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Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-1

Portability
65
Imaging
41
Features
38
Overall
39
Leica Digilux 3 front
 
Pentax K-1 front
Portability
55
Imaging
76
Features
82
Overall
78

Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-1 Key Specs

Leica Digilux 3
(Full Review)
  • 7MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 2.5" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • No Video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 606g - 146 x 87 x 77mm
  • Revealed September 2006
Pentax K-1
(Full Review)
  • 36MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 100 - 204800
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • 1010g - 137 x 110 x 86mm
  • Released February 2016
  • Replacement is Pentax K-1 II
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Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-1 Overview

The following is a in-depth overview of the Leica Digilux 3 versus Pentax K-1, both Advanced DSLR cameras by competitors Leica and Pentax. There is a substantial difference among the sensor resolutions of the Digilux 3 (7MP) and K-1 (36MP) and the Digilux 3 (Four Thirds) and K-1 (Full frame) feature totally different sensor size.

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The Digilux 3 was introduced 10 years before the K-1 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the Digilux 3 scores versus the K-1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Leica Digilux 3 over the Pentax K-1

 Digilux 3 K-1 

Reasons to pick Pentax K-1 over the Leica Digilux 3

 K-1 Digilux 3 
ReleasedFebruary 2016September 2006Newer by 114 months
Display typeFully ArticulatedFixed Fully Articulating display
Display sizing3.2"2.5"Larger display (+0.7")
Display resolution1037k207kClearer display (+830k dot)

Common features in the Leica Digilux 3 and Pentax K-1

 Digilux 3 K-1 
Focus manually Dial precise focus
Selfie screen Lack of selfie screen
Touch friendly display Lack of Touch friendly display

Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-1 Physical Comparison

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera frequently, you'll need to factor its weight and proportions. The Leica Digilux 3 has external dimensions of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") along with a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) while the Pentax K-1 has measurements of 137mm x 110mm x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 1010 grams (2.23 lbs).

Contrast the Leica Digilux 3 versus Pentax K-1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the Digilux 3 and the K-1.

Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-1 size comparison

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the Digilux 3 and K-1 is 65 and 55 respectively.

Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-1 top view buttons comparison

Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-1 Sensor Comparison

Generally, it is very hard to see the difference in sensor dimensions just by researching specs. The pic underneath might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the Digilux 3 and K-1.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The Digilux 3 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Pentax K-1 will provide you with greater detail using its extra 29 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged Digilux 3 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.

Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-1 sensor size comparison

Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-1 Screen and ViewFinder

Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Leica Digilux 3 as a Portrait photography camera
Pentax K-1 as a Portrait photography camera
54
manual focus
sensor size is good (Four Thirds)
exports RAW files
MP count low (7 megapixels)
85
manual focus
resolution is excellent (36MP)
sensor size is great (Full frame)
features face detect focusing
supports RAW formats
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Street Comparison

Leica Digilux 3 Street photography factors
Pentax K-1 Street photography factors
58
sensor size is good (Four Thirds)
exports RAW files
lighter than average (606g)
no articulating screen
no image stabilization
70
screen articulates fully
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
sensor size is great (Full frame)
supports RAW formats
weather proofing
great high ISO (204,800)
more heavy than others in class (1,010 grams)
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Sports Comparison

Leica Digilux 3 Sports photography features
Pentax K-1 Sports photography features
40
sensor size is good (Four Thirds)
comes with phase detect AF
low fps (3.0 frames per second)
no image stabilization
MP count low (7 megapixels)
76
maximum shutter speed is high (1/8,000 seconds)
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
resolution is excellent (36MP)
sensor size is great (Full frame)
features tracking focus
weather proofing
has phase detect AF
slow continuous shooting (4.4 frames/s)
low battery pack (760 per charge)
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Travel Comparison

Leica Digilux 3 Travel photography factors
Pentax K-1 Travel photography factors
50
lighter than average (606 grams)
flash built-in
doesn't have Time Lapse mode
MP count low (7MP)
display isn't selfie friendly
53
weather proofing
resolution is excellent (36MP)
low battery pack (760 shots)
more heavy than others in class (1,010g)
does not posses selfie friendly display
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Landscape Comparison

Leica Digilux 3 as a Landscape photography camera
Pentax K-1 as a Landscape photography camera
47
manual focus
interchangeable lenses (Micro Four Thirds mount)
sensor size is good (Four Thirds)
exports RAW files
tiny screen (2.5 inch)
no image stabilization
MP count low (7 megapixels)
doesn't have Time Lapse mode
81
manual focus
switch lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
screen size is good (3.2 inches)
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
resolution is excellent (36 megapixels)
sensor size is great (Full frame)
no anti aliasing filter
great high ISO (204,800)
supports RAW formats
weather proofing
2 card slots
low battery pack (760 CIPA)
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Vlogging Comparison

Leica Digilux 3 Vlogging factors
Pentax K-1 Vlogging factors
9
lack of video recording
31
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
features face detect focusing
video res high (1920 x 1080 pxls)
has microphone support
does not posses selfie friendly display
more heavy than others in class (1,010g)
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Leica Digilux 3 vs Pentax K-1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Leica Digilux 3 and Pentax K-1
 Leica Digilux 3Pentax K-1
General Information
Company Leica Pentax
Model type Leica Digilux 3 Pentax K-1
Type Advanced DSLR Advanced DSLR
Revealed 2006-09-14 2016-02-17
Physical type Mid-size SLR Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size Four Thirds Full frame
Sensor measurements 17.3 x 13mm 35.9 x 24mm
Sensor area 224.9mm² 861.6mm²
Sensor resolution 7 megapixels 36 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 3:2
Highest Possible resolution 3136 x 2352 7360 x 4912
Maximum native ISO 1600 204800
Min native ISO 100 100
RAW format
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Total focus points 3 33
Cross type focus points - 25
Lens
Lens mount type Micro Four Thirds Pentax KAF2
Available lenses 45 151
Crop factor 2.1 1
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fully Articulated
Display size 2.5 inches 3.2 inches
Resolution of display 207 thousand dots 1,037 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Optical (pentamirror) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage 95% 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.47x 0.7x
Features
Min shutter speed B+s 30s
Max shutter speed 1/2000s 1/8000s
Continuous shutter rate 3.0 frames per second 4.4 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance - no built-in flash
Flash options Auto, Red-Eye Auto, On, Red-Eye On, Red-Eye Slow Sync, Off, Slow Sync (1&2) Auto Flash Discharge, Auto Flash + Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On + Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Slow-speed Sync + Red-eye, P-TTL, Trailing Curtain Sync, Contrast-control-sync, High-speed sync, Wireless sync
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Max flash synchronize 1/160s 1/200s
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions - 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p)
Maximum video resolution None 1920x1080
Video data format - MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless None Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None Built-in
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 606g (1.34 lb) 1010g (2.23 lb)
Dimensions 146 x 87 x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") 137 x 110 x 86mm (5.4" x 4.3" x 3.4")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested 96
DXO Color Depth rating not tested 25.4
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested 14.6
DXO Low light rating not tested 3280
Other
Battery life - 760 pictures
Battery style - Battery Pack
Battery ID - D-LI90
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec) Yes (2 or 12 sec, custom)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD/MMC card Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Card slots 1 Dual
Cost at release $1,999 $1,499