• 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 18.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.4 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Canon EOS-1D C advantages over Pentax K-3

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.94 vs 3.91 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • More cross-type AF points
    41 vs 25
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.76x vs 0.63x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More AF points
    61 vs 27
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.0 fps vs 7.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 51200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Pentax K-3 advantages over Canon EOS-1D C

  • Less expensive
    $1150 vs $15000 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • More pixels
    24.4 vs 18.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Both provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon EOS-1D C
Body Only

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-3
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-135mm Lens
All K-3 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Top-notch image quality; Great ergonomics in a compact body; Unique on-demand low-pass filtering; Broad sensitivity range; Large and bright viewfinder for an APS-C camera; Dual card slots; Optional Wi-Fi remote control

  • AE Lock button is poorly located; Below-average battery life for a DSLR; Rather dated-looking menu system; Requires a different battery grip accessory than its predecessors; Less third-party support than some rivals

  • Read our Pentax K-3 Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon 1DX

Canon EOS-1D C
Canon 1DX
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Headphone jack
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive

Compare Canon EOS-1D C vs Canon 1DX

Pentax K-3
Canon 1DX
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $5299
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax K-3 vs Canon 1DX

Compared to Nikon D4

Canon EOS-1D C
Nikon D4
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive

Compare Canon EOS-1D C vs Nikon D4

Pentax K-3
Nikon D4
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax K-3 vs Nikon D4

Compared to Nikon D7100

Canon EOS-1D C
Nikon D7100
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $690
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • More pixels

Compare Canon EOS-1D C vs Nikon D7100

Pentax K-3
Nikon D7100
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $690
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Pentax K-3 vs Nikon D7100

Compared to Nikon D4S

Canon EOS-1D C
Nikon D4S
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Shoot 4K video
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Canon EOS-1D C vs Nikon D4S

Pentax K-3
Nikon D4S
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $5399
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax K-3 vs Nikon D4S

Compared to Nikon D7200

Canon EOS-1D C
Nikon D7200
  • $6989
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1016
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Internal flash

Compare Canon EOS-1D C vs Nikon D7200

Pentax K-3
Nikon D7200
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1016
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Pentax K-3 vs Nikon D7200

Compare Other Cameras?