Buzz
Technical Specifications of Pentax K3 Mark III
- Model SLR Medium
- APS-C BSI-CMOS Sensor 25.7MP (23 x 15.5 mm)
- Pentax KAF2 Lens Mount
- SAFOX 13 AF Module with 101 AF Points (including 25 cross-type)
- Continuous Shooting 12 frames/second (11 frames/second with AFC)
- Up to 1,600,000 ISO
- 5-axis Image Stabilization up to 5.5EV
- Magnesium Alloy Construction
- 100% Viewfinder Coverage with 1.05x Magnification
- Three Main System Adjustment Dials
- Eight-way Joystick Control with Main AF Direction and Touchscreen AF
- UHD 4K 30p Video
The focal point of this upgrade, Pentax utilizes a new 25.7MP APS-C BSI CMOS sensor, sans anti-aliasing filter, 14-bit, 12 frames/second continuous shooting, ISO up to ISO 1,600,000, PRIME V image processing according to Pentax. Better detail in images, superior noise reduction in low-light conditions.
Viewfinder
Another significant improvement for the Pentax K-3 Mark III camera is the entirely new viewfinder. Pentax employs a large pentaprism viewfinder with 1.05x magnification and 10% improved brightness compared to the K-3 Mark II. Pentax still believes in DSLRs and considers the community using this line of cameras as a heritage. For Pentax, framing scenes through the mirror provides photographers with authentic emotions and stimulates creativity. Therefore, their focus on upgrading the quality and convenience of this viewfinder on the Pentax K 3 Mark III is a sign of that spirit.
New Focus Module
Ricoh stated that this is the new autofocus module they aimed to create for the Pentax K3 III – Safox 13 AF (K3 – II is Safox 11 AF) with 101 autofocus points including 25 cross-type autofocus points, 41 manual focus points, and 9 assist points. The central focusing area has f/2.8 under bright conditions – 4EV. At this point, you know that the center area receives the best light, so people often use f/2.8 to express it. If the center focusing area is good at f/2.8, then focusing near the edge at f/2.8 under weak light conditions of -4EV is very good.
The continuous autofocus system of the Pentax K 3 Mark III is also upgraded. Pentax uses a 307k pixel RGB + IR light meter sensor to identify and track subjects. AF algorithms predict that detecting faces, human eyes, and birds will work well with AF-C in various lighting situations.
Image Stabilization Mode
This is not a new capability, but it can be said that this is something that the Pentax K3 III has improved to keep up with its competitors. The 5-axis SR system stabilizes vibrations at 5.5EV, according to CIPA standard tests, which is 1.0EV and 0.5EV better than K3 I compared to K3 II.
Mechanical Shutter Improvement
Pentax K3 III has enhanced its mechanical shutter and mirror with more accurate response time, lighter mirror to minimize motion inertia. This redesigned mirror is deemed more stable, with continuous shooting speed increased to 12 frames per second (11 frames per second with AFC).
4K Video Capability
Pentax K3 Mark III is Pentax's inaugural 4K version, offering 4K UHD 30p allowing touch screen focusing and adjustment while filming, reducing noise when operating hard buttons. It also provides 3-axis stabilization when shooting video instead of previous digital stabilization.
Design
The camera features a 3.2-inch touch LCD screen, quite large and user-friendly, with quick button integration for swift usage. However, the LCD design is fixed, not flip or rotate as the current LCD habit which is often rotatable.
Overall, the design resembles Pentax's DSLR models, crafted with magnesium for a solid, compact feel, weather and water resistance, a Pentax trademark. Familiar, comfortable grip and buttons, dials. Smart function buttons, quick control assignment for 5 options. The K-3 Mark III requires an 8-directional controller to conveniently shift AF diagonally, press straight to quickly switch to the center focus point.
Battery
Pentax K-3 Mark III uses the same battery type as the K-1 LI90P, capturing about 800 photos per charge. The camera can also be charged via USB. Unfortunately, there is no separate battery charger in the box, only a converter for direct USB charging for the camera. That means no removing the battery for charging or purchasing separately.
With so many upgrades, is the K-3 Mark III enough for users to choose or upgrade from the old version? We hardly know. As the camera battle today becomes fierce with many options and diverse demands, furthermore, MLR becomes a very large competitive rival to Pentax's determination with DSLRs. Anyway, Pentax still believes, still has its own market, and has tried every way to improve this version.
Pentax K-3 Mark III Price
Speaking of prices, it's around $1996 to $2296. We also have choices in this price range like the K-3 III, Nikon Z6 II, Nikon D500, 7D Mark II or even the Pentax K-1 II.
Pentax exudes confidence and strives to upgrade to this APS-C version. Certainly, one could opt for the K-1 II with a full-frame sensor for the same budget, but it lacks the updated autofocus system and lacks 4K video capabilities. Essentially, it's hard to pinpoint exactly who the Pentax K-3 III is for, but at a glance, it boasts a fairly solid configuration with new upgrades, catering to those who still prefer using DSLR cameras. That's our take.
