Pentax K-500 vs Sony NEX-C3

On this page, we will be matching up the Pentax K-500 versus Sony NEX-C3, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the K-500 (16MP) and the NEX-C3 (16MP) is pretty close and both cameras posses the same sensor measurements (APS-C).

Photography Glossary

The K-500 was unveiled 2 years later than the NEX-C3 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony NEX-C3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the K-500 matches up against the NEX-C3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax K-500 & Sony Alpha NEX-C3. The full galleries are provided at Pentax K-500 Gallery & Sony NEX-C3 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Pentax K-500 has got outer measurements of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") having a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs) and the Sony NEX-C3 has proportions of 110mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax K-500 versus Sony NEX-C3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Here is a front view size comparison of the K-500 vs the NEX-C3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the K-500 and NEX-C3 is 64 and 91 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizing just by researching specs. The graphic here should offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the K-500 and NEX-C3.

All in all, both of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the same exact MP and you can expect comparable quality of photographs although you really should consider the launch date of the cameras into account. The younger K-500 provides an advantage in sensor innovation.