Pentax K-3

Pentax K-3

Camera summary

The Pentax K-3, made by Pentax, is a powerful Mid-size SLR camera. Announced on April 10, 2014.

See full specifications
Feature Score
Autofocus specs
4.5 out of 5 stars
Connectivity
3.3 out of 5 stars
Exposure mode
2.5 out of 5 stars
Photography features
5.0 out of 5 stars
Physical
0.8 out of 5 stars
Average Score
3.2 out of 5 stars

Successor

This camera has now been superseeded by the Pentax K-3 Mark II, which has more advanced features and characteristics, it would also be easier to get, especially new. Take that into account.

Aside from that, consider that you may probably need to update your camera soon and finding accesories could be more difficult compared to its successor. Of course you can expect a lower price for this camera as a compensation.

Compare this camera to its successor Pentax K-3 Mark II

Sensor

This camera has a CMOS sensor with a 24 Megapixels resolution.

Focus points

This camera has 27 focus points. Also you can take advantage of its versatile cross-type points. AF Face detection available, ideal for portraits and selfies. It offers AF tracking, which allows you to track moving objects

Max video resolutions

1920 x 1080

Expect recording in 1920 x 1080 with support for the following formats: MPEG-4, H.264.

Connectivity

Built-in wireless connectivity. Support for HDMI, so you can connect it to screens, monitors or any compatible device. Support for USB, transfer files and upgrade your camera's software directly from your computer.

Battery life

D-LI90

The battery of this camera can last up to 560 shots per charge with the included D-LI90 battery. Consider that this value can fluctuate and depends on the mAh of the battery (sometimes generic batteries have more mAh) and also on the usage, the amount of time you use the screen, the flash, etc.

Although this camera may have a decent battery life, its performance is not as great as the most powerful cameras. Always make sure to carry one extra battery, just in case.

Environmental sealing

This camera offers enviromental sealing keeping it protected and safe from environmental damage.

Autofocus specs

Af center
Yes
Af continuous
Yes
Af Contrast Detection
Yes
Af Face detection
Yes
Af live view
Yes
Af multi area
Yes
Af phase detection
Yes
Af selective
Yes
Af single
Yes
Af touch
No
Af tracking
Yes
Number of cross focus points 25
Number of focus points 27

Connectivity

HDMI
Yes
USB USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
Wireless connectivity -
DXO color depth 23.7
DXO dynamic range 13.4
DXO low light ISO 1216.0
DXO overall score 80.0

Exposure mode

AF area
No
average
No
Center weighted
Yes
Multi segment
Yes
partial
No
spot
Yes

General

AKA -
announced April 10, 2014
Body type Mid-size SLR
brand Pentax
msrp $418.00
model Pentax K-3
predecessor model

Lense

Focal length multiplier 1.5x
Lens mount Pentax KAF2
Manual focus
Yes
Macro focus range -
Number of lenses 163

Other features

GPS Optional
Self-timer Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds)
Storage slots 2
Storage type Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC
Timelapse recording
No

Photography features

AE bracketing
Yes
Aperture priority
Yes
Built-in flash
Yes
Custom white balance
Yes
Exposure compensation
Yes
External flash
Yes
Flash modes Auto, on, off, red-eye, slow sync, slow sync + red-eye, trailing curtain sync, high speed, wireless, manual
Flash range 13.00 m (at ISO 100)
Image stabilization
Yes
Manual exposure mode
Yes
Max continuous shooting 8.0 fps
Max mechanical shutter speed 1/8000s
Minimum shutter speed 30
Shutter priority
Yes
WB bracketing
Yes

Physical

Battery life 560 shots
Battery model D-LI90
Battery type Battery Pack
Crush proof
No
Dust proof
No
Environmental sealing
Yes
Freeze proof
No
Physical dimensions 131 x 100 x 77mm
Shock proof
No
Water proof
No
Weight 800 grs

Screen

Live view
Yes
Screen resolution -
Screen size -
Screen type Fixed Type
Touch screen
No

Sensor

Max boosted ISO -
Max image resolution 6016 x 4000
Max native ISO 51200
Min native ISO 100
RAW support
Yes
Sensor area -
Sensor dimensions 23.5 x 15.6 mm
Sensor resolution 24
Sensor size APS-C
Sensor type CMOS

Headphone port

Headphone port
Yes
Max video resolution 1920 x 1080
Microphone port
Yes
Video formats MPEG-4, H.264
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p)

Viewfinder

viewfinder Optical (pentaprism)
viewfinder coverage -
viewfinder magnification -
viewfinder resolution no electronic viewfinder