• 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • APS-C 361.2mm2
  • 25.7 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1,600,000

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Differences

Nikon D780 advantages over Pentax K-3 III

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 3.76 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 2260 vs 800 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Higher-res screen
    786k vs 540k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Pentax K-3 III advantages over Nikon D780

  • 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
  • More cross-type AF points
    25 vs 15
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • More viewfinder magnification
    1.05x vs 0.70x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More AF points
    101 vs 51
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Higher extended ISO
    1600000 vs 204800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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 Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-3 III
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  • Body Only
  • Kit with 20-40mm F2.8-4 Lens
  • Kit with 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Lens
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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Nikon D780
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2099
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Nikon D780 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Pentax K-3 III
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1847
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2099
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax K-3 III vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Compared to Pentax KP

Nikon D780
Pentax KP
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D780 vs Pentax KP

Pentax K-3 III
Pentax KP
  • $1847
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Pentax K-3 III vs Pentax KP

Compared to Nikon D850

Nikon D780
Nikon D850
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • More cross-type AF points
  • More pixels

Compare Nikon D780 vs Nikon D850

Pentax K-3 III
Nikon D850
  • $1847
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite
  • $2464
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax K-3 III vs Nikon D850

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Nikon D780
Pentax K-1 II
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite

Compare Nikon D780 vs Pentax K-1 II

Pentax K-3 III
Pentax K-1 II
  • $1847
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Pentax K-3 III vs Pentax K-1 II

Compared to Canon 90D

Nikon D780
Canon 90D
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D780 vs Canon 90D

Pentax K-3 III
Canon 90D
  • $1847
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Pentax K-3 III vs Canon 90D

Compare Other Cameras?