Canon EOS R1
Stacked 24MP · 40fps · Pro sports
Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 28-75mm kit
APS-C DSLR · 2021
Canon EOS R1 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Canon EOS R1 lands at 96 and Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 28-75mm kit at 80. That puts Canon EOS R1 ahead by 16 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Canon EOS R1 if…
- ✓Eye-control AF returns and works
- ✓No-blackout EVF at 40fps
- ✓Built-in vertical grip
Pick Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 28-75mm kit if…
- ✓Mature system, great used market
- ✓Proven lens lineup
- ✓Often on sale
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testErgonomics
Canon EOS R1Compared on the ergonomics sub-score
Canon EOS R1 leads on ergonomics (96 vs 86).
Video
Canon EOS R1Compared on the video sub-score
Canon EOS R1 leads on video (96 vs 72).
Value for money
Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 28-75mm kitSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 28-75mm kit more score per dollar ($2,699 vs $6,299).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Canon EOS R1 | Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 28-75mm kit |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 24.2 MP stacked CMOS | — |
| Mount | Canon RF | — |
| Burst | 40 fps electronic / 12 fps mechanical | — |
| Video | 6K 60p RAW · 4K 120p | — |
| AF | Dual Pixel Intelligent AF + Eye-control | — |
| Storage | Dual CFexpress B | — |
| Weight | 1115 g | — |
| Format | — | APS-C DSLR |
| Release year | — | 2021 |
Canon EOS R1
- +Eye-control AF returns and works
- +No-blackout EVF at 40fps
- +Built-in vertical grip
- −Resolution conservative at 24 MP
- −Heavy at 1115g
- −Pro-only price
Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 28-75mm kit
- +Mature system, great used market
- +Proven lens lineup
- +Often on sale
- −Older AF system
- −Heavier than modern mirrorless
- −Firmware updates trailed off
FAQ: Canon EOS R1 vs Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 28-75mm kit
Which is better, Canon EOS R1 or Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 28-75mm kit? +
Canon EOS R1 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 16. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Canon EOS R1 worth the price? +
At $6,299, Canon EOS R1 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in af.
Is Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 28-75mm kit worth the price? +
At $2,699, Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 28-75mm kit delivers a Specdex score of 80 — strongest in ergonomics.
Does Canon EOS R1 or Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 28-75mm kit last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for ergonomics, Canon EOS R1 or Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 28-75mm kit? +
Canon EOS R1 — leads on ergonomics (96 vs 86). Compared on the ergonomics sub-score.
Which is better for video, Canon EOS R1 or Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 28-75mm kit? +
Canon EOS R1 — leads on video (96 vs 72). Compared on the video sub-score.