Pentax K-3 Mark III · Body only
APS-C DSLR · 2021
Canon EOS R5 Mark II
full-frame · 2024
Canon EOS R5 Mark II takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Pentax K-3 Mark III · Body only lands at 80 and Canon EOS R5 Mark II at 95. That puts Canon EOS R5 Mark II ahead by 15 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Pentax K-3 Mark III · Body only if…
- ✓Mature system, great used market
- ✓Proven lens lineup
- ✓Often on sale
Pick Canon EOS R5 Mark II if…
- ✓Current-gen AF system
- ✓Proven lens ecosystem
- ✓Strong video + stills balance
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPhoto
Canon EOS R5 Mark IICompared on the photo sub-score
Canon EOS R5 Mark II leads on photo (95 vs 80).
Ergonomics
TieCompared on the ergonomics sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Autofocus
Canon EOS R5 Mark IICompared on the autofocus sub-score
Canon EOS R5 Mark II leads on autofocus (93 vs 76).
Value for money
Pentax K-3 Mark III · Body onlySpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Pentax K-3 Mark III · Body only more score per dollar ($1,999 vs $4,299).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Pentax K-3 Mark III · Body only | Canon EOS R5 Mark II |
|---|---|---|
| Format | APS-C DSLR | full-frame |
| Release year | 2021 | 2024 |
Pentax K-3 Mark III · Body only
- +Mature system, great used market
- +Proven lens lineup
- +Often on sale
- −Older AF system
- −Heavier than modern mirrorless
- −Firmware updates trailed off
Canon EOS R5 Mark II
- +Current-gen AF system
- +Proven lens ecosystem
- +Strong video + stills balance
- −Body price excludes lens
- −Heavy for travel (flagship)
- −Learning curve on menus
FAQ: Pentax K-3 Mark III · Body only vs Canon EOS R5 Mark II
Which is better, Pentax K-3 Mark III · Body only or Canon EOS R5 Mark II? +
Canon EOS R5 Mark II scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 15. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Pentax K-3 Mark III · Body only worth the price? +
At $1,999, Pentax K-3 Mark III · Body only delivers a Specdex score of 80 — strongest in ergonomics.
Is Canon EOS R5 Mark II worth the price? +
At $4,299, Canon EOS R5 Mark II delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in photo.
Does Pentax K-3 Mark III · Body only or Canon EOS R5 Mark II 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 photo, Pentax K-3 Mark III · Body only or Canon EOS R5 Mark II? +
Canon EOS R5 Mark II — leads on photo (95 vs 80). Compared on the photo sub-score.
Which is better for autofocus, Pentax K-3 Mark III · Body only or Canon EOS R5 Mark II? +
Canon EOS R5 Mark II — leads on autofocus (93 vs 76). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.