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.
Firmware Update 1.41: Astro Tracer Type 3
Firmware version 1.41 allows this camera to be used as an astro tracer without the optional Pentax O-GPS1 GPS Module. The camera enables astro tracing without GPS, direction, or other data, so there is no need for GPS positioning or to perform precision calibration. In addition, astro tracing can operate in areas affected by magnetic fields. Before starting, a preliminary shot is taken to track the object based on the movement of stars. (It is, however, recommended to use the O-GPS1 for star photography when shooting with a wide-angle lens.)
25.7MP APS-C BSI CMOS Sensor
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.
SR II In-Body Shake Reduction
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.
Real-Time Scene Analysis System
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.
SAFOX 13 Phase-Detection AF
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.
Body Design
- Large and bright optical pentaprism viewfinder provides an impressive 1.05x magnification and covers 100% of the image frame for clear and accurate eye-level viewing. The pentaprism's design has also been updated to use high-refraction glass, optimized coatings, and a distortion-correcting element to reduce aberrations and promote high clarity and color fidelity.
- Rear 3.2" 1.62m-dot touchscreen LCD is a large and bright means for image review, menu navigation, and live view shooting. This screen is also benefitted by a Night Vision function that adjusts the screen's brightness depending on the shooting conditions.
- Typical of Pentax's designs, a sturdy and weather-resistant construction is featured for use in trying weather conditions. The chassis is built from lightweight-yet-durable magnesium alloy and is fitted with a series of dust- and moisture-resistant seals to protect against various weather conditions. The camera is also freezeproof down to 14°F and the durability is carried over to the shutter unit as well, which is rated for 300,000 shutter actuations.
- Both 3.5mm microphone and headphone ports are featured to benefit audio performance while recording video.
- Updated control scheme includes a new AF point selector lever for intuitive point selection; a Hyper Operation system with a new Advanced mode for more intuitive exposure mode control; an Operation Control Lock function to prevent accidental settings changes; and a new Smart Function mode and dedicated button for quick selection of settings and functions.
- Included D-LI90 rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides approximately 800 shots per charge and the camera's USB Type-C port can be used for in-body battery charging.
- Dual SD memory card slots offer flexible storage capabilities and the first card slot is compatible with the UHS-II standard for faster transfer speeds.
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity can be used to wirelessly share imagery or remotely control the camera via the Image Sync mobile app.
Pentax HD PENTAX DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR Lens
A versatile wide-angle to telephoto zoom for Pentax DSLRs, the HD PENTAX DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR Lens offers a 24.5-130mm-equivalent focal length to benefit working in a wide variety of shooting situations. One extra-low dispersion glass element and three aspherical elements have been incorporated within the optical design to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortion throughout the zoom range and an HD (High-Definition) coating has been applied to maintain light transmission and reduce surface reflections. Additionally, an SP (Super Protect) coating has also been applied to the front and rear lens surfaces and an overall weather-resistant construction benefits this lens' use in a wide array of working conditions.
With regard to handling, a Quick-Shift focusing system enables switching between autofocus and manual focus modes quickly and intuitively by simply rotating the focus ring at any time. The lens is able to achieve minimum focusing distance of 1.15' along with a maximum magnification of 0.26x. Additionally, a rounded seven-blade diaphragm renders a smooth out-of-focus quality when employing selective focus or shallow depth of field techniques.
The 24.5-130mm-equivalent focal length range covers wide-angle to short telephoto perspectives, and is well-suited to use in a variety of conditions.
One extra-low dispersion glass element and three aspherical elements are employed to control chromatic aberrations and distortions throughout the zoom range in order to produce greater clarity and color accuracy.
An HD coating has been applied to optimize light transmission, improve contrast, and reduce surface reflections.
The front and rear elements feature an additional SP coating for protection against smudging, fingerprints, dust, and other elements.
Quick-Shift focusing system permits fast changing between auto and manual focusing modes, with the ability to manually override the focus position at any point. Additionally, the DC autofocus motor also provides quick, smooth, and quiet performance to benefit both still and movie capture.
Weather-resistant construction with 11 seals benefits its use in inclement conditions.
Lens Mount Pentax K
Sensor Resolution Actual: 26.78 Megapixel
Effective: 25.73 Megapixel (6192 x 4128)
Sensor Type 23.3 x 15.5 mm (APS-C) CMOS
Crop Factor 1.5x
Image Stabilization Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
Mirror Lock-Up Yes
Capture Type Stills & Video
Shutter Type Electronic Shutter
Shutter Speed Mechanical Shutter 1/8000 to 30 Seconds, Up to 20 Minutes in Bulb Mode
Bulb/Time Mode Bulb Mode, Time Mode
ISO Sensitivity 100 to 1,600,000 in Auto Mode
Metering Method Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Multi-Zone, Spot
Exposure Modes Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority
White Balance Presets: 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
Image Sizes 3:2 Raw 6192 x 4128
3:2 JPEG 6192 x 4128
4752 x 3168
3648 x 2432
1920 x 1280
Aspect Ratio 3:2
Image File Format DNG, JPEG, Raw
Bit Depth 14-Bit
Recording Modes H.264/MOV
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98p/29.97p
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.98p/29.97p/59.94p
Recording Limit Up to 25 Minutes
Broadcast Output NTSC
Built-In Microphone Type Stereo
IP Streaming None
Media/Memory Card Slot Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Video I/O 1 x Micro-HDMI Output
Audio I/O 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input
Power I/O 1 x USB Type-C Input/Output
Other I/O 1 x USB Type-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 1) Data Input/Output (Shared with Power Input)
1 x 2.5 mm Sub-Mini Control Input
1 x PC Sync Socket Output
Wireless Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.) None
Monitor Size 3.2"
Resolution 1,620,000 Dot
Display Type Fixed Touchscreen LCD
Secondary Display Top: Status Display
Viewfinder Type Optical (Pentaprism)
Eye Point 20.5 mm
Coverage 100%
Magnification Approx. 1.05x
Diopter Adjustment -4 to +1
Focus Type Auto and Manual Focus
Focus Mode Continuous-Servo AF, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AF
Autofocus Points Phase Detection: 101 (25 Cross-Type)
Autofocus Sensitivity -4 to +18 EV
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
Operating Temperature 14 to 104°F / -10 to 40°C
Operating Humidity 0 to 85%
Battery Type 1 x D-LI90 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1860 mAh (Approx. 800 Shots)
Tripod Mounting Thread 1 x 1/4"-20 Female (Bottom)
Accessory Mount 1 x Hot Shoe Mount
Material of Construction Magnesium Alloy
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 (With Battery, Recording Media)
1.6 lb / 735 g (Body Only)
Pentax HD PENTAX DA 16-85mm F/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR Lens Specs
Focal Length 16 to 85mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 24.5 to 130mm)
Maximum Aperture f/3.5 to 5.6
Minimum Aperture f/22 to 38
Lens Mount Pentax K
Lens Format Coverage APS-C
Angle of View 83° to 19°
Minimum Focus Distance 1.15' / 35 cm
Maximum Magnification 0.26x
Optical Design 16 Elements in 12 Groups
Diaphragm Blades 7, Rounded
Focus Type Autofocus
Image Stabilization No
Filter Size 72 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L) 3.07 x 3.7" / 78 x 94 mm
Length at Maximum Extension 5.94" / 151 mm
Weight 1.07 lb / 488 g