Pentax K-3 vs Epson R-D1

      Pentax K-3

      Epson R-D1
      74
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      45
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Pentax K-3 and the Epson R-D1, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Pentax K-3 was introduced in April 2014 and Epson R-D1 was introduced in March 2004. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Pentax K-3 Highlights

      • 23.35 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 100 - 51,200 Native ISO
      • 27 Focus Points (27 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.2" 1,037k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 8.3 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 25 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Epson R-D1 Highlights

      • 6 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 200 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 2.0" 235k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (rangefinder) Viewfinder
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Pentax K-3
      4. Advantage of Epson R-D1
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Pentax K-3 and Epson R-D1.

      PROS

      Pentax K-3

      Epson R-D1

      •   Video Capture
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Pentax K-3

      Epson R-D1

      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Short Battery Life - 560 shots
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Pentax K-3

      Epson R-D1

      •   Price
      •   Sensor Resolution - 23.35 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   27 Focus Points
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.3 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 80
      •   Weight - 800 g (1.76 lb / 28.22 oz)
      •   Weight - 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)

      Advantage of Pentax K-3

      Pentax K-3
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax K-3 over Epson R-D1.

      Pentax K-3 vs Epson R-D1
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 23.35 Megapixel vs 6 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
      Higher Native ISO 51,200 vs 1,600
      Max Image Resolution 6016 x 4000 vs 3008 x 2000
      Timelapse Recording vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Image Stabilization Sensor Shift vs
      Larger Screen 3.2" vs 2.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 1,037k dot vs 235k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Live View vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 1 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/2000 sec
      Built-in Flash vs
      Shutter Priority vs
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      HDMI Output Mini vs
      Microphone Input vs
      Headphone Output vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1
      Orientation Sensor vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax K-3.

      Pentax K-3 II
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      APS-C

      24.35 MP

      Pentax K-70
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon Z5
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      Full Frame

      24.3 MP

      Pentax K-3 III Monochrome
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      25.73 MP

      Canon 5DS
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A290
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Pentax K-01
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      16 MP

      Canon 5DS R
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Sony NEX-5N
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Sony a6300
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D3
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Advantage of Epson R-D1

      Epson R-D1
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Epson R-D1 over Pentax K-3.

      Pentax K-3 vs Epson R-D1
      Lighter 800 g (1.76 lb / 28.22 oz) vs 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Epson R-D1.

      Epson R-D1x
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Canon R6
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      Full Frame

      20.1 MP

      Sigma SD9
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      APS-C

      3 MP

      Sony a7S
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      Full Frame

      12.2 MP

      Leica M11
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      Full Frame

      60.3 MP

      Canon 1D X III
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      Full Frame

      20.1 MP

      Nikon D50
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Leica M9
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      Full Frame

      18.0 MP

      Olympus OM-D E-M1 III
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      Micro Four Thirds

      20.4 MP

      Panasonic GM1
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16 MP

      Pentax ist DL2
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      WEAKNESSES Pentax K-3 Epson R-D1
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Optional
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Pentax K-3 has a 3.2" screen with 1,037k dot resolution and Epson R-D1 has a 2.0" screen with 235k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Pentax K-3 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinderEpson R-D1 has a built-in Optical (rangefinder) viewfinder. Pentax K-3 has 100% coverage with 0.95x (0.63x 35mm equivalent) magnification and magnification.

      Sensor

      Pentax K-3 features a 23.35 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 366.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 51,200. Epson R-D1 features a 6 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.7 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 243.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 1,600.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Pentax K-3 is equipped with PRIME III processor and can take pictures up to 6016 x 4000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4608 x 3072, 3072 x 2048, 1920 x 1080 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Epson R-D1 can take pictures up to 3008 x 2000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2240 x 1488 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Pentax K-3 has Pentax KAF2 lens mount and Epson R-D1 has Leica M lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      No Low-Pass Filter on Pentax K-3

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on Pentax K-3. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.


      In-Body Image Stabilization on Pentax K-3

      Pentax K-3 has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Pentax K-3 has a USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec) input for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Pentax K-3 comes with D-LI90 battery pack with battery life of 560 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Pentax K-3 has Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slots. Epson R-D1 has a single SD card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Pentax K-3, and up to 1/2000 sec on Epson R-D1. Pentax K-3 can shoot continuously up to 8.3 fps.


      Flash

      Pentax K-3 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 13.00 m at ISO 100 and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal or Wireless connection. Epson R-D1 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/180 sec on Pentax K-3.

      Physical Parameters

      Pentax K-3 body has dimensions of 131 x 100 x 77 mm (5.16 x 3.94 x 3.03") and Epson R-D1 body has dimensions of 142 x 89 x 40 mm (5.59 x 3.5 x 1.57"). Pentax K-3 weighs 800 g (1.76 lb / 28.22 oz) and Epson R-D1 weighs 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz).

      Pentax K-3

      Epson R-D1

      131 mm

      100 mm

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      142 mm

      89 mm

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      Size comparisons of Pentax K-3 and Epson R-D1

      Pentax K-3 and Epson R-D1 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Pentax K-3

      Epson R-D1

      GOOD
      82
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Pentax K-3

      Epson R-D1

      GOOD
      74
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   27 Focus Points
      •   25 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.3 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 560 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      53
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View

      Wildlife Photography

      Pentax K-3

      Epson R-D1

      GOOD
      70
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   27 Focus Points
      •   25 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.3 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 560 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      50
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Pentax K-3

      Epson R-D1

      GOOD
      82
      •   27 Focus Points
      •   25 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View

      Street Photography

      Pentax K-3

      Epson R-D1

      GOOD
      82
      •   27 Focus Points
      •   25 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 800 g (1.76 lb / 28.22 oz)
      GOOD
      76
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Pentax K-3

      Epson R-D1

      GOOD
      80
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 800 g (1.76 lb / 28.22 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 560 shots
      GOOD
      78
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Pentax K-3 and Epson R-D1 and give them scores of 74 and 45 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Pentax K-3

      Epson R-D1

      OVERALL
      74
      OVERALL
      45

      Sensor

      Pentax K-3

      Epson R-D1

      GOOD
      71
      •   Sensor Resolution - 23.35 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   51,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 80
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Pentax K-3

      Epson R-D1

      GOOD
      79
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.3 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/180 sec
      POOR
      53
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec

      Video

      Pentax K-3

      Epson R-D1

      POOR
      45
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Pentax K-3

      Epson R-D1

      GOOD
      80
      •   27 Focus Points
      •   25 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      POOR
      47
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Pentax K-3

      Epson R-D1

      GOOD
      74
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Small Screen - 2.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot

      Connectivity

      Pentax K-3

      Epson R-D1

      GOOD
      81
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      BAD
      26
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Pentax K-3

      Epson R-D1

      GOOD
      72
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 800 g (1.76 lb / 28.22 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 560 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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