Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
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| General | ||
| Brand | Pentax | Pentax |
| Model | K-3 | K-70 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2013 | 2016 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
08/10/2013 | 08/06/2016 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 131 x 100 x 77 mm | 126 x 93 x 74 mm |
| Camera weight | 800 g | 688 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
24 MP050 | 24 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
6016 x 4000 | 6000 x 4000 |
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 | 23.5 x 15.6 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
APS-C | APS-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. |
8.3 fps045 | 6 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. |
Pentax KAF | 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 III | 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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
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. |
512003003280000 | 1024003003280000 |
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. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
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. |
512003003280000 | 1024003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
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. |
800080032000 | 600080032000 |
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. |
270300 | 110300 |
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/A | N/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 HD | Full 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 1080 | 1920 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 fps | 60 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. |
MPEG-4 | MPEG-4, MOV |
| 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 | 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 dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
10370001150001500000 | 9210001150001500000 |
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 | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) |
| 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. |
560 shots1505000 | 410 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Pentax K-3 and the Pentax K-70 each scored 69/100 in our evaluation, making them equal contenders in the DSLR camera market. Both cameras share the same type and score, were released in the 2010s, and are similar in size and weight. The K-3 measures 131 x 100 x 77mm and weighs 800g, while the K-70 is slightly smaller at 126 x 93 x 74mm and lighter at 688g.
The Pentax K-3 has an advantage with its launch price of $1300, offering a premium feel and higher-end features. On the other hand, the Pentax K-70 is more affordable with a launch price of $650, making it a more accessible choice for budget-conscious photographers.
Taking into account the similar scores, shared specifications, and differences in price, both cameras offer unique advantages for different consumers. The Pentax K-3 caters to those seeking a higher-end camera, while the Pentax K-70 provides a budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing quality.
The Pentax K-3 and the Pentax K-70 both receive a score of 74/100 for their optics, showing that they have similar optical capabilities. Both cameras share many specifications, such as 24 megapixels, a CMOS sensor, an APS-C sensor size, a Pentax KAF lens mount, and image stabilization.
The K-3 has some advantages over the K-70. With a shooting speed of 8.3 frames per second, the K-3 is faster than the K-70, which has a shooting speed of 6 frames per second. This means the K-3 is better suited for capturing fast-moving subjects. Additionally, the K-3 has a Prime III processor, which is more advanced than the K-70’s Prime MII processor. This results in faster image processing and potentially better overall performance.
On the other hand, the K-70 has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor, at 88 compared to the K-3’s 80. This suggests that the K-70’s sensor has better overall image quality than the K-3’s sensor. Furthermore, the K-70 has a Pentax KAF2 lens mount, which is an updated version of the KAF mount found on the K-3. This allows the K-70 to use a wider range of lenses, providing more versatility and options for photographers.
Taking these factors into account, it is clear that both the Pentax K-3 and the Pentax K-70 have their strengths and weaknesses in terms of optics. The K-3’s faster shooting speed and more advanced processor make it a better choice for action photography, while the K-70’s higher sensor score and updated lens mount give it an edge in image quality and lens compatibility. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.
The Pentax K-3 and the Pentax K-70 both have a video score of 70/100, which means they share similar video capabilities. They both offer Full HD video recording with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080 and a maximum video frame rate of 60fps. Additionally, both cameras have time-lapse functionality built in.
The similarities between the two cameras make it difficult to determine a clear winner in terms of video capabilities. As both cameras have the same video score, this means neither camera is better than the other in this aspect. Since they share the same maximum video resolution, dimensions, frame rate, and time-lapse functionality, users can expect similar video performance from both models.
However, there may be other factors not listed in the specifications that could influence video performance, such as autofocus and image stabilization. It is important to consider these factors when comparing the two cameras, as they could affect the overall video quality and user experience. In this case, it would be necessary to research and test both cameras further in order to determine any potential differences in video performance.
In the end, the Pentax K-3 and the Pentax K-70 are evenly matched in terms of video capabilities. Both cameras offer Full HD video recording, 60fps frame rate, and time-lapse functionality. Users can expect similar video performance from both models, making it a matter of personal preference when choosing between these two cameras for their video recording needs.
The Pentax K-70 emerges as the winner with a feature score of 68/100, compared to the Pentax K-3’s score of 59/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size and the absence of a touchscreen. However, the Pentax K-70 excels in several aspects, making it a more versatile camera compared to the Pentax K-3.
The winning camera, the Pentax K-70, has a flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities, which are all absent in the Pentax K-3. These features enable the K-70 to offer more flexibility and convenience in various shooting scenarios. The flip screen allows for easier composition of shots from different angles, while GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth connectivity provide quick and seamless sharing of images and remote control of the camera.
On the other hand, the Pentax K-3 has a slightly larger screen size of 3.2 inches and a higher screen resolution of 1,037,000 dots in comparison to the K-70’s 3-inch screen and 921,000 dots resolution. This difference contributes to a better image preview and review experience on the K-3.
Considering the feature set of both cameras, the Pentax K-70 stands out as the better choice due to its flip screen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities. These features enhance the camera’s usability and adaptability to a wider range of shooting situations. Although the Pentax K-3 offers a marginally larger screen and higher resolution, these advantages are not significant enough to outweigh the benefits provided by the K-70’s additional features.
The Pentax K-3 outperforms the Pentax K-70 in storage and battery, scoring 63/100 compared to the K-70’s 24/100. Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, but the K-3 offers two memory card slots, doubling its storage capabilities. Additionally, the K-3 has a longer battery life, providing 560 shots per charge with its D-LI90 battery, while the K-70 only manages 410 shots with its D-LI109 battery. Neither camera supports USB charging.
Despite the K-3’s superior score and performance, the K-70 has a slight advantage in memory card compatibility, supporting UHS-I cards, which allows for faster transfer speeds. However, this advantage is minimal compared to the K-3’s greater storage capacity and battery life.
Ultimately, the Pentax K-3 is the clear winner in storage and battery performance, offering more memory card slots and a longer battery life. The K-70’s compatibility with UHS-I cards is a small consolation, but it does not outweigh the K-3’s advantages.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Pentax K-3 or the Pentax K-70:
