panasonic GH5 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.913.080777
8.
 
Panasonic GH5 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.713.1113679
9.
 
Panasonic S1 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.5333395
10.
 
Panasonic S1H Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.214.2280594
11.
 
Panasonic S5 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40006K/30p25.414.6315896
12.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
13.
 
Pentax K-5 II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.814.1123582
14.
 
Pentax KP APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.913.2169981
15.
 
Sony A7 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.913.6244990
16.
 
Sony A9 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.0343493
17.
 
Sony A77 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.280178
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the S5 provides a higher video resolution than the K-3. It can shoot video footage at 4K/60p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/60i.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the S5 has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the K-3 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the S5 has a higher magnification than the one of the K-3 (0.74x vs 0.63x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Panasonic S5 and Pentax K-3 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Panasonic S52360 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n Y
2.
 
Pentax K-3optical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon R63690 n3.0 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
4.
 
Nikon D7100optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
5.
 
Nikon Z63690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
6.
 
Nikon Z6 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
7.
 
Panasonic GH53680 n3.2 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
8.
 
Panasonic GH5 II3680 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
9.
 
Panasonic S15760 Y3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
10.
 
Panasonic S1H5760 Y3.2 / 2330 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
11.
 
Panasonic S5 II3680 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
12.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
13.
 
Pentax K-5 IIoptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Pentax KPoptical n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/6000s 7.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Sony A7 II2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A9 II3686 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A772359 Y3.0 / 921 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The S5 has a touchscreen, while the K-3 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The S5 has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the K-3 does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the S5 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Panasonic S5 and the Pentax K-3 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the S5 and the K-3 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. The S5 supports UHS-II cards (on its first slot), while the K-3 can use UHS-I cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 and Pentax K-3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Panasonic S5Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
2.
 
Pentax K-3Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
3.
 
Canon R6Ymono / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
4.
 
Nikon D7100Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0---
5.
 
Nikon Z6Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
6.
 
Nikon Z6 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
7.
 
Panasonic GH5Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
8.
 
Panasonic GH5 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
9.
 
Panasonic S1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
10.
 
Panasonic S1HYstereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
11.
 
Panasonic S5 IIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
12.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
13.
 
Pentax K-5 IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
14.
 
Pentax KPYstereo / monoY--2.0Y--
15.
 
Sony A7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
16.
 
Sony A9 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
17.
 
Sony A77Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---

It is notable that the S5 offers wifi support, while the K-3 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax K-3 (unlike the S5) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The S5 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. In contrast, the K-3 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the K-3 was succeeded by the Pentax K-3 II. Further information on the features and operation of the S5 and K-3 can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic S5 Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax K-3 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Panasonic S5 better than the Pentax K-3 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5:

  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (14 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.4 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.1 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.1 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/60p vs 1080/60i).
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.74x vs 0.63x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1840k vs 1037k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 86g or 11 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More modern: Reflects 6 years and 10 months of technical progress since the K-3 launch.

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Reasons to prefer the Pentax K-3:

  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8.3 vs 7 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (560 versus 440) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (35 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in October 2013).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the S5 is the clear winner of the match-up (20 : 9 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

S5 20:09 K-3

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic S5 and the Pentax K-3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the S5 or the K-3 perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic S54.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2020 1,999 amazon.com
2.
 
Pentax K-34/5....83/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon R65/5+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 2,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Nikon D71005/5+ +..85/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2013 1,199ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon Z65/5..5/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 1,999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon Z6 II4.5/5..4/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 1,999 amazon.com
7.
 
Panasonic GH54.5/5+ +..85/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2017 1,999ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic GH5 II4.5/5..4.5/585/1004.5/55/5 May 2021 1,699 amazon.com
9.
 
Panasonic S14.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2019 2,499 amazon.com
10.
 
Panasonic S1H....4/590/100.... May 2019 3,999 amazon.com
11.
 
Panasonic S5 II4.5/5+ +5/590/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2023 1,999 amazon.com
12.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
13.
 
Pentax K-5 II5/5....80/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 1,099ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax KP4/5..3/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 1,099ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7 II5/5+4/582/1004.5/55/5 Nov 2014 1,999ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A9 II....5/590/1005/55/5 Oct 2019 4,499 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A775/591/100..81/100..5/5 Aug 2011 1,399ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Panasonic S5 vs Pentax K-3

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Panasonic S5 Pentax K-3
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Leica L mount lenses Pentax K mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2020 October 2013
    Launch Price USD 1,999 USD 1,299
    Sensor Specs Panasonic S5 Pentax K-3
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.6 x 23.8 mm 23.5 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 847.28 mm2 366.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 42.8 mm 28.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 24 Megapixels 24.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 pixels 6016 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.94 μm 3.90 μm
    Pixel Density 2.83 MP/cm2 6.56 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/60p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 51,200 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 204,800 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor Venus PRIME III
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 94 80
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 25.1 23.7
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.5 13.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 2697 1216
    Screen Specs Panasonic S5 Pentax K-3
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.74x 0.63x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 1840k dots 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic S5 Pentax K-3
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 7 shutter flaps/s 8.3 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy200 000 actuations200 000 actuations
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/8000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support Single UHS-II UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Panasonic S5 Pentax K-3
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.2 USB 3.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Panasonic S5 Pentax K-3
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BLK22 Pentax D-LI90
    Battery Life (CIPA)440 shots per charge560 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 133 x 98 x 82 mm
    (5.2 x 3.9 x 3.2 in)
    131 x 100 x 77 mm
    (5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0 in)
    Camera Weight 714 g (25.2 oz) 800 g (28.2 oz)
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