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 Mark III Monochrome
Monochrome-only APS-C DSLR with 25.7MP sensor, IBIS, optical viewfinder, and weather sealing.
$2,199
Launch priceReleased Apr 2024
K-3 Mark III Monochrome is 8 years newer.
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Wins
K-1
Wins
K-3 Mark III Monochrome
15 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AK-1 has higher Resolution (36.4 MP vs 25.7 MP)
- BK-3 Mark III Monochrome has lower Weight (820 g vs 1010 g)
- BK-3 Mark III Monochrome has higher IBIS effectiveness (5.5 stops vs 5 stops)
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 Mark III Monochrome
135 × 104 × 74 mm
820 g (1.81 lb / 28.92 oz)
K-1 is 3mm wider, 7mm taller, and 13mm thicker than K-3 Mark III Monochrome.
K-1 is 190 g heavier than K-3 Mark III Monochrome.
Depth (front-to-back): 87mm K-1 · 74mm K-3 Mark III Monochrome
Sensor size, to scale
K-1
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
K-3 Mark III Monochrome
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 Mark III Monochrome
✓ 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
Resolution
36.4 MP vs 25.7 MP — higher is better
Reasons to choose
K-3 Mark III Monochrome
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134.5, 103.5, 73.5
Weight
820 g vs 1010 g — lower is better
IBIS effectiveness
5.5 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- –Superseded by K-1 II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 Mark III Monochrome
Pros
- ✓Dedicated monochrome sensor
- ✓Optical viewfinder
- ✓IBIS in a DSLR
- ✓Weather sealed
Cons
- –Black-and-white only
- –DSLR platform
- –Limited video
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the K-1 and K-3 Mark III Monochrome at major authorized retailers.
Pentax K-1
Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome
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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 Mark III Monochrome?
K-1 scores 7.5/10 versus 5.0/10 for K-3 Mark III Monochrome — 36.4MP — ample resolution.
What's the resolution difference between the K-1 and K-3 Mark III Monochrome?
K-1 is 36.4 MP and K-3 Mark III Monochrome is 25.7 MP, so the K-1 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the K-1 and K-3 Mark III Monochrome have in-body image stabilization?
K-1 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization, while K-3 Mark III Monochrome has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the K-1 or the K-3 Mark III Monochrome?
K-1 reaches 20 fps electronic. K-3 Mark III Monochrome reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the K-1 and K-3 Mark III Monochrome?
K-1 weighs 1010 g and K-3 Mark III Monochrome weighs 820 g, so the K-3 Mark III Monochrome is 190 g lighter.
Do the K-1 and K-3 Mark III Monochrome record 4K video?
K-1: 4K up to 60p. K-3 Mark III Monochrome: 4K up to 60p.
Are the K-1 and K-3 Mark III Monochrome weather sealed?
K-1: Yes. K-3 Mark III Monochrome: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the K-1 and 640 shots for the K-3 Mark III Monochrome, giving the K-3 Mark III Monochrome the edge.
How much does each cost?
K-1 launched at $1,799 and K-3 Mark III Monochrome at $2,199. The K-1 is $400 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way K-1 vs K-3 Mark III Monochrome vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.