How To Choose Between Them
Compare the winners above against your own priorities. A lead in one category only matters if you use it.
Camera Comparison
Pentax
Pentax K-3 Mark III vs Nikon D500
Short AnswerPentax K-3 Mark III wins more of the spec-sheet categories, but the right pick depends on what you shoot.
By Jennifer K. Telfer · Updated · 1 Min Read
VS
Winner By Photographic Discipline
ResolutionPentax K-3 Mark III
Autofocus PointsNikon D500
Battery LifeNikon D500
WeightPentax K-3 Mark III
Launch PricePentax K-3 Mark III
Key Technical Performance Deltas
Resolution (MP)
A25.73
B20.9
Battery (Shots)
A800
B1240
Weight (g, Lower Is Lighter)
A820
B860
AF Points
A25
B153
Form Factor
134.5 × 103.5 × 73.5 mm
147 × 115 × 81 mm
Reasons To Choose Each
Choose Pentax K-3 Mark III If…
- Higher resolution (25.73 MP vs 20.9 MP)
- Lighter body (820 g vs 860 g)
- Costs less at launch ($1999.95 vs $2000)
Choose Nikon D500 If…
- Higher autofocus points (153 vs 25 )
- Higher battery life (1240 shots vs 800 shots)
Comprehensive Specification Table
| Spec | Pentax K-3 Mark III | Nikon D500 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Megapixels | 25.73 MP | 20.9 MP |
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | CMOS |
| Max Native ISO | 1600000 | 51200 |
| Stabilization | 5.5 Stops | — |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | 25 | 153 |
| Low-Light AF | -4 EV | -4 EV |
| Speed | ||
| Mechanical Burst | 12 fps | 10 fps |
| Fastest Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Fastest Electronic Shutter | 1/16000 | — |
| Viewfinder & Screen | ||
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism | Optical pentaprism |
| LCD Size | 3.2" | 3.2" |
| LCD Type | Fixed | Tilting |
| Video | ||
| Best Video | 4K 30p | 4K 30p |
| Internal Color | — | 8-bit 4:2:0 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 820 g | 860 g |
| Card Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Battery (CIPA) | 800 Shots | 1240 Shots |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Launch Price | 1999.95 | 2000 |
Amber marks the stronger value. Figures are manufacturer specifications.