Pentax K-3 vs Pentax Q10

Here is a in depth assessment of the Pentax K-3 versus Pentax Q10, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both built by Pentax. There exists a substantial gap between the image resolutions of the K-3 (24MP) and Q10 (12MP) and the K-3 (APS-C) and Q10 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The K-3 was announced 20 months later than the Q10 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax Q10 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight into a in depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the K-3 grades vs the Q10 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax K-3 & Pentax Q10. The whole galleries are available at Pentax K-3 Gallery & Pentax Q10 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Pentax K-3 enjoys external measurements of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) and the Pentax Q10 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.3") having a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax K-3 versus Pentax Q10 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you select at that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the K-3 against the Q10.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the K-3 and Q10 is 59 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizing purely by reviewing a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the K-3 and Q10.

Clearly, both of those cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The K-3 using its bigger sensor will make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Pentax K-3 will offer more detail with its extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures much more aggressively. The more recent K-3 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.