Clicky

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-3 III

Portability
59
Imaging
64
Features
62
Overall
63
Nikon Df front
 
Pentax K-3 Mark III front
Portability
58
Imaging
72
Features
86
Overall
77

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-3 III Key Specs

Nikon Df
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 12800 (Raise to 204800)
  • No Video
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 760g - 144 x 110 x 67mm
  • Introduced December 2013
Pentax K-3 III
(Full Review)
  • 26MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3.2" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 1600000
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • 820g - 135 x 104 x 74mm
  • Launched March 2021
Fujifilm accuses Eastman Kodak of patent violation in new lawsuit

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-3 III Overview

Here, we are contrasting the Nikon Df versus Pentax K-3 III, both Advanced DSLR cameras by competitors Nikon and Pentax. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the Df (16MP) and K-3 III (26MP) and the Df (Full frame) and K-3 III (APS-C) boast different sensor dimensions.

Apple patent reveals improved iPhone camera durability

The Df was revealed 8 years before the K-3 III which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the Df matches up versus the K-3 III with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Ulanzi's Tripod Ensures Ultra Smooth Filming
	
	

Reasons to pick Nikon Df over the Pentax K-3 III

 Df K-3 III 

Reasons to pick Pentax K-3 III over the Nikon Df

 K-3 III Df 
LaunchedMarch 2021December 2013Newer by 88 months
Display resolution1620k921kClearer display (+699k dot)
Touch friendly display Easily navigate

Common features in the Nikon Df and Pentax K-3 III

 Df K-3 III 
Focus manually Very precise focus
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Display size3.2"3.2"Same display sizing
Selfie screen Absent selfie screen

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-3 III Physical Comparison

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Nikon Df offers physical measurements of 144mm x 110mm x 67mm (5.7" x 4.3" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs) and the Pentax K-3 III has measurements of 135mm x 104mm x 74mm (5.3" x 4.1" x 2.9") with a weight of 820 grams (1.81 lbs).

Examine the Nikon Df versus Pentax K-3 III in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use during that time. Below is a front view size comparison of the Df versus the K-3 III.

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-3 III size comparison

Using size and weight, the portability score of the Df and K-3 III is 59 and 58 respectively.

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-3 III top view buttons comparison

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-3 III Sensor Comparison

Generally, it's tough to picture the difference in sensor dimensions only by seeing specs. The picture underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the Df and K-3 III.

All in all, both the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The Df using its larger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Pentax K-3 III will provide greater detail because of its extra 10MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics way more aggressively. The more aged Df will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-3 III sensor size comparison

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-3 III Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-3 III Screen and Viewfinder comparison
AI-Powered Photo Editing Tools Could Be Added to WhatsApp

Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Nikon Df Portrait photography details
Pentax K-3 III Portrait photography details
78
focusing manually
decent sensor resolution (16MP)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
includes face detection focus
exports RAW files
83
has manual focus
high resolution (26MP)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
features face detection autofocus
saves RAW files
Leica struggles with L-Mount camera sales, tougher than Q or M

Street Comparison

Street photography with Nikon Df
Street photography with Pentax K-3 III
60
sensor size is big (Full frame)
exports RAW files
environment proofing
no articulating screen
does not have image stabilization
71
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
saves RAW files
supports focus by touch
environment proof
great ISO range (1,600,000)
no articulating screen
TikTok Developing Photo App to Challenge Instagram's Dominance

Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Nikon Df
Sports photography with Pentax K-3 III
69
decent sensor resolution (16MP)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
includes tracking autofocus
environment proofing
good battery power (1,400 shots)
supports phase detect auto focus
slow frames per second (6.0 frames/s)
does not have image stabilization
79
great max shutter speed (1/8,000 seconds)
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
high resolution (26MP)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
features tracking autofocus
environment proof
supports phase detect autofocus
bad battery (800 per charge)
Peek Behind the Lens of 'Photographer' and Their Go-To Cameras

Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Nikon Df
Travel photography with Pentax K-3 III
60
good battery power (1,400 CIPA)
environment proofing
decent sensor resolution (16MP)
does not have Timelapse recording
doesn't contain selfie friendly screen
64
environment proof
connects via bluetooth
supports focus by touch
high resolution (26 megapixels)
bad battery (800 per charge)
display isn't selfie friendly
Europe Approves Revolutionary AI Legislation

Landscape Comparison

Nikon Df as a Landscape photography camera
Pentax K-3 III as a Landscape photography camera
71
focusing manually
change lenses (Nikon F mount)
decent sized screen (3.2")
decent sensor resolution (16MP)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
exports RAW files
environment proofing
good battery power (1,400 shots)
does not have image stabilization
does not have Timelapse recording
80
has manual focus
interchangeable lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
screen size is good (3.2 inches)
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
high resolution (26 megapixels)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
does not have anti-alias filter
great ISO range (1,600,000)
saves RAW files
environment proof
2 card slots
bad battery (800 per charge)
Google AI Gemini Could Enhance iPhone Experience, Talks Suggest

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon Df Vlogging details
Pentax K-3 III Vlogging details
9
lack of video recording
35
screen is touchscreen
has image stabilization (Sensor based)
features face detection autofocus
video res high (3840 x 2160 pxls)
comes with external mic support
display isn't selfie friendly
Nikon Coolpix camera search on Google skyrockets by 8,500%

Nikon Df vs Pentax K-3 III Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon Df and Pentax K-3 III
 Nikon DfPentax K-3 Mark III
General Information
Company Nikon Pentax
Model Nikon Df Pentax K-3 Mark III
Category Advanced DSLR Advanced DSLR
Introduced 2013-12-20 2021-03-31
Physical type Mid-size SLR Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Chip Expeed 3 -
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size Full frame APS-C
Sensor dimensions 36 x 23.9mm 23 x 15.5mm
Sensor area 860.4mm² 356.5mm²
Sensor resolution 16MP 26MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 3:2
Full resolution 4928 x 3280 6192 x 4128
Max native ISO 12800 1600000
Max boosted ISO 204800 -
Lowest native ISO 100 100
RAW files
Lowest boosted ISO 50 -
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Touch to focus
AF continuous
AF single
AF tracking
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detect focusing
Contract detect focusing
Phase detect focusing
Number of focus points 39 101
Cross focus points 9 25
Lens
Lens mount Nikon F Pentax KAF2
Amount of lenses 309 156
Focal length multiplier 1 1.6
Screen
Type of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display sizing 3.2" 3.2"
Display resolution 921 thousand dots 1,620 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Display technology TFT-LCD -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.7x 0.7x
Features
Slowest shutter speed 30s 30s
Maximum shutter speed 1/4000s 1/8000s
Continuous shooting rate 6.0fps 12.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range no built-in flash no built-in flash
Flash modes Auto FP High-speed sync, front-curtain sync, rear-curtain sync, redeye reduction, Auto, Auto + Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On + Red-eye Reduction, Slow- speed Sync, Slow-speed Sync + Red-eye, P-TTL, Contrast-control-sync, High-speed sync, Wireless sync
External flash
AEB
WB bracketing
Maximum flash synchronize 1/250s 1/200s
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions - 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
Max video resolution None 3840x2160
Video data format - MPEG-4, H.264
Mic support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless Optional Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
GPS Optional None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 760 grams (1.68 lbs) 820 grams (1.81 lbs)
Physical dimensions 144 x 110 x 67mm (5.7" x 4.3" x 2.6") 135 x 104 x 74mm (5.3" x 4.1" x 2.9")
DXO scores
DXO All around score 89 not tested
DXO Color Depth score 24.6 not tested
DXO Dynamic range score 13.1 not tested
DXO Low light score 3279 not tested
Other
Battery life 1400 images 800 images
Form of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model EN-EL14,EN-EL14a D-LI90
Self timer Yes (2, 5, 10, or 20 secs) Yes
Time lapse shooting
Storage type SD/SDHC/SDXC card Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II supported in slot 1)
Card slots 1 Two
Retail cost $2,747 $1,999