Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax Q
59 Imaging
66 Features
84 Overall
73
![Pentax K-3 II front Pentax K-3 II front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Pentax-K-3-II/Pentax-K-3-II-front.jpg)
![Pentax Q front Pentax Q front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Pentax-Q/Pentax-Q-front.jpg)
93 Imaging
35 Features
47 Overall
39
Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax Q Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 24MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3.2" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 51200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 800g - 131 x 100 x 77mm
- Revealed April 2015
- Superseded the Pentax K-3
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 125 - 6400
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax Q Mount
- 180g - 98 x 57 x 31mm
- Revealed June 2011
- Later Model is Pentax Q10
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax Q Overview
The following is a in depth analysis of the Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax Q, one is a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are sold by Pentax. There exists a significant gap among the image resolutions of the K-3 II (24MP) and Q (12MP) and the K-3 II (APS-C) and Q (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizes.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
The K-3 II was introduced 3 years after the Q which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Pentax K-3 II being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.
Before diving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short summation of how the K-3 II scores against the Q in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax Q Gallery
This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K-3 II and Pentax Q. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax K-3 II Gallery and Pentax Q Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-3 II over the Pentax Q
K-3 II | Q | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | April 2015 | ![]() | June 2011 | Newer by 47 months |
Display size | 3.2" | ![]() | 3" | Larger display (+0.2") |
Display resolution | 1037k | ![]() | 460k | Clearer display (+577k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax Q over the Pentax K-3 II
Q | K-3 II |
---|
Common features in the Pentax K-3 II and Pentax Q
K-3 II | Q | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | More exact focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lacking selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Neither offers Touch friendly display |
Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax Q Physical Comparison
For those who are intending to travel with your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Pentax K-3 II offers outer measurements of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) and the Pentax Q has proportions of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") with a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).
Analyze the Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax Q in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the K-3 II versus the Q.
![Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax Q size comparison Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax Q size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Pentax-K-3-II-vs-Pentax-Q-size-comparison.jpg)
Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the K-3 II and Q is 59 and 93 respectively.
![Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax Q top view buttons comparison Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax Q top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Pentax-K-3-II-vs-Pentax-Q-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax Q Sensor Comparison
Quite often, its difficult to envision the gap in sensor dimensions just by going through specs. The pic underneath will give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the K-3 II and Q.
As you can plainly see, both of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The K-3 II having a larger sensor will make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Pentax K-3 II will show extra detail using its extra 12MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics way more aggressively. The younger K-3 II will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.
![Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax Q sensor size comparison Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax Q sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Pentax-K-3-II-vs-Pentax-Q-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax Q Screen and ViewFinder
![Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax Q Screen and Viewfinder comparison Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax Q Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Pentax-K-3-II-vs-Pentax-Q-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-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/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Pentax K-3 II vs Pentax Q Specifications
Pentax K-3 II | Pentax Q | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Pentax | Pentax |
Model | Pentax K-3 II | Pentax Q |
Type | Advanced DSLR | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Revealed | 2015-04-23 | 2011-06-23 |
Body design | Mid-size SLR | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Prime III | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 23.5 x 15.6mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 366.6mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 24 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 6016 x 4000 | 4000 x 3000 |
Max native ISO | 51200 | 6400 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 125 |
RAW pictures | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Number of focus points | 27 | 25 |
Cross focus points | 25 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Pentax KAF2 | Pentax Q |
Available lenses | 151 | 8 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3.2 inches | 3 inches |
Screen resolution | 1,037k dot | 460k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Screen tech | - | TFT Color LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | None |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | - |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.64x | - |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 8.3 frames per sec | 2.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | no built-in flash | 5.60 m |
Flash settings | 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, Trailing-curtain sync |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Max flash sync | 1/180 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p) | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Optional | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | BuiltIn | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 800g (1.76 lb) | 180g (0.40 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 131 x 100 x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") | 98 x 57 x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 80 | 47 |
DXO Color Depth score | 23.6 | 20.2 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 13.6 | 11.1 |
DXO Low light score | 1106 | 189 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 720 photographs | 230 photographs |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | D-LI90 | D-LI68 |
Self timer | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage slots | Two | 1 |
Price at release | $829 | $695 |