Canon SX1 IS vs Pentax K-3

Here is a in depth review of the Canon SX1 IS and Pentax K-3, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Canon and Pentax. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the SX1 IS (10MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the SX1 IS (1/2.3") and K-3 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The SX1 IS was revealed 6 years before the K-3 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Canon SX1 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short overview of how the SX1 IS grades versus the K-3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX1 IS & Pentax K-3. The full galleries are available at Canon SX1 IS Gallery & Pentax K-3 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX1 IS has outer measurements of 128mm x 88mm x 88mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 3.5") with a weight of 615 grams (1.36 lbs) while the Pentax K-3 has dimensions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Analyze the Canon SX1 IS and Pentax K-3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the SX1 IS vs the K-3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SX1 IS and K-3 is 64 and 59 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizing merely by reviewing specs. The graphic here will give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SX1 IS and K-3.

All in all, both cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SX1 IS with its tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field tougher and the Pentax K-3 will offer you greater detail because of its extra 14 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs more aggressively. The older SX1 IS is going to be behind in sensor technology.