Pentax K-3 vs Sony A350
59 Imaging
65 Features
85 Overall
73


62 Imaging
52 Features
47 Overall
50
Pentax K-3 vs Sony A350 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
- Revealed April 2014
- Updated by Pentax K-3 II
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Tilting Display
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 674g - 131 x 99 x 75mm
- Revealed June 2008
- Later Model is Sony A380

Pentax K-3 vs Sony A350 Overview
In this article, we are looking at the Pentax K-3 vs Sony A350, one is a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Pentax and Sony. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the K-3 (24MP) and A350 (14MP) but they use the same exact sensor sizing (APS-C).

The K-3 was introduced 5 years after the A350 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony A350 being a Compact SLR camera.
Before going in to a full comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the K-3 scores versus the A350 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Pentax K-3 vs Sony A350 Gallery
Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K-3 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A350. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax K-3 Gallery and Sony A350 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-3 over the Sony A350
K-3 | A350 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | April 2014 | ![]() | June 2008 | More modern by 72 months |
Display sizing | 3.2" | ![]() | 2.7" | Larger display (+0.5") |
Display resolution | 1037k | ![]() | 230k | Crisper display (+807k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony A350 over the Pentax K-3
A350 | K-3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting display |
Common features in the Pentax K-3 and Sony A350
K-3 | A350 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | More accurate focus | ||
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | No Touch friendly display |
Pentax K-3 vs Sony A350 Physical Comparison
In case you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Pentax K-3 features physical dimensions of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) whilst the Sony A350 has proportions of 131mm x 99mm x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") and a weight of 674 grams (1.49 lbs).
Compare the Pentax K-3 vs Sony A350 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the K-3 and the A350.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the K-3 and A350 is 59 and 62 respectively.

Pentax K-3 vs Sony A350 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, it's hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizes simply by going through a spec sheet. The picture here should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the K-3 and A350.
Clearly, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Pentax K-3 to provide extra detail using its extra 10 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics far more aggressively. The younger K-3 is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.

Pentax K-3 vs Sony A350 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax K-3 vs Sony A350 Specifications
Pentax K-3 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Pentax | Sony |
Model | Pentax K-3 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A350 |
Class | Advanced DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
Revealed | 2014-04-10 | 2008-06-06 |
Body design | Mid-size SLR | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Prime III | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 23.5 x 15.6mm | 23.6 x 15.8mm |
Sensor area | 366.6mm² | 372.9mm² |
Sensor resolution | 24 megapixel | 14 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 6016 x 4000 | 4592 x 3056 |
Max native ISO | 51200 | 3200 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | 27 | 9 |
Cross focus points | 25 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | Pentax KAF2 | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Available lenses | 151 | 143 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Screen diagonal | 3.2 inches | 2.7 inches |
Resolution of screen | 1,037k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Screen tech | TFT LCD monitor | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 95 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.64x | 0.49x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shooting speed | 8.0fps | 3.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated 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, Red-Eye, Slow, Red-Eye Slow, Rear curtain, wireless |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Maximum flash sync | 1/180s | - |
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) | - |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | None |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | - |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 800g (1.76 lb) | 674g (1.49 lb) |
Dimensions | 131 x 100 x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") | 131 x 99 x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | 80 | 65 |
DXO Color Depth score | 23.7 | 22.6 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 13.4 | 11.5 |
DXO Low light score | 1216 | 595 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 560 photos | - |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | - |
Battery model | D-LI90 | - |
Self timer | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC | Compact Flash (Type I or II), Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, UDMA Mode 5, Supports FAT12 / FAT16 / FAT32 |
Storage slots | Two | Single |
Price at launch | $639 | $600 |