Proving the DSLR is still a highly capable tool, the Pentax K-3 Mark III marries contemporary imaging capabilities with the trusty and familiar design of an SLR. Taking the flagship spot in Pentax's APS-C lineup, the K-3 Mark III is characterized by a new 25.7MP BSI CMOS sensor, a high-density 101-point AF system, a revised pentaprism optical viewfinder, and an advanced SR II Shake Reduction System. As a Pentax, too, the K-3 Mark III is also distinguished by its robust physical construction and extensive weather sealing for working in harsh weather conditions and climates.
The K-3 Mark III's updated sensor and processing capabilities offer a blend of high-resolution stills performance with apt speed to suit a variety of shooting scenarios. Up to 12 fps continuous shooting is possible along with UHD 4K video recording. For stills, a new SAFOX 13 AF system features 101 phase-detection points for quick and accurate focusing performance with apt subject tracking capabilities.
Complementing the imaging, this camera relies on Pentax's attention to details and how cameras are handled and used, and as such features a tough and robust physical construction with an ergonomic design and intuitive controls. The improved optical viewfinder provides realistic and detailed eye-level viewing while the rear 3.2" 1.62m-dot touchscreen LCD offers easy control over settings and image review. The K-3 Mark III is also benefitted by dual SD memory card slots, both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless interfaces, and a revised button design for more direct access to exposure and AF point control.
Featuring a revised APS-C-format 25.7MP CMOS sensor, the K-3 Mark III's sensor sports a BSI design that promotes low noise, smooth tones, and accurate color rendering throughout the sensitivity range, from ISO 100-1600000, to suit working in a variety of lighting conditions. The sensor is paired with an updated PRIME V image processor, too, which achieves quick performance and processing to benefit both stills and video recording. Full-resolution continuous shooting up to 12 fps is also possible, along with UHD 4K video recording at 30p.
Distinct among DSLRs, an advanced 5-axis SR II Shake Reduction system provides 5.5 stop-effective image stabilization performance with select lenses. This in-body IS system helps to greatly reduce the appearance of camera shake when shooting handheld with slower shutter speeds, making it easier to work in more difficult lighting conditions.
Beyond controlling camera shake, the SR II mechanism also benefits stills applications by enabling a Pixel Shift Resolution feature and an AA Filter Simulator function. Pixel Shift Resolution shifts the sensor in small increments in sequential shots in order to capture full color information at each pixel site, then composites these sequential frames to produce a single image with richer detail and resolution. The AA Filter Simulator, on the other hand, utilizes microscopic vibrations during the capture process to help mitigate moiré in order to produce clean renderings of fabrics and other high-frequency materials. This system works in conjunction with the sensor that lacks an AA filter, so you have the choice between gaining the most resolution or reducing moiré under specific scenarios.
Updated with more points and improved coverage, the SAFOX 13 autofocus sensor is a phase-detection focusing system that uses 101 individual points, including 25 cross-type sensors in the middle of the image frame. This array benefits focusing speed and accuracy in a variety of lighting conditions, down to -4 EV. Additionally, a new 307000-pixel RGBIr sensor and new tracking algorithm also promote more accurate tracking of subjects, even when moving at varying speeds or in irregular directions.
Using the high-density RGBIr sensor and the PRIME V image processor, the K-3 Mark III can use the Real-time Scene Analysis System to optimize exposure and AF accuracy by detecting subjects' faces and eyes with image recognition technology. This system relies on Deep Learning, an AI-based technology, for more accurate subject detection and scene judgement.
Imaging
Lens Mount | Pentax K |
Camera Format | APS-C (1.5x Crop Factor) |
Sensor Resolution | Actual: 26.78 Megapixel Effective: 25.73 Megapixel (6192 x 4128) |
Aspect Ratio | 3:2 |
Sensor Type | CMOS |
Sensor Size | 23.3 x 15.5 mm |
Image File Format | DNG, JPEG, Raw |
Bit Depth | 14-Bit |
Image Stabilization | Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis |
Exposure Control
ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 100 to 1600000 |
Shutter Speed | Mechanical Shutter 1/8000 to 30 Seconds 0 to 20 Minutes in Bulb Mode |
Metering Method | Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Multi-Zone, Spot |
Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority |
Exposure Compensation | -5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) |
Metering Range | -3 to 20 EV |
White Balance | Auto, CTE, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Daylight, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Manual, Multi Auto WB, Shade, Tungsten |
Continuous Shooting | Mechanical Shutter Up to 12 fps at 25.7 MP for up to 37 Frames (JPEG) / 32 Frames (Raw) Mechanical Shutter Up to 7 fps at 25.7 MP for up to 60 Frames (JPEG) / 37 Frames (Raw) Mechanical Shutter Up to 2.5 fps at 25.7 MP for up to 90 Frames (JPEG) / 39 Frames (Raw) |
Interval Recording | Yes |
Self-Timer | 2/12-Second Delay |
Mirror Lock-Up | Yes |
Video
Recording Modes | H.264/MOV UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/29.97p Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/29.97p/59.94p |
Recording Limit | Up to 25 Minutes |
Video Encoding | NTSC |
Audio Recording | Built-In Microphone (Stereo) External Microphone Input (Stereo) |
Focus
Focus Type | Auto and Manual Focus |
Focus Mode | Continuous-Servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S) |
Autofocus Points | Phase Detection: 101 (25 Cross-Type) |
Autofocus Sensitivity | -4 to +18 EV |
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Type | Optical (Pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Eye Point | 20.5 mm |
Viewfinder Coverage | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | Approx. 1.05x |
Diopter Adjustment | -4 to +1 |
Monitor
Size | 3.2" |
Resolution | 1,620,000 Dot |
Display Type | Fixed Touchscreen LCD |
Flash
Built-In Flash | No |
Flash Modes | Auto, Auto/Red-Eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On w/ Red-Eye Reduction, Hi-Speed Sync, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-Eye Reduction, TTL Auto, Wireless |
Maximum Sync Speed | 1/200 Second |
Flash Compensation | -2 to +1 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) |
Dedicated Flash System | P-TTL |
External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC Terminal |
Interface
Media/Memory Card Slot | Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) |
Connectivity | USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1), HDMI D (Micro), 3.5mm Headphone, 3.5mm Microphone, 2.5mm Sub-Mini, PC Sync Socket |
Wireless | Wi-Fi Bluetooth |
GPS | No |
Environmental
Operating Temperature | 14 to 104°F / -10 to 40°C |
Operating Humidity | 0 to 85% |
Physical
Battery | 1 x D-LI90 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1860 mAh (Approx. 800 Shots) |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 5.3 x 4.1 x 2.9" / 134.5 x 103.5 x 73.5 mm |
Weight | 1.8 lb / 820 g (Body with Battery and Memory) 1.6 lb / 735 g (Body Only) |
Packaging Info
Package Weight | 3.035 lb |
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 8.3 x 6.5 x 5.1" |
Reviews Pentax K-3 Mark III DSLR Camera (Black)