Pentax K-3 vs Sony A9

Here is a comprehensive assessment of the Pentax K-3 versus Sony A9, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by competitors Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the K-3 (24MP) and the A9 (24MP) is relatively comparable but the K-3 (APS-C) and A9 (Full frame) possess different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The K-3 was announced 4 years earlier than the A9 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony A9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a in depth comparison, below is a short introduction of how the K-3 matches up versus the A9 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax K-3 and Sony Alpha A9. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax K-3 Gallery and Sony A9 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera, you should factor in its weight and dimensions. The Pentax K-3 has outer 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 Sony A9 has dimensions of 127mm x 96mm x 63mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.5") with a weight of 673 grams (1.48 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax K-3 versus Sony A9 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have during that time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the K-3 vs the A9.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the K-3 and A9 is 59 and 65 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizing purely by checking out specifications. The visual below might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the K-3 and A9.

To sum up, the two cameras enjoy the same exact resolution albeit different sensor sizing. The K-3 has the smaller sensor which is going to make getting shallower depth of field more challenging. The older K-3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.