• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.4 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400

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Differences

Pentax K-3 advantages over Nikon D6

  • Less expensive
    $1150 vs $6500 (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 20.8 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré

Nikon D6 advantages over Pentax K-3

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.45 vs 3.91 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • More cross-type AF points
    99 vs 25
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Newer
    5 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    590k vs 346k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More AF points
    153 vs 27
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    327680 vs 51200 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
  • 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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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  • Body Only
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Buy the Nikon D6

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 Nikon D7100

Pentax K-3
Nikon D7100
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $810
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Pentax K-3 vs Nikon D7100

Nikon D6
Nikon D7100
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $810
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • More pixels

Compare Nikon D6 vs Nikon D7100

Compared to Canon 70D

Pentax K-3
Canon 70D
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-3 vs Canon 70D

Nikon D6
Canon 70D
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Nikon D6 vs Canon 70D

Compared to Nikon D5300

Pentax K-3
Nikon D5300
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Fast startup

Compare Pentax K-3 vs Nikon D5300

Nikon D6
Nikon D5300
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Nikon D6 vs Nikon D5300

Compared to Nikon D5

Pentax K-3
Nikon D5
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax K-3 vs Nikon D5

Nikon D6
Nikon D5
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Built-in GPS
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon D6 vs Nikon D5

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark III

Pentax K-3
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Pentax K-3 vs Canon 1DX Mark III

Nikon D6
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Longer exposure
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Nikon D6 vs Canon 1DX Mark III

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