Pentax K-3 vs Sony QX1
59 Imaging
65 Features
85 Overall
73


90 Imaging
62 Features
48 Overall
56
Pentax K-3 vs Sony QX1 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
- Launched April 2014
- Later Model is Pentax K-3 II
(Full Review)
- 20MP - APS-C Sensor
- " Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 16000
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Sony E Mount
- 216g - 74 x 70 x 53mm
- Launched September 2014

Pentax K-3 vs Sony QX1 Overview
Here, we will be looking at the Pentax K-3 vs Sony QX1, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Lens-style by competitors Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the K-3 (24MP) and the QX1 (20MP) is pretty comparable and both cameras have the identical sensor measurements (APS-C).

The K-3 was launched 4 months prior to the QX1 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.
Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the K-3 matches up against the QX1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Pentax K-3 vs Sony QX1 Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax K-3 and Sony Alpha QX1. The complete galleries are provided at Pentax K-3 Gallery and Sony QX1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-3 over the Sony QX1
K-3 | QX1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen size | 3.2" | ![]() | " | Bigger screen (+3.2") |
Screen resolution | 1037k | ![]() | 0k | Clearer screen (+1037k dot) |
Reasons to pick Sony QX1 over the Pentax K-3
QX1 | K-3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Common features in the Pentax K-3 and Sony QX1
K-3 | QX1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | April 2014 | ![]() | September 2014 | Same generation |
Focus manually | ![]() | More precise focusing | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Absent selfie screen |
Pentax K-3 vs Sony QX1 Physical Comparison
In case you're aiming to carry your camera, you will want to factor in its weight and measurements. The Pentax K-3 has exterior measurements of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) whilst the Sony QX1 has proportions of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") accompanied by a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).
Analyze the Pentax K-3 vs Sony QX1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at the time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the K-3 versus the QX1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the K-3 and QX1 is 59 and 90 respectively.

Pentax K-3 vs Sony QX1 Sensor Comparison
More often than not, it's hard to picture the gap in sensor sizing just by checking out specs. The graphic underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the K-3 and QX1.
As you can plainly see, each of these cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Pentax K-3 to produce greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively.

Pentax K-3 vs Sony QX1 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax K-3 vs Sony QX1 Specifications
Pentax K-3 | Sony Alpha QX1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Pentax | Sony |
Model type | Pentax K-3 | Sony Alpha QX1 |
Category | Advanced DSLR | Lens-style |
Launched | 2014-04-10 | 2014-09-03 |
Body design | Mid-size SLR | Lens-style |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Prime III | Bionz X |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 23.5 x 15.6mm | 23.2 x 15.4mm |
Sensor area | 366.6mm² | 357.3mm² |
Sensor resolution | 24 megapixel | 20 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 4:3 and 3:2 |
Highest resolution | 6016 x 4000 | 5456 x 3632 |
Highest native ISO | 51200 | 16000 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch focus | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detection AF | ||
Contract detection AF | ||
Phase detection AF | ||
Total focus points | 27 | 25 |
Cross type focus points | 25 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Pentax KAF2 | Sony E |
Available lenses | 151 | - |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.6 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 3.2 inches | - |
Screen resolution | 1,037k dot | 0k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Screen technology | TFT LCD monitor | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | None |
Viewfinder coverage | 100 percent | - |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.64x | - |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | 8.0 frames per second | 4.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | 13.00 m (at ISO 100) | 4.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash options | Auto, on, off, red-eye, slow sync, slow sync + red-eye, trailing curtain sync, high speed, wireless, manual | Off, auto, fill, slow sync, rear sync |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Maximum flash sync | 1/180 secs | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p) | 1920 x 1080 (30p) |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4 |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Built-In |
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 | 800g (1.76 lbs) | 216g (0.48 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 131 x 100 x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") | 74 x 70 x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 80 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | 23.7 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 13.4 | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | 1216 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 560 photos | 440 photos |
Battery format | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | D-LI90 | NP-FW50 |
Self timer | Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) | Yes (2, 10 secs) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC | microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC, Memory Stick Micro |
Storage slots | Dual | Single |
Pricing at launch | $639 | $500 |