CameraReview

Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Pentax K-3 — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Canon
Canon EOS 7D Mark II
DSLR · 20.2 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
60
SCORE
$789.11
best of 3 retailers
Best Price →
✓ WINNER
Pentax K-3
Pentax
Pentax K-3
DSLR · 24 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
69
SCORE
$398
best of 4 retailers
Best Price →
General
Brand CanonPentax
Model EOS 7D Mark IIK-3
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20142013
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
15/09/201408/10/2013
Camera type DSLRDSLR
Camera size 149 x 112 x 78 mm131 x 100 x 77 mm
Camera weight 910 g800 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
20.2 MP05024 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
5472 x 36486016 x 4000
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
Sensor size
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
15 x 22.415.6 x 23.5
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-CAPS-C
Continuous shooting
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
10 fps0458.3 fps045
Lens mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Canon EF-SPentax KAF
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Dual Digic 6Prime III
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
1003020010030200
Max ISO
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
160003003280000512003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
1003020010030200
Max ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
512003003280000512003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
Max shutter speed
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
800080032000800080032000
Autofocus points
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
650300270300
In-body stabilisation
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Viewfinder type
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentaprism)Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder dots N/AN/A
Video
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Max video resolution
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HDFull HD
Max video format
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
1920 x 10801920 x 1080
Max video frame rate
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
60 fps60 fps
Timelapse built in
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Video file format
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MOV, MP4MPEG-4
Features
Builtin flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
External flash
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
GPS
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Screen type LCDLCD
Touch screen
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Screen size 3"3.2"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
1040000115000150000010370001150001500000
Flip screen
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Live view
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Wi-Fi
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Storage & battery
Memory card SD / SDHC / SDXC, Compact FlashSD / SDHC / SDXC
Dual memory card slots
Battery type LP-E6ND-LI90
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
670 shots1505000560 shots1505000
USB charging

The Pentax K-3 outperforms the Canon EOS 7D Mark II with a score of 69 to 60. Both cameras are DSLRs released in 2013 and 2014, respectively. They share similarities in their launch prices, with the Pentax K-3 at $1300 and the Canon EOS 7D Mark II at $1800.

The Pentax K-3 boasts a lighter weight at 800g, compared to the Canon’s 910g. Additionally, it has a smaller size of 131 x 100 x 77mm, making it more compact than the Canon EOS 7D Mark II which measures 149 x 112 x 78mm.

Despite its higher score, the Pentax K-3 is not without its drawbacks. The Canon EOS 7D Mark II offers advantages in certain aspects, which may appeal to some users. However, the combination of a better score, lower price, lighter weight, and smaller size make the Pentax K-3 a more attractive option for many photographers.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Pentax K-3 Overview and Optics

The Pentax K-3 outperforms the Canon EOS 7D Mark II in optics with a score of 74/100 compared to the Canon’s 61/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including an APS-C sensor size, a CMOS sensor type, and compatibility with their respective lens mounts (Canon EF-S and Pentax KAF).

The Pentax K-3’s superiority in optics is evident in its higher megapixel count (24 vs. 20.2), faster processor (Prime III), and better DXOMARK sensor score (80 vs. 70). Additionally, the K-3 offers image stabilization, a feature absent in the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. These advantages make the Pentax K-3 more capable of capturing sharper, clearer images, and providing more flexibility in post-processing.

However, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II does have a faster shooting speed of 10 frames per second compared to the Pentax K-3’s 8.3 fps. This makes the Canon better suited for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as sports or wildlife photography.

Considering the optics, the Pentax K-3 is the better choice for photographers who prioritize image quality and stabilization. The higher megapixel count, better sensor score, and image stabilization give it an edge over the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. On the other hand, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II is more appropriate for those who require a faster shooting speed for action photography. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the specific needs and priorities of the photographer.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Pentax K-3 Video Performance

The Pentax K-3 outperforms the Canon EOS 7D Mark II in video capabilities with a score of 70/100, compared to the Canon’s score of 56/100. Both cameras share some common specifications: they have a maximum video resolution of Full HD (1920×1080) and can record at a maximum frame rate of 60fps.

The Pentax K-3, however, has the advantage of built-in time-lapse functionality, which the Canon EOS 7D Mark II lacks. This feature allows for the creation of stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional accessories or software. This makes the Pentax K-3 more versatile and convenient for capturing time-lapse sequences.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II does not offer any specific advantages over the Pentax K-3 in terms of video capabilities. Both cameras share the same maximum video resolution and frame rate, which means they can produce similar quality videos. However, the lack of built-in time-lapse functionality in the Canon EOS 7D Mark II makes it less versatile for video creation compared to the Pentax K-3.

Taking into account the aforementioned points, the Pentax K-3 proves to be the better choice for video capabilities due to its built-in time-lapse functionality. Meanwhile, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II does not offer any unique advantages in this area, making it a less suitable option for those looking to create diverse and dynamic videos.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Pentax K-3 Features and Benefits

The Pentax K-3 outperforms the Canon EOS 7D Mark II in features with a score of 59/100, compared to the Canon’s 57/100. Both cameras share certain specifications, such as a lack of touchscreen and flip screen. However, they differ in other aspects, giving each camera its own strengths and weaknesses.

The Pentax K-3 boasts a larger screen size of 3.2 inches, while the Canon EOS 7D Mark II has a 3-inch screen. Although the difference in screen resolution is minimal (Pentax K-3 has 1,037,000 dots and Canon EOS 7D Mark II has 1,040,000 dots), the slightly larger screen size of the Pentax K-3 provides a better viewing experience.

On the other hand, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II is superior in terms of connectivity. It is equipped with GPS and WIFI capabilities, allowing for easier geotagging and sharing of photos. The Pentax K-3 lacks both GPS and WIFI features, making it less convenient in this regard.

Despite the Pentax K-3’s higher feature score, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II’s additional connectivity options make it a strong contender. The lack of GPS and WIFI in the Pentax K-3 may be a deal-breaker for some photographers who prioritize convenience and sharing capabilities.

In comparing the features of these two cameras, the Pentax K-3 offers a larger screen size, while the Canon EOS 7D Mark II provides better connectivity options. Ultimately, the choice between these cameras will depend on the individual photographer’s preferences and priorities.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Pentax K-3 Storage and Battery

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II edges out the Pentax K-3 in storage and battery with a score of 65/100 compared to the K-3’s 63/100. Both cameras have two memory card slots and accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. The 7D Mark II has an advantage in battery life, providing 670 shots per charge with its LP-E6N battery, while the K-3 offers 560 shots with its D-LI90 battery. Neither camera supports USB charging.

The 7D Mark II’s longer battery life makes it the better choice for extended shooting sessions. Additionally, it accepts Compact Flash cards, providing more storage options for users. On the other hand, the K-3’s performance in this category is not far behind, and its slightly lower battery life may not be a significant drawback for some users.

Considering these factors, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II is the superior camera in terms of storage and battery capabilities, although the Pentax K-3 remains a competitive option.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Pentax K-3 – Our Verdict

Canon EOS 7D Mark II vs Pentax K-3 Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 7D Mark II or the Pentax K-3: