Pentax
K-1 Mark II
36MP full-frame DSLR with IBIS and rugged build.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Feb 2018
Pentax
K-3 Mark III
APS-C DSLR flagship with optical viewfinder and weather sealing.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Apr 2021
K-3 Mark III is 3.2 years newer.
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Wins
K-1 Mark II
Wins
K-3 Mark III
16 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AK-1 Mark II has higher Resolution (36 MP vs 25.7 MP)
- BK-3 Mark III has lower Weight (520 g vs 720 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareK-1 Mark II
138 × 98 × 88 mm
720 g (1.59 lb / 25.40 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
K-3 Mark III
138 × 98 × 88 mm
520 g (1.15 lb / 18.34 oz)
K-1 Mark II and K-3 Mark III share virtually identical body dimensions.
K-1 Mark II is 200 g heavier than K-3 Mark III.
Depth (front-to-back): 88mm K-1 Mark II · 88mm K-3 Mark III
Sensor size, to scale
K-1 Mark II
36 × 24 mm · Full Frame
864 mm² area
K-3 Mark III
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
2.4× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
K-1 Mark II
✓ more lensesPentax K
70+
native lenses available
K-3 Mark III
✓ 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
K-1 Mark II
AA filter
Only K-1 Mark II supports it
Resolution
36 MP vs 25.7 MP — higher is better
Reasons to choose
K-3 Mark III
Weight
520 g vs 720 g — lower is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 101
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 100 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
K-1 Mark II
Pros
- ✓36MP FF DSLR
- ✓IBIS
- ✓Rugged
- ✓Affordable used
Cons
- –DSLR
- –Slow AF
- –Heavy
K-3 Mark III
Pros
- ✓Optical viewfinder
- ✓Weather sealed
- ✓IBIS in DSLR
Cons
- –DSLR system declining
- –APS-C
- –Limited video
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the K-1 Mark II and K-3 Mark III at major authorized retailers.
Pentax K-1 Mark II
Pentax K-3 Mark III
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, K-1 Mark II or K-3 Mark III?
K-1 Mark II scores 7.5/10 versus 5.0/10 for K-3 Mark III — 36MP — ample resolution.
What's the resolution difference between the K-1 Mark II and K-3 Mark III?
K-1 Mark II is 36 MP and K-3 Mark III is 25.7 MP, so the K-1 Mark II captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the K-1 Mark II and K-3 Mark III have in-body image stabilization?
K-1 Mark II has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while K-3 Mark III has 7-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the K-1 Mark II or the K-3 Mark III?
K-1 Mark II reaches 20 fps electronic. K-3 Mark III reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the K-1 Mark II and K-3 Mark III?
K-1 Mark II weighs 720 g and K-3 Mark III weighs 520 g, so the K-3 Mark III is 200 g lighter.
Do the K-1 Mark II and K-3 Mark III record 4K video?
K-1 Mark II: 4K up to 60p. K-3 Mark III: 4K up to 60p.
Are the K-1 Mark II and K-3 Mark III weather sealed?
K-1 Mark II: Yes. K-3 Mark III: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the K-1 Mark II and 640 shots for the K-3 Mark III, giving the K-3 Mark III the edge.
How much does each cost?
Both launched at $1,999.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way K-1 Mark II vs K-3 Mark III vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.