Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-3
56 Imaging
65 Features
90 Overall
75
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59 Imaging
65 Features
85 Overall
73
Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-3 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 21MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3.2" Tilting Display
- ISO 100 - 51200 (Increase to 1640000)
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 3840 x 2160 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 860g - 147 x 115 x 81mm
- Released January 2016
- Succeeded the Nikon D300S
(Full Review)
- 24MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3.2" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 51200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 800g - 131 x 100 x 77mm
- Released April 2014
- Later Model is Pentax K-3 II
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Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-3 Overview
Below is a extensive review of the Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-3, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by rivals Nikon and Pentax. The image resolution of the D500 (21MP) and the K-3 (24MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras posses the same sensor sizing (APS-C).
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The D500 was revealed 22 months later than the K-3 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).
Before delving into a full comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the D500 grades against the K-3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.
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Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-3 Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon D500 and Pentax K-3. The full galleries are provided at Nikon D500 Gallery and Pentax K-3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D500 over the Pentax K-3
D500 | K-3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | January 2016 | ![]() | April 2014 | More recent by 22 months |
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Screen resolution | 2359k | ![]() | 1037k | Crisper screen (+1322k dot) |
Touch screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Reasons to pick Pentax K-3 over the Nikon D500
K-3 | D500 |
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Common features in the Nikon D500 and Pentax K-3
D500 | K-3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Very exact focus | ||
Screen dimensions | 3.2" | ![]() | 3.2" | Equal screen measurement |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lack of selfie screen |
Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-3 Physical Comparison
For those who are looking to lug around your camera, you will need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Nikon D500 offers external dimensions of 147mm x 115mm x 81mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 3.2") along with a weight of 860 grams (1.90 lbs) and the Pentax K-3 has dimensions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).
Check out the Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the D500 and the K-3.
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Considering size and weight, the portability score of the D500 and K-3 is 56 and 59 respectively.
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Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-3 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it can be hard to imagine the gap between sensor measurements simply by reading through technical specs. The visual below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the D500 and K-3.
As you have seen, the two cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You should count on the Pentax K-3 to resolve greater detail because of its extra 3MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more recent D500 should have an advantage in sensor innovation.
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Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-3 Screen and ViewFinder
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Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
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Street Comparison
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Sports Comparison
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Travel Comparison
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Landscape Comparison
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Vlogging Comparison
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Nikon D500 vs Pentax K-3 Specifications
Nikon D500 | Pentax K-3 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Nikon | Pentax |
Model type | Nikon D500 | Pentax K-3 |
Category | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Released | 2016-01-05 | 2014-04-10 |
Body design | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Expeed 5 | Prime III |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 23.5 x 15.7mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
Sensor surface area | 369.0mm² | 366.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 21 megapixel | 24 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
Highest Possible resolution | 5568 x 3712 | 6016 x 4000 |
Maximum native ISO | 51200 | 51200 |
Maximum enhanced ISO | 1640000 | - |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW pictures | ||
Minimum enhanced ISO | 50 | - |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Total focus points | 153 | 27 |
Cross type focus points | 99 | 25 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Nikon F | Pentax KAF2 |
Total lenses | 309 | 151 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Tilting | Fixed Type |
Display size | 3.2" | 3.2" |
Display resolution | 2,359k dot | 1,037k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Display tech | - | TFT LCD monitor |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.66x | 0.64x |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Continuous shutter speed | 10.0 frames per sec | 8.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | no built-in flash | 13.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, on, off, red-eye, slow sync, slow sync + red-eye, trailing curtain sync, high speed, wireless, manual |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Fastest flash sync | 1/250 seconds | 1/180 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 4K (UHD) 30p/25p/24p, 1080/60p/50p/30p/25p/24p, 720/60p/50p | 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p) |
Maximum video resolution | 3840x2160 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | Optional |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 860g (1.90 lbs) | 800g (1.76 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 147 x 115 x 81mm (5.8" x 4.5" x 3.2") | 131 x 100 x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | 84 | 80 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 24.1 | 23.7 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 14.0 | 13.4 |
DXO Low light rating | 1324 | 1216 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 1240 images | 560 images |
Battery format | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL15 | D-LI90 |
Self timer | Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 sec) | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage media | XQD/SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compliant) | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage slots | Two | Two |
Pricing at release | $1,497 | $639 |