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Pentax K-3 vs Canon G1 X Mark II

The Pentax K-3 and the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in October 2013 and February 2014. The K-3 is a DSLR, while the G1X Mark II is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (K-3) and an 1.5-inch (G1X Mark II) sensor. The Pentax has a resolution of 24.1 megapixels, whereas the Canon provides 13 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
versus
Canon G1 X Mark II
Pentax K-3   Canon G1 X Mark II
Digital single lens reflex Fixed lens compact camera
Pentax K mount lenses 24-120mm f/2.0-3.9
24.1 MP – APS-C sensor 13 MP – 1.5" sensor
1080/60i Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 100-51,200 ISO 100-12,800
Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
3.2" LCD – 1037k dots 3.0" LCD – 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
8.3 shutter flaps per second 5.2 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens-based stabilization
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
560 shots per battery charge240 shots per battery charge
131 x 100 x 77 mm, 800 g 116 x 74 x 66 mm, 553 g
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Check G1X Mark II offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Pentax K-3 and the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II? 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

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Pentax K-3 and the Canon G1 X Mark II. 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 G1X Mark II is only available in black.

Size Pentax K-3 vs Canon G1 X Mark II
Compare K-3 versus G1X Mark II top
Comparison K-3 or G1X Mark II rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon G1 X Mark II is considerably smaller (34 percent) than the Pentax K-3. It is worth mentioning in this context that the K-3 is splash and dust resistant, while the G1X Mark II does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the G1X Mark II has a lens built in, whereas the K-3 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

Concerning battery life, the K-3 gets 560 shots out of its Pentax D-LI90 battery, while the G1X Mark II can take 240 images on a single charge of its Canon NB-12L power pack.

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.
 
Pentax K-3 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 560 Y Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II 116 mm 74 mm 66 mm 553 g 240 n Feb 2014 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G1 X 117 mm 81 mm 65 mm 534 g 250 n Jan 2012 799ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G5 X 112 mm 76 mm 44 mm 353 g 210 n Oct 2015 799ebay.com
5.
 
Canon G16 109 mm 76 mm 40 mm 356 g 360 n Aug 2013 549ebay.com
6.
 
Canon T6s 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 565 g 440 n Feb 2015 649ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D7100 136 mm 107 mm 76 mm 765 g 950 Y Feb 2013 1,199ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic LX100 115 mm 66 mm 55 mm 393 g 300 n Sep 2014 899ebay.com
9.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
10.
 
Pentax K-5 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2010 1,099ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax K-5 II 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2012 1,099ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax K-50 130 mm 97 mm 71 mm 650 g 410 Y Jun 2013 599ebay.com
13.
 
Pentax K-70 126 mm 93 mm 74 mm 688 g 410 Y Jun 2016 649ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax KP 132 mm 101 mm 76 mm 703 g 390 Y Jan 2017 1,099ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-S1 121 mm 93 mm 70 mm 558 g 410 n Aug 2014 749ebay.com
16.
 
Pentax K-S2 123 mm 91 mm 73 mm 678 g 410 Y Feb 2015 749ebay.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 naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The G1X Mark II was launched at a lower price than the K-3, despite having a lens built in. 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 imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Pentax K-3 features an APS-C sensor and the Canon G1 X Mark II an 1.5-inch sensor. The sensor area in the G1X Mark II is 29 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.85. The sensor in the K-3 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the G1X Mark II offers a 4:3 aspect.

Pentax K-3 and Canon G1 X Mark II sensor measures

With 24.1MP, the K-3 offers a higher resolution than the G1X Mark II (13MP), but the K-3 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.90μm versus 4.49μm for the G1X Mark II). Moreover, the G1X Mark II is a somewhat more recent model (by 4 months) than the K-3, and its sensor might 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 the K-3 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Pentax K-3 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the K-3 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.1 x 20 inches or 76.4 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.1 x 16 inches or 61.1 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.1 x 13.3 inches or 50.9 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon G1 X Mark II are 20.8 x 15.6 inches or 52.8 x 39.6 cm for good quality, 16.6 x 12.5 inches or 42.3 x 31.7 cm for very good quality, and 13.9 x 10.4 inches or 35.2 x 26.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Pentax K-3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II are ISO 100 to ISO 12800 (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 versus G1X Mark II MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under review, the K-3 provides substantially higher image quality than the G1X Mark II, with an overall score that is 22 points higher. This advantage is based on 2.2 bits higher color depth, 2.6 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.
 
Pentax K-3 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
2.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II 1.5-inch 13.0 4160 31201080/30p21.510.858158
3.
 
Canon G1 X 1.5-inch 14.2 4352 32641080/24p21.710.864460
4.
 
Canon G5 X 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p21.412.347162
5.
 
Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.723054
6.
 
Canon T6s APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.612.091570
7.
 
Nikon D7100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.213.7125683
8.
 
Panasonic LX100 Four Thirds 12.7 4112 30884K/30p22.312.555367
9.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
10.
 
Pentax K-5 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.714.1116282
11.
 
Pentax K-5 II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.814.1123582
12.
 
Pentax K-50 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.713.0112079
13.
 
Pentax K-70 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i23.813.1163980
14.
 
Pentax KP APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.913.2169981
15.
 
Pentax K-S1 APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.513.0106178
16.
 
Pentax K-S2 APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.612.9151479
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 also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the K-3 provides a higher frame rate than the G1X Mark II. It can shoot video footage at 1080/60i, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the K-3 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the G1X Mark II relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the G1X Mark II can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF-DC1. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Pentax K-3 and Canon G1 X Mark II 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.
 
Pentax K-3optical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon G1 X Mark IIoptional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 5.2/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon G1 Xoptical n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/4000s 1.9/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon G5 X2360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/2000s 5.9/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon T6soptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D7100optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
8.
 
Panasonic LX1002764 n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
9.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
10.
 
Pentax K-5optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Pentax K-5 IIoptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Pentax K-50optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/6000s 6.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Pentax K-70optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/6000s 6.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Pentax KPoptical n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/6000s 7.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Pentax K-S1optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/6000s 5.4/s Y Y
16.
 
Pentax K-S2optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/6000s 5.4/s Y 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 feature that is present on the K-3, but is missing on the G1X Mark II 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 G1X Mark II 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 does not have a selfie-screen.

The Pentax K-3 and the Canon G1 X Mark II 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 and the G1X Mark II write their files to SDXC cards. The K-3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the G1X Mark II only has one slot. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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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 Pentax K-3 and Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II 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.
 
Pentax K-3Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
2.
 
Canon G1 X Mark IIYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon G1 XYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
4.
 
Canon G5 XYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
5.
 
Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
6.
 
Canon T6sYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
7.
 
Nikon D7100Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0---
8.
 
Panasonic LX100Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
10.
 
Pentax K-5Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Pentax K-5 IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
12.
 
Pentax K-50Ymono / mono--micro2.0---
13.
 
Pentax K-70Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
14.
 
Pentax KPYstereo / monoY--2.0Y--
15.
 
Pentax K-S1Ystereo / mono--micro2.0---
16.
 
Pentax K-S2Ymono / monoY-micro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony A77Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---

It is notable that the K-3 has a microphone port, which is missing on the G1X Mark II. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax K-3 (unlike the G1X Mark II) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the K-3 and the G1X Mark II have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The K-3 was replaced by the Pentax K-3 II, while the G1X Mark II was followed by the Canon G1 X Mark III. Further information on the features and operation of the K-3 and G1X Mark II can be found, respectively, in the Pentax K-3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon G1 X Mark II Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Pentax K-3 better than the Canon G1 X Mark II or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Reasons to prefer the Pentax K-3:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (24.1 vs 13MP) with a 39% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (22 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (2.2 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (2.6 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.1 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60i versus 1080/30p).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • 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.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8.3 vs 5.2 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (560 versus 240) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in October 2013).

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Advantages of the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the K-3 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (116x74mm vs 131x100mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the K-3).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (4 months) more recently.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the K-3 is the clear winner of the match-up (21 : 11 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 21:11 G1X Mark II

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Pentax K-3 and the Canon G1 X Mark II place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Travel-Zoom 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 says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the K-3 and the G1X Mark II in practical situations. 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 expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular 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.
 
Pentax K-34/5....83/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
2.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II3/5+..77/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2014 799ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G1 X5/5+..76/1004/54.5/5 Jan 2012 799ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G5 X5/5+ +..78/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2015 799ebay.com
5.
 
Canon G164/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 549ebay.com
6.
 
Canon T6s5/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 649ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D71005/5+ +..85/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2013 1,199ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic LX1005/5+ +..85/1005/55/5 Sep 2014 899ebay.com
9.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
10.
 
Pentax K-54/5....83/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2010 1,099ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax K-5 II5/5....80/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 1,099ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax K-505/5......5/54.5/5 Jun 2013 599ebay.com
13.
 
Pentax K-704.5/5..4/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2016 649ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax KP4/5..3/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 1,099ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-S14/5......4.5/54/5 Aug 2014 749ebay.com
16.
 
Pentax K-S24.5/5......5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 749ebay.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. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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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 make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Pentax K-3 vs Canon G1 X Mark II

    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 Canon G1 X Mark II
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens Pentax K mount lenses 24-120mm f/2.0-3.9
    Launch Date October 2013 February 2014
    Launch Price USD 1,299 USD 799
    Sensor Specs Pentax K-3 Canon G1 X Mark II
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor 1.5" Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.6 mm 18.7 x 14.0 mm
    Sensor Area 366.6 mm2 261.8 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.2 mm 23.4 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.85x
    Sensor Resolution 24.1 Megapixels 13 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6016 x 4000 pixels 4160 x 3120 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.90 μm 4.49 μm
    Pixel Density 6.56 MP/cm2 4.96 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60i Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 51,200 ISO 100 - 12,800 ISO
    Image Processor PRIME III DIGIC 6
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 80 58
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.7 21.5
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.4 10.8
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1216 581
    Screen Specs Pentax K-3 Canon G1 X Mark II
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.63x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Pentax K-3 Canon G1 X Mark II
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 8.3 shutter flaps/s 5.2 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens-based stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Pentax K-3 Canon G1 X Mark II
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Body Specs Pentax K-3 Canon G1 X Mark II
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Pentax D-LI90 Canon NB-12L
    Battery Life (CIPA)560 shots per charge240 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 131 x 100 x 77 mm
    (5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0 in)
    116 x 74 x 66 mm
    (4.6 x 2.9 x 2.6 in)
    Camera Weight 800 g (28.2 oz) 553 g (19.5 oz)
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