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, better weather sealing and AF system. The native shake reduction system from Pentax has also a mode to detect panning, and thus produce stabilized images.

An improved version called K-3 II was launched in 2015 and while having the same senros, it had Built-in GPS instead of the pop-up flash and Pixel-Shift image enhacement resolution as main improvements. Pixel Shift enhances the resolution of an image, eliminate artifacts, and reduce noise by using microscopic vibrations of the sensor while taking a series of images. K-3 II was one of only a handful of digital cameras that natively include this technology at its introduction, and takes 4 images without closing the shutter shifting 1 pixel each. RAW files are 4x the standard size but the processor manages the conversion.

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

Specifications

• Sensor: 24.4 Megapixel (6016 x 4000) APS-C (23.5x15.6mm) size CMOS sensor, without an AA 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 (w 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 accesory 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 grip to shoot vertical as well
  • AC-Adapter K-AC132
• Weight: 800 g (1.76 lb / 28.22 oz) with battery and SD card
• Dimensions:132.1 x 100 x 78.7 mm (5.16 x 3.94 x 3.03″)
• 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