Nikon D810A vs Pentax K-3
55 Imaging
75 Features
80 Overall
77
![Nikon D810A front Nikon D810A front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/w300/fronton/Nikon-D810A.jpg)
![Pentax K-3 front Pentax K-3 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Pentax-K-3/Pentax-K-3-front.jpg)
59 Imaging
65 Features
85 Overall
73
Nikon D810A vs Pentax K-3 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 36MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3.2" Fixed Screen
- ISO 200 - 12800 (Push to 51200)
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 880g - 146 x 123 x 82mm
- Introduced February 2015
(Full Review)
- 24MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3.2" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 51200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 800g - 131 x 100 x 77mm
- Introduced April 2014
- Refreshed by Pentax K-3 II
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Nikon D810A vs Pentax K-3 Overview
Let's look more closely at the Nikon D810A and Pentax K-3, both Advanced DSLR cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Pentax. There is a large difference among the sensor resolutions of the D810A (36MP) and K-3 (24MP) and the D810A (Full frame) and K-3 (APS-C) have different sensor sizing.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
The D810A was unveiled 11 months after the K-3 and they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Mid-size SLR).
Before delving into a full comparison, here is a simple overview of how the D810A scores against the K-3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Nikon D810A vs Pentax K-3 Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon D810A & Pentax K-3. The full galleries are available at Nikon D810A Gallery & Pentax K-3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D810A over the Pentax K-3
D810A | K-3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | February 2015 | ![]() | April 2014 | Newer by 11 months |
Screen resolution | 1229k | ![]() | 1037k | Sharper screen (+192k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax K-3 over the Nikon D810A
K-3 | D810A |
---|
Common features in the Nikon D810A and Pentax K-3
D810A | K-3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Very accurate focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen size | 3.2" | ![]() | 3.2" | Same screen measurement |
Selfie screen | ![]() | No selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Neither has Touch friendly screen |
Nikon D810A vs Pentax K-3 Physical Comparison
In case you're intending to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Nikon D810A has outer dimensions of 146mm x 123mm x 82mm (5.7" x 4.8" x 3.2") having a weight of 880 grams (1.94 lbs) and the Pentax K-3 has dimensions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).
See the Nikon D810A and Pentax K-3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the D810A versus the K-3.
![Nikon D810A vs Pentax K-3 size comparison Nikon D810A vs Pentax K-3 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-D810A-vs-Pentax-K-3-size-comparison.jpg)
Using size and weight, the portability score of the D810A and K-3 is 55 and 59 respectively.
![Nikon D810A vs Pentax K-3 top view buttons comparison Nikon D810A vs Pentax K-3 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-D810A-vs-Pentax-K-3-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Nikon D810A vs Pentax K-3 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it is very tough to picture the gap in sensor dimensions merely by checking out specs. The pic below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the D810A and K-3.
As you can plainly see, each of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The D810A having a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Nikon D810A will show greater detail having an extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The newer D810A should have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.
![Nikon D810A vs Pentax K-3 sensor size comparison Nikon D810A vs Pentax K-3 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Nikon-D810A-vs-Pentax-K-3-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Nikon D810A vs Pentax K-3 Screen and ViewFinder
![Nikon D810A vs Pentax K-3 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Nikon D810A vs Pentax K-3 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-D810A-vs-Pentax-K-3-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Nikon D810A vs Pentax K-3 Specifications
Nikon D810A | Pentax K-3 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Nikon | Pentax |
Model | Nikon D810A | Pentax K-3 |
Category | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Introduced | 2015-02-10 | 2014-04-10 |
Physical type | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | EXPEED 4 | Prime III |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | Full frame | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 35.9 x 24mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
Sensor area | 861.6mm² | 366.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 36 megapixels | 24 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 5:4 and 3:2 | 3:2 |
Highest resolution | 7360 x 4912 | 6016 x 4000 |
Highest native ISO | 12800 | 51200 |
Highest boosted ISO | 51200 | - |
Lowest native ISO | 200 | 100 |
RAW support | ||
Lowest boosted ISO | 100 | - |
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Number of focus points | 51 | 27 |
Cross focus points | 15 | 25 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Nikon F | Pentax KAF2 |
Amount of lenses | 309 | 151 |
Crop factor | 1 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen diagonal | 3.2 inch | 3.2 inch |
Resolution of screen | 1,229k dots | 1,037k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Screen technology | - | TFT LCD monitor |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.7x | 0.64x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/8000 secs |
Continuous shooting rate | 5.0 frames/s | 8.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) | 13.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash modes | Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, redeye reduction, redeye reduction w/slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync | Auto, on, off, red-eye, slow sync, slow sync + red-eye, trailing curtain sync, high speed, wireless, manual |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Maximum flash synchronize | - | 1/180 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p) | 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p) |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Optional | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | Optional |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 880 grams (1.94 lbs) | 800 grams (1.76 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 146 x 123 x 82mm (5.7" x 4.8" x 3.2") | 131 x 100 x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | 80 |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | 23.7 |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | 13.4 |
DXO Low light score | not tested | 1216 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 1200 photos | 560 photos |
Battery type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL15 | D-LI90 |
Self timer | Yes (2, 5, 10, 20 secs for up to 9 shots) | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC, CompactFlash (UDMA compliant) | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | 2 | 2 |
Launch price | $3,800 | $639 |