Pentax K-3 Mark III vs Pentax K-1 Mark II
Pentax K-3 Mark III has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The K-3 Mark III is the better pick for wildlife, sports, vlogging; the K-1 Mark II is better for landscapes, astrophotography.
Choose the K-3 Mark III for
- faster bursts (12fps vs 4.4fps)
- a lighter body (820g vs 1010g)
- stronger video (4K 30p)
- a newer design (2021)
Choose the K-1 Mark II for
- more resolution (36.4MP vs 25.7MP)
- better low-light performance
- a larger full frame sensor
Specs side by side
| Spec | K-3 Mark III | K-1 Mark II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | APS-C, 25.7MP | Full frame, 36.4MP |
| Mount | Pentax K (DSLR) | Pentax K (DSLR) |
| Released | 2021 | 2018 |
| Burst | 12 fps | 4.4 fps |
| Readout | OVF | OVF |
| Max ISO | 1,600,000 | 819,200 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 4K 30p | 1080p 30p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Optical | Optical |
| Weight | 820 g | 1010 g |
| Battery | Pentax D-LI90 | Pentax D-LI90 |
| Card slots | 2× SD (UHS-II) | 2× SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | No longer sold new | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | None listed | £1,049–1,209 |
| Native lenses in our database | 13 (4 third-party) | 13 (4 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | K-1 Mark II |
| Wildlife & animals | K-3 Mark III |
| Sports & action | K-3 Mark III |
| Astrophotography | K-1 Mark II |
| Vlogging & video | K-3 Mark III |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
Both cameras use the Pentax K mount, so lenses move between them. They share the same battery (Pentax D-LI90).
K-3 Mark III compatible lenses → · K-1 Mark II compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pentax K-3 Mark III better than the Pentax K-1 Mark II?
It depends on your priorities. The K-3 Mark III offers faster bursts (12fps vs 4.4fps), a lighter body (820g vs 1010g), stronger video (4K 30p); the K-1 Mark II offers more resolution (36.4MP vs 25.7MP), better low-light performance, a larger full frame sensor.
Which is better for video, the K-3 Mark III or the K-1 Mark II?
The K-3 Mark III is stronger for video: K-3 Mark III records 4K 30p, K-1 Mark II records 1080p 30p.
Which is cheaper, the K-3 Mark III or the K-1 Mark II?
The K-3 Mark III costs No longer sold new new; the K-1 Mark II costs No longer sold new new and from £1,049 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Pentax K-3 Mark III lenses on the K-1 Mark II?
Yes. Both use the Pentax K mount, though lenses made for the smaller sensor run in crop mode on the larger one.