The Pentax K-3 Mark III is the third iteration of the K-3 camera and a professional-caliber APS-C DSLR with features no one else offers, all at an enthusiast-level price. Key features include:
25.7MP APS-C CMOS sensor; PRIME V image processor
101-point phase-detection autofocus system
Enhanced five-axis image stabilization
Ergonomic layout with customizable controls
25.7MP APS-C CMOS Sensor. The Pentax K-3 Mark III’s revised sensor—which lacks a low-pass filter—outputs high-resolution, low-noise images with excellent depth, sharpness, and color accuracy throughout the 100-1,600,000 ISO range, making this camera ideal for a wide range of lighting conditions. The combination of this large sensor and the revised PRIME V image processor gives you fast performance and processing that benefit still shooting and video recording alike. It’s possible to shoot continuously at full resolution at up to 12 fps, and you can capture UHD 4K video at 30p.
Five-Axis Image Stabilization. Rated for 5.5 stops of correction, this system does more than just keeping images free from camera shake across five axes. Thanks to some technical wizardry, the K-3 III’s stabilizer offers an updated Pixel Shift resolution mode and an AA filter simulator. The AA filter simulator uses microscopic vibrations during image capture to combat moiré and help render fabric and other high-frequency materials cleanly. The Pixel Shift Resolution mode is explained in greater detail below.
Pixel Shift Resolution. Using the above-mentioned in-camera stabilization unit, this mode composites four separate exposures into a single frame while moving the sensor in one-pixel increments. This all translates to higher-resolution images, more accurate color reproduction, and reduced high-sensitivity noise.
SAFOX 13 Phase-Detection Autofocus. The updated SAFOX 13 autofocus module features 101 total autofocus points, 25 of which are cross-type sensors in the middle of the image frame. This setup facilitates fast and accurate focusing in a variety of lighting conditions down to -4EV. A new 307K-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor and a revised tracking algorithm ensure more accurate subject tracking, even when those subjects are moving in unpredictable patterns and at high speeds.
Real-Time Scene Analysis. A Real-Time Scene Analysis System uses the K-3 Mark III’s high-density RGB+IR sensor and PRIME V processor in tandem to detect subjects’ faces and eyes, and then use that information to optimize exposure and autofocus accuracy.
UHD 4K Video. It’s definitely not a flagship feature, but the K-3 III shoots UHD 4K video at up to 30p and HD video at up to 60p using H.264 compression. There’s a built-in stereo mic for in-camera audio, as well as external mic and headphone jacks for higher-quality audio.
Professional Build. It wouldn’t be a Pentax camera if the build quality wasn’t up to snuff. Rest assured there’s no skimping here. The magnesium-alloy body has the usual elaborate weather sealing for peace of mind. There’s more button customization than you can shake a stick at, yet the core manual controls and ergonomics remain the design’s primary focus. The bright 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD was designed to suit your image-review, menu-navigation, and live-view shooting needs, and the large optical viewfinder’s 1.05x magnification gives you 100% coverage, superior clarity, and high color fidelity.
Other Notable Features. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow wireless image transfer and camera control from a smartphone, there are dual SD memory card slots for recording images and video, and the included rechargeable D-LI90 battery is rated for 800 shots per charge. The camera’s USB Type-C port lets you charge the battery in body.
