Pentax K-3 vs Pentax Q

The following is a extended analysis of the Pentax K-3 and Pentax Q, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are produced by Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the K-3 (24MP) and Q (12MP) and the K-3 (APS-C) and Q (1/2.3") have totally different sensor measurements.

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The K-3 was revealed 2 years after the Q which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax Q being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief view of how the K-3 scores vs the Q in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-3 and Pentax Q. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax K-3 Gallery and Pentax Q Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and volume. The Pentax K-3 enjoys 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) and the Pentax Q has sizing of 98mm x 57mm x 31mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs).

Look at the Pentax K-3 and Pentax Q in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the K-3 versus the Q.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the K-3 and Q is 59 and 93 respectively.

Normally, its hard to visualise the difference in sensor dimensions purely by going through specifications. The pic below should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the K-3 and Q.

Plainly, both of those cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The K-3 using its bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Pentax K-3 will produce more detail because of its extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The younger K-3 will have an advantage in sensor innovation.