Pentax K-r vs Canon SL3

Cameras
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Pentax K-r vs Canon SL3

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APS-C 369.7mm²
12.4 megapixels
ISO 200 - 12,800

Go in depth with our full Pentax K-r Review.
See real-world photos taken with the K-r.

APS-C 332.3mm²
24.2 megapixels
ISO 100 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Canon SL3 Review.
How does it shoot? Canon SL3 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the SL3.

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Differences

Pentax K-r advantages over Canon SL3

Larger sensor
APS-C vs APS-C
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Yes vs No
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Bigger pixels
~ 5.53 vs 3.72 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Fast startup
~0.30 vs 0.5 sec
Faster startup lets you catch the moment
More cross-type AF points
9 vs 1
Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
Faster JPEG shooting
5.6 fps vs 5.0 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Faster shutter
1/6000 vs 1/4000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light

Canon SL3 advantages over Pentax K-r

Tilt-swivel screen
Tilt-swivel vs none
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Shoot 4K video
4K (UHD) vs 720p
Make sure you have a fast computer
Touchscreen
Touch vs No touch
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi vs None
Share your photos wirelessly
Built-in Bluetooth
Yes vs No
Always-on wireless connectivity
On-sensor phase detect
Yes vs No
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Longer stills battery life
More info

Longer stills battery life

Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

1070 vs 470 shots
Capture more photos
Newer
6 years vs 14 years old
Newer cameras often support more advanced features
HDMI out
HDMI out vs None
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
Shoots 24p video
Yes vs No
Gives your movies a big-screen feel
Shoots 1080p video
Yes vs No
You'll want this if you shoot video
More pixels
24.2 vs 12.4 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Shoots 60p video
Yes vs No
A faster framerate can give you more editing options
Bigger JPEG buffer
Unlimited vs 30 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
Higher extended ISO
51200 vs 25600 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
Internal flash
Both provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
External Mic Jack
Both provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
Hot shoe
Both provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Bulb shutter
Both provide
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

Focus peaking
Neither provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
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
Top deck display
Neither provide
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
Pentaprism viewfinder
Neither provide
Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
Dual card slots
Neither provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Neither provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Slow-motion videos
Neither provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read K-r User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read SL3 User Reviews

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Body Only (Black)

Body Only (Black)
Kit with 18-55mm lens (Black)
Kit with 18-55mm lens (White)

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Review Excerpt

Read our Pentax K-r Full Review

We haven’t finished our review of the Canon SL3, but we have extensive sample photos and a hands-on report.
Read our Canon SL3 Shooter's Report

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3000

Pentax K-r

Nikon D3000

$850
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Fast startup

$450
APS-C

Less expensive

Compare Pentax K-r vs Nikon D3000

Canon SL3

Nikon D3000

$632
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Shoot 4K video

$450
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Canon SL3 vs Nikon D3000

Compared to Pentax K-x

Pentax K-r

Pentax K-x

$850
APS-C

Fast startup
External Mic Jack

$702
APS-C

Less expensive
Shoots 24p video

Compare Pentax K-r vs Pentax K-x

Canon SL3

Pentax K-x

$632
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Shoot 4K video

$702
APS-C

Larger sensor
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon SL3 vs Pentax K-x

Compared to Nikon D3100

Pentax K-r

Nikon D3100

$850
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Fast startup

$700
APS-C

Less expensive
Higher effective ISO

Compare Pentax K-r vs Nikon D3100

Canon SL3

Nikon D3100

$632
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Shoot 4K video

$700
APS-C

Bigger pixels

Compare Canon SL3 vs Nikon D3100

Compared to Canon SL2

Pentax K-r

Canon SL2

$850
APS-C

Larger sensor
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$549
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Touchscreen

Compare Pentax K-r vs Canon SL2

Canon SL3

Canon SL2

$632
APS-C

Shoot 4K video
Longer stills battery life

$549
APS-C

Less expensive
NFC

Compare Canon SL3 vs Canon SL2

Compared to Nikon D3500

Pentax K-r

Nikon D3500

$850
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Bigger pixels

$709
APS-C

Built-in Bluetooth
Longer stills battery life

Compare Pentax K-r vs Nikon D3500

Canon SL3

Nikon D3500

$632
APS-C

Tilt-swivel screen
Shoot 4K video

$709
APS-C

Less expensive
Larger sensor

Compare Canon SL3 vs Nikon D3500

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