Pentax K-3 Mark III vs K-70 Comparison
Pentax K-3 Mark III
Pentax K-70
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Brand | Pentax | Pentax | |
Model | K-3 Mark III | K-70 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2021 | 2016 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | March 30, 2021 | June 08, 2016 | |
Camera Type |  DSLR | DSLR | |
Camera Size | |||
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The Pentax K-3 Mark III outperforms the Pentax K-70 with a score of 83/100 compared to 69/100. Both cameras share the DSLR type, and their sizes are quite similar, with the K-3 Mark III measuring 135 x 104 x 74mm and the K-70 at 126 x 93 x 74mm.
The K-3 Mark III excels with its 2021 release year and higher launch price of $1999, indicating more advanced features and technology. It weighs slightly more at 820g, which can be a sign of a more robust build. On the other hand, the K-70 has a lower launch price of $650 and is lighter at 688g, making it a more budget-friendly and portable option.
Considering these specifications, the Pentax K-3 Mark III is a superior camera with a higher score, while the Pentax K-70 offers a more affordable and lightweight alternative for those with a tighter budget.
Pentax K-3 Mark III vs K-70 Overview and Optics
The Pentax K-3 Mark III outperforms the Pentax K-70 in optics, scoring 82 out of 100, while the K-70 scores 74. Both cameras share several specifications, including the CMOS sensor type, APS-C sensor size, Pentax KAF2 lens mount, and image stabilization. These common features provide a solid foundation for both cameras, ensuring quality performance in various shooting conditions.
The K-3 Mark III has several advantages over the K-70. With 26 megapixels, it provides higher resolution images than the K-70, which has 24 megapixels. The K-3 Mark III also boasts a faster shooting speed of 12 frames per second, doubling the K-70’s 6 frames per second. This difference enables the K-3 Mark III to capture fast-paced action more effectively. Furthermore, the K-3 Mark III’s Prime IV processor and DXOMARK sensor score of 96 contribute to its superior image quality and processing capabilities compared to the K-70’s Prime MII processor and DXOMARK sensor score of 88.
On the other hand, the K-70 offers a few advantages, but they are limited in comparison to the K-3 Mark III’s superiority. The K-70’s lower score does not necessarily mean it is a bad camera; it simply lacks the enhanced features that the K-3 Mark III possesses.
Given the differences and similarities between the Pentax K-3 Mark III and the Pentax K-70, the K-3 Mark III emerges as the better camera in terms of optics. Its higher resolution, faster shooting speed, and superior processor and sensor performance make it a more capable and versatile option for photographers. Although the K-70 still offers quality performance with its shared features, the K-3 Mark III is the clear winner in this comparison.
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Optics
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Pentax K-70
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 26 MP | 24 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. | 6192 x 4128 px | 6000 x 4000 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. | 23 x 15.5 mm | 23.5 x 15.6 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. | 12 fps | 6 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. | Pentax KAF2 | Pentax KAF2 | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Prime IV | Prime MII | |
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. | 1,600,000 | 102,400 | |
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. | 1600000 | 102400 | |
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/ 8000 s | 1/ 6000 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. | 101 | 11 | |
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 (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Pentax K-3 Mark III vs K-70 Video Performance
The Pentax K-3 Mark III emerges as the winner in video capabilities with a score of 83/100, while the Pentax K-70 scores 70/100. Both cameras share some common video specifications, such as a maximum video frame rate of 60fps and built-in time-lapse functionality. However, there are key differences between the two models that set them apart.
The Pentax K-3 Mark III outperforms the K-70 with a maximum video resolution of 4K (3840 x 2160), significantly higher than the K-70’s Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. This means that the K-3 Mark III can capture videos with greater detail and clarity, making it more suitable for professional video recording and content creation.
On the other hand, the Pentax K-70 still has its merits, particularly for users who prioritize simplicity and cost-effectiveness. With a Full HD video resolution, the K-70 offers satisfactory video quality for casual users and hobbyists. It may not be as advanced as the K-3 Mark III, but it still provides a decent video recording experience.
Taking all the factors into account, the Pentax K-3 Mark III is the superior choice for video capabilities, offering 4K resolution and maintaining the same frame rate and time-lapse features as the K-70. It caters to professionals and content creators seeking high-quality video output. Meanwhile, the Pentax K-70 remains a viable option for those who prefer a more straightforward and budget-friendly camera without compromising too much on video quality.
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Video
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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. |  4K |  Full HD | |
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. | 3840 x 2160 px | 1920 x 1080 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. | MPEG-4, MOV | MPEG-4, MOV |
Pentax K-3 Mark III vs K-70 Features and Benefits
The Pentax K-3 Mark III outperforms the Pentax K-70 in features with a score of 87/100, compared to the K-70’s 68/100. Both cameras share some specifications, including WIFI and Bluetooth capabilities. However, there are distinct differences that set them apart.
The K-3 Mark III boasts a larger screen size of 3.2 inches and a higher screen resolution of 1,620,000 dots, providing clearer and more detailed image previews. Additionally, the K-3 Mark III has a touchscreen, making it easier to navigate menus and adjust settings quickly.
On the other hand, the Pentax K-70 has a flip screen and GPS functionality, which the K-3 Mark III lacks. The flip screen allows for more versatile shooting angles, while the GPS feature is useful for geotagging images. Despite these advantages, the K-70 has a smaller screen size of 3 inches and a lower screen resolution of 921,000 dots.
Considering the differences in features, the Pentax K-3 Mark III stands out as the superior camera due to its larger screen size, higher screen resolution, and touchscreen capability. These attributes contribute to a more convenient and enjoyable user experience. While the Pentax K-70 offers a flip screen and GPS, these features do not outweigh the benefits provided by the K-3 Mark III’s higher feature score.
Ultimately, the Pentax K-3 Mark III is the better camera in terms of features. Photographers who prioritize screen size, resolution, and touchscreen functionality should choose the K-3 Mark III. Meanwhile, those who value a flip screen and GPS capabilities may still find the Pentax K-70 to be a suitable option.
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Features
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Pentax K-70
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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 | TFT LCD | 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 |  3.2" |  3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,620,000 dots | 921,000 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. |  | | |
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Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Pentax K-3 Mark III vs K-70 Storage and Battery
The Pentax K-3 Mark III outperforms the Pentax K-70 in storage and battery with a score of 81/100, compared to the K-70’s 24/100. Both cameras share compatibility with SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. However, the K-3 Mark III has two memory card slots, with one being UHS-II compatible, while the K-70 only has one slot, which is UHS-I compatible.
The K-3 Mark III excels in battery life, providing 800 shots per charge using the D-LI90 battery type. Additionally, it supports USB charging. On the other hand, the K-70 offers 410 shots per charge with its D-LI109 battery and lacks USB charging capabilities.
While the K-70 falls short in storage and battery performance, it may still be a suitable option for casual photographers or those prioritizing other features. However, for professionals and enthusiasts seeking longer battery life, more storage options, and USB charging, the K-3 Mark III is the superior choice in this comparison.
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Storage and Battery
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Pentax K-3 Mark III
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (1 slot is UHS-II compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | D-LI90 | D-LI109 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 800 shots | 410 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Pentax K-3 Mark III
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Pentax K-70
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Scores
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Pentax K-3 Mark III
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Pentax K-70
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Alternatives to the Pentax K-3 Mark III and K-70
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Pentax K-3 Mark III or the Pentax K-70:
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User Scores
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Pentax K-3 Mark III
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Pentax K-70
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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