The Photo Times: Nikon D600 vs. Pentax K-3 Image Comparison: Pentax Sweeps Nikon

In an attempt to show the image quality of the Pentax K-3′s 24 MP APS-C sensor compared to that of the Nikon D600′s 24 MP full frame sensor we set up a head-to-head, real life competition between the two (pixel peepers will enjoy our upcoming static studio head-to-head that will be posted shortly). Here’s how we did it: on the Nikon D600 we attached a Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 lens and on the Pentax K-3 we attached a Pentax 55mm f/1.4 lens. These two lenses are both high quality, sharp lenses with very similar focal lengths (Nikon =85mm, Pentax=82.5mm when the crop factor of the APS-C is taken into account) and very similar maximum apertures. In our testing, we used various apertures, but did not use the maximum aperture for either lens to account for the variation between the two. For each image taken, we used the same aperture on both cameras. Also, the cameras were on the same ISO setting. We set each camera to the aperture priority mode and allowed the cameras to choose the most appropriate shutter speed for the situation. This set up gave us maximum control over the test while trying to remove the “user error” variable of setting a camera to full manual setting. The exposure was center weighted.

Each image was taken in a RAW format then converted to JPGs through Lightroom. No adjustments were made to the images before publishing this article.

In almost every shot, the Pentax K-3 had much better color quality than the Nikon D600. Also, the Pentax K-3 did a much better job of auto selecting the appropriate shutter speed while having the camera set to aperture priority. The Pentax K-3 also did a better job of rendering a more pleasing contrast in a variety of situations. Finally, the image sharpness was visibly more appealing in the Pentax K-3 than the Nikon D600.

This test clearly shows the full frame Nikon D600 does not have image quality that is nearly as appealing or accurate as the cropped sensor Pentax K-3. Plus, the Pentax K-3 is currently $500 less expensive than the Nikon D600.

But what about high ISOs? No worries high ISO shooters. We have another article that will be posted soon to highlight the camera’s ability to handle itself in extreme conditions. Until then, I added a few screen shots of side-by-side comparisons for the two cameras with three different ISOs.