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 III vs Sony A7 IV

The Pentax K-3 III and the Sony Alpha A7 IV are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in March 2021 and October 2021. The K-3 III is a DSLR, while the A7 IV is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (K-3 III) and a full frame (A7 IV) sensor. The Pentax has a resolution of 25.6 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 32.7 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 III
versus
Sony A7 IV
Pentax K-3 III   Sony A7 IV
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Pentax K mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
25.6 MP – APS-C sensor 32.7 MP – Full Frame sensor
4K/30p Video 4K/60p Video
ISO 100-160,000 ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (3686k dots)
3.2" LCD – 1620k dots 3.0" LCD – 1037k dots
Fixed touchscreen Swivel touchscreen
12 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
800 shots per battery charge580 shots per battery charge
135 x 104 x 74 mm, 820 g 131 x 96 x 80 mm, 659 g
logo
Check K-3 III price at
amazon.com
logo
Check A7 IV price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Pentax K-3 III and the Sony Alpha A7 IV? 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Pentax K-3 III and the Sony A7 IV 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 III can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the A7 IV is only available in black.

Size Pentax K-3 III vs Sony A7 IV
Compare K-3 III versus A7 IV top
Comparison K-3 III or A7 IV rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A7 IV is notably smaller (10 percent) than the Pentax K-3 III. Moreover, the A7 IV is markedly lighter (20 percent) than the K-3 III. 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 III gets 800 shots out of its Pentax D-LI90 battery, while the A7 IV can take 580 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FZ100 power pack. The power pack in the A7 IV can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient 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.

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 III 135 mm 104 mm 74 mm 820 g 800 Y Mar 2021 1,999 amazon.com
2.
 
Sony A7 IV 131 mm 96 mm 80 mm 659 g 580 Y Oct 2021 2,499 amazon.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-H1 140 mm 97 mm 86 mm 673 g 310 Y Feb 2018 1,899ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D780 144 mm 116 mm 76 mm 840 g 2260 Y Jan 2020 2,299 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon Z6 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 410 Y Oct 2020 1,999 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon Z6 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 310 Y Aug 2018 1,999ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GH6 138 mm 100 mm 100 mm 823 g 360 Y Feb 2022 2,199 amazon.com
8.
 
Panasonic S5 133 mm 98 mm 82 mm 714 g 440 Y Sep 2020 1,999 amazon.com
9.
 
Pentax KP 132 mm 101 mm 76 mm 703 g 390 Y Jan 2017 1,099ebay.com
10.
 
Pentax K-70 126 mm 93 mm 74 mm 688 g 410 Y Jun 2016 649ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax K-3 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 560 Y Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7R V 131 mm 97 mm 82 mm 723 g 530 Y Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A1 129 mm 97 mm 81 mm 737 g 530 Y Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7S III 127 mm 97 mm 81 mm 699 g 600 Y Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 Y Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.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 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 III was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 20 percent) than the A7 IV, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. 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 Pentax K-3 III features an APS-C sensor and the Sony A7 IV a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A7 IV is 138 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 III and Sony A7 IV sensor measures

With 32.7MP, the A7 IV offers a higher resolution than the K-3 III (25.6MP), but the A7 IV nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.12μm versus 3.76μm for the K-3 III) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the A7 IV is a somewhat more recent model (by 6 months) than the K-3 III, 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.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A7 IV implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A7 IV for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 35 x 23.4 inches or 89 x 59.3 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 28 x 18.7 inches or 71.2 x 47.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 23.4 x 15.6 inches or 59.3 x 39.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Pentax K-3 III are 31 x 20.6 inches or 78.6 x 52.4 cm for good quality, 24.8 x 16.5 inches or 62.9 x 41.9 cm for very good quality, and 20.6 x 13.8 inches or 52.4 x 35 cm for excellent quality prints.

The A7 IV has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the A7 IV, the K-3 III has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (YESMP) 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 III has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 160000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A7 IV are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800.

In terms of underlying technology, the K-3 III is build around a CMOS sensor, while the A7 IV uses a BSI-CMOS imager. 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 III versus A7 IV 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. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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 III APS-C 25.6 6192 41284K/30p24.213.7208385
2.
 
Sony A7 IV Full Frame 32.7 7008 46724K/60p25.414.7337997
3.
 
Fujifilm X-H1 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.013.3180682
4.
 
Nikon D780 Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/30p25.314.3287795
5.
 
Nikon Z6 II Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.014.4330394
6.
 
Nikon Z6 Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/30p25.314.3329995
7.
 
Panasonic GH6 Four Thirds 25.0 5776 43365.7K/60p23.413.4155577
8.
 
Panasonic S5 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.114.5269794
9.
 
Pentax KP APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.913.2169981
10.
 
Pentax K-70 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i23.813.1163980
11.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
12.
 
Pentax K-3 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
13.
 
Sony A7R V Full Frame 60.2 9504 63368k/24p26.514.83187100
14.
 
Sony A1 Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.914.5316398
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
16.
 
Sony A7S III Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/120p23.713.9252086
17.
 
Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7373096
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 have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the A7 IV provides a faster frame rate than the K-3 III. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/60p, while the Pentax is limited to 4K/30p.

ad

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A7 IV has an electronic viewfinder (3686k dots), while the K-3 III 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 A7 IV has a higher magnification than the one of the K-3 III (0.78x vs 0.70x), 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 Pentax K-3 III and Sony A7 IV in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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 IIIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
2.
 
Sony A7 IV3686 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
3.
 
Fujifilm X-H13690 Y3.0 / 1040 full-flex Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
4.
 
Nikon D780optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon Z6 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
6.
 
Nikon Z63690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
7.
 
Panasonic GH63680 n3.0 / 1840 full-flex Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
8.
 
Panasonic S52360 n3.0 / 1840 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s n Y
9.
 
Pentax KPoptical n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/6000s 7.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Pentax K-70optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/6000s 6.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
12.
 
Pentax K-3optical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s Y Y
13.
 
Sony A7R V9440 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A19437 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIA3686 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A7S III9440 n3.0 / 1440 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A7 III2359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

One feature that is present on the K-3 III, but is missing on the A7 IV is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The A7 IV has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the K-3 III 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 A7 IV 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 III has 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.

The K-3 III writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A7 IV uses CFexpress (type A) or SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. However, while the A7 IV supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s) on both slots, the K-3 III supports UHS-II only on its first slot and UHS-I (data transfer speed up to 104 MB/s) on the second one.

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 III and Sony Alpha A7 IV 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 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
2.
 
Sony A7 IVYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
3.
 
Fujifilm X-H1Ystereo / monoY-micro3.0Y--
4.
 
Nikon D780Ystereo / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
5.
 
Nikon Z6 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
6.
 
Nikon Z6Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
7.
 
Panasonic GH6Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
8.
 
Panasonic S5Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
9.
 
Pentax KPYstereo / monoY--2.0Y--
10.
 
Pentax K-70Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
11.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
12.
 
Pentax K-3Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
13.
 
Sony A7R VYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
14.
 
Sony A1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
16.
 
Sony A7S IIIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
17.
 
Sony A7 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
padding

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax K-3 III (unlike the A7 IV) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the K-3 III has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

Both the K-3 III and the A7 IV are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The K-3 III replaced the earlier Pentax K-3 II, while the A7 IV followed on from the Sony A7 III. Further information on the features and operation of the K-3 III and A7 IV can be found, respectively, in the Pentax K-3 III Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A7 IV Manual.

ad

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Pentax K-3 III better than the Sony A7 IV or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

ilogo

Advantages of the Pentax K-3 III:

  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1620k vs 1037k dots).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 10 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (800 versus 580) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced segment (20 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in March 2021).

ilogo

Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A7 IV:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (32.7 vs 25.6MP), which boosts linear resolution by 13%.
  • Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
  • Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (4K/60p versus 4K/30p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.70x).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • 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.
  • More compact: Is smaller (131x96mm vs 135x104mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 161g or 20 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • More solid recording: Has a full-sized HDMI port for a sturdy connection to an external recorder.
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (6 months) more recently.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A7 IV is the clear winner of the contest (18 : 12 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.

K-3 III 12:18 A7 IV

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Pentax K-3 III and the Sony A7 IV 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 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 K-3 III or the A7 IV 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.

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 III4/5..3/5..4.5/5.. Mar 2021 1,999 amazon.com
2.
 
Sony A7 IV5/5+ +4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2021 2,499 amazon.com
3.
 
Fujifilm X-H1..+5/586/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 1,899ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D7805/5..5/587/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2020 2,299 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon Z6 II4.5/5..4/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 1,999 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon Z65/5..5/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 1,999ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GH65/5+ +5/587/1005/55/5 Feb 2022 2,199 amazon.com
8.
 
Panasonic S54.5/5+ +4.5/588/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2020 1,999 amazon.com
9.
 
Pentax KP4/5..3/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 1,099ebay.com
10.
 
Pentax K-704.5/5..4/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2016 649ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax K-34/5....83/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7R V5/5+ +4.5/592/100.... Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A15/5o4.5/593/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7S III4.5/5+ +5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, 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, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

logo
Check K-3 III price at
amazon.com
logo
Check A7 IV price at
amazon.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 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.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Pentax K-3 III vs Sony A7 IV

    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 III Sony A7 IV
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Pentax K mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date March 2021 October 2021
    Launch Price USD 1,999 USD 2,499
    Sensor Specs Pentax K-3 III Sony A7 IV
    Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.3 x 15.5 mm 35.9 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 361.15 mm2 858.01 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28 mm 43.1 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 25.6 Megapixels 32.7 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6192 x 4128 pixels 7008 x 4672 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.76 μm 5.12 μm
    Pixel Density 7.08 MP/cm2 3.82 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 4K/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 160,000 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 50 - 204,800 ISO
    Image Processor PRIME V BIONZ XR
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 97
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 25.4
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 14.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 3379
    Screen Specs Pentax K-3 III Sony A7 IV
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.78x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3686k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1620k dots 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Pentax K-3 III Sony A7 IV
    Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 12 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy200 000 actuations200 000 actuations
    Electronic Shutterno E-ShutterYES
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards CFexA or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support Single UHS-II Dual UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Pentax K-3 III Sony A7 IV
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.2 USB 3.2
    HDMI Port micro HDMI full HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in Bluetooth built-in
    Geotagging GPS built-in no internal GPS
    Body Specs Pentax K-3 III Sony A7 IV
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Pentax D-LI90 Sony NP-FZ100
    Battery Life (CIPA)800 shots per charge580 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 135 x 104 x 74 mm
    (5.3 x 4.1 x 2.9 in)
    131 x 96 x 80 mm
    (5.2 x 3.8 x 3.1 in)
    Camera Weight 820 g (28.9 oz) 659 g (23.2 oz)
    logo
    Check K-3 III price at
    amazon.com
    logo
    Check A7 IV price at
    amazon.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 III vs Sony A7 IV