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
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 9 years newer.
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Wins
K-3 II
Wins
K-3 Mark III Monochrome
11 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BK-3 Mark III Monochrome has higher RAW buffer depth (120 frames vs 60 frames)
- BK-3 Mark III Monochrome has higher EVF resolution (3,690,000 vs 2,360,000)
- BK-3 Mark III Monochrome has higher Burst (mechanical) (8 fps vs 6 fps)
- BK-3 Mark III Monochrome has higher Burst (electronic) (20 fps vs 15 fps)
- AK-3 II has lower Weight (700 g vs 820 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareK-3 II
132 × 102 × 78 mm
700 g (1.54 lb / 24.69 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-3 II is 3mm narrower and 2mm shorter than K-3 Mark III Monochrome but it is also 4mm thicker.
K-3 II is 120 g lighter than K-3 Mark III Monochrome.
Depth (front-to-back): 78mm K-3 II · 74mm K-3 Mark III Monochrome
Sensor size, to scale
K-3 II
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
K-3 Mark III Monochrome
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
K-3 II
✓ 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-3 II
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 131.5, 101.5, 77.5
Weight
700 g vs 820 g — lower is better
IBIS effectiveness
6 stops vs 5.5 stops — higher is better
Reasons to choose
K-3 Mark III Monochrome
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134.5, 103.5, 73.5
RAW buffer depth
120 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
EVF resolution
3,690,000 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 6 fps — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
20 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
Resolution
25.7 MP vs 24.4 MP — 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-3 II
Pros
- ✓Pixel shift hi-res
- ✓No AA filter
- ✓GPS built-in
- ✓Weather sealed
Cons
- –Superseded by K-3 III
- –DSLR
- –Limited video
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-3 II and K-3 Mark III Monochrome at major authorized retailers.
Pentax K-3 II
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 travel, K-3 II or K-3 Mark III Monochrome?
K-3 II scores 7.5/10 versus 6.5/10 for K-3 Mark III Monochrome — 700g — manageable for travel.
What's the resolution difference between the K-3 II and K-3 Mark III Monochrome?
K-3 II is 24.4 MP and K-3 Mark III Monochrome is 25.7 MP, so the K-3 Mark III Monochrome captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the K-3 II and K-3 Mark III Monochrome have in-body image stabilization?
K-3 II has 6-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-3 II or the K-3 Mark III Monochrome?
K-3 II reaches 15 fps electronic. K-3 Mark III Monochrome reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the K-3 II and K-3 Mark III Monochrome?
K-3 II weighs 700 g and K-3 Mark III Monochrome weighs 820 g, so the K-3 II is 120 g lighter.
Do the K-3 II and K-3 Mark III Monochrome record 4K video?
K-3 II: 4K up to 60p. K-3 Mark III Monochrome: 4K up to 60p.
Are the K-3 II and K-3 Mark III Monochrome weather sealed?
K-3 II: Yes. K-3 Mark III Monochrome: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the K-3 II 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-3 II launched at $1,099 and K-3 Mark III Monochrome at $2,199. The K-3 II is $1,100 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
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Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.