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Pentax Camera Comparison
General Data
Camera ThumbnailPentax K-5Pentax KPPentax K-3Pentax K-3 II
Camera NamePentax K-5Pentax KPPentax K-3Pentax K-3 II
Year Introduced2010201720132015
AvailabilityDiscontinued (2012)Discontinued (2021)Discontinued (2016)Discontinued (2019)
Current PriceFind on eBay | PF MarketplaceFind on eBay | PF MarketplaceFind on eBay | PF MarketplaceFind on eBay | PF Marketplace
In-Depth ReviewPentax K-5 reviewPentax KP reviewPentax K-3 reviewPentax K-3 II review
User ReviewsBrowseBrowseBrowseBrowse
Sensor
Sensor FormatAPS-CAPS-CAPS-CAPS-C
Sensor TypeCMOSCMOSCMOSCMOS
Megapixels16.2824.3224.3524.35
Resolution3264 x 4928 pixels4000 x 6016 pixels4000 x 6016 pixels4000 x 6016 pixels
AA FilterYesNo (AA filter simulator)No (AA filter simulator)No (AA filter simulator)
Super ResolutionNoYesNoYes
Bit Depth14141414
Minimum ISO80100100100
Maximum ISO512008192005120051200
ISO Range100 - 12800 (80 - 51200)100 - 819,200100 - 51,200100 - 51,200
Imaging
ProcessorPRIME IIPRIME IV w/accelerator unitPRIME IIIPRIME III
Exposure ModesGreen, HyP, Sv, Av, Tv, TAv, HyM, X, B, User(5)Auto (green), HyP, Sv, Tv, Av, TAv, M, B, User (5)Green, HyP, Sv, Av, Tv, TAv, HyM, X, B, User(3)Auto (green), HyP, Sv, Av, Tv, TAv, HyM, X, B, User(3)
Program ModesAuto, Normal, Action, Depth of field (deep/shallow), MTFAuto, Normal, Action, Depth of Field (deep/shallow), MTF priorityAuto, Normal, Action, Depth of field (deep/shallow), MTFAuto, Normal, Action, Depth of Field (deep/shallow), MTF priority
Scene ModesNoneNone. Auto (green) sets exposure based on scene analysisNoneNone
RestrictionsExposure modes with M and K lenses are restricted to Av (with aperture always wide open) and M (with stop-down metering)Exposure modes with M and K lenses are restricted to Av (with aperture always wide open) and M (with stop-down metering)Exposure modes with M and K lenses are restricted to Av (with aperture always wide open) and M (with stop-down metering)Exposure modes with M and K lenses are restricted to Av (with aperture always wide open) and M (with stop-down metering)
Shutter Speeds (Auto)30s - 1/8000s (stepless)30s to 1/6,000s (mechanical), to 1/24,000s (electronic)30s - 1/8000s (stepless)30s - 1/8000s (stepless)
Shutter Speeds (Manual)B, 30s - 1/8000s. Up to 300s in Astrotracer modeB, 30s to 1/6,000s (mechanical), to 1/24,000s (electronic). Up to 20 minutes in Timed Bulb. Up to 300s in Astrotracer modeB, 30s - 1/8000s. Up to 300s in Astrotracer modeB, 30s - 1/8000s. Up to 300s in Astrotracer mode
High ISO NROff, Auto, Low/Medium/High, Custom by ISOOff, Auto, Low/Medium/High, Custom by ISOOff, Auto, Low/Medium/High, Custom by ISOOff, Auto, Low/Medium/High, Custom by ISO
Slow Shutter NROff, Auto, OnOff, Auto, OnOff, Auto, OnOff, Auto, On
Shutter Life100,000100,000200,000200,000
Maximum FPS778.38.3
Continuous ShootingHi: 7 fps up to approx. 34 frames (JPG), up to approx. 26 frames (PEF/DNG) with firmware upgrade, Lo: 2 fps until card is full (JPG), up to appox. 40 frames (PEF/DNG)Hi: 7 fps up to approx. 28 frames (JPG), up to approx. 8 frames (RAW), M: 3 fps up to approx 70 frames (JPG), 15 frames (RAW), Lo: 0.8 fps up to approx. 100 frames (JPG), up to appox. 100 frames (RAW)Hi: 8.3 fps up to approx. 60 frames (JPG), up to approx. 23 frames (RAW), M: 4.5 fps up to approx 100 frames (JPG), 32 frames (RAW), Lo: 3 fps uup to approx. 200 frames (JPG), up to appox. 52 frames (RAW)Hi: 8.3 fps up to approx. 60 frames (JPG), up to approx. 23 frames (RAW), M: 4.5 fps up to approx 100 frames (JPG), 32 frames (RAW), Lo: 3 fps uup to approx. 200 frames (JPG), up to appox. 52 frames (RAW)
Exposure Compensation+/-5 EV (+/- 2 EV in movie mode)+/-5 EV (+/-2 EV in movie mode)+/-5 EV (+/-2 EV in movie mode)+/-5 EV (+/-2 EV in movie mode)
Auto BracketingExposure (2, 3 or 5 frames), one-push EV bracketingExposure (2, 3 or 5 frames), one-push EV bracketing, Depth of Field (3 frames), Motion (3 frames), AA filter (2 or 3 frames)Exposure (2, 3 or 5 frames), one-push EV bracketingExposure (2, 3 or 5 frames), one-push EV bracketing, AA filter (3 frames)
Expanded Dynamic RangeHighlight (on, off),
Shadow (high, medium, low, off)
Highlight (auto, on, off),
Shadow (auto, high, medium, low, off)
Highlight (auto, on, off),
Shadow (auto, high, medium, low, off)
Highlight (auto, on, off),
Shadow (auto, high, medium, low, off)
Metering Sensor77-Segment86K Pixel86K Pixel86K Pixel
Meter Range0 to 22 EV-3 to 20 EV-3 to 20 EV-3 to 20 EV
Meter PatternMulti-Segment,Center Weighted,SpotMulti-Segment,Center Weighted,SpotMulti-Segment,Center Weighted,SpotMulti-Segment,Center Weighted,Spot
Exposure LockYesYesYesYes
Self Timer2 s with mirror lock-up, 12 s2 s with mirror lock-up, 12 s2 s with mirror lock-up, 12 s2 s with mirror lock-up, 12 s
Interval ShootingUp to 999 frames, up to 24 hours between framesUp to 2000 frames, 2 sec to 24 hours intervalUp to 2000 frames, 2 sec to 24 hours intervalUp to 2000 frames, 2 sec to 24 hours interval
Mirror Lock-upYesYesYesYes
HDR ModeYesYesYesYes
Multiple ExposuresYes, average and additive, 2 to 9 shotsYes, average, additive and bright, 2 to 2000 shotsYes, average, additive and bright, 2 to 2000 shotsYes, average, additive and bright, 2 to 2000 shots
Pixel MappingYesYesYesYes
Optics/Mount
MountKAF2 (no aperture coupler)KAF2 (no aperture coupler)KAF2 (no aperture coupler)KAF2 (no aperture coupler)
Composition AdjustmentYesYesYesYes
Supported LensesAll Pentax K-mount lenses except for lenses with the KAF4 mount variant. Manual focus only with K-, M-, and A-series lenses. Stop down metering only with K- and M-series lenses. M42, Pentax 645 and Pentax 6x7 lenses with the appropriate adapters (stop down metering and manual focus only).All Pentax K-mount lenses. Manual focus only with K-, M-, and A-series lenses. Stop down metering only with K- and M-series lenses. M42, Pentax 645 and Pentax 6x7 lenses with the appropriate adapters: green button stop down metering and manual focus only.All Pentax K-mount lenses. Manual focus only with K-, M-, and A-series lenses. Stop down metering only with K- and M-series lenses. M42, Pentax 645 and Pentax 6x7 lenses with the appropriate adapters (stop down metering and manual focus only).All Pentax K-mount lenses. Support for lenses with the KAF4 mount variant requires a firmware update. Manual focus only with K-, M-, and A-series lenses. Stop down metering only with K- and M-series lenses. M42, Pentax 645 and Pentax 6x7 lenses with the appropriate adapters (stop down metering and manual focus only).
StabilizationYes (sensor-shift SR)Yes (sensor-shift SR II)Yes (sensor-shift SR)Yes (sensor-shift SR)
Autofocus (viewfinder)Yes (SAFOX IX+, 11 focus points (9 cross type), light wavelength sensor)Yes (SAFOX 11, 27 focus points (25 cross type))Yes (SAFOX 11, 27 focus points (25 cross type))Yes (SAFOX 11, 27 focus points (25 cross type))
AF Points11272727
Autofocus Sensitivity-1 to 18 EV-3 to 18 EV-3 to 18 EV-3 to 18 EV
Autofocus With SDMYesYesYesYes
Autofocus AssistDedicated LEDDedicated LEDDedicated LEDDedicated LED
Autofocus ModesSingle Shot, Continuous, SelectViewfinder: AF.S, AF.C, AF.A
Live view: Face detection, Tracking, Multiple AF points, Select, Spot
Single Shot, Continuous, Auto, Expanded area (S, M, L), Zone select, User select, Manual focusSingle Shot, Continuous, Auto, Expanded area (S, M, L), Zone select, User select, Manual focus
Front/Back Focus CorrYes (adjustment for up to 20 lenses)Yes (adjustment for up to 20 lenses)Yes (adjustment for up to 20 lenses)Yes (adjustment for up to 20 lenses)
Power ZoomSupported (zoom only)Not supportedSupported (zoom only)Supported (zoom only)
Lens CorrectionDistortion,Lateral Chromatic AberrationDistortion,Lateral Chromatic Aberration,Vignetting,DiffractionDistortion,Lateral Chromatic Aberration,Vignetting,DiffractionDistortion,Lateral Chromatic Aberration,Vignetting,Diffraction
Video
Video/Movie Mode1920x1080 (16:9 Full HD) at 25 fps,
1280x720 (16:9) at 30 or 25 fps,
640x480 (4:3) at 30 or 25 fps,
Motion JPEG (AVI)
1920x1080 (16:9 Full HD) at 60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p,
1280x720 (16:9 HD) at 60p, 50p
MPEG4 AVC/H.264
4K interval movie (4K,Full HD, HD)
Star stream (4K,Full HD, HD)
1920x1080 (16:9 Full HD) at 60, 30, 25 and 24 fps,
1280x720 (16:9) at 60, 30, 25 and 24 fps,
MPEG4 AVC/H.264
Interval Movie (4K, Full HD, HD)
1920x1080 (16:9 Full HD) at 60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p fps,
1280x720 (16:9) at 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p and 24p fps,
MPEG4 AVC/H.264,
Interval Movie (4K, Full HD, HD)
Video StabilizationSensor-shift SRElectronicElectronicElectronic
Exposure ModesP (auto-aperture), AvP, Av, TAv, Tv, MP, Av, TAv, MP, Av, TAv, Tv, M
Movie Mode RestrictionsAv:The aperture can be set manually before recording and is fixed during recordingClips up to 4GB or 25 minutesClips up to 4 GB / 25 minutes
AF During RecordingNoContinuous (with compatible lenses) and On-demandOn-DemandOn-Demand
Sound In Movie ModeStereo (external mic), Mono (built-in mic)Stereo (external mic), Stereo (built-in mic). Adjustable sound levelStereo (external mic), Mono (built-in mic). Adjustable sound levelStereo (external mic), Mono (built-in mic). Adjustable sound level
Flash
Built-in FlashYes, GN 13 (ISO 100/m)Yes, GN 6 (ISO 100/m)Yes, GN 13 (ISO 100/m)No
Sync Speed1/180s1/180s1/180s1/180s
P-TTL FlashYesYesYesYes
TTL FlashNoNoNoNo
Flash Exposure Comp-2 to 1 EV-2 to 1 EV-2 to 1 EV-2 to 1 EV
Flash FunctionsAuto discharge, On (leading curtain sync), Redeye reduction, Slow-speed sync, Trailing curtain sync, High-speed sync*, Manual*, Wireless*, Contrast control*
* Available when combined with external flash
Auto discharge, On (leading curtain sync), Redeye reduction, Slow-speed sync, Trailing curtain sync, High-speed sync*, Manual (full - 1/128), Wireless*, Contrast control*
* Available when combined with external flash
Auto discharge, On (leading curtain sync), Redeye reduction, Slow-speed sync, Trailing curtain sync, High-speed sync*, Manual, Wireless*, Contrast control*
* Available when combined with external flash
Auto discharge*, On (leading curtain sync)*, Redeye reduction*, Slow-speed sync*, Trailing curtain sync*, High-speed sync*, Manual*, Wireless**, Contrast control**
* Requires an external flash
** Requires two (or more) external flashes
Viewfinder/LCD
Viewfinder0.92x, 100%100%, 0.95x0.95x, 100%0.95x, 100%
Viewfinder TypePentaprismPentaprismPentaprismPentaprism
Diopter Adjustment-2.5 to +1.5-2.5 to +1.5-2.5 to +1.5-2.5 to +1.5
AF Points In ViewfinderYesYesYesYes
Exchangeable ScreenYesYesYesYes
Depth Of Field PreviewYesYesYesYes
Digital PreviewYes (with image magnificaion)Yes (with image magnification)Yes (with image magnificaion)Yes (with image magnificaion)
Live ViewYesYesYesYes
Focus PeakingNoYesYesYes
Back LCD3 in., 921,000 dots (VGA)3 inch, 921,000 dots, 3:2 aspect ratio, tilts up/down, red light night mode3.2 in., 1,037,000 dots, 3:2 aspect ratio3.2 in., 1,037,000 dots, 3:2 aspect ratio
Top LCDYesNoYesYes
Body
Weather ResistantYesYesYesYes
GPSVia AccessoryVia AccessoryVia AccessoryBuilt-In
Control Wheels2322
Camera Controls2 control wheels Many dedicated buttons Control panel Five user mode settings1 traditional e-dial, 1 knob on the front and 1 settings dial on top plate. Customizable control panel. Five user mode settings. Customizable Fx1, Fx2, & Fx3 button.2 control wheels. Many dedicated buttons. Control panel. Three user mode settings2 control wheels. Many dedicated buttons. Control panel. Three user mode settings
Dust RemovalYes, Ultrasonic DR IIYes, Ultrasonic DR IIYes, Ultrasonic DR IIYes, Ultrasonic DR II
Dust AlertYesNoYesYes
File FormatPEF (RAW),DNG (RAW),JPG,AVIPEF (RAW),DNG (RAW),JPG,MOVPEF (RAW),DNG (RAW),JPG,MOVPEF (RAW),DNG (RAW),JPG,MOV
Card Slots1122
Memory Card TypeSD, SDHC (max. 32GB), SDXC via firmware updateSD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-I compatible)SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-I Compatible), Eye-Fi, FlucardSD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-I Compatible), Eye-Fi, Flucard
TetheringWired (unofficial)Via built-in Wi-FiVia O-FC1 FLUcardVia O-FC1 FLUcard
Battery

D-LI90 lithium-ion rechargeable

D-LI109 lithium-ion rechargeable

D-LI90 lithium-ion rechargeable

D-LI90 lithium-ion rechargeable

Battery Grip

D-BG4 (takes D-LI90 or 6x AA)

D-BG7 (takes one D-Li109 or one D-LI90 battery)

D-BG5 (takes D-LI90 or 6x AA)

D-BG5 (takes D-LI90 or 6x AA)

Battery Life740 images (50% flash usage) Playback time: 440 minutes420 photos (CIPA)720 images (560 images with 50% flash usage) Video playback time: 370 minutes720 images Video playback time: 370 minutes
Size (W X H X D)130.5 x 96.5 x 72.5 mm131.5 x 101 x 76 mm131.5 x 100 x 77.5 mm131.5 x 102.5 x 77.5 mm
Weight660 g (740 g with battery and SD card)643 g (body only), 703 g (with battery)715 g (800 g with battery and SD card)700 g (785 g with battery and SD card)
ConnectivityUSB 2.0, AV out, HDMI out, 3.5mm stereo mic, DC in, X-sync, cable releaseUSB 2.0, HDMI out (via USB port and an adapter), stereo mic, cable release (uses mic input jack), DC in, GPS, Wi-Fi.USB 3, HDMI out, stereo mic, headphones, DC in, X-sync, cable releaseUSB 3, HDMI out, stereo mic, headphones, DC in, X-sync, cable release
Latest Firmware

Version 1.16

Link to download page

Link to download page

Link to Download Page

NotesAstrotracer compatible (requires firmware update),
Electronic level,
Embed copyright information in EXIF.
High ISO NR can be customized for each major ISO value.
Image plane indicator.
In-camera RAW development.
Save last JPG as RAW.
The RAW button is customizable and can perform a variety of functions, hereunder exposure bracketing.
The 11 autofocus points cover a wider area of the image than on previous models.
Astrotracer functionality with the optional O-GPS1 unit,
Depth of field bracketing,
Electronic level,
Embed copyright information in EXIF,
High ISO NR, can be customized for each major ISO value,
Image plane indicator,
In-camera RAW development,
Moiré suppression via SR mechanism,
Moiré suppression bracketing,
Motion bracketing,
Save last JPG as RAW,
Save JPG from movie,
The three Fx buttons are customizable and can perform a variety of functions, hereunder exposure bracketing.
Astrotracer compatible,
Diffraction correction requires firmware update,
Electronic level,
Embed copyright information in EXIF,
High ISO NR can be customized for each major ISO value,
Image plane indicator,
In-camera RAW development,
Moiré suppression via SR mechanism,
Moiré suppresion bracketing (with firmware update),
Save last JPG as RAW,
Save JPG from movie,
The RAW button is customizable and can perform a variety of functions, hereunder exposure bracketing
Astrotracer functionality with the built in GPS,
Electronic level,
Embed copyright information in EXIF,
GPS and electronic compass,
High ISO NR, can be customized for each major ISO value,
Image plane indicator,
In-camera RAW development,
Moiré suppression via SR mechanism,
Moiré suppresion bracketing,
Save last JPG as RAW,
Save JPG from movie,
The RAW button is customizable and can perform a variety of functions, hereunder exposure bracketing.
Colors / Special Editions

Limited Silver (2012, with silver DA 40mm XS), Limited Silver (2011, special grip, limited SMC DA silver lenses available)

Black and Silver

Prestige, Silver

Black, Limited Silver





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