A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Pentax K-3 II vs Leica SL

The Pentax K-3 II and the Leica SL (Typ 601) are two enthusiast cameras that were announced, respectively, in April 2015 and October 2015. The K-3 II is a DSLR, while the Leica SL is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (K-3 II) and a full frame (Leica SL) sensor. The Pentax has a resolution of 24.1 megapixels, whereas the Leica provides 24 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Pentax K-3 II
versus
Leica SL
Pentax K-3 II   Leica SL
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Pentax K mount lenses Leica L mount lenses
24.1 MP – APS-C sensor 24 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/60i Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-51,200 ISO 50-50,000
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (4400k dots)
3.2" LCD – 1037k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed touchscreen
8.3 shutter flaps per second 11 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
720 shots per battery charge400 shots per battery charge
131 x 100 x 77 mm, 800 g 147 x 104 x 39 mm, 847 g
logo
Check K-3 II offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check Leica SL offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Pentax K-3 II and the Leica SL (Typ 601)? 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.

ad

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Pentax K-3 II and the Leica SL. 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 dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

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

Size Pentax K-3 II vs Leica SL
Compare K-3 II versus Leica SL top
Comparison K-3 II or Leica SL rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica SL is notably larger (17 percent) than the Pentax K-3 II. Moreover, the Leica SL is markedly heavier (6 percent) than the K-3 II. 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 K-3 II gets 720 shots out of its Pentax D-LI90 battery, while the Leica SL can take 400 images on a single charge of its Leica BP-SCL4 power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. 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.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
2.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 80D 139 mm 105 mm 79 mm 730 g 960 Y Feb 2016 1,199ebay.com
4.
 
Leica SL2-S 146 mm 107 mm 83 mm 931 g 510 Y Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL2 146 mm 107 mm 42 mm 953 g 370 Y Nov 2019 5,999 amazon.com
6.
 
Leica M Typ 240 139 mm 80 mm 42 mm 680 g 500 Y Sep 2012 6,950ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D7200 136 mm 107 mm 76 mm 765 g 1110 Y Mar 2015 1,199ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 Y Sep 2014 2,299ebay.com
9.
 
Pentax K-3 III 135 mm 104 mm 74 mm 820 g 800 Y Mar 2021 1,999 amazon.com
10.
 
Pentax KP 132 mm 101 mm 76 mm 703 g 390 Y Jan 2017 1,099ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax K-70 126 mm 93 mm 74 mm 688 g 410 Y Jun 2016 649ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax K-S2 123 mm 91 mm 73 mm 678 g 410 Y Feb 2015 749ebay.com
13.
 
Pentax K-S1 121 mm 93 mm 70 mm 558 g 410 n Aug 2014 749ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax K-3 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 560 Y Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-5 II 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2012 1,099ebay.com
16.
 
Pentax K-5 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2010 1,099ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A77 II 143 mm 104 mm 81 mm 647 g 480 Y May 2014 1,199ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The K-3 II was launched at a markedly lower price (by 85 percent) than the Leica SL, 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors 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. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Pentax K-3 II features an APS-C sensor and the Leica SL a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the Leica SL is 135 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Pentax K-3 II and Leica SL sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Pentax K-3 II offers a higher resolution of 24.1 megapixels, compared with 24 MP of the Leica SL. 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 6.00μm for the Leica SL). Moreover, it should be noted that the Leica SL is a somewhat more recent model (by 5 months) than the K-3 II, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. 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 Leica SL, the K-3 II has the capacity to capture high quality composite images 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 Pentax K-3 II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica SL (Typ 601) are ISO 50 to ISO 50000 (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.

K-3 II versus Leica SL MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 consideration, the Leica SL has a markedly higher DXO score than the K-3 II (overall score 8 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 1.4 bits higher color depth, 0.2 EV of lower dynamic range, and 0.7 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
2.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
3.
 
Canon 80D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.613.2113579
4.
 
Leica SL2-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.1350495
5.
 
Leica SL2 Full Frame 46.7 8368 55844K/60p25.314.3286695
6.
 
Leica M Typ 240 Full Frame 23.7 5952 39761080/25p24.013.3186084
7.
 
Nikon D7200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.514.6133387
8.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
9.
 
Pentax K-3 III APS-C 25.6 6192 41284K/30p24.213.7208385
10.
 
Pentax KP APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.913.2169981
11.
 
Pentax K-70 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i23.813.1163980
12.
 
Pentax K-S2 APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.612.9151479
13.
 
Pentax K-S1 APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.513.0106178
14.
 
Pentax K-3 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
15.
 
Pentax K-5 II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.814.1123582
16.
 
Pentax K-5 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.714.1116282
17.
 
Sony A77 II APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.413.4101382
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
padding

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the Leica SL provides a better video resolution than the K-3 II. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/60i.

ad

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Leica SL has an electronic viewfinder (4400k dots), while the K-3 II 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 Leica SL has a higher magnification than the one of the K-3 II (0.80x vs 0.63x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Pentax K-3 II and Leica SL along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
Core Features
# image 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.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
2.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 80Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
4.
 
Leica SL2-S5760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
5.
 
Leica SL25760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
6.
 
Leica M Typ 240optical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
7.
 
Nikon D7200optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D750optical Y3.2 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
9.
 
Pentax K-3 IIIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
10.
 
Pentax KPoptical n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/6000s 7.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Pentax K-70optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/6000s 6.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Pentax K-S2optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/6000s 5.4/s Y Y
13.
 
Pentax K-S1optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/6000s 5.4/s Y Y
14.
 
Pentax K-3optical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s Y Y
15.
 
Pentax K-5 IIoptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Pentax K-5optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Sony A77 II2359 Y3.0 / 1229 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.
padding

One feature that differentiates the K-3 II and the Leica SL is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The K-3 II reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the Leica SL offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

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

ad

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 Pentax K-3 II and Leica SL (Typ 601) and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
2.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
3.
 
Canon 80DYstereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-
4.
 
Leica SL2-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
5.
 
Leica SL2Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
6.
 
Leica M Typ 240Ystereo / mono---2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D7200Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-
8.
 
Nikon D750Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
9.
 
Pentax K-3 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
10.
 
Pentax KPYstereo / monoY--2.0Y--
11.
 
Pentax K-70Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
12.
 
Pentax K-S2Ymono / monoY-micro2.0YY-
13.
 
Pentax K-S1Ystereo / mono--micro2.0---
14.
 
Pentax K-3Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
15.
 
Pentax K-5 IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
16.
 
Pentax K-5Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
17.
 
Sony A77 IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
padding

It is notable that the Leica SL offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the K-3 II does not provide wifi capability.

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that both cameras feature internal geolocalization sensors and can record GPS coordinates in their EXIF data.

Both the K-3 II and the Leica SL have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The K-3 II was replaced by the Pentax K-3 III, while the Leica SL was followed by the Leica SL2. Further information on the features and operation of the K-3 II and Leica SL can be found, respectively, in the Pentax K-3 II Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica SL Manual.

ad

Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Pentax K-3 II or the Leica SL – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

ilogo

Advantages of the Pentax K-3 II:

  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More compact: Is smaller (131x100mm vs 147x104mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (720 versus 400) on a single battery charge.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (85 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in April 2015).

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Leica SL (Typ 601):

  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (8 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.4 bits more color depth).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.7 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60i).
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.80x vs 0.63x).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 8.3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (5 months) more recently.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the Leica SL is the clear winner of the contest (15 : 8 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

K-3 II 08:15 Leica SL

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

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the K-3 II or the Leica SL perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
2.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 80D4/5+ +4.5/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 1,199ebay.com
4.
 
Leica SL2-S4/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL24/5..4.5/5..4.5/54/5 Nov 2019 5,999 amazon.com
6.
 
Leica M Typ 2404/5......4/5.. Sep 2012 6,950ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D72004/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2015 1,199ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 2,299ebay.com
9.
 
Pentax K-3 III4/5..3/5..4.5/5.. Mar 2021 1,999 amazon.com
10.
 
Pentax KP4/5..3/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 1,099ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax K-704.5/5..4/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2016 649ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax K-S24.5/5......5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 749ebay.com
13.
 
Pentax K-S14/5......4.5/54/5 Aug 2014 749ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax K-34/5....83/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-5 II5/5....80/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 1,099ebay.com
16.
 
Pentax K-54/5....83/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2010 1,099ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A77 II4/5....80/1004.5/55/5 May 2014 1,199ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

logo
Check K-3 II offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check Leica SL offers at
ebay.com

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 make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Pentax K-3 II vs Leica SL

    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 Pentax K-3 II Leica SL
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Pentax K mount lenses Leica L mount lenses
    Launch Date April 2015 October 2015
    Launch Price USD 1,099 USD 7,450
    Sensor Specs Pentax K-3 II Leica SL
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.6 mm 36.0 x 24.0 mm
    Sensor Area 366.6 mm2 864 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.2 mm 43.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 24.1 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6016 x 4000 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.90 μm 6.00 μm
    Pixel Density 6.56 MP/cm2 2.78 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60i Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 51,200 ISO 50 - 50,000 ISO
    Image Processor PRIME III Maestro II
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 80 88
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.6 25.0
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.6 13.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1106 1821
    Screen Specs Pentax K-3 II Leica SL
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.63x 0.80x
    Viewfinder Resolution 4400k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Pentax K-3 II Leica SL
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 8.3 shutter flaps/s 11 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/16000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-I Single UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Pentax K-3 II Leica SL
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 3.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI full HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Geotagging GPS built-in GPS built-in
    Body Specs Pentax K-3 II Leica SL
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Pentax D-LI90 Leica BP-SCL4
    Battery Life (CIPA)720 shots per charge400 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 131 x 100 x 77 mm
    (5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0 in)
    147 x 104 x 39 mm
    (5.8 x 4.1 x 1.5 in)
    Camera Weight 800 g (28.2 oz) 847 g (29.9 oz)
    logo
    Check K-3 II offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check Leica SL offers at
    ebay.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Pentax K-3 II vs Leica SL