Pentax K-3 III vs Sony A99
58 Imaging
70 Features
86 Overall
76
57 Imaging
68 Features
88 Overall
76
Pentax K-3 III vs Sony A99 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 26MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3.2" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 1600000
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Anti-Alias Filter
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 3840 x 2160 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 820g - 135 x 104 x 74mm
- Announced March 2021
(Full Review)
- 24MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3" Fully Articulated Screen
- ISO 100 - 25600
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 812g - 147 x 111 x 78mm
- Launched December 2012
- Replaced the Sony A900
- Renewed by Sony A99 II
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In this write-up, we will be looking at the Pentax K-3 III versus Sony A99, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras by competitors Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the K-3 III (26MP) and the A99 (24MP) is pretty well matched but the K-3 III (APS-C) and A99 (Full frame) enjoy totally different sensor size.
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsThe K-3 III was released 8 years after the A99 which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).
Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the K-3 III scores vs the A99 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
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Here is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax K-3 Mark III & Sony SLT-A99. The complete galleries are available at Pentax K-3 III Gallery & Sony A99 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-3 III over the Sony A99
| K-3 III | A99 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launched | March 2021 | December 2012 | More modern by 102 months | |
| Screen sizing | 3.2" | 3" | Bigger screen (+0.2") | |
| Screen resolution | 1620k | 1229k | Sharper screen (+391k dot) | |
| Touch friendly screen | Quickly navigate |
Reasons to pick Sony A99 over the Pentax K-3 III
| A99 | K-3 III | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen type | Fully Articulated | Fixed | Fully Articulating screen | |
| Selfie screen | Easy selfies |
Common features in the Pentax K-3 III and Sony A99
| K-3 III | A99 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus manually | More exact focusing |
Pentax K-3 III vs Sony A99 Physical Comparison
If you're aiming to carry around your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Pentax K-3 III has got physical measurements of 135mm x 104mm x 74mm (5.3" x 4.1" x 2.9") having a weight of 820 grams (1.81 lbs) whilst the Sony A99 has measurements of 147mm x 111mm x 78mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 3.1") with a weight of 812 grams (1.79 lbs).
Take a look at the Pentax K-3 III versus Sony A99 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the K-3 III vs the A99.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the K-3 III and A99 is 58 and 57 respectively.
Pentax K-3 III vs Sony A99 Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, it is hard to see the contrast between sensor sizes purely by looking at specs. The image here may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the K-3 III and A99.
As you can plainly see, each of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The K-3 III because of its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Pentax K-3 III will give more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots far more aggressively. The more modern K-3 III is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.
Pentax K-3 III vs Sony A99 Screen and ViewFinder
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Pentax K-3 III vs Sony A99 Specifications
| Pentax K-3 Mark III | Sony SLT-A99 | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Manufacturer | Pentax | Sony |
| Model type | Pentax K-3 Mark III | Sony SLT-A99 |
| Type | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
| Announced | 2021-03-31 | 2012-12-12 |
| Physical type | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Processor | - | Bionz |
| Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor size | APS-C | Full frame |
| Sensor dimensions | 23 x 15.5mm | 35.8 x 23.8mm |
| Sensor area | 356.5mm² | 852.0mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 26 megapixel | 24 megapixel |
| Anti alias filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
| Highest Possible resolution | 6192 x 4128 | 6000 x 4000 |
| Maximum native ISO | 1600000 | 25600 |
| Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
| RAW format | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Manual focusing | ||
| AF touch | ||
| AF continuous | ||
| Single AF | ||
| AF tracking | ||
| Selective AF | ||
| AF center weighted | ||
| Multi area AF | ||
| AF live view | ||
| Face detection AF | ||
| Contract detection AF | ||
| Phase detection AF | ||
| Total focus points | 101 | 19 |
| Cross type focus points | 25 | 11 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens support | Pentax KAF2 | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
| Available lenses | 156 | 143 |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.6 | 1 |
| Screen | ||
| Screen type | Fixed Type | Fully Articulated |
| Screen sizing | 3.2" | 3" |
| Screen resolution | 1,620k dots | 1,229k dots |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch functionality | ||
| Screen technology | - | TFT Xtra Fine color LCD |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic |
| Viewfinder resolution | - | 2,359k dots |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 100 percent |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.7x | 0.71x |
| Features | ||
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
| Fastest shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/8000 secs |
| Continuous shutter rate | 12.0fps | 10.0fps |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Manually set exposure | ||
| Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Custom WB | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Inbuilt flash | ||
| Flash distance | no built-in flash | no built-in flash |
| Flash modes | 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 | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
| External flash | ||
| AEB | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Fastest flash synchronize | 1/200 secs | 1/250 secs |
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment exposure | ||
| Average exposure | ||
| Spot exposure | ||
| Partial exposure | ||
| AF area exposure | ||
| Center weighted exposure | ||
| 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 | 1920 x 1080 (60, 24 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30fps), 640 x 424 (29.97 fps) |
| Maximum video resolution | 3840x2160 | 1920x1080 |
| Video format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 |
| Mic support | ||
| Headphone support | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | Built-In | None |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | None | BuiltIn |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental sealing | ||
| Water proofing | ||
| Dust proofing | ||
| Shock proofing | ||
| Crush proofing | ||
| Freeze proofing | ||
| Weight | 820 gr (1.81 lb) | 812 gr (1.79 lb) |
| Dimensions | 135 x 104 x 74mm (5.3" x 4.1" x 2.9") | 147 x 111 x 78mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 3.1") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO Overall rating | not tested | 89 |
| DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | 25.0 |
| DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | 14.0 |
| DXO Low light rating | not tested | 1555 |
| Other | ||
| Battery life | 800 photos | 500 photos |
| Battery style | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery ID | D-LI90 | NP-FM500H |
| Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Time lapse recording | ||
| Storage type | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II supported in slot 1) | Memory Stick PRO Duo/Pro-HG Duo; SD, SDHC and SDXC |
| Card slots | Two | Two |
| Launch cost | $1,999 | $1,998 |