Pentax K-3 vs Pentax K-30
59 Imaging
65 Features
85 Overall
73
![Pentax K-3 front Pentax K-3 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Pentax-K-3/Pentax-K-3-front.jpg)
![Pentax K-30 front Pentax K-30 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Pentax-K-30/Pentax-K-30-front.jpg)
63 Imaging
57 Features
66 Overall
60
Pentax K-3 vs Pentax K-30 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 Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 800g - 131 x 100 x 77mm
- Introduced April 2014
- Successor is Pentax K-3 II
(Full Review)
- 16MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Expand to 25600)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/6000s Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 650g - 130 x 97 x 71mm
- Announced October 2012
- Renewed by Pentax K-50
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Pentax K-3 vs Pentax K-30 Overview
Here is a detailed overview of the Pentax K-3 and Pentax K-30, both Advanced DSLR cameras and both of them are created by Pentax. There is a noticeable difference among the resolutions of the K-3 (24MP) and K-30 (16MP) but they use the exact same sensor size (APS-C).
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
The K-3 was manufactured 18 months later than the K-30 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras come with the identical body type (Mid-size SLR).
Before diving in to a thorough comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the K-3 matches up versus the K-30 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Pentax K-3 vs Pentax K-30 Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax K-3 & Pentax K-30. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax K-3 Gallery & Pentax K-30 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-3 over the Pentax K-30
K-3 | K-30 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | April 2014 | ![]() | October 2012 | Fresher by 18 months |
Screen dimension | 3.2" | ![]() | 3" | Bigger screen (+0.2") |
Screen resolution | 1037k | ![]() | 921k | Sharper screen (+116k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax K-30 over the Pentax K-3
K-30 | K-3 |
---|
Common features in the Pentax K-3 and Pentax K-30
K-3 | K-30 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Dial accurate focusing | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither provides selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Missing Touch friendly screen |
Pentax K-3 vs Pentax K-30 Physical Comparison
For those who are looking to carry your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Pentax K-3 provides outside 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) whilst the Pentax K-30 has measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).
Contrast the Pentax K-3 and Pentax K-30 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you select at the time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the K-3 and the K-30.
![Pentax K-3 vs Pentax K-30 size comparison Pentax K-3 vs Pentax K-30 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Pentax-K-3-vs-Pentax-K-30-size-comparison.jpg)
Considering size and weight, the portability score of the K-3 and K-30 is 59 and 63 respectively.
![Pentax K-3 vs Pentax K-30 top view buttons comparison Pentax K-3 vs Pentax K-30 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Pentax-K-3-vs-Pentax-K-30-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Pentax K-3 vs Pentax K-30 Sensor Comparison
Generally, it is hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizing merely by looking through specs. The visual underneath will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the K-3 and K-30.
As you can plainly see, both the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit different megapixels. You can expect the Pentax K-3 to result in more detail due to its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs much more aggressively. The more recent K-3 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.
![Pentax K-3 vs Pentax K-30 sensor size comparison Pentax K-3 vs Pentax K-30 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Pentax-K-3-vs-Pentax-K-30-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Pentax K-3 vs Pentax K-30 Screen and ViewFinder
![Pentax K-3 vs Pentax K-30 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Pentax K-3 vs Pentax K-30 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Pentax-K-3-vs-Pentax-K-30-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-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/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Pentax K-3 vs Pentax K-30 Specifications
Pentax K-3 | Pentax K-30 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Pentax | Pentax |
Model | Pentax K-3 | Pentax K-30 |
Type | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Introduced | 2014-04-10 | 2012-10-29 |
Body design | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Prime III | Prime M |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 23.5 x 15.6mm | 23.7 x 15.7mm |
Sensor surface area | 366.6mm² | 372.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 24 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
Maximum resolution | 6016 x 4000 | 4928 x 3264 |
Maximum native ISO | 51200 | 12800 |
Maximum boosted ISO | - | 25600 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
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 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Pentax KAF2 | Pentax KAF2 |
Total lenses | 151 | 151 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen diagonal | 3.2" | 3" |
Resolution of screen | 1,037k dot | 921k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Screen tech | TFT LCD monitor | TFT LCD monitor with brightness/color adjustment and AR coating |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.64x | 0.61x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/6000 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | 8.0 frames per second | 6.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 13.00 m (at ISO 100) | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | Auto, on, off, red-eye, slow sync, slow sync + red-eye, trailing curtain sync, high speed, wireless, manual | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye,Slow Sync, Slow Sync+ Redeye, Trailing Curtain Sync, Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Maximum flash sync | 1/180 secs | 1/180 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 (30,25,24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60,50,30,25,24 fps), 640 x 424 (30,25,24 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | Optional |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 800 grams (1.76 pounds) | 650 grams (1.43 pounds) |
Dimensions | 131 x 100 x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") | 130 x 97 x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | 80 | 79 |
DXO Color Depth score | 23.7 | 23.7 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 13.4 | 13.0 |
DXO Low light score | 1216 | 1129 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 560 photographs | 410 photographs |
Battery form | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | D-LI90 | D-LI109,4 x AA |
Self timer | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage slots | Dual | Single |
Launch cost | $639 | $525 |