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Pentax K-3 vs Sony A7S

The Pentax K-3 and the Sony Alpha A7S are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in October 2013 and April 2014. The K-3 is a DSLR, while the A7S is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (K-3) and a full frame (A7S) sensor. The Pentax has a resolution of 24.1 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 12 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
Sony A7S
Pentax K-3   Sony A7S
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Pentax K mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
24.1 MP – APS-C sensor 12 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/60i Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 100-51,200 ISO 100-102,400 (50 - 409,600)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (2400k dots)
3.2" LCD – 1037k dots 3.0" LCD – 921k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
8.3 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
560 shots per battery charge380 shots per battery charge
131 x 100 x 77 mm, 800 g 127 x 94 x 48 mm, 489 g
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Check A7S 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 Sony Alpha A7S? 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 Pentax K-3 and the Sony A7S is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The K-3 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the A7S is only available in black.

Size Pentax K-3 vs Sony A7S
Compare K-3 versus A7S top
Comparison K-3 or A7S rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A7S is notably smaller (9 percent) than the Pentax K-3. Moreover, the A7S is substantially lighter (39 percent) than the K-3. 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 gets 560 shots out of its Pentax D-LI90 battery, while the A7S can take 380 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FW50 power pack. The power pack in the A7S can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. 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
# 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-3 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 560 Y Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7S 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 489 g 380 Y Apr 2014 2,499ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D7100 136 mm 107 mm 76 mm 765 g 950 Y Feb 2013 1,199ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon Df 144 mm 110 mm 67 mm 760 g 1400 Y Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
5.
 
Pentax KP 132 mm 101 mm 76 mm 703 g 390 Y Jan 2017 1,099ebay.com
6.
 
Pentax K-70 126 mm 93 mm 74 mm 688 g 410 Y Jun 2016 649ebay.com
7.
 
Pentax K-S2 123 mm 91 mm 73 mm 678 g 410 Y Feb 2015 749ebay.com
8.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
9.
 
Pentax K-S1 121 mm 93 mm 70 mm 558 g 410 n Aug 2014 749ebay.com
10.
 
Pentax K-50 130 mm 97 mm 71 mm 650 g 410 Y Jun 2013 599ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax K-5 II 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2012 1,099ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax K-5 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2010 1,099ebay.com
13.
 
Sony ZV-E1 121 mm 72 mm 54 mm 483 g 570 Y Mar 2023 2,199 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7S II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 627 g 370 Y Sep 2015 2,999ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A7 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 474 g 340 Y Oct 2013 1,699ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7R 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 465 g 340 Y Oct 2013 2,299ebay.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.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. 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 48 percent) than the A7S, 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. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels 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 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 Sony A7S a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A7S is 133 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 and Sony A7S sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Pentax K-3 offers a higher resolution of 24.1 megapixels, compared with 12 MP of the Sony A7S. 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 8.45μm for the A7S). Moreover, it should be noted that the A7S is a somewhat more recent model (by 5 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 pixel-units. 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 Sony A7S are 21.2 x 14.2 inches or 53.8 x 36 cm for good quality, 17 x 11.3 inches or 43.1 x 28.8 cm for very good quality, and 14.1 x 9.4 inches or 35.9 x 24 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 Sony Alpha A7S are ISO 100 to ISO 102400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-409600.

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 A7S MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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 consideration, the A7S has a markedly higher DXO score than the K-3 (overall score 7 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 0.2 bits higher color depth, 0.2 EV of lower dynamic range, and 1.6 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.

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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 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
2.
 
Sony A7S Full Frame 12.0 4240 28321080/60p23.913.2370287
3.
 
Nikon D7100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.213.7125683
4.
 
Nikon Df Full Frame 16.2 4928 3280none24.613.1327989
5.
 
Pentax KP APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.913.2169981
6.
 
Pentax K-70 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i23.813.1163980
7.
 
Pentax K-S2 APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.612.9151479
8.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
9.
 
Pentax K-S1 APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.513.0106178
10.
 
Pentax K-50 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.713.0112079
11.
 
Pentax K-5 II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.814.1123582
12.
 
Pentax K-5 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.714.1116282
13.
 
Sony ZV-E1 Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/60p25.414.6318196
14.
 
Sony A7S II Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/30p23.613.3299385
15.
 
Sony A7 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.814.2224890
16.
 
Sony A7R Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.614.1274695
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.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the A7S provides a faster frame rate than the K-3. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, 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 A7S has an electronic viewfinder (2400k 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 A7S has a higher magnification than the one of the K-3 (0.71x vs 0.63x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Pentax K-3, the Sony A7S, and comparable cameras.

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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-3optical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s Y Y
2.
 
Sony A7S2400 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
3.
 
Nikon D7100optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
4.
 
Nikon Dfoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n n
5.
 
Pentax KPoptical n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/6000s 7.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Pentax K-70optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/6000s 6.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Pentax K-S2optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/6000s 5.4/s Y Y
8.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
9.
 
Pentax K-S1optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/6000s 5.4/s Y Y
10.
 
Pentax K-50optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/6000s 6.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Pentax K-5 IIoptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Pentax K-5optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Sony ZV-E1none n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7S II2400 n3.0 / 1229 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A72400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
16.
 
Sony A7R2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
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.
padding

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The K-3 has one, while the A7S does not. While the built-in flash of the K-3 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

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 A7S 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 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 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A7S uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The K-3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the A7S 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 Sony Alpha A7S and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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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-3Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
2.
 
Sony A7SYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
3.
 
Nikon D7100Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0---
4.
 
Nikon DfY- / ---mini2.0---
5.
 
Pentax KPYstereo / monoY--2.0Y--
6.
 
Pentax K-70Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
7.
 
Pentax K-S2Ymono / monoY-micro2.0YY-
8.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
9.
 
Pentax K-S1Ystereo / mono--micro2.0---
10.
 
Pentax K-50Ymono / mono--micro2.0---
11.
 
Pentax K-5 IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
12.
 
Pentax K-5Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
13.
 
Sony ZV-E1Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
14.
 
Sony A7S IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
15.
 
Sony A7Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
16.
 
Sony A7RYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony A77Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
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It is notable that the A7S offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the K-3 does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax K-3 (unlike the A7S) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the K-3 and the A7S have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The K-3 was replaced by the Pentax K-3 II, while the A7S was followed by the Sony A7S II. Further information on the features and operation of the K-3 and A7S can be found, respectively, in the Pentax K-3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A7S Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Pentax K-3 better than the Sony A7S or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Pentax K-3:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (24.1 vs 12MP) with a 42% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • 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 (1037k vs 921k dots).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8.3 vs 5 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 (560 versus 380) on a single battery charge.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • 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 affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (48 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in October 2013).

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Arguments in favor of the Sony Alpha A7S:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (7 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.6 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/60i).
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.71x vs 0.63x).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 311g or 39 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.
  • 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 modern: Was introduced somewhat (5 months) more recently.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the K-3 emerges as the winner of the contest (16 : 14 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 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 16:14 A7S

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Pentax K-3 and the Sony A7S 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 partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the K-3 or the A7S. 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 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
# 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-34/5....83/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7S4/5....86/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2014 2,499ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D71005/5+ +..85/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2013 1,199ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon Df4/5....81/1004/54/5 Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
5.
 
Pentax KP4/5..3/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 1,099ebay.com
6.
 
Pentax K-704.5/5..4/579/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2016 649ebay.com
7.
 
Pentax K-S24.5/5......5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 749ebay.com
8.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
9.
 
Pentax K-S14/5......4.5/54/5 Aug 2014 749ebay.com
10.
 
Pentax K-505/5......5/54.5/5 Jun 2013 599ebay.com
11.
 
Pentax K-5 II5/5....80/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 1,099ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax K-54/5....83/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2010 1,099ebay.com
13.
 
Sony ZV-E1..+4/5....4.5/5 Mar 2023 2,199 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7S II5/5+....4.5/55/5 Sep 2015 2,999ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A75/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 1,699ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7R5/5+ +..82/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 2,299ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A775/591/100..81/100..5/5 Aug 2011 1,399ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price 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.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu 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.

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    Specifications: Pentax K-3 vs Sony A7S

    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 Sony A7S
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Pentax K mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date October 2013 April 2014
    Launch Price USD 1,299 USD 2,499
    Sensor Specs Pentax K-3 Sony A7S
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.6 mm 35.8 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 366.6 mm2 855.62 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.2 mm 43 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 24.1 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6016 x 4000 pixels 4240 x 2832 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.90 μm 8.45 μm
    Pixel Density 6.56 MP/cm2 1.40 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60i Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 51,200 ISO 100 - 102,400 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 50 - 409,600 ISO
    Image Processor PRIME III BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 80 87
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.7 23.9
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.4 13.2
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1216 3702
    Screen Specs Pentax K-3 Sony A7S
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.63x 0.71x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2400k dots
    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 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Shooting Specs Pentax K-3 Sony A7S
    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 5 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-ShutterYES
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards MS or 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 Sony A7S
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Body Specs Pentax K-3 Sony A7S
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Pentax D-LI90 Sony NP-FW50
    Battery Life (CIPA)560 shots per charge380 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 131 x 100 x 77 mm
    (5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0 in)
    127 x 94 x 48 mm
    (5.0 x 3.7 x 1.9 in)
    Camera Weight 800 g (28.2 oz) 489 g (17.2 oz)
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