Pentax K-3 vs Pentax Q
59 Imaging
65 Features
85 Overall
73
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93 Imaging
35 Features
47 Overall
39
Pentax K-3 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 Maximum Shutter
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 800g - 131 x 100 x 77mm
- Introduced April 2014
- Refreshed by Pentax K-3 II
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 125 - 6400
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Pentax Q Mount
- 180g - 98 x 57 x 31mm
- Introduced June 2011
- Replacement is Pentax Q10
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Pentax K-3 vs Pentax Q Overview
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.
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Pentax K-3 vs Pentax Q Gallery
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.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-3 over the Pentax Q
K-3 | Q | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | April 2014 | ![]() | June 2011 | Newer by 35 months |
Screen size | 3.2" | ![]() | 3" | Bigger screen (+0.2") |
Screen resolution | 1037k | ![]() | 460k | Sharper screen (+577k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax Q over the Pentax K-3
Q | K-3 |
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Common features in the Pentax K-3 and Pentax Q
K-3 | Q | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Dial accurate focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither features selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Neither features Touch screen |
Pentax K-3 vs Pentax Q Physical Comparison
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.
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Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the K-3 and Q is 59 and 93 respectively.
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Pentax K-3 vs Pentax Q Sensor Comparison
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.
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Pentax K-3 vs Pentax Q Screen and ViewFinder
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Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
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Street Comparison
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Sports Comparison
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Travel Comparison
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Landscape Comparison
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Vlogging Comparison
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Pentax K-3 vs Pentax Q Specifications
Pentax K-3 | Pentax Q | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Pentax | Pentax |
Model | Pentax K-3 | Pentax Q |
Category | Advanced DSLR | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Introduced | 2014-04-10 | 2011-06-23 |
Physical type | Mid-size SLR | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Prime III | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 23.5 x 15.6mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor 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 data | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | 27 | 25 |
Cross focus points | 25 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Pentax KAF2 | Pentax Q |
Total lenses | 151 | 8 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3.2 inch | 3 inch |
Resolution of screen | 1,037k dots | 460k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Screen technology | TFT LCD monitor | TFT Color LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | None |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | - |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.64x | - |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/8000s | 1/2000s |
Continuous shutter rate | 8.0 frames per second | 2.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 13.00 m (at ISO 100) | 5.60 m |
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, Trailing-curtain sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Fastest flash synchronize | 1/180s | 1/2000s |
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) | 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 data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
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 | 23.7 | 20.2 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 13.4 | 11.1 |
DXO Low light score | 1216 | 189 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 560 shots | 230 shots |
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 recording | ||
Type of storage | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | Dual | 1 |
Launch price | $639 | $695 |