Pentax K-3

Pentax K-3 is the flagship APSC-DSLR by Ricoh Imaging introduced in 2014. Like its predecessor (K-5 II/IIs) it has a magnesium alloy body and weather sealing. Among the improvements from the K-5 II are improved resolution, larger display, and better weather sealing and AF system. The native shake reduction system from Pentax has a mode that detects panning and thus produces stabilized images.

An improved version, called K-3 II, was launched in 2015, and while it has the same sensors, its main improvements are built-in GPS instead of the pop-up flash and Pixel-Shift image enhancement. Pixel Shift enhances the resolution of an image, eliminates artifacts, and reduces noise by using microscopic vibrations of the sensor while taking a series of images. The K-3 II was one of only a handful of digital cameras that natively included this technology at their introduction, and it takes four images without closing the shutter, shifting one pixel with each shot. RAW files are 4x the standard size, but the processor manages the conversion.

The third generation of these cameras, Pentax K-3 III, was launched in 2021 with many more improvements.

Specifications

Pentax K-3 II image by Alan Pamler (Image rights)

• Sensor: 24.4 Megapixel (6016 x 4000) APS-C (23.5 x 15.6mm) CMOS sensor without an anti-aliasing filter.
  • K-3 II introduced Super Resolution with Pixel-Shift technology.
• Mount : Pentax KAF2 and KAF3.
  • Lenses of the K and M series are restricted to Av and M.
  • M42 lenses can use Av stopped down.
• Viewfinder: Pentaprism with 100% Coverage of the field of view. Magnification: 0.95X (with 50mm F1.4 at infinity).
  • Standard focusing screen: Natural-Bright-Matte III (interchangeable).
  • Diopter adjustment: -2.5m to 1.5m.
  • Depth of field preview: Optical (diaphragm stop-down).
• AF Points: 27-Point SAFOX XI module.
• Sensitivity: ISO equivalent 100-51,200.
• Shutter Speed: 1/8,000 to 30s, Bulb.
• Astro-tracer: With accessory GPS O-GPS1 unit. Exposure up to 300s.
  • K-3 II has built-in GPS.
• Maximum FPS: 8.3 fps.
• Video Modes: 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p).
• Storage type: Dual SD, SDHC, or SDXC card.
  • Wireless tethering is possible with the optional Flu-Card from Pentax (O-FC1).
• Battery: D-LI90P lithium ion rechargable.
  • Battery Pack" D-BG5 for 6AA or D-LI90 battery can also be used as a grip to shoot vertical.
  • AC-Adapter: K-AC132.
• Weight: 800g (1.76 lb/28.22 oz) with battery and SD card.
• Dimensions: 132.1 x 100 x 78.7mm (5.16 x 3.94 x 3.03 in)
• Firmware updates: at the Ricoh/Pentax website
• Focusing Screens: Not user serviceable, but the following are available:
  • MF-60 - Standard screen
  • ME-60 - All surface matte
  • ML-60 - AF Cross-lined matte
  • MI-60 - AF Scale matte
• Remote Control: Can use wireless remote control E, F, or O-RC1 or wired CS-205.

Links

• Pentax K-3 II at Ricoh-Imaging website
• Pentax K3 user manual at Ricoh-Pentax
• Pentax K-3 II user manual at Ricoh-Pentax manual library
• In-depth review of K-3 at Pentaxforums
• In-depth review of K-3 II at Pentaxforums