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Pentax K-3 II vs Sigma SD1

Portability
59
Imaging
66
Features
84
Overall
73
Pentax K-3 II front
 
Sigma SD1 front
Portability
77
Imaging
55
Features
43
Overall
50

Pentax K-3 II vs Sigma SD1 Key Specs

Pentax K-3 II
(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 2015
  • Previous Model is Pentax K-3
Sigma SD1
(Full Review)
  • 15MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 0 - 0
  • No Video
  • Sigma SA Mount
  • n/ag - 146 x 113 x 80mm
  • Introduced September 2010
  • Renewed by Sigma SD1 Merrill
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Pentax K-3 II vs Sigma SD1 Overview

On this page, we are reviewing the Pentax K-3 II and Sigma SD1, both Advanced DSLR cameras by brands Pentax and Sigma. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the K-3 II (24MP) and SD1 (15MP) but both cameras have the same sensor dimensions (APS-C).

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The K-3 II was announced 4 years later than the SD1 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a simple summation of how the K-3 II grades against the SD1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

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Reasons to pick Pentax K-3 II over the Sigma SD1

 K-3 II SD1 
IntroducedApril 2015September 2010More recent by 56 months
Display dimensions3.2"3"Larger display (+0.2")
Display resolution1037k460kCrisper display (+577k dot)

Reasons to pick Sigma SD1 over the Pentax K-3 II

 SD1 K-3 II 

Common features in the Pentax K-3 II and Sigma SD1

 K-3 II SD1 
Focus manually Dial exact focus
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Selfie screen Missing selfie screen
Touch display Missing Touch display

Pentax K-3 II vs Sigma SD1 Physical Comparison

For those who are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Pentax K-3 II has exterior dimensions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) while the Sigma SD1 has dimensions of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") having a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax K-3 II and Sigma SD1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the K-3 II and the SD1.

Pentax K-3 II vs Sigma SD1 size comparison

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the K-3 II and SD1 is 59 and 77 respectively.

Pentax K-3 II vs Sigma SD1 top view buttons comparison

Pentax K-3 II vs Sigma SD1 Sensor Comparison

Oftentimes, it's tough to visualise the gap in sensor measurements purely by viewing specifications. The graphic below will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the K-3 II and SD1.

To sum up, the 2 cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same MP. You can expect to see the Pentax K-3 II to provide you with greater detail with its extra 9MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics more aggressively. The younger K-3 II will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.

Pentax K-3 II vs Sigma SD1 sensor size comparison

Pentax K-3 II vs Sigma SD1 Screen and ViewFinder

Pentax K-3 II vs Sigma SD1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Pentax K-3 II
Portrait photography with Sigma SD1
79
manual focus
megapixel count good (24MP)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
features face detection autofocus
exports RAW files
65
focusing manually
sensor resolution is decent (15 megapixels)
good sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW files
no liveview feature
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Street Comparison

Pentax K-3 II as a Street photography camera
Sigma SD1 as a Street photography camera
69
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
exports RAW files
weather proofing
good high ISO (51,200)
fixed screen
62
good sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW files
environment proof
screen is fixed
does not have image stabilization
max ISO too low (0)
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Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Pentax K-3 II
Sports photography with Sigma SD1
76
maximum shutter speed is high (1/8,000s)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
megapixel count good (24MP)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
features tracking autofocus
weather proofing
sensor has phase detect autofocus
low battery power (720 CIPA)
56
sensor resolution is decent (15MP)
good sensor size (APS-C)
environment proof
has phase detect AF
no liveview feature
slow continuous shooting (5.0 fps)
does not have image stabilization
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Travel Comparison

Pentax K-3 II as a Travel photography camera
Sigma SD1 as a Travel photography camera
56
weather proofing
megapixel count good (24 megapixels)
low battery power (720 per charge)
display isn't selfie friendly
65
environment proof
sensor resolution is decent (15 megapixels)
flash built-in
missing Time Lapse function
screen isn't selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison

Pentax K-3 II as a Landscape photography camera
Sigma SD1 as a Landscape photography camera
78
manual focus
switch lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
good sized screen (3.2 inches)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
megapixel count good (24MP)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
does not have anti-alias filter
good high ISO (51,200)
exports RAW files
weather proofing
has dual storage slots
low battery power (720 per charge)
61
focusing manually
change lenses (Sigma SA mount)
screen is a decent size (3 inches)
sensor resolution is decent (15 megapixels)
good sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW files
environment proof
no liveview feature
does not have image stabilization
max ISO too low (0)
missing Time Lapse function
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Vlogging Comparison

Pentax K-3 II Vlogging factors
Sigma SD1 Vlogging factors
34
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
features face detection autofocus
high res video (1920 x 1080 pxls)
includes external mic jack
display isn't selfie friendly
9
no video recording
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Pentax K-3 II vs Sigma SD1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Pentax K-3 II and Sigma SD1
 Pentax K-3 IISigma SD1
General Information
Company Pentax Sigma
Model Pentax K-3 II Sigma SD1
Class Advanced DSLR Advanced DSLR
Introduced 2015-04-23 2010-09-21
Body design Mid-size SLR Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Processor Prime III Dual True II
Sensor type CMOS CMOS (Foveon X3)
Sensor size APS-C APS-C
Sensor dimensions 23.5 x 15.6mm 24 x 16mm
Sensor surface area 366.6mm² 384.0mm²
Sensor resolution 24 megapixel 15 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 -
Highest Possible resolution 6016 x 4000 4800 x 3200
Maximum native ISO 51200 -
Min native ISO 100 -
RAW format
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch to focus
AF continuous
Single AF
AF tracking
AF selectice
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Number of focus points 27 11
Cross focus points 25 2
Lens
Lens mount Pentax KAF2 Sigma SA
Available lenses 151 76
Focal length multiplier 1.5 1.5
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen sizing 3.2 inch 3 inch
Screen resolution 1,037k dot 460k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent 96 percent
Viewfinder magnification 0.64x 0.64x
Features
Min shutter speed 30s 15s
Max shutter speed 1/8000s 1/2000s
Continuous shutter speed 8.3fps 5.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range no built-in flash -
Flash options 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) -
External flash
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Max flash sync 1/180s -
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p) -
Maximum video resolution 1920x1080 None
Video format MPEG-4, H.264 -
Mic 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
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 800 gr (1.76 lb) -
Physical dimensions 131 x 100 x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") 146 x 113 x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score 80 not tested
DXO Color Depth score 23.6 not tested
DXO Dynamic range score 13.6 not tested
DXO Low light score 1106 not tested
Other
Battery life 720 images -
Type of battery Battery Pack -
Battery model D-LI90 -
Self timer Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) Yes
Time lapse feature
Type of storage Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC Compact Flash (Type I, UDMA compatible)
Storage slots Two 1
Cost at release $829 $2,339