The Pentax K-3 is a 24-megapixel Pentax high-end digital single-lens reflex camera with APS-C sensor, announced on 7Â October 2013. Pentax K-3 is the successor of both the K-5 II and K-5 IIs models, which have a 16 megapixel sensor and differ in that the K-5 IIs omits the optical low pass filter or anti-aliasing (AA) filter that can prevent the appearance of moire in the K-5 II (and most other cameras of its time). Pentax obviated the need for providing two separate models by including a selectable AA filter "simulator" in the K-3. This mechanism vibrates the sensor when switched on, slightly blurring the image in a way that replaces the function of the optical AA filter, providing the same benefit as the K-5 II or other cameras with an optical AA filter. When the AA simulator is disabled, the sensor records a sharper image, as in the K-5 IIs.
The Pentax K-3 was also the first camera to support the Pentax FluCard for wireless remote capture and download of images.
Pentax K-3 has a magnesium alloy body that is weather sealed, and competes in the same price class as the Nikon D7100 and Canon EOS 70D.
Limited editions
When the K-3 was originally announced, Ricoh made available a Premium Silver Edition that included the camera body and battery grip in a silver paint finish as well as an exclusive red leather neck strap. According to Ricoh, this would match the silver versions of Pentax HD DA Limited lenses. In July 2014, Ricoh announced the Prestige Edition, which included a K-3 and battery grip in "gunmetal gray" paint finish as well as two batteries and black artificial leather neckstrap, embossed with the lettering "2014 TIPA BEST DIGITAL SLR EXPERT" and Pentax K-3 logo. Each edition is limited to 2000 units.
Awards
The Pentax K-3 has won the TIPA Award "Best Digital SLR Expert" for 2014, and the EISA Photo Award 2014-2015 for Best Advanced DSLR.
References
External links
Official page
- Pentax K-3 - Pentax US
Reviews
- Digital Camera Review
- Imaging Resource
- Review by Ben Evans
- Video review by Spyros Heniadis (16:29 duration)
