• 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400
  • APS-C 361.2mm2
  • 25.7 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1,600,000

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Differences

Nikon D6 advantages over Pentax K-3 III

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.45 vs 3.76 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • More cross-type AF points
    99 vs 25
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • More AF points
    153 vs 101
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Pentax K-3 III advantages over Nikon D6

  • 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
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Lighter weight
    820g vs 1270g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    25.7 vs 20.8 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Higher extended ISO
    1600000 vs 327680 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Pentax K-3 III

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D5

Nikon D6
Nikon D5
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Built-in GPS
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO
Pentax K-3 III
Nikon D5
  • $1847
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark II

Nikon D6
Canon 1DX Mark II
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $2999
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Slow-motion videos
Pentax K-3 III
Canon 1DX Mark II
  • $1847
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2999
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Pentax KP

Nikon D6
Pentax KP
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Pentax K-3 III
Pentax KP
  • $1847
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Canon 90D

Nikon D6
Canon 90D
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Pentax K-3 III
Canon 90D
  • $1847
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark III

Nikon D6
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Longer exposure
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • On-sensor phase detect
Pentax K-3 III
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $1847
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
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