Pentax K-3 vs Sony A900
59 Imaging
65 Features
85 Overall
73
54 Imaging
66 Features
62 Overall
64
Pentax K-3 vs Sony A900 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 24MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3.2" Fixed Display
- 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
- Launched April 2014
- Replacement is Pentax K-3 II
(Full Review)
- 25MP - Full frame Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/8000s Max Shutter
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 895g - 156 x 117 x 82mm
- Introduced October 2008
- Refreshed by Sony A99
Pentax K-3 vs Sony A900 Overview
On this page, we are contrasting the Pentax K-3 versus Sony A900, both Advanced DSLR cameras by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the K-3 (24MP) and the A900 (25MP) is very comparable but the K-3 (APS-C) and A900 (Full frame) boast totally different sensor sizing.
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsThe K-3 was released 5 years after the A900 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).
Before getting into a complete comparison, here is a concise summary of how the K-3 matches up versus the A900 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
Pentax K-3 vs Sony A900 Gallery
The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax K-3 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A900. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax K-3 Gallery and Sony A900 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-3 over the Sony A900
K-3 | A900 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | April 2014 | October 2008 | More modern by 67 months | |
Display dimensions | 3.2" | 3" | Larger display (+0.2") | |
Display resolution | 1037k | 922k | Clearer display (+115k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony A900 over the Pentax K-3
A900 | K-3 |
---|
Common features in the Pentax K-3 and Sony A900
K-3 | A900 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | Very exact focusing | |||
Display type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed display | |
Selfie screen | Absent selfie screen | |||
Touch friendly display | Neither contains Touch friendly display |
Pentax K-3 vs Sony A900 Physical Comparison
For those who are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Pentax K-3 has got exterior measurements of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) while the Sony A900 has proportions of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") and a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).
Check out the Pentax K-3 versus Sony A900 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at that time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the K-3 versus the A900.
Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the K-3 and A900 is 59 and 54 respectively.
Pentax K-3 vs Sony A900 Sensor Comparison
Generally, it is very difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizes just by going through a spec sheet. The image below will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the K-3 and A900.
Clearly, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The K-3 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony A900 will produce greater detail as a result of its extra 1MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The more recent K-3 will have a benefit in sensor innovation.
Pentax K-3 vs Sony A900 Screen and ViewFinder
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
Street Comparison
Sports Comparison
Travel Comparison
Landscape Comparison
Vlogging Comparison
Pentax K-3 vs Sony A900 Specifications
Pentax K-3 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Pentax | Sony |
Model type | Pentax K-3 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 |
Type | Advanced DSLR | Advanced DSLR |
Launched | 2014-04-10 | 2008-10-22 |
Body design | Mid-size SLR | Mid-size SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Prime III | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | Full frame |
Sensor measurements | 23.5 x 15.6mm | 35.9 x 24mm |
Sensor surface area | 366.6mm² | 861.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 24 megapixel | 25 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 6016 x 4000 | 6048 x 4032 |
Max native ISO | 51200 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch focus | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Total focus points | 27 | 9 |
Cross type focus points | 25 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Pentax KAF2 | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Number of lenses | 151 | 143 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 3.2 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 1,037k dot | 922k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Display tech | TFT LCD monitor | TFT Xtra Fine color LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.64x | 0.74x |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/8000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 8.0fps | 5.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 13.00 m (at ISO 100) | no built-in flash |
Flash modes | 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, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Fastest flash sync | 1/180 secs | 1/250 secs |
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) | - |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | None |
Video 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 proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 800 gr (1.76 lb) | 895 gr (1.97 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 131 x 100 x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") | 156 x 117 x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | 80 | 79 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 23.7 | 23.7 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 13.4 | 12.3 |
DXO Low light rating | 1216 | 1431 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 560 photographs | 880 photographs |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | D-LI90 | NP-FM500H |
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 | Dual | Dual |
Retail pricing | $639 | $2,736 |