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Pentax K-3 vs YI M1

Portability
59
Imaging
66
Features
85
Overall
73
Pentax K-3 front
 
YI M1 front
Portability
87
Imaging
60
Features
66
Overall
62

Pentax K-3 vs YI M1 Key Specs

Pentax K-3
(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
  • Successor is Pentax K-3 II
YI M1
(Full Review)
  • 20MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 25600
  • 4096 x 2160 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 350g - 114 x 64 x 34mm
  • Launched September 2016
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Pentax K-3 vs YI M1 Overview

In this article, we will be comparing the Pentax K-3 versus YI M1, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Pentax and YI. The sensor resolution of the K-3 (24MP) and the M1 (20MP) is pretty comparable but the K-3 (APS-C) and M1 (Four Thirds) come with totally different sensor size.

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The K-3 was brought out 3 years before the M1 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax K-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the YI M1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a full comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the K-3 grades vs the M1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Photography Glossary
	
	

Reasons to pick Pentax K-3 over the YI M1

 K-3 M1 
Screen sizing3.2"3"Bigger screen (+0.2")

Reasons to pick YI M1 over the Pentax K-3

 M1 K-3 
LaunchedSeptember 2016April 2014More modern by 29 months
Screen resolution1040k1037kCrisper screen (+3k dot)
Touch friendly screen Quickly navigate

Common features in the Pentax K-3 and YI M1

 K-3 M1 
Manual focus Dial exact focusing
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Selfie screen Missing selfie screen

Pentax K-3 vs YI M1 Physical Comparison

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and size. The Pentax K-3 features outer measurements of 131mm x 100mm x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) while the YI M1 has specifications of 114mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 350 grams (0.77 lbs).

Compare the Pentax K-3 versus YI M1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the K-3 and the M1.

Pentax K-3 vs YI M1 size comparison

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the K-3 and M1 is 59 and 87 respectively.

Pentax K-3 vs YI M1 top view buttons comparison

Pentax K-3 vs YI M1 Sensor Comparison

Sometimes, it is tough to see the contrast in sensor sizes simply by checking out specs. The picture below may provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the K-3 and M1.

All in all, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The K-3 featuring a bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Pentax K-3 will produce more detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged K-3 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.

Pentax K-3 vs YI M1 sensor size comparison

Pentax K-3 vs YI M1 Screen and ViewFinder

Pentax K-3 vs YI M1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Pentax K-3
Portrait photography with YI M1
79
manual focus
MP count decent (24MP)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
comes with face detection autofocus
supports RAW files
76
focusing manually
sensor resolution is decent (20MP)
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
features face detect focusing
exports RAW formats
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Street Comparison

Pentax K-3 as a Street photography camera
YI M1 as a Street photography camera
69
image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
supports RAW files
environment sealing
very good high ISO (51,200)
no articulating screen
74
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
exports RAW formats
comes with touch to focus
above average high ISO (25,600)
no moving screen
lack of image stabilization
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Sports Comparison

Pentax K-3 Sports photography info
YI M1 Sports photography info
76
great max shutter speed (1/8,000s)
image stabilization (Sensor based)
MP count decent (24MP)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
comes with tracking autofocus
environment sealing
sensor has phase detect autofocus
not so great battery pack (560 per charge)
55
sensor resolution is decent (20MP)
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
good battery power (450 shots)
low fps (5.0 frames per second)
lack of image stabilization
has no phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison

Pentax K-3 as a Travel photography camera
YI M1 as a Travel photography camera
60
environment sealing
MP count decent (24 megapixels)
flash built-in
not so great battery pack (560 per charge)
screen isn't selfie friendly
78
good battery power (450 CIPA)
connects via bluetooth
comes with touch to focus
sensor resolution is decent (20 megapixels)
doesn't have a selfie friendly screen
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Landscape Comparison

Landscape photography with Pentax K-3
Landscape photography with YI M1
78
manual focus
change lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
screen size is decent (3.2 inch)
image stabilization (Sensor based)
MP count decent (24 megapixels)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
no low pass filter
very good high ISO (51,200)
supports RAW files
environment sealing
has double storage slots
not so great battery pack (560 per charge)
77
focusing manually
swap lenses (Micro Four Thirds mount)
decent sized screen (3")
sensor resolution is decent (20 megapixels)
good sensor size (Four Thirds)
above average high ISO (25,600)
exports RAW formats
good battery power (450 CIPA)
lack of image stabilization
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Vlogging Comparison

Pentax K-3 as a Vlogging camera
YI M1 as a Vlogging camera
34
image stabilization (Sensor based)
comes with face detection autofocus
high video quality (1920 x 1080 pxls)
includes external mic port
screen isn't selfie friendly
33
touchscreen
features face detect focusing
high quality video (4096 x 2160 pxls)
doesn't have a selfie friendly screen
lack of image stabilization
doesn't have microphone socket
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Pentax K-3 vs YI M1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Pentax K-3 and YI M1
 Pentax K-3YI M1
General Information
Brand Name Pentax YI
Model type Pentax K-3 YI M1
Type Advanced DSLR Entry-Level Mirrorless
Revealed 2014-04-10 2016-09-19
Physical type Mid-size SLR Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Processor Prime III -
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size APS-C Four Thirds
Sensor measurements 23.5 x 15.6mm 17.3 x 13mm
Sensor surface area 366.6mm² 224.9mm²
Sensor resolution 24MP 20MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Maximum resolution 6016 x 4000 5184 x 3888
Maximum native ISO 51200 25600
Min native ISO 100 100
RAW format
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Touch focus
AF continuous
Single AF
Tracking AF
AF selectice
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Total focus points 27 81
Cross type focus points 25 -
Lens
Lens support Pentax KAF2 Micro Four Thirds
Available lenses 151 107
Crop factor 1.5 2.1
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen diagonal 3.2 inch 3 inch
Screen resolution 1,037k dots 1,040k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Screen tech TFT LCD monitor -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) None
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent -
Viewfinder magnification 0.64x -
Features
Lowest shutter speed 30 seconds 60 seconds
Highest shutter speed 1/8000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Continuous shooting rate 8.0 frames per second 5.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance 13.00 m (at ISO 100) no built-in flash
Flash options Auto, on, off, red-eye, slow sync, slow sync + red-eye, trailing curtain sync, high speed, wireless, manual Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync, Red-Eye Slow
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Highest flash synchronize 1/180 seconds -
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p) 4096 x 2160 @ 30p / 75 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC
Maximum video resolution 1920x1080 4096x2160
Video data format MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone port
Headphone port
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 sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 800 gr (1.76 pounds) 350 gr (0.77 pounds)
Dimensions 131 x 100 x 77mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") 114 x 64 x 34mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.3")
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 450 photos
Form of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID D-LI90 -
Self timer Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds) Yes (2 or 10 secs)
Time lapse feature
Storage type Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Card slots 2 One
Cost at launch $639 $320