Key Features
Apr 10 2014
Announced
24 megapixels
Resolution
| Brand | Pentax |
| Sensor Type | APS-C |
| Sensor | CMOS |
| Weight | 800g |
| MSRP | $1299USD |
Other similar cameras
Pentax K-30
Released Oct 29 2012 | 16MP resolution
Pentax K-S1
Released Aug 27 2014 | 20MP resolution
Pentax K-1
Released Feb 17 2016 | 36MP resolution
Overview of the K-3
As a photographer, you want to make sure you have the best possible equipment to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments. Enter the Pentax K-3, a powerhouse of a camera that delivers exceptional performance and image quality. This camera offers a host of advanced features that make it a top choice for professional photographers and enthusiasts alike. From its high-resolution sensor to its robust build quality, there is a lot to love about the Pentax K-3. In this comprehensive guide, we will go over all the key features of this camera and provide an in-depth review of its capabilities. Whether you're looking to upgrade your gear or simply want to learn more about the Pentax K-3, you've come to the right place.
Pentax K-3 Pros and Cons
Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Pentax K-3 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!
Pros
Cons
Build and Construction
Body and dimensions
Pentax K-3
| Weather sealed | |
| Dimensions | 131 x 100 x 77mm |
| Weight | 800g |
| Thickness | 77mm |
Weather Sealing
The Pentax K-3 camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the K-3 is an excellent choice.
Design and Handling
Main design features
| View Finder | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Screen Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen Resolution | 1,037k dots |
| Body type | Mid-size SLR |
Suitable for:
| Photography | Above Avg. |
| Videography | Above Avg. |
| Travel | Above Avg. |
LCD Screen
This camera has a fixed type 3.20" screen, with a display resolution of 1,037k dots. This makes the Pentax K-3 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.
Viewfinder
K-3 includes a optical (pentaprism) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.64x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.
Image Quality
Pentax K-3 has a 24MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 24 pixels. Pentax K-3 has a native ISO range of 100 - 51200 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.
Key Features
Apr 10 2014
Announced
100 - 51200
ISO Range
| Sensor | APS-C |
| Extended ISO | null - null |
| Max resolution | 6016 x 4000 pixels |
DXO Sensor Scores
Overall
80 / 102
Color Depth
23.7 / 26.5
Dynamic Range
13.4 / 14.8
Low Light ISO
1216 / 4505
DXO mark sensor scores
The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Pentax K-3 camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the K-3 is average
Crop Factor
Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.
Size comparison
Crop factor calculator
Crop factor
1.5x
Full frame equivalent
36mm
This camera: APS-C
24mm
Connectivity, storage, battery
| Storage | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Battery Life | 560 shots |
| Battery Model | D-LI90 |
| HDMI | |
| USD | |
| Wireless Connectivity |
Storage
The Pentax K-3 supports Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC with 2 slots for storage. Having dual SD card slots on the Pentax K-3 is highly advantageous as it mitigates the risk of losing footage due to memory card malfunctions. This feature is particularly beneficial for wedding photography and other professional settings.
Battery
The Pentax K-3 uses the D-LI90 model of battery pack. This is rated for 560 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.
Photography Features
Flash
The Pentax K-3 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.
Shutter
The Pentax K-3 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.
With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.
Autofocus
The Pentax K-3 includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with 27 number of focus points.
While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.
Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.
On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.
FAQ
The Pentax K-3 features a CMOS sensor
Yes the K-3 does have weather sealing.
The Pentax K-3 was announced on Apr 10 2014
Yes the K-3 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.
The K-3 has a native ISO range of 100-51200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.
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