Nikon D3500 vs Pentax K-r

Lets look a bit more closely at the Nikon D3500 and Pentax K-r, both Entry-Level DSLR digital cameras by competitors Nikon and Pentax. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the D3500 (24MP) and K-r (12MP) but both cameras have the same sensor size (APS-C).

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The D3500 was launched 7 years later than the K-r and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact SLR).

Before going into a thorough comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the D3500 matches up versus the K-r with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon D3500 and Pentax K-r. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon D3500 Gallery and Pentax K-r Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and size. The Nikon D3500 offers outer dimensions of 124mm x 97mm x 70mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 365 grams (0.80 lbs) and the Pentax K-r has specifications of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

See the Nikon D3500 and Pentax K-r in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at that time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the D3500 and the K-r.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the D3500 and K-r is 72 and 67 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to see the difference between sensor sizing simply by going over technical specs. The photograph below will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the D3500 and K-r.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Nikon D3500 to offer you more detail utilizing its extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more modern D3500 will have a benefit in sensor innovation.