Nikon D800E vs Pentax K-3

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Nikon D800E versus Pentax K-3, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by companies Nikon and Pentax. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the D800E (36MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the D800E (Full frame) and K-3 (APS-C) use totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The D800E was introduced 22 months before the K-3 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).

Before we go through a detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the D800E matches up vs the K-3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon D800E and Pentax K-3. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon D800E Gallery and Pentax K-3 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. The Nikon D800E provides external dimensions of 146mm x 123mm x 82mm (5.7" x 4.8" x 3.2") with a weight of 900 grams (1.98 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-3 has measurements of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

See the Nikon D800E versus Pentax K-3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the D800E compared to the K-3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the D800E and K-3 is 54 and 59 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to visualise the gap between sensor measurements merely by looking at technical specs. The graphic below will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the D800E and K-3.

As you have seen, both of those cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The D800E having a larger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field simpler and the Nikon D800E will give you greater detail using its extra 12 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images far more aggressively. The older D800E is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.