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
Pentax
K-3 II
24MP APS-C DSLR with pixel shift resolution, GPS, and no AA filter for detail-focused work.
$1,099
Launch priceReleased Apr 2015
K-1 is 1 year newer.
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Wins
K-1
Wins
K-3 II
11 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AK-1 has higher RAW buffer depth (120 frames vs 60 frames)
- AK-1 has higher EVF resolution (3,690,000 vs 2,360,000)
- AK-1 has higher Resolution (36.4 MP vs 24.4 MP)
- BK-3 II has lower Weight (700 g vs 1010 g)
- AK-1 has higher Burst (mechanical) (8 fps vs 6 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareK-1
137 × 111 × 87 mm
1010 g (2.23 lb / 35.63 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
K-3 II
132 × 102 × 78 mm
700 g (1.54 lb / 24.69 oz)
K-1 is 6mm wider, 9mm taller, and 9mm thicker than K-3 II.
K-1 is 310 g heavier than K-3 II.
Depth (front-to-back): 87mm K-1 · 78mm K-3 II
Sensor size, to scale
K-1
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
K-3 II
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
2.3× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
K-1
✓ more lensesPentax K
70+
native lenses available
K-3 II
✓ 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
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 137, 110.5, 86.5
AA filter
Only K-1 supports it
RAW buffer depth
120 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
EVF resolution
3,690,000 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
Resolution
36.4 MP vs 24.4 MP — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 6 fps — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
20 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
Reasons to choose
K-3 II
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 131.5, 101.5, 77.5
Weight
700 g vs 1010 g — lower is better
IBIS effectiveness
6 stops vs 5 stops — higher 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
Pros
- ✓36MP full-frame
- ✓IBIS in DSLR
- ✓AA filter simulator
- ✓Weather sealed
Cons
- –Slow AF vs mirrorless
- –Heavy
- –Superseded by K-1 II
K-3 II
Pros
- ✓Pixel shift hi-res
- ✓No AA filter
- ✓GPS built-in
- ✓Weather sealed
Cons
- –Superseded by K-3 III
- –DSLR
- –Limited video
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the K-1 and K-3 II at major authorized retailers.
Pentax K-1
Pentax K-3 II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, K-1 or K-3 II?
K-1 scores 7.5/10 versus 5.0/10 for K-3 II — 36.4MP — ample resolution.
What's the resolution difference between the K-1 and K-3 II?
K-1 is 36.4 MP and K-3 II is 24.4 MP, so the K-1 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the K-1 and K-3 II have in-body image stabilization?
K-1 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization, while K-3 II has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the K-1 or the K-3 II?
K-1 reaches 20 fps electronic. K-3 II reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the K-1 and K-3 II?
K-1 weighs 1010 g and K-3 II weighs 700 g, so the K-3 II is 310 g lighter.
Do the K-1 and K-3 II record 4K video?
K-1: 4K up to 60p. K-3 II: 4K up to 60p.
Are the K-1 and K-3 II weather sealed?
K-1: Yes. K-3 II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the K-1 and 640 shots for the K-3 II, giving the K-3 II the edge.
How much does each cost?
K-1 launched at $1,799 and K-3 II at $1,099. The K-3 II is $700 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way K-1 vs K-3 II vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.