• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 12.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Pentax K-r advantages over Nikon D3300

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.53 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 0.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • More cross-type AF points
    9 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Less shutter lag
    0.10 vs 0.26 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • 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

Nikon D3300 advantages over Pentax K-r

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,385 vs 750 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 700 vs 470 shots
    Capture more photos
  • 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
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 30 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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Buy the Pentax K-r

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Buy the Nikon D3300
Kit with 18-55mm Lens (Black)
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens (Black)
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens (Grey)
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens (Red)
All D3300 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality with lots of fine detail; Very good high ISO performance; Good dynamic range; Good print quality; Deep buffers with JPEGs; 1080/60p video; Uncompressed HDMI output.

  • AF struggles in low-light; Contrast-detect AF in live view is slow; Buffer depth is shallow with RAW files; No AE bracketing; No built-in Wi-Fi.

  • Read our Nikon D3300 Review

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

Nikon D3300
Nikon D3000
  • $206
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Fast startup
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compare Nikon D3300 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

Nikon D3300
Pentax K-x
  • $206
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Fast startup
  • $702
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D3300 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

Nikon D3300
Nikon D3100
  • $206
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compare Nikon D3300 vs Nikon D3100

Compared to Sony A58

Pentax K-r
Sony A58
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Pentax K-r vs Sony A58

Nikon D3300
Sony A58
  • $206
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D3300 vs Sony A58

Compared to Canon T5

Pentax K-r
Canon T5
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $399
  • APS-C
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 24p video

Compare Pentax K-r vs Canon T5

Nikon D3300
Canon T5
  • $206
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive
  • $399
  • APS-C
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compare Nikon D3300 vs Canon T5

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