Pentax K-3 vs Canon EOS 77D

  • APS-C
  • 24 megapixels
  • Pentax KAF2
  • 42
    Overall
  • 15
    Imaging
  • 64
    Features
  • 72
    Size
  • 0
    Price
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  • APS-C
  • 24 megapixels
  • Canon EF/EF-S
  • 48
    Overall
  • 23
    Imaging
  • 72
    Features
  • 72
    Size
  • 0
    Price
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Pentax K-3 vs Canon EOS 77D: a Complete Review and Comparison

Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!

In this review, we are going to make a detailed comparison of two cameras that fall into different categories. While the first model we are looking at, Pentax K-3 belongs to a Semi-Pro DSLR category, the other model, Pentax K-3 is a Entry-Level DSLR camera. One of the key common traits of both cameras we are looking at is sensor. Both Pentax K-3 and Canon EOS 77D, are equipped with the same 24.0 MP CMOS sensors.

To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Pentax K-3 and Canon EOS 77D and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.

Pentax K-3 Key Features:

  • 24.0 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
  • ISO 100 - 51200
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • 3.2″ Fixed Type Screen
  • ViewFinder: Yes
  • 8.0 fps Continuous Shooting
  • Video: 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p)
  • Built-in Wireless: No
  • Dimensions: 131 x 100 x 77 mm
  • Weight: 800 g
  • Environmental Sealing: Yes
  • Built-in GPS: Yes
  • Replaced by Pentax K-3 II. Compare

Canon EOS 77D Key Features:

  • 24.0 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
  • ISO 100 - 25600 (Expands to 51200)
  • Image Stabilization: No
  • 3″ Fully Articulated Screen
  • ViewFinder: Yes
  • 6.0 fps Continuous Shooting
  • Video: 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 60 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
  • Built-in Wireless: Yes
  • Dimensions: 131 x 100 x 76 mm
  • Weight: 540 g
  • Environmental Sealing: No
  • Built-in GPS: Yes
  • Replaced Canon T6s.
  • Also known as Canon EOS 9000D

Pentax K-3 was substituted by Pentax K-3 II. Be sure to check out some of our other overviews that may also interest you:
Pentax K-3 vs. K-3 II
Pentax K-3 II vs. Canon EOS 77D

Why is Pentax K-3 a better choice than Canon EOS 77D

Storage Slots 2 vs 1 Extra storage slot
Sensor Area 366.6 mm2 vs 332.27 mm2 9.4% larger pixel area
Image Stabilization Yes vs No All lenses are stabilized
Continuous Shooting 8 fps vs 6 fps 2 fps faster
Flash Range 13 vs 12 1 better flash range
Max Shutter Speed 1/8000 vs 1/4000 Faster shutter speed
Screen Size 3.2″ vs 3″ 0.2" larger screen
Environmental Sealing Yes vs No Shoot at tough conditions
Headphone Port Yes vs No Has headphone port
Dxo Color Depth 23.7 vs 23.6 Better color depth
Dxo Dynamic Range 13.4 vs 13.3 Better dynamic range
Dxo Low Light Iso 1216 vs 971 Better High ISO performance
Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) vs Optical (pentamirror) Better framing and control
Viewfinder Magnification 0.64 vs 0.51 0.13 better magnification

What are the key reasons to pick Canon EOS 77D over Pentax K-3

Wireless Connectivity Built-In vs No Better connectivity
NFC Yes vs No Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices
Bluetooth Yes vs No Connect your camera to other devices via Bluetooth
Number Of Focus Points 45 vs 27 18 more focus points
Screen Type Fully Articulated vs Fixed Type Flexible shooting positions
Screen Resolution 1,040k dots vs 1,037k dots 0.3% higher resolution screen
Touch Screen Yes vs No Easy control of camera functions
Battery Life 600 shots vs 560 shots 40 more frames with a single charge
Weight 540 g vs 800 g 260 g lighter

Key PROs of Pentax K-3 and Canon EOS 77D

Screen Size 3.2″ | 3″ Large display
Screen Resolution 1,037k dots | 1,040k dots High resolution screen
Viewfinder Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentamirror) Better framing and control
Raw Support Yes | Yes Better image quality
Sensor Resolution 24.0 MP | 24.0 MP Bigger prints and more details
AutoFocus Face Detection Yes | Yes Very handy for portraits
Microphone Port Yes | Yes High quality audio recording option
Timelapse Recording Yes | Yes Creative shooting
Bracketing Yes | Yes Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Built-In Flash Yes | Yes External flash available
Flash Sync Port Yes | Yes Port for Flash Sync
Battery Life 560 shots | 600 shots Big number of frames with a single charge

Pentax K-3 vs Canon EOS 77D: Comparing Two Models By Physical Characteristics

Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Pentax K-3 and Canon EOS 77D from the front view.

Pentax K-3
Canon EOS 77D
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Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.

Pentax K-3
Canon EOS 77D
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After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.

Speaking of weight, Canon EOS 77D is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 260g less than the Pentax K-3. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.

Comparing Pentax K-3 and Canon EOS 77D by the type of Sensor and Resolution

Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.

Are Pentax K-3 and Canon EOS 77D any different in terms of sensor type?

In terms of sensor type and resolution, these models are identical. Both Pentax K-3 and Canon EOS 77D come equipped with the same CMOS that has a resolution of 24.0 MP. Thus, if you are wondering, which option to choose, this is not a factor you should be looking at.

Take a look below to find the comparison of Pentax K-3 and Canon EOS 77D by the size of their sensors.

Pentax K-3
Canon EOS 77D
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Pentax K-3 and Canon EOS 77D are identical by this indicator, as each feature a sensor of the same size. Thus, both cameras will provide the same level of control in terms of the depth of field if you use them with the same focal length and aperture.

For Which Fields Of Photography Are Pentax K-3 and Canon EOS 77D Suitable?

If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.

This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Pentax K-3 and Canon EOS 77D in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.

Photography Type Pentax K-3 Canon EOS 77D
Portrait Photography
98%
96%
Street Photography
94%
92%
Sports Photography
94%
70%
Daily Photography
65%
48%
Landscape Photography
97%
92%

Pentax K-3 for Portrait Photography

Advantages:

  • Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
  • High resolution sensor (24 MP)
  • Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
  • Image Stabilization
  • Face Detection Focusing

Disadvantages:

No Significant Disadvantages

Canon EOS 77D for Portrait Photography

Advantages:

  • Large APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) sensor
  • High resolution sensor (24 MP)
  • Canon is famous with its skintones
  • Face Detection Focusing

Disadvantages:

  • No Image Stabilization

Pentax K-3 for Street Photography

Advantages:

  • Built-in View Finder
  • Live View
  • Image Stabilization
  • Large APS-C(23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor

Disadvantages:

  • Big size (131 x 100 x 77 mm)

Canon EOS 77D for Street Photography

Advantages:

  • Built-in View Finder
  • Live View
  • Fully Articulated Screen
  • Large APS-C(22.3 x 14.9 mm) sensor

Disadvantages:

  • Big size (131 x 100 x 76 mm)
  • No Image Stabilization

Pentax K-3 for Sports Photography

Advantages:

  • Environmental Sealing
  • Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
  • Big Number of CrossFocus Points (25)
  • Big size (131 x 100 x 77 mm)

Disadvantages:

  • Slow Continuous Shooting (8.0 fps)
  • Smal Number of autofocus Points (27)
  • Bad Low Light ISO (1216)
  • Small battery life (560 shots)

Canon EOS 77D for Sports Photography

Advantages:

  • Big size (131 x 100 x 76 mm)

Disadvantages:

  • Slow Continuous Shooting (6.0 fps)
  • No Environmental Sealing
  • Slow Max Shutter Speed (1/4000s)
  • Smal Number of autofocus Points (45)
  • Bad Low Light ISO (971)
  • Small battery life (600 shots)

Pentax K-3 for Daily Photography

Advantages:

  • Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
  • Built-in Flash
  • Built-in View Finder
  • Live View
  • Video is available

Disadvantages:

  • Big weight (800 g)
  • Big size (131 x 100 x 77 mm)

Canon EOS 77D for Daily Photography

Advantages:

  • Large APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) sensor
  • Built-in Flash
  • Built-in View Finder
  • Live View
  • Wireless Connectivity
  • Video is available

Disadvantages:

  • Big weight (540 g)
  • Big size (131 x 100 x 76 mm)

Pentax K-3 for Landscape Photography

Advantages:

  • Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
  • High resolution sensor (24 MP)
  • Good Dynamic Range (13.4)
  • Environmental Sealing
  • Live View
  • RAW Support

Disadvantages:

No Significant Disadvantages

Canon EOS 77D for Landscape Photography

Advantages:

  • Large APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) sensor
  • High resolution sensor (24 MP)
  • Good Dynamic Range (13.3)
  • Live View
  • RAW Support

Disadvantages:

  • No Environmental Sealing
  • Bad Low Light ISO (971)

Comparison of Pentax K-3 vs Canon EOS 77D: Final Verdict

Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Pentax K-3 or Canon EOS 77D, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.

What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Pentax K-3 and Canon EOS 77D here is what we can say in conclusion:

According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Canon EOS 77D deserves a higher Total Score than the Pentax K-3. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.

Pentax K-3 vs Canon EOS 77D Table Of Technical Specs

For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:

Pentax K-3 Canon EOS 77D
General
Brand Pentax Canon
Model K-3 EOS 77D
Announced Apr 10, 2014 Feb 15, 2017
Body Type Mid-size SLR Mid-size SLR
Sensor
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Sensor Size APS-C APS-C
Sensor Dimensions 23.5 x 15.6 mm 22.3 x 14.9 mm
Sensor Area 366.60 mm2 332.27 mm2
Sensor Resolution 24.0 MP 24.0 MP
Max Image Resolution 6016 x 4000 6000 x 4000
Max Native ISO 51,200 25,600
Max Boosted ISO n/a 51,200
Min Native ISO 100 100
RAW Support Yes Yes
Lens
Manual Focus Yes Yes
Lens Mount Pentax KAF2 Canon EF/EF-S
Number of Lenses 144 304
Focal Length Multiplier 1.5x 1.6x
Macro Focus Range
AutoFocus
AF Touch No Yes
AF Continuous Yes Yes
AF Single Yes Yes
AF Tracking Yes Yes
AF Selective Yes Yes
AF Center Yes Yes
AF Multi Area Yes Yes
AF Live View Yes Yes
AF Face Detection Yes Yes
AF Contrast Detection Yes Yes
AF Phase Detection Yes Yes
Number of Focus Points 27 45
Number of Cross Focus Points 25 n/a
Screen
Screen Type Fixed Type Fully Articulated
Screen Size 3.2″ 3″
Screen Resolution 1,037k dots 1,040k dots
Live View Yes Yes
Touch Screen No Yes
ViewFinder
ViewFinder Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentamirror)
ViewFinder Resolution 0k dots 0k dots
ViewFinder Coverage 100% 95%
ViewFinder Magnification 0.64 0.51
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed 30 s 30 s
Max Shutter Speed 1/8000 s 1/4000 s
Continuous Shooting 8.0 fps 6.0 fps
Shutter Priority Yes Yes
Aperture Priority Yes Yes
Manual Exposure Mode Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation Yes Yes
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization Yes No
Built-in Flash Yes Yes
Flash Range 13 12
Flash Modes Auto, red-eye, slow sync, slow sync + red-eye, trailing curtain sync, high speed, wireless, manual
External Flash Yes Yes
AE Bracketing Yes Yes
WB Bracketing Yes Yes
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment Yes Yes
Average No Yes
Spot Yes Yes
Partial No Yes
AF-Area No No
Center Weighted Yes No
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Sensor Score 80 78
DxO Color Depth 23.7 23.6
DxO Dynamic Range 13.4 13.3
DxO Low Light ISO 1216 971
Video Features
Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p) 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 60 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080
Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port Yes Yes
Headphone Port Yes No
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity No Yes
HDMI Yes Yes
USB USB 3.0 USB 2.0
Physical
Environmental Sealing Yes No
Water Proof No No
Dust Proof No No
Shock Proof No No
Crush Proof No No
Freeze Proof No No
Weight 800 g 540 g
Physical Dimensions 131 x 100 x 77 mm 131 x 100 x 76 mm
Battery Life 560 shots 600 shots
Battery Type Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Model D-LI90 n/a
Other Features
Self Timer Yes Yes
Timelapse Recording Yes Yes
GPS Optional Optional
Storage Type Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
Storage Slots 2 1

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