Leica
Q3
Full-frame fixed 28mm f/1.7 premium compact for documentary and travel.
$5,995
Launch priceReleased May 2023
Pentax
K-1
Original 36MP full-frame Pentax DSLR with 5-axis SR, AA filter simulator, and weather sealing.
$1,799
Launch priceReleased Apr 2016
Q3 is 7.1 years newer.
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Wins
Q3
Wins
K-1
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AQ3 has higher ISO max (native) (100,000 vs 25,600)
- AQ3 has lower ISO min (native) (50 vs 100)
- BK-1 has higher Burst (mechanical) (8 fps vs 4 fps)
- BK-1 has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- BK-1 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (640 shots vs 350 shots)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
Q3
130 × 80 × 92 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
K-1
137 × 111 × 87 mm
1010 g (2.23 lb / 35.63 oz)
Q3 is 7mm narrower and 31mm shorter than K-1 but it is also 6mm thicker.
Q3 is 267 g lighter than K-1.
Depth (front-to-back): 92mm Q3 · 87mm K-1
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Q3
130 × 80 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
K-1
137 × 111 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
Q3
130 × 92 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
K-1
137 × 87 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Q3
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
K-1
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Q3: mount data unavailable
K-1
✓ more lensesPentax K
70+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Q3
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 130, 80, 92
ISO max (native)
100,000 vs 25,600 — higher is better
ISO min (native)
50 vs 100 — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds Face, Eye
Resolution
60.3 MP vs 36.4 MP — higher is better
EVF resolution
5,760,000 vs 3,690,000 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds ProRes
Weight
743 g vs 1010 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
K-1
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 137, 110.5, 86.5
AA filter
Only K-1 supports it
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 4 fps — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only K-1 supports it
In-body stabilization (IBIS)
Only K-1 supports it
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Microphone jack (3.5mm)
Only K-1 supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 150 Mbps
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Q3
Pros
- ✓60MP full-frame
- ✓Summilux 28mm lens
- ✓Built like a tank
- ✓Unique aesthetic
Cons
- –Fixed lens
- –Very expensive
- –No interchangeable system
K-1
Pros
- ✓36MP full-frame
- ✓IBIS in DSLR
- ✓AA filter simulator
- ✓Weather sealed
Cons
- –Slow AF vs mirrorless
- –Heavy
- –Superseded by K-1 II
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Q3 and K-1 at major authorized retailers.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, Q3 or K-1?
K-1 scores 9.0/10 versus 5.5/10 for Q3 — 20fps burst captures fleeting moments.
What's the resolution difference between the Q3 and K-1?
Q3 is 60.3 MP and K-1 is 36.4 MP, so the Q3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Q3 and K-1 have in-body image stabilization?
Q3 does not have IBIS, while K-1 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Q3 or the K-1?
Q3 reaches 15 fps electronic. K-1 reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Q3 and K-1?
Q3 weighs 743 g and K-1 weighs 1010 g, so the Q3 is 267 g lighter.
Do the Q3 and K-1 record 4K video?
Q3: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p. K-1: 4K up to 60p.
Are the Q3 and K-1 weather sealed?
Q3: Yes. K-1: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 350 shots (CIPA) for the Q3 and 640 shots for the K-1, giving the K-1 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Q3 launched at $5,995 and K-1 at $1,799. The K-1 is $4,196 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Q3 vs K-1 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Leica and Pentax press materials.