Nikon D3400 vs Pentax K-3 Mark III Comparison
Nikon D3400
Pentax K-3 Mark III
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Brand | Nikon | Pentax | |
Model | D3400 | K-3 Mark III | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2016 | 2021 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | August 17, 2016 | March 30, 2021 | |
Camera Type |  DSLR | DSLR | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Pentax K-3 Mark III outperforms the Nikon D3400 with a score of 83/100 compared to 61/100. Both cameras are DSLRs, released in 2021 and 2016, respectively. They share similarities in size, with the Nikon measuring 124 x 98 x 76mm and the Pentax at 135 x 104 x 74mm.
The Pentax K-3 Mark III excels with its higher score, reflecting its superior performance and features. However, the Nikon D3400 has its advantages, such as a lighter weight of 445g compared to the Pentax’s 820g, making it easier to carry around.
Considering the price difference, the Nikon D3400 launched at $650, while the Pentax K-3 Mark III has a higher launch price of $1999. This reveals that the Pentax K-3 Mark III offers more advanced features and better performance, but at a higher cost. The Nikon D3400 is a more budget-friendly option with decent performance for casual photographers.
Nikon D3400 vs Pentax K-3 Mark III Overview and Optics
The Pentax K-3 Mark III outperforms the Nikon D3400 in optics, with a score of 82/100 compared to the Nikon’s 65/100. Both cameras feature a CMOS sensor and an APS-C sensor size. They also share similarities in their lens mounts, with the Nikon utilizing an F DX mount and the Pentax using a KAF2 mount.
The Pentax K-3 Mark III has several advantages over the Nikon D3400. It boasts a higher megapixel count at 26 compared to the Nikon’s 24.2, which allows for greater detail in images. The Pentax also has a faster shooting speed of 12 frames per second, doubling the Nikon’s 5 frames per second. Additionally, the Pentax K-3 Mark III has a superior DXOMARK sensor score of 96, while the Nikon D3400 scores 86. The Pentax camera also offers image stabilization, a feature absent in the Nikon D3400.
On the other hand, the Nikon D3400 has a slightly faster processor, the Expeed 4, compared to the Pentax’s Prime IV processor. However, this advantage does not significantly impact the overall performance of the camera in terms of optics.
Taking these factors into consideration, it is evident that the Pentax K-3 Mark III provides superior optics compared to the Nikon D3400. With a higher megapixel count, faster shooting speed, better DXOMARK sensor score, and image stabilization, the Pentax camera is a better choice for those prioritizing image quality. Although the Nikon D3400 has a faster processor, this advantage does not outweigh the benefits offered by the Pentax K-3 Mark III.
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Optics
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Nikon D3400
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Pentax K-3 Mark III
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.2 MP | 26 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6000 x 4000 px | 6192 x 4128 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
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. | 15.6 x 23.5 mm | 23 x 15.5 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C | APS-C | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 5 fps | 12 fps | |
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. | Nikon F DX | Pentax KAF2 | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Expeed 4 | Prime IV | |
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. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) 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. | 25,600 | 1,600,000 | |
Minimum 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. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum 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. | 25600 | 1600000 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum 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. | 1/ 4000 s | 1/ 8000 s | |
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. | 11 | 101 | |
In-body Stabilization 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 (pentamirror) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Nikon D3400 vs Pentax K-3 Mark III Video Performance
The Pentax K-3 Mark III outperforms the Nikon D3400 in video capabilities, scoring 83/100 compared to the D3400’s 56/100. This significant 27-point difference highlights the superior features of the K-3 Mark III in video recording.
Both cameras share some common video specifications, such as the maximum video frame rate of 60fps. This allows for smooth video playback and the ability to create slow-motion footage. However, the similarities end there, as the K-3 Mark III boasts superior specs in other aspects.
The Pentax K-3 Mark III has a maximum video resolution of 4K (3840 x 2160), which is much higher than the Nikon D3400’s Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. This higher resolution offers increased detail and clarity in the recorded footage, making the K-3 Mark III a better choice for those seeking professional-quality videos. Additionally, the K-3 Mark III has built-in time-lapse functionality, allowing for creative time-lapse videos without the need for external accessories or software.
The Nikon D3400, on the other hand, does not have any clear advantages in video capabilities compared to the Pentax K-3 Mark III. Its lower resolution and lack of time-lapse functionality make it a less competitive option for videography.
Comparing the video capabilities of these two cameras, the Pentax K-3 Mark III stands out as the clear winner with its 4K resolution and built-in time-lapse feature. The Nikon D3400 falls short in this aspect, making it a less suitable choice for those prioritizing video performance.
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Video
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Nikon D3400
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Pentax K-3 Mark III
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD |  4K | |
Max Video Dimensions 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 1080 px | 3840 x 2160 px | |
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 p | 60 p | |
Time-Lapse 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 | MPEG-4, MOV |
Nikon D3400 vs Pentax K-3 Mark III Features and Benefits
The Pentax K-3 Mark III wins the features comparison with a score of 87/100, while the Nikon D3400 scores 54/100. Both cameras share some specifications, including a lack of GPS and flip screen. However, the Pentax K-3 Mark III outperforms the Nikon D3400 in several aspects.
The Pentax K-3 Mark III has a larger screen size of 3.2 inches compared to the Nikon D3400’s 3 inches. Additionally, the screen resolution is significantly higher at 1,620,000 dots, as opposed to the Nikon D3400’s 921,000 dots. This results in a clearer and more detailed display on the Pentax K-3 Mark III. The winning camera also features a touchscreen, which the Nikon D3400 lacks. The touchscreen allows for more intuitive navigation and control.
Connectivity is another area where the Pentax K-3 Mark III excels. It has both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, while the Nikon D3400 only has Bluetooth. The presence of Wi-Fi enables easier file transfers and remote control of the camera.
The Nikon D3400 does not have any significant advantages over the Pentax K-3 Mark III in terms of features. Its lower score reflects the lack of advanced features compared to the winning camera.
To conclude, the Pentax K-3 Mark III is a superior camera in terms of features, with a higher score, larger and higher-resolution screen, touchscreen capability, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The Nikon D3400 falls short in these aspects, making the Pentax K-3 Mark III the better choice for photographers seeking advanced features.
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Features
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Nikon D3400
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Pentax K-3 Mark III
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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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 | LCD | TFT LCD | |
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 Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 921,000 dots | 1,620,000 dots | |
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 |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Nikon D3400 vs Pentax K-3 Mark III Storage and Battery
The Pentax K-3 Mark III outperforms the Nikon D3400 in storage and battery, scoring 81/100 compared to the D3400’s 45/100. Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, but the K-3 Mark III has an advantage with two memory card slots, one of which is UHS-II compatible, offering faster data transfer.
The Nikon D3400 has a longer battery life, providing 1200 shots per charge with its EN-EL14a battery, while the Pentax K-3 Mark III offers 800 shots with its D-LI90 battery. However, the K-3 Mark III compensates for shorter battery life by supporting USB charging, a feature absent in the D3400.
In terms of storage and battery, the Pentax K-3 Mark III holds an edge with dual memory card slots and USB charging capabilities. On the other hand, the Nikon D3400 offers longer battery life. Ultimately, the K-3 Mark III is the superior choice for those prioritizing storage flexibility and convenient charging, while the D3400 is more suitable for users seeking longer battery life.
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Storage and Battery
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Nikon D3400
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Pentax K-3 Mark III
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC (1 slot is UHS-II compatible) | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | EN-EL14a | D-LI90 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 1,200 shots | 800 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Nikon D3400
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Pentax K-3 Mark III
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | N/A | ||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 24.8 bits | N/A | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 13.9 EVs | N/A | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 1192 | N/A |
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Scores
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Nikon D3400
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Pentax K-3 Mark III
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Nikon D3400 vs Pentax K-3 Mark III – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D3400 or the Pentax K-3 Mark III:
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User Scores
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Nikon D3400
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Pentax K-3 Mark III
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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