Pentax K-3 is a new DSLR camera from Pentax which released in October 2013. This camera is a big step from Pentax that is offering a variety of improvements and significant changes from previous model. Pentax K-3 has a new sensor, a new body design, a new AF system, new metering system, as well as improved performance. By offering those improvement this camera is expected to compete in the market with a classy cameras such as Canon and Nikon. This camera will be available in the market starting November 2013 with a price range of $1,296.95 (Body only).
Overall Rating:
Features & Design
As a new cameras that brings big changes, Pentax K-3 offers a new resolution of up to 24 megapixels and eliminate optical low-pass filter for sharpening images. These cameras also use a shake reduction mechanism with sensor-shift image pixels to compensate. In addition, the camera is also equipped with new features like autofocus module SAFOX11 for a reliable autofocus system in low-light situations, the speed of take up to 8.3fps continuous shooting, using RGB metering system to improve the accuracy of exposure and white balance metering, recording Full HD 1080i / p video, and the body is made of magnesium alloy with stainless steel and weather sealed.
While the body design is quite a significant change of the model of K-5. Where there is an additional button on the mode dial that serves to lock the mode dial. Not only that, Pentax also added a switch button to allow you to switch from shooting mode to the recording mode or back to the shooting mode. In addition, the placement of the buttons settings are also quite logical and appropriate. Pentax K-3 also has an optical viewfinder with 0.95x magnification and screen monitor includes a sharp 3.2-inch with resolution 1.037k which allows you to view photos and videos that have been taken.
Performance & Image Quality
Speaking of image quality, the Pentax K-3 has combined performance CMOS sensor that has a resolution of 24 megapixels with performance PRIME III image processor to produce high quality images with good resolution without interference from noise images. Coupled with the removal of anti-aliasing filter for higher resolution and better gradation. While the continuous shooting speed of 8.3fps ensures that reaches you will not miss the precious moment.
Sample of Pentax K-3: 1/800Sec, f/3.5, 70mm, ISO100 (credit: Ricoh Imaging)
You can record Full HD 1920 x 1080 video in a variety of frame sizes including 60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, and 24p with H.264 or HD video with 1280 x 720 frame size 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, and 24p. Video recording is also supported by the internal microphone to record sound during video recording. You can easily mntransfer photos and videos with HDMI and display them on the TV. Double available SD memory card slot for storing memory so you can store a larger file.
Should I buy the camera?
As a new DSLR camera that offers a variety of improvements and changes to a higher level, the Pentax K-3 into a camera that is ready to compete in the market with a DSLR camera class. With the new sensor and processor, this camera is able to produce good quality images. But a lack of WiFi connectivity will be worth less for this camera compared to the Canon EOS 70D and Nikon D7100. With the changes and the addition of new features, the Pentax K-3 good enough Pentax cameras purchased by fans to upgrade their camera to a higher level or for photographers who want to switch from Canon or Nikon.
Rating:
Images Sensor
Camera Type Digital SLR with Interchangeable lenses
Lens Mount Pentax K
Camera Format APS-C / (1.5x Crop Factor)
Pixels Actual: 24.71 Megapixel, Effective: 23.35 Megapixel
Max Resolution 24MP: 6016 x 4000 @ 3:2
Other Resolutions
+ 14MP: 4608 x 3072 @ 3:2
+ 6MP: 3072 x 2048 @ 3:2
+ 2MP: 1920 x 1080 @ 16:9
Aspect Ratio 3:2, 16:9
Sensor Type / Size CMOS, 23.5 x 15.6 mm
File Formats
+ Still Images: DNG, JPEG, RAW
+ Movies: AVI, MOV, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Bit Depth 14-bit
Dust Reduction System Yes
Noise Reduction Yes
Memory Card Type SD, SDHC, SDXC
Image Stabilization Sensor-Shift
Focus System
Focus Type Auto & Manual
Focus Mode Single-servo AF (S), Continuous-servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M) , Focus Lock AF Area Mode
Autofocus Points Phase Detection: 27
Viewfinder / LCD dispaly
Viewfinder Type Pentaprism
Viewfinder Coverage 100%
Viewfinder Magnification Approx. 0.95x
Diopter Adjustment – 2.5 to +1.5 m
Display Screen 3.2″ Rear Screen LCD (1,037,000)
Screen Coverage 100%
Live View Yes
Exposure System
ISO Sensitivity Auto, 100-51200
Shutter
+ Type: Electronic & Mechanical
+ Speed: 30 – 1/8000 sec, Bulb Mode
Remote Control Remote Control F or Remote Control WP (Optional)
Mirror Lock-Up Yes
Metering Method Center-weighted average metering, Multi-zone metering, Spot metering
Exposure Modes
+ Modes: Aperture Priority, Bulb, Green, Hyper Program, Metered Manual, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority, Shutter/Aperture Priority, User, X-Speed
+ Metering Range: EV -3.0 – EV 20.0
+ Compensation: -5 EV to +5 EV (in .3 or .5 EV steps)
White Balance Modes Auto, CTE, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Manual, Multi Auto WB, Shade, Tungsten
Flash
Flash Modes
+ Modes: Auto, Flash On, Hi-Speed Sync, Manual, Red-eye Reduction, Second-curtain Sync, Slow Sync, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Wireless
+ Compensation: -2 EV to +1 EV (in .5 EV steps)
Built-in Flash Yes
Guide No. 42.65′ (13 m) ISO100
Max Sync Speed 1 / 180 sec
Dedicated Flash System P-TTL
External Flash Connection Hot Shoe, PC Terminal, Wireless
Recording
Video Recording Yes, NTSC/PAL
File Size
+ 1920 x 1080i (Full HD)
+ 1920 x 1080p (Full HD)
+ 1280 x 720p (HD)
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Frame Rate
@ 1920 x 1080: 60 fps, 50 fps, 30 fps, 25 fps, 24 fps
@ 1280 x 720: 60 fps, 50 fps, 30 fps, 25 fps, 24 fps
Focus Auto, Manual, Continuous Auto
Continuous Shooting Time 1920 x 1080
25 min.
Audio Recording
+ Built-in Mic: With Video, Stereo,
+ Optional External Mic: With Video,
Performance
Continuous Shooting Up to 8.3 fps
Self Timer 12 sec, 2 sec
Interval Recording Yes
In-Camera Image Editing Base Parameter Adjustment, Bold Monochrome, Extract Color, Fisheye, High Contrast, Invert Color, Miniature Effect, Pastel, Posterization, Retro, Shading, Sketch Filter, Slim, Soft, Starburst, Tone Expansion, Toy Camera, Unicolor Bold, Watercolor
Connectivity USB 3.0, AV Output, HDMI C (Mini) (out), DC Input, 1/8″ Microphone, 1/8″ Headphone, Cable Switch, X-Sync Socket
Wi-Fi Capable Yes (with Optional Transmitter)
Software Requirements
+ Windows: XP (SP3), Vista, 7, 8
+ Mac: OS X 10.6 or later
Battery
Type: 1x D-LI90 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 7.2VDC, 1860mAh
AC Power Adapter K-AC132 (Optional)
Operating/Storage Temperature Operating
14 to 104°F (-10 to 40°C)
Weight & Measure
Dimensions (WxHxD) 5.2 x 3.9 x 3.1″ / 132.1 x 99.1 x 78.7 mm
Weight 1.8 lb / 816 g with battery and memory card
Review Video By e PHOTOzine
Review Video By What Digital Camera
Review Video By Blunty – DigiDIRECT
Review Video By TheCameraStoreTV
Review Video By Pentaxian1
Pentax K-3 Sample Photos
– Pentax K-3 Sample Photos @ Ricoh Imaging
– Pentax K-3 Sample Photos @ Photographyblog
– Pentax K-3 Sample Photos @ Whatdigitalcamera
– Pentax K-3 Sample Photos @ Ephotozine
Pentax K-3 User Manual (PDF)
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Listed below are some of the rivals of the Pentax K-3.
Nikon D7100 Reviews
Overall Rating:
Nikon D7100 offers the same resolution as the Pentax K-3 at 24.1 megapixels and EXPEED 3 processor combined with the same features as well as the removal of the optical low-pass filter to sharpen the image. In this price range are not much different, D7100 offers image quality and features that may be better than K-3 and has much more advantages with the availability of accessories in the market. D7100 is also features WiFi that lets you transfer photos and videos to compatible devices. If you want to buy the Pentax K-3 does not hurt Nikon D7100 first look as competitors.
Canon EOS 70D Reviews
Overall Rating:
Equipped with a 20.2 Megapixel resolution sensor combined with the DIGIC 5 + processor performance, the Canon EOS 70D to be a competitor with the same price range and are advised to see first if you intend to buy the Pentax K-3. Canon EOS 70D also comes with advanced features such as Dual pixel CMOS AF system with Live View, 3.0-inch touch screen that can be rotated 180 degrees, 1080p Full HD video recording, WiFi connectivity, 19-point AF system, the speed of taking pictures continuous up to 7fps, and ISO100-12800 to 25600. You will not be disappointed with what is offered by the Canon EOS 70D.