Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax K-x
59 Imaging
65 Features
84 Overall
72
69 Imaging
51 Features
47 Overall
49
Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax K-x Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 24MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3.2" Fixed Display
- 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
- Launched April 2015
- Old Model is Pentax K-3
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400 (Push to 12800)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/6000s Max Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 580g - 123 x 92 x 68mm
- Released December 2009
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Let's look a bit more closely at the Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax K-x, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR and they are both manufactured by Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the K-3 II (24MP) and K-x (12MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor sizes (APS-C).
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firmsThe K-3 II was introduced 5 years after the K-x which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Pentax K-3 II being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax K-x being a Compact SLR camera.
Before diving into a in depth comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the K-3 II matches up against the K-x when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
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The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-3 II and Pentax K-x. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax K-3 II Gallery and Pentax K-x Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-3 II over the Pentax K-x
| K-3 II | K-x | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Released | April 2015 | December 2009 | More modern by 65 months | |
| Screen size | 3.2" | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.5") | |
| Screen resolution | 1037k | 230k | Clearer screen (+807k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax K-x over the Pentax K-3 II
| K-x | K-3 II |
|---|
Common features in the Pentax K-3 II and Pentax K-x
| K-3 II | K-x | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus manually | Very accurate focus | |||
| Screen type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed screen | |
| Selfie screen | Missing selfie screen | |||
| Touch friendly screen | Missing Touch friendly screen |
Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax K-x Physical Comparison
For those who are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you'll need to consider its weight and size. The Pentax K-3 II offers external measurements of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) while the Pentax K-x has specifications of 123mm x 92mm x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") and a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs).
Look at the Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax K-x in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use at that moment. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the K-3 II compared to the K-x.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the K-3 II and K-x is 59 and 69 respectively.
Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax K-x Sensor Comparison
Usually, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizes simply by going over a spec sheet. The image here should give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the K-3 II and K-x.
Clearly, both of the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different MP. You should count on the Pentax K-3 II to deliver extra detail using its extra 12MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The more recent K-3 II provides an advantage in sensor technology.
Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax K-x Screen and ViewFinder
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Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax K-x Specifications
| Pentax K-3 II | Pentax K-x | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Manufacturer | Pentax | Pentax |
| Model | Pentax K-3 II | Pentax K-x |
| Type | Advanced DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
| Launched | 2015-04-23 | 2009-12-23 |
| Body design | Mid-size SLR | Compact SLR |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Processor | Prime III | Prime |
| Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
| Sensor measurements | 23.5 x 15.6mm | 23.6 x 15.8mm |
| Sensor surface area | 366.6mm² | 372.9mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 24 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
| Anti aliasing filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
| Max resolution | 6016 x 4000 | 4288 x 2848 |
| Max native ISO | 51200 | 6400 |
| Max enhanced ISO | - | 12800 |
| Min native ISO | 100 | 100 |
| RAW format | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Focus manually | ||
| AF touch | ||
| Continuous AF | ||
| Single AF | ||
| AF tracking | ||
| AF selectice | ||
| Center weighted AF | ||
| AF multi area | ||
| Live view AF | ||
| Face detect focusing | ||
| Contract detect focusing | ||
| Phase detect focusing | ||
| Number of focus points | 27 | 11 |
| Cross focus points | 25 | - |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mounting type | Pentax KAF2 | Pentax KAF2 |
| Available lenses | 151 | 151 |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Screen | ||
| Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Display size | 3.2 inches | 2.7 inches |
| Display resolution | 1,037k dot | 230k dot |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch functionality | ||
| Display tech | - | TFT LCD monitor |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 96 percent |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.64x | 0.57x |
| Features | ||
| Min shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
| Max shutter speed | 1/8000s | 1/6000s |
| Continuous shutter speed | 8.3 frames/s | 5.0 frames/s |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manually set exposure | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Set WB | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Integrated flash | ||
| Flash range | no built-in flash | 16.00 m |
| Flash modes | Auto Flash Discharge, Auto Flash + Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On + Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Slow-speed Sync + Red-eye, P-TTL, Trailing Curtain Sync, Contrast-control-sync, High-speed sync, Wireless sync (available with dedicated external flash) | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear curtain, Wireless |
| Hot shoe | ||
| AEB | ||
| White balance bracketing | ||
| Max flash sync | 1/180s | 1/180s |
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment exposure | ||
| Average exposure | ||
| Spot exposure | ||
| Partial exposure | ||
| AF area exposure | ||
| Center weighted exposure | ||
| Video features | ||
| Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p) | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 416 (24 fps) |
| Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
| Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | Motion JPEG |
| Microphone input | ||
| Headphone input | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | Optional | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | BuiltIn | None |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental seal | ||
| Water proof | ||
| Dust proof | ||
| Shock proof | ||
| Crush proof | ||
| Freeze proof | ||
| Weight | 800 grams (1.76 pounds) | 580 grams (1.28 pounds) |
| Physical dimensions | 131 x 100 x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") | 123 x 92 x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO Overall score | 80 | 72 |
| DXO Color Depth score | 23.6 | 22.8 |
| DXO Dynamic range score | 13.6 | 12.5 |
| DXO Low light score | 1106 | 811 |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 720 images | 1900 images |
| Battery format | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery model | D-LI90 | 4 x AA |
| Self timer | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
| Time lapse feature | ||
| Type of storage | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC card |
| Storage slots | 2 | 1 |
| Pricing at release | $829 | $600 |