
Pentax K-3 Comparative Crops


















APS-C vs Full-Frame
Current DSLRs are available in two sensor-sizes: APS-C or Full-Frame. The former has a smaller sensor which is 1.5X smaller diagonally compared to the latter which has the same sensor-size as 35mm film. Pentax makes APS-C DSLRs only, while Nikon and Canon make DSLRs with either size of sensor. Technically, Canon APS-C cameras have slightly smaller sensors, 1.6X smaller compared to full-frame.
Full-frame DSLRs are theoretically advantegeous since their larger sensors let them collect more light per area. Practically speaking, technology and sensor-design plays a huge role in sensor-performance. We compare the K-3 versus the Nikon D610
Nikon D610 to evaluate the real-life performance difference among state-of-the-art DSLRs.
Pentax K-3 | Nikon D610 |
![]() ISO 50 |
|
![]() ISO 100 |
![]() ISO 100 |
![]() ISO 200 |
![]() ISO 200 |
![]() ISO 400 |
![]() ISO 400 |
![]() ISO 800 |
![]() ISO 800 |
![]() ISO 1600 |
![]() ISO 1600 |
![]() ISO 3200 |
![]() ISO 3200 |
![]() ISO 6400 |
![]() ISO 6400 |
![]() ISO 12800 |
![]() ISO 12800 |
![]() ISO 25600 |
![]() ISO 25600 |
![]() ISO 51200 |
The above 100% crops show that image-noise is nearly identical at low sensitivities. By ISO 1600 though, the full-frame advantage becomes clear. The difference widens towards the end of the range but never exceeds a full stop. This is an excellent performance for the K-3 which shows that it is equally usable for low-ISO but full-frame cameras are better for low-light hand-held photography.
Note that sharpness appears quite different. There are two reasons for that. The main is optics. The lens in use on the K-3 is an ultra-sharp prime while the D610 used a variable aperture zoom. This underlies the importance of quality lenses. The second reason is a different JPEG rendering engine. Pentax uses superior sharpening to produce crisper edges before introducing artifacts.
![]() |
Pentax K-3 Facts




Sensor-Size: 24 x 16mm

Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI
24 Megapixels DSLR | ISO 100-51200 |
Pentax K Mount 1.5X FLM | Shutter 1/8000-30s |
3-Axis Built-in Stabilization, 3.5-Stop Improvement | Full manual controls, including Manual Focus |
100% Coverage Large Viewfinder | Custom white-balance with 2 axis fine-tuning |
Auto Horizon Correction 2 Axis Digital Level | Spot-Metering |
Weatherproof down to -10C | Hot-Shoe & Sync-Port |
Built-in Dust Reduction | Stereo audio input |
8.3 FPS Drive, 60 Images | Lithium-Ion Battery |
1920x1080 @ 30 FPS Video Recording | Secure Digital Extended Capacity x 2 |
3.2" LCD 1 Megapixels |
Updates
2019.12.10
Best Digital Cameras of 2019
The Best Cameras of 2019 awarded by Neocamera: Best Travel-Zoom, Best Premium Compact, Best Ultra-Zoom, Best Mirrorless and Best DSLR.
2019.11.26
10 Gifts Photographers Will Love
The 2019 gift guide for photographers showcases photography gear that amateur and enthusiasts will enjoy. It is divided into 3 price categories to suit different budgets from $50 to $200 USD.
2019.11.25
Sony Alpha A7R IV In-Depth Review
The newest Sony high-resolution mirrorless packs a 61 MP Full-Frame BSI-CMOS sensor on 5-axis Sensor-Shift system. It shoots at 10 FPS, records 4K Ultra-HD video and focuses with a new 567-Point and 425-Area Hybrid AF system with Realtime tracking. This professional-grade camera features a 5.8 MP 0.5" EVF with 0.78X magnification, 100% coverage and an Eye-Start Sensor plus triple control-dials in a weatherproof body. This review shows exactly how the A7R IV performs and compares to top Full-Frame and Medium-Format digital cameras.
2019.11.04
Olympus OM-D E-M1X Review
Professional Micro Four-Thirds mirrorless sporting an ultra-high speed 20 MP sensor with 121-Point Phase-Detect AF on a 5-axis image-stabilization system effective to 7-stops. 60 FPS drive with blackout free view on a huge 0.83X magnification 2.4 MP 0.5" EVF. Even a builtin GPS in a dual-grip double dual-control-dial IPX1-rated weatherproof and freezeproof body.
2019.10.17
Nikon D3500 Review
The lightest DSLR packs a 24 MP APS-C sensor with ISO 100-25600 sensitivity-range, 5 FPS drive and Full HD video capture. Basic features with simple ergonomics.
2019.10.16
Time-Lapse Photography for Beginners
Learn how to get started with time-lapse photography in 4 easy steps.
2019.10.07
Fujifilm X-T30 Review
The newest 26 MP 4th-Generation X-Trans CMOS sensor and X-Process 4 from the flagship X-T3 in more compact body. ISO 80-51200, 1/32000-30s, 20 FPS Continuous drive, Cinema 4K video. Dual control-dials and 2.4 MP EVF with Eye-Start Sensor.
2019.09.30
Nikon Z6 Review
Nikon Full-Frame Mirrorless with 24 MP and 5-Axis Built-In Image-Stabilization effective to 5-Stops. ISO 100-202400. 12 FPS Continuous Drive. 3.7 MP 0.5" EVF with 0.8X Magnification and 100% Coverage. 4K Ultra-HD video.
2019.04.22
Fujifilm GFX 50R Review
Medium Format Mirrorless Digital Camera based on 50 MP 0.8X-Crop CMOS sensor without Anti-Alias Filter. ISO 50-102400, 1/16000s-60m Shutter-Speeds, 3 FPS and Full 1080p HD video at 30 FPS. Large 0.5" EVF with 3.7 MP, 100% coverage, 0.77X magnification and an Eye-Start Sensor. Dual control-dials in a weatherproof and freezeproof body.
2019.04.10
Fujifilm X-T3 Review
State of the art 26 MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor with 2.1M Phase-Detect pixels, 20 FPS Full-Resolution Continuous Drive, Cinema 4K & Ultra-HD 4K video at 60 FPS. Built-in 0.5" EVF 3.7MP, 100% Coverage, 0.75X magnification and Eye-Start Sensor. Dual control-dials plus dedicated dias in weatherproof and freezeproof body.