Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 24-70mm kit
APS-C DSLR · 2021
Sony Alpha 7 IV
33 MP full-frame · 4K60 · Hybrid
Sony Alpha 7 IV takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 24-70mm kit lands at 80 and Sony Alpha 7 IV at 92. That puts Sony Alpha 7 IV ahead by 12 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 24-70mm kit if…
- ✓Mature system, great used market
- ✓Proven lens lineup
- ✓Often on sale
Pick Sony Alpha 7 IV if…
- ✓Great hybrid stills + video
- ✓Excellent AF with Real-time Tracking
- ✓Dual card slots
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPhoto
Sony Alpha 7 IVCompared on the photo sub-score
Sony Alpha 7 IV leads on photo (94 vs 80).
Ergonomics
Sony Alpha 7 IVCompared on the ergonomics sub-score
Sony Alpha 7 IV leads on ergonomics (88 vs 86).
Autofocus
Sony Alpha 7 IVCompared on the autofocus sub-score
Sony Alpha 7 IV leads on autofocus (96 vs 76).
Value for money
Sony Alpha 7 IVSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Sony Alpha 7 IV more score per dollar ($2,498 vs $3,199).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 24-70mm kit | Sony Alpha 7 IV |
|---|---|---|
| Format | APS-C DSLR | — |
| Release year | 2021 | — |
| Sensor | — | 33 MP Exmor R CMOS |
| Mount | — | Sony E |
| Video | — | 4K60 (Super35), 4K30 full-frame |
| Stabilization | — | 5-axis IBIS |
Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 24-70mm kit
- +Mature system, great used market
- +Proven lens lineup
- +Often on sale
- −Older AF system
- −Heavier than modern mirrorless
- −Firmware updates trailed off
Sony Alpha 7 IV
- +Great hybrid stills + video
- +Excellent AF with Real-time Tracking
- +Dual card slots
- −4K60 is Super 35 crop
- −Menus still dense
- −Heats with long 4K recording
FAQ: Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 24-70mm kit vs Sony Alpha 7 IV
Which is better, Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 24-70mm kit or Sony Alpha 7 IV? +
Sony Alpha 7 IV scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 12. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 24-70mm kit worth the price? +
At $3,199, Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 24-70mm kit delivers a Specdex score of 80 — strongest in ergonomics.
Is Sony Alpha 7 IV worth the price? +
At $2,498, Sony Alpha 7 IV delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in autofocus.
Does Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 24-70mm kit or Sony Alpha 7 IV 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 · with 24-70mm kit or Sony Alpha 7 IV? +
Sony Alpha 7 IV — leads on photo (94 vs 80). Compared on the photo sub-score.
Which is better for ergonomics, Pentax K-3 Mark III · with 24-70mm kit or Sony Alpha 7 IV? +
Sony Alpha 7 IV — leads on ergonomics (88 vs 86). Compared on the ergonomics sub-score.