Pentax K-01 vs Sony NEX-3

Following is a detailed comparison of the Pentax K-01 and Sony NEX-3, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the K-01 (16MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is very well matched and they come with the exact same sensor sizing (APS-C).

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The K-01 was launched 2 years after the NEX-3 which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax K-01 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the K-01 scores against the NEX-3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax K-01 & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The complete galleries are available at Pentax K-01 Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Pentax K-01 has outside measurements of 122mm x 79mm x 58mm (4.8" x 3.1" x 2.3") with a weight of 561 grams (1.24 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3 has proportions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Compare the Pentax K-01 and Sony NEX-3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the K-01 and the NEX-3.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the K-01 and NEX-3 is 76 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes merely by checking specifications. The pic below might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the K-01 and NEX-3.

To sum up, both cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but different resolution. You can expect to see the Pentax K-01 to resolve more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images much more aggressively. The younger K-01 provides a benefit in sensor technology.