Sony A6500 vs Pentax K-3 II – Comparison

Let’s compare the Sony A6500 vs Pentax K-3 II. The A6500 is newer, faster and has 4K video recording, but the K-3 II is cheaper and offers quite a few useful outdoor features.

Our comparison table below covers all the important specifications of each camera. Below that, we specifically talk about the new improvements and which model is better suited for your needs.

	Sony A6500	Pentax K-3 II
Megapixels	24.2	24.3
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS
Sensor Format	APS-C	APS-C
Crop Factor	1.5x	1.5x
AA Filter	Yes	On/Off
Image Resolution	6000 x 4000	6016 x 4000
Body Image Stabilization	Yes - 5-Axis	Yes
Lens Mount	Sony E	Pentax K
ISO	100 - 25,600	100 - 51,200
Expanded ISO	51,200	None
AF Points	425	27
Cross-type AF Points	425 phase	25
Continuous Mode	11fps	8fps
LCD	3.0" - Articulating	3.2" - Fixed
LCD Resolution	921,600 dots	1,036,800 dots
Touchscreen	Yes	No
Focus Peaking	Yes	Yes
Top LCD Display	No	Yes
Viewfinder Type	EVF	Optical
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	1.07x	0.95x
Video Resolution	3840x2160 (30/25/24p)	1920x1080 (60i/50i/30/25/24p)
	1920x1080 (120/100/60/50p)	1280x720 (60/50p)
Microphone Jack	Yes	Yes
Headphone Jack	No	Yes
Memory Card Type	SD or MS Pro	SD + SD
Dual Card Slots	No	Yes
SD UHS Support	UHS-I	UHS-I
Fastest Shutter Speed	1/4000	1/8000
Slowest Shutter Speed	30"	30"
Bulb Mode	Yes	Yes
JPEG Buffer Size	231	60
RAW Buffer Size	110	22
Time Lapse	Yes	Yes
Built-in Flash	Yes	No
Max Flash Sync Speed	1/160	1/180
Startup Time	1.3s	1.2s
Built-in Wi-Fi	Yes	No
Built-in GPS	No	Yes
Built- in NFC	Yes	No
Bluetooth	No	No
USB Type	USB 2.0	USB 3.0
Environmentally Sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery Life (CIPA)	350 shots	720 shots
Battery Included	Yes (NP-FW50)	Yes (D-LI90)
Weight	16.0 oz (453g)	27.07 oz (785g)
Size	4.7 x 2.6 x 2.1"	5.2 x 4.0 x 3.1"
Price	Amazon	Amazon
Release Date	2016	2015

Sony A6500 Advantages:

• AF Points – 425 vs 27.

• Continuous mode – 11fps vs 8fps. More is better for sports and wildlife since you have more chances of getting a tack sharp shot.

• Articulating LCD

• Touchscreen Support

• Viewfinder Magnification – Higher magnification.

• Video Resolution – 4K video available.

• JPEG Buffer Size – 231 vs 60. Useful for long bursts.

• RAW Buffer Size – 110 vs 22.

• Built-in Flash

• Built-in Wi-Fi

• Built-in NFC

• Weight – The Sony A6500 weighs 332g less.

• Size – The Sony A6500 is noticeably smaller.

The A6500 gives you an articulating LCD with touchscreen support, 4K video recording, way bigger buffer, built-in Wi-Fi and a lot more AF points in a smaller, lighter body. It’s more expensive, but worth it!

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.

Pentax K-3 II Advantages:

• AA Filter – You can turn it on and off.

• LCD – 3.2″ vs 3.0″.

• LCD Resolution – Higher resolution.

• Top LCD Display – When shooting in semi-auto/manual modes, you can quickly preview all of your settings.

• Headphone Jack – Useful for previewing your audio quality straight out the camera.

• Dual Card Slots – More room for extra photos, or simply for backup.

• Faster Max Shutter Speed – 1/8000 vs 1/4000.

• Max Flash Sync Speed – 1/180 vs /160.

• Built-in GPS

• USB 3.0 – Faster file transferring out the camera.

• Battery Life – 720 shots vs 350 shots.
• Less Expensive – The K-3 II body costs around $650 less

On the other hand, the K-3 II is an excellent outdoor camera too. Built-in GPS, longer battery life, 2 memory card slots and 1 stop faster max shutter speed are all great for wildlife and long trips. It’s cheaper too, so you can spend more money on lenses!

You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.