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Pentax K-3 III

Ergonomics 
 9.7
Build Quality 
 9.8
User Interface 
 9.3
Autofocus 
 9.4
Features 
 9.7
Value 
 9.1
Image Quality 
 9.8
Noise 
 9.8
Reviews Views Date of last review
18 45,630 Thu December 7, 2023
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Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
100% of reviewers $1,880.73 9.56
Pentax K-3 III

Pentax K-3 III
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Pentax K-3 III
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Pentax K-3 III
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Pentax K-3 III
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Pentax K-3 III
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Pentax K-3 III
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Description:

The K-3 Mark III is a compact DSLR with a 26 MP APS-C size sensor. It was announced in 2020 and became available in April of 2021 replacing the previous APS-C flagship model, the K-3 II. The physical interface of the new camera body is in several areas a complete redesign of its predecessor:

  • The button layout now includes a third command wheel and it also includes a joystick for moving the active AF point
  • The rear monitor is a touch screen making it possible to select focus point and set focus by pointing at the feature to be in focus. This feature is available for shooting stills as well as movies. For still images the shutter can be set to fire by pointing as well
  • The viewfinder has a magnification of 1.05x (up from 0.95x) which makes the view through the finder almost as large as offered by full frame cameras like the K-1 series
  • The viewfinder has an LCD overlay with a customizable grid, electronic level, AF active points, Smart Function settings, and other features, hereunder a 1.3x crop frame
  • Smart function is selected using the viewfinder display and then adjusted with the third command wheel.

Other new features over previous Pentax DSLRs:

  • 4K video
  • The sensor-shift image stabilization can be used also when panning
  • With M and K lenses, the K-3 III stops the lens down and sets the exposure when the shutter button is half-pressed. One can thus forego the green-button stop down metering process of earlier Pentax DSLRs. This new feature also works with A lenses when the aperture ring is off the "A" setting.
  • The aperture set with the aperture ring can be recorded in the EXIF data block.
  • A new metering mode: Highlight-weighted. It supplements the traditional three modes: Center-weight, multi-segment, and spot.
  • Face detection when using the view finder: The Multi-segment metering mode can optionally be set to base exposure on faces.
  • Auto ISO: A minimum shutter speed can be set at which speed the camera will begin to increase ISO. This trigger point can be set manually or automatically based on lens focal length
  • Back-side Illuminated (BSI) sensor
  • Eye-sensor, that turns the rear LCD monitor off when using the view finder
  • Bluetooth connectivity in addition to Wi-Fi
  • Viewfinder illumination
  • The battery (and also the battery in the optional grip) can be charged via the camera's USB socket.
  • Ability to track stars without the use of a GPS unit (from firmware version 1.41)

Features that have been significantly enhanced over previous models:

  • 12 fps frame rate
  • 101 AF points (up from 27). 41 of these can be selected with the joystick
  • A 307K pixel light meter (up from 86K)
  • Sensitivity tops out at ISO 1.6 million aided by the new Accellerator Unit II with increased signal-to-noise ratio
  • Low light AF sensitivity -4 EV (when using the special F2.8 AF points and a compatible lens)
  • The Hyper Program mode has been enhanced so that also TAv (optionally M) can be engaged with the front and back e-dials (i.e. without turning the mode dial away from P)
  • During playback, playback functions (for example RAW development) can be executed on a folder thus processing all images in that folder
  • Catch-in focus is available not only with manual focus lenses, but also with AF lenses with an AF/MF switch
  • 10 user modes can be stored in the camera, five of these can then be assigned to the exposure mode dial.

Other key features are:

  • Depth of Field and motion bracketing in addition to the traditional exposure bracketing
  • Sensor shift shake reduction also in video mode
  • No AA filter
  • AA filter simulator with bracketing
  • Pixel shift super resolution, also suitable for hand held shooting and shooting moving subjects (see more below)
  • 5 axis sensor-shift stabilisation rated at 5.5 shutter steps
  • Rear monitor night view mode
  • Dust and weather sealed
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Sockets for stereo mic and head set
  • Numerous dials and buttons so that many settings can be changed without having to go into the menu
  • Support for the optional GPS unit O-GPS1 which enables the astrotracer feature as well as the storing of GPS coordinates in the EXIF information (electronic compass, navigation and time sync are not supported)
  • GPS coordinates can be read from a smart phone and stored in the EXIF data block.

The Digital Camera Utility 5 raw converter and image processing software is stored in the camera and can be installed on your computer via the provided USB cable. A CD-ROM with the software is thus not included.

With the Pentax K-3 Mark II an innovative resolution enhancement system was introduced based on pixel shift of the sensor. The K-3 Mark III improves on this system by allowing for hand held shooting and shooting moving objects with pixel shift enabled. When this feature is activated the camera will take four images in short succession shifting the sensor 1 pixel between each shot so that complete color data is captured for each pixel position. This increases the perceived resolution, improves color rendition and virtually eliminates the risk of moiré. This new technology is described further in this article

For situations where the pixel shift resolution system can't be used and moiré might be an issue, the K-3 III includes the anti-alias filter simulator originally introduced with the K-3. The effect of an AA filter is simulated through micro-movements of the sensor using the shake reduction (SR) mechanism. For subjects with very fine detail in repeating patterns where one runs the risk of false color patterns (moiré) the filter should be turned on. For landscape photography the filter should be turned off and the images will benefit from increased resolution. As opposed to a fixed (physical) anti-alias filter with the Pentax system the photographer decides whether or not to use it and the strength can be adjusted. There even is an AA filter bracketing function.

Major features subsequently added through firmware updates:

  • Additional settings for AF.C (from version 2.00)
  • Added a function to save and import user mode settings to/from the SD card (from version 2.00).
  • Increased the number of consecutive frames when shooting with crop (from version 2.00).
  • Added a limited function [Grad ND Shooting]. This feature requires an activation key (from version 2.00).
  • Added custom image Special Edition [HARUBENI].  It can be used with these two lenses: HD Pentax-FA 77mm F1.8 Limited and HD Pentax-DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 ED Limited DC WR (from version 1.80).
  • Added [Select XS] (extra small) to the AF area options when shooting with the viewfinder (from firmware version 1.70). This improves keeping a small object in focus
  • Added [AF Point for H/V Comp] for AF with viewfinder shooting and live-view shooting. The reference position and movement position of the focus point can be maintained for each of the vertical and horizontal compositions (from 1.70)
  • Added focus limiter function which works with the HD PENTAX-D FA MACRO 100mmF2.8ED AW (from 1.70)
  • Added Astrotracer type 3, which doesn't require a GPS unit when locking on to stars (from firmware version 1.41)
  • Added [SATOBI] to Custom Image (from firmware version 1.31)
  • Added Tone curve display to Custom Image (from firmware version 1.31)
  • USB tethering with Image Transmitter 2 and improved individual AF front/back focus adjustments when using the DA 1.4x rear converter (from version 1.20)
  • Electronic shutter (from firmware version 1.10)

By installing the most recent update you also get the contents of all previous updates. 

Camera Manual:

 


Pentax K-3 III
© www.pentaxforums.com, sharable with attribution
Year Introduced
2021
In Production
Yes
Current US Price
$1696
In-Depth Review
Click to Read
Sensor
Sensor Format
APS-C
Sensor Type
CMOS
Megapixels
25.73
Resolution
4128 x 6192 pixels
AA Filter
No (AA filter simulator)
Super Resolution
Yes
Bit Depth
14
Minimum ISO
100
Maximum ISO
1600000
ISO Range
100 - 1,600,000
Imaging
Exposure Modes
Auto (green), HyP, Sv, Av, Tv, TAv, HyM, X, B, User(5)
Program Modes
Auto, Normal, Action, Depth of Field (deep/shallow), MTF priority
Maximum FPS
12
Continuous Shooting
Hi: 12 fps up to approx. 37 frames (JPG), up to approx. 32 frames (RAW), M: 7 fps up to approx 60 frames (JPG), 37 frames (RAW), Lo: 2.5 fps uup to approx. 90 frames (JPG), up to appox. 39 frames (RAW)
Shutter Speeds (Auto)
30s - 1/8000s (1/16000 with electronic shutter)
Shutter Speeds (Manual)
B, 30s - 1/8000s (1/16000s with electronic shutter). Up to 20 minutes in Timed Bulb mode. Up to 300s in Astrotracer mode
Shutter Life
300000
Exposure compensation
+/- 5EV (+/-2 EV in movie mode)
Auto bracketing
Exposure (2, 3 or 5 frames), one-push EV bracketing, Depth of Field (3 frames), Motion (3 frames), AA filter (2 or 3 frames)
Expanded dynamic range
Highlight (auto, on, off), Shadow (auto, high, medium, low, off)
Exposure lock
Yes
Self timer
2 s with mirror lock-up, 12 s
Metering Sensor
307K Pixel
Meter range
-3 to 20 EV
Meter pattern
Multi-Segment,Multi-Segment with Face Detection,Center Weighted,Highlight Weighted,Spot
Mirror lock-up
Yes
Interval shooting
Up to 9999 frames, 1 sec to 24 hours interval
HDR mode
Yes
Multiple exposures
Yes, average, additive and bright, 2 to 20 shots
Pixel mapping
Yes
Scene Modes
None. Auto (green) sets exposure based on scene analysis
Restrictions
Exposure modes with M and K lenses are restricted to Av and TAv (both with automated stop-down metering) and M (with green-button stop down metering)
Lens Mount
Mount
KAF2 (no aperture coupler)
Composition Adjustment
Yes
Stabilization
Yes (sensor-shift SR II) with panning SR
Power zoom
Supported (zoom only)
Supported Lenses
All Pentax K-mount lenses. Manual focus only with K-, M-, and A-series lenses. Automated stop down metering with K- and M-series lenses. M42, Pentax 645 and Pentax 6x7 lenses with the appropriate adapters: green button stop down metering and manual focus only.
Lens correction
Distortion,Lateral Chromatic Aberration,Vignetting,Diffraction
Focusing
Autofocus (viewfinder)
Yes (SAFOX 13, 101 focus points (25 cross type))
AF Points
101
Autofocus sensitivity
-4 EV
Front/back focus correction
Yes (adjustment for up to 20 lenses)
Autofocus with SDM
Yes
Autofocus assist
Dedicated LED
Viewfinder/LCD
Viewfinder
1.05x, 100%
Viewfinder type
Pentaprism
Diopter adjustment
-4 to +1
AF Points in viewfinder
Yes
Exchangeable screen
No
Depth of field preview
Yes
Digital preview
Yes (with image magnification)
Live View
Yes
Top LCD
Yes
Focus Peaking
Yes
Back LCD
3.2 inch, 1,620,000 dots, 3:2 aspect ratio, touch screen, red light night mode
Body
Weather resistant
Yes
Control wheels
3
Battery grip
D-BG8 which accepts the D-LI90 Li-Ion battery.
Card slots
2
Dust removal
Yes, Ultrasonic DR II
Dust alert
No
Memory card type
SD, SDHC, SDXC (slot 1 UHS-II compatible, slot 2 UHS-I compatible)
Size (W x H x D)
134.5 x 103.5 x 73.5 mm
Weight
735g (820g with mattery and SD card)
File format
PEF (RAW),DNG (RAW),JPG,MOV
Battery life
800 images
Battery
D-LI90 lithium-ion rechargeable
Flash
Built-in flash
No
Sync speed
1/200s
P-TTL flash
Yes
Flash functions
Auto discharge*, On (leading curtain sync)*, Redeye reduction*, Slow-speed sync*, Trailing curtain sync*, High-speed sync*, Manual*, Wireless**, Contrast control**
* Requires an external flash
** Requires two (or more) external flashes
TTL flash
No
Flash exposure comp
-2 to +1 EV
Video
Resolution / Framerates
3840 x 2160 (4K) at 30p/24p fps,
1920 x 1080 (Full HD) at 60p/30p/24p fps
MPEG4 AVC/H.264
Exposure Modes
P, Av, TAv, Tv, M
Movie mode restrictions
Clips up to 4 GB / 25 minutes
AF During Recording
Continuous (with compatible lenses) and On-demand
Sound in Movie mode
Stereo (via internal mic or external mic). Adjustable sound level
Interfacing
GPS
Via Accessory
Tethering
Via built-in Wi-Fi,Via Built-in Bluetooth
Connectivity
USB 3.2 (type C), DC in, x-sync socket, HDMI output (type D), IR port for remote control (front and rear), wired cable release, stereo microphone and headphones, Wi-Fi (b/g/n) and Bluetooth 4.2 (Low Energy)
Latest Firmware
Link to download page
Notes
User reviews
In-depth review
Aperture set with an aperture ring can be recorded in EXIF, Astrotracer functionality built-in. No GPS accessory required, Top LCD can be illuminated, Continuous AF available in movie mode with compatible lenses, Electronic level, Embed copyright information in EXIF, High ISO NR, can be customized for each major ISO value, Hyper Program (HyP) can engage TAv and M exposure modes in addition to Av and Tv, Image plane indicator, In-camera RAW development, Moiré suppression via SR mechanism, Moiré suppression bracketing, Save last JPG as RAW, Save JPG from movie, Several buttons are customizable, The battery can be charged through the USB port, The function selector plus third control wheel provides a short cut to a variety of settings.
Special Editions

The body-only kit comes black or silver. Additionally there are two limited quantity kits which include a matching grip and a leather strap, one is in black, the other one in silver. Late in 2022 a limited quantity Jet-black version was released.


Megapixels: 25
ISO Range: 100-1600000
FPS: 12
In Production: Buy the Pentax K-3 III
In-Depth Review: Read our Pentax K-3 III in-depth review!
Price History:



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Sort Reviews by: Date | Author | Rating | Recommendation | Likes (Descending) Showing Reviews 1-15 of 18
Junior Member

Registered: January, 2018
Posts: 47
Review Date: December 7, 2023 Recommended | Price: $1,700.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: image quality, fast frame rate, AF
Cons: tolerance of cold, lack of tilting display
Years Owned: 1-2    Ergonomics: 8    Build Quality: 9    User Interface: 8    Autofocus: 9    Features: 9    Value: 9    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 9    New or Used: New   

I am a long-time Pentax user: I have been using most of their DSLRs since K-x and now have two of K-1s, K-3 iii, GR3 and a KP for special high-risk projects (such as whitewater kayaking), and a K-50 which I am borrowing to family members. My more serious photography goes to commercial purposes and goes through rigorous quality control for such things as aberrations, focus sharpness and other imperferctions. I am not a full time pro photographer however. I have a good line-up of recent Pentax lenses for both full frame and APS-C, including such gems as DFA*1.4/50 and DFA 21 Ltd.

I got my K-3 iii when Pentax Europe was having a discount price about one and half years ago, so I have now had the camera for over a year. I decided to write a review in the hope that Pentax might be reading this, as my special use case (cold climate) has not been covered in the reviews yet. More about that in the final chapter(s) of my review.

First, everything is true about the positive sides of the camera which is said below. Simply put, it is an amazingly good camera for most uses that you can think of. With it, I have re-discovered the benefits of APS-C system: I was able to put together a lightweight travel kit using very inexpensive Ltd lenses: I currently have the DA15, FA43 and DA70. (I sometimes add my DA 2.4/35 or FA 2.0/35 or even the FA 100 but that makes the kit less of a travel kit).

I thought I would not miss the tilting display but I was wrong. Not having that is a serious problem when occasionally needing to shoot from higher or lower angle. However, the other initial issue, lack of GPS, was solved when I realized that there is indeed a way to use the smartphone app (Pentax Image Sync) to reliably geotag the images. This solution actually works without hassle, once you get it set up, which you can very rarely say about similar solutions. Only drawback here is the additional power consumption of the smartphone.

I am rating build quality and 9 for the main reasons that the silver coating on my K-3 iii is basically paint which chips away very easily. Ergonomics is only 8 because the camera really cannot be used with thick gloves on. In this respect, it is clearly worse than K-1 was. Why was the review button placed in the very tight spot between viewfinder and rear roll? Why change the button placement from model to model anyway, when many people use different bodies side by side? Could there be a way to disable the joystick when you know that you will never be using it anyway, especially on those gigs that you will be doing with thick gloves on. In those circumstances, the only function for the joystick is to do harm.

My main complaint for the camera, however, is its (worse than K-1) tolerance for cold. With K-1, you can go to any temperature (I have been to -40C and below, for full days, and several days in a row at -20C and colder). With K-3 iii, it is a different story. It has yet to fail me completely, but that might be because I have not trusted it enough to take it to most extreme temperatures. I am starting to see weird things at relatively warm temperatures (approaching -20C) when the display first stops working and then there is no way to know if the images are being stored or not. Luckily there is the top display so you know your settings and can keep on shooting. You can sometimes recover from this by removing the battery for a moment, but this is not something you want to do when it is cold and you should be shooting pictures. A couple of times, I have also seen a situation where the images are not recorded to the memory card any longer, and you will have to do the battery removal procedure. I do not know if it is the display itself or the approximity sensor, but, either way, this is a very disappointing feature for a camera that would otherwise be my go-to camera for many shorter hikes and trips even in winter time. Even if it is the approximity sensor, it is to be understood that in cold environment, there is always ice and snow, condensing from your breathing if not otherwise, on all surfaces.

So, it is an extremely good camera but due to some design flaw, cannot be used properly in the Nordic winter and cannot be recommended as a winter hike camera for colder climates. Pentax, if you are reading this, please fix this in K-1 mark III, and make these approximity sensor / touchs screen type of features optional.
   
New Member

Registered: February, 2020
Posts: 1
Review Date: November 28, 2023 Recommended | Price: $1,260.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Ergonomisch and IQ
Cons: S.fn setup is cumbersome
Years Owned: 1    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 9    Autofocus: 9    Features: 10    Value: 10    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 10    New or Used: Used   

Summer 2022 I was looking for a two new camera’s. I ended up buying one.
At the moment I had two camera’s, a Pentax K-1 and K-3II, which I both bought in 2017.
My mind was set on a fullframe and M43 DSLM because of the better autofocus which I needed at the moment.
The Nikon Z6II, the Lumix S5 and the OM System OM-1 were the main competitors. All because they are weatherproof. I tried both fullframe in the local camera shop, and ended up hiring the Nikon Z6II. But after a week I realised that I just couldn’t get used to the EVF (electric viewfinder) and in case of the Nikon Z6II the fact that the white balance is off at moments.
So I went back to the camera store and hired the K-3III which I used for a week with my DA 16-85, DA 55-300 PLM and DA* 16-50.
Autofocus is fast and accurate. And as I worked on the PEF files I was surprised by the dynamic range, display of details an overall IQ.
This made me buy a (barely) used K3-III black for a very fine prize.
Until now I haven’t regretted it for one moment.
I would buy it again and can only recommend it for everybody who wants to shoot with a APS-C DSLR.
   
Senior Member

Registered: June, 2012
Location: Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Posts: 113

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: October 26, 2023 Recommended | Price: $2,000.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: almost everything
Cons: lacking internal gps, lacking tilt screen
Years Owned: 3    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 8    Autofocus: 8    Features: 9    Value: 8    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 10    New or Used: New   

An overall excellent camera. Everything has been said before.


However, after owning the K-1, I will NEVER NEVER NEVER forgive Ricoh Pentax for not having included, for what is supposed to be a outdoor camera, the f..... GPS. I openly HATE putting the fragile, ugly O-GPS in the hot shoe. Same applies to a somewhat minor degree to the AMAZING tilt screen of the K-1. Ok, it would have added some minor bulk, but WHO CARES? The K-3 III is neither small nor light.

So, please Pentax Ricoh - since I love your products so much - please don't do this again!
   
Loyal Site Supporter

Registered: February, 2014
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 2,695

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: October 25, 2023 Recommended | Price: $1,200.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Ergonomics, Viewfinder, AF accuracy, Sensor
Cons: Battery life, No tilt LCD
Years Owned: 2 months    Ergonomics: 9    Build Quality: 9    User Interface: 9    Autofocus: 8    Features: 10    Value: 9    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 10    New or Used: New   

My Pentax digital SLR journey started back in 2004 when I was a regional weekly newspaper photojournalist. My paper moved to a new location with no provision for a darkroom, so I made the decision to retire my fleet (3) of semi-reliable Pz-1p 35mm bodies (Thank goodness for the 4 year extended warranty Pentax used to sell!) and buy a new *ist D 6.1mp DSLR. I've moved through many Pentax DSLRS since.
I'm no longer a photojournalist and I shoot wildlife, trains, automobiles, landscapes and macro. My main cameras were a pair of KP's with battery grips. The grips are a true necessity on the KP for battery life and comfort for my largish hands. I have zero complaints about the image quality delivered by the KP, especially shadow detail and low noise at high ISO. Still, the tracking abilities of the KP AF, even with a PLM or DC focus lenses is not good. So, I wanted to upgrade to a K-3iii.

The K-3iii is definitely a more than minor upgrade in autofocus performance and also accuracy. Using the 55-300 PLM or DF-A 150-450, tracking across the frame and going away is good. Not great, but good which is a first for Pentax.Straight on subjects moving towards the lens can still flummox the AF, but hits are more than misses.
I am 56 now and slightly nearsighted, and finally had to get eyeglasses. On my KP:I use the ME O53, and have to remove my glasses to use the viewfinder. The larger, higher magnification viewfinder of the K-3iii doesn't need the ME-O53 magnifier. Plus, with glasses on, I can see the entire frame. The rear LCD is better than previous Pentax DSLRs and the touch feature is nice, when I remember it! I do miss the tilt screen so I am glad I kept one of my KPs for low and high angle work.

Ergonomics are excellent for a camera with so many options and custom functions. With the battery grip, the K-3iii is perfect for vertical shooting and hand held shooting with big telephotos like the DFA 150-450. Battery life is only fair, so using the battery grip is an advantage when taking many photos or using live view.

I have noticed one "glitch" with my K-3iii. If I use the KAF-4 mount 55-300 PLM and then switch to another lens with a standard KAF-2 mount the first frame taken with that lens will be exposed without the aperture stopping down. It happens with every KAF-2 lens after using the KAF-4 lens with no mechanical aperture connection. Other than that, no issues.

Image quality is outstanding. The ability to use HDR handheld is an excellent feature.
Image Noise is basically non existent up to iso 6000 and still minor at 8000. Foliage detail is rendered better than any previous APSC Pentax, including the KP. Flash exposures using my Pentax and Metz flashes is good, with just a slight tendency to overexpose which is easily corrected with exposure compensation. Exposure consistency between differing lenses is excellent too. Definitely the best performance of the Pentax APSC line up.

I definitely highly recommend the K-3iii.
   
New Member

Registered: February, 2009
Location: London
Posts: 2
Review Date: September 4, 2023 Recommended | Price: $1,350.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Exif data with M and K lenses
Cons: Small top LCD
Years Owned: 2 Weeks    Ergonomics: 9    Build Quality: 9    User Interface: 8    Autofocus: 8    Features: 8    Value: 7    Image Quality: 8    Noise: 10    New or Used: Used   

It is in a box waiting to go back to the shop. It had been with me for two weeks and in that time I had grown to like it, working around its few shortcomings. This was an Amazon Warehouse purchase, 1300 actuations and a price tag of £1070.00 around £600 less than the cheapest new option I could find anywhere.

The shutter button is awesome, oh so responsive. Great burst rate and finally a camera that thinks nothing of delivering great pictures at high ISOs. Despite being heavily discounted I couldn't help wondering whether it was worth the upgrade from the original K-3. After all it is still not cheap, does not feature a flash and has a smaller, more cramped and difficult to read top LCD screen. Still, the relative soft slap of the shutter, its hugely customizable buttons and its increased flash sync speed makes this camera quite appealing.

This camera has shown me that all this time all my Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 EX and 50mm 1.4 EX DG HSM needed to focus quickly was a good camera. Buffer clears quickly as well. What makes me really love this camera though is the fact that 'M' and similar lenses now record their aperture values in the exif data. A dream come true! Av and similar shooting modes are now therefore possible with these older manual lenses. How could you not love Pentax?

So, why is such a lovely camera being picked up in the morning? Well, unlike my 60,000+ actuations K-3 this one has no option to increase the tiny menu text size. The reason I was never drawn to the KP is its absence of a top LCD, the K-3 iii has one but much smaller than the K-3's and painful to use. Additionally, there are too many buttons for my liking. The Smart Function button (S.Fn) and Smart Function wheel could go. So could that joystick. When have I ever mistakenly changed my settings as to need a dedicated lock button? Thankfully it could be remapped for the Playback function. The playback button on the other hand is in the wrong place, sitting where an LCD panel illumination button might have been perfect. Needless to say this too was reassigned.

I like my K-3. All it needs is that quick autofocus and handy high ISO performance of the K-3 iii. A touch screen? What for? Wi-fi, bluetooth, smart function blah--blah...keep it simple Pentax.

I decided yesterday this £1000 camera had to go back when it would not playback my newly shot photos displaying instead a 'no image' error message. It was supposed to also display digital previews via the power switch but yesterday while out could only do so intermittently.

The end...of our relationship.
   
Loyal Site Supporter

Registered: October, 2018
Location: Quebec City, Quebec
Posts: 6,479

3 users found this helpful
Review Date: April 13, 2023 Recommended | Price: $2,100.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Great camera ! Every one of my lenses seem to be sharper !
Cons: None
Years Owned: 1    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 10    Autofocus: 10    Features: 10    Value: 9    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 10    New or Used: New   

After COVID, a health scare and being alone, far from the World for a couple of years, I decided to buy myself a gift to forget about life's misery and the isolation. What a super camera body ... Great viewfinder, lightning-fast focusing, splendid colors, easy to use. All my lenses seem to perform better than ever on this camera. One of the best purchases of my life.





























   
Site Supporter

Registered: May, 2010
Location: Monterrey, México
Posts: 283

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: April 11, 2023 Recommended | Price: $1,536.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Fast autofocus, superb FPS
Cons: Prone to fail
New or Used: New   

Having almost a year with intensive usage (almost 20,000 shots fired in a year), I think it's time for my K-3 MIII review.

I'm not a professional shooter, but a hobbyist, and since the camera was out, I think almost everybody has talked about its pros, so I'm going to focus on the issues I have experimented with my camera.

Endurance
- I take a very good care of my gear, and I have had the K-x, K5, K5IIs, and the K-3 before the K-3 MIII, and none of those cameras suffered any damage on the painting during the time I used them, sadly I can´t say the same of this camera, it has already started to chip on the top (where it used to be a flash), and on the bottom (I use the battery grip, and still it is chipping).
- There's no skins or silicone case for it available anywhere (at least I haven't been lucky finding one), so you have to accept it as it is, bad painting work (or a cheap one, IDK)

Hardware
- LCD Sensor tends to fail out of nowhere without previous notice, I've read several cases here in the forum, and it happened to me trice, being the last one, a definitive fail, where If I leave the sensor in medium or high sensitivity, it turns my LCD to black. So, either I have to set it to Low or turn it off at all. (to me it was great to have it because I've always being annoyed by the light of the LCD during night photography).
- FPS Buffer is a joke, it should be able to go on an on, but the limit it has is really ridicule for a modern camera.

Software?
- After software update to 1.80v I've found that my camera sometimes "freezes" while it is showing the "instant review", where it keeps showing the photo, and it becomes nonresponsive, so I have to turn it off and on, to continue my shooting. This happened while shooting under rainy conditions (I was using a DA* WR lens), but also happened in dry conditions, it has happened about 4-5 times in the last month.
- They still have to fix small issues like the name of the custom modes, where when you first select it, it now shows the name you selected, but if you move the dial to another custom setting and then you go back, it will not show the name assigned again, it will only show the "U#" that corresponds to the custom mode number (as if it does not have a name assigned).

Now, are you wonder if the above make me want to change it back for a K-3 MII, or changing brands? the answer is not at all. even with the above, I'm really happy with my camera, the only thing that really worries me is that fail in the LCD Sensor that it may fail completely in the future not allowing me to use the LCD at all, and since my camera is already out of warranty, I hate the idea to pay to fix it when it should be a warranty issue.

Finally, last night I bought a 3M vinyl roll to make a custom skin to prevent more paint chippings, hope it does helps to it.
   
Pentaxian

Registered: July, 2011
Posts: 2,377

5 users found this helpful
Review Date: April 2, 2022 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Fast, responsive, precise, …
Cons:
Ergonomics: 9    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 9    Autofocus: 10    Features: 10    Value: 9    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 9    New or Used: New   

I am used to K1 ever since it came out - converted to MKii. Worked with K5 and K3 before. K3iii promises 6 years of advancement in basic features like user interface, handling, AF, ... I consider an APSC camera a nice TC for FF glass and more, much more after a couple days of work!

The K3iii is a typical high-end Pentax DSLR. Superb ergonomics, weather sealing, small APSC-like form factor…
- The viewfinder is extraordinary awesome for a small format camera!
- The user interface has been redesigned. The results are nice, but please keep this design for upcoming cameras that I want to use next to the K3iii. K1 user interface appears old-fashioned next to the new one.
- AF precision is much improved over previous cameras. It is much easier to get correct focus even on oblique surfaces. Previously the focus points felt larger than indicated and slightly off. Now the camera nails focus where the points indicates - at least extremely often.
- AF tracking and speed. Much faster than before. AF joystick and performance are fun. Before I tried to avoid relying on Pentax AF-C and tracking, now it is plain fun!
- Silent AF lenses with focus clutch are preferred, FA ltds fly, but make sure your fingers are far away from the focusing ring.
- SD card. Made my tests. UHS I cards accomplished more burst images while UHS II cleared the buffer faster. SanDisk Extreme Pro 256GB UHS I costs less than 32GB UHS II version and allows for many, many burst sequences. 11.6 fps for 30 image bursts with raw dng are easily possible.
- 12fps is 20% faster than D500, 26MP are 25% more pixels than D500. Buffer is good for 2.5s at full speed. Specs are superb, now AF speed needs to be evaluated and some really fast focusing tele glass would help. For a Pentax camera and for every SLR such values are just great.
- price - expensive for a Pentax, well priced for the feature set.
- light weight camera with small footprint requires battery pack for larger/heavier glass.


Key improvements
- AF joystick
- Speed

Key features
- large viewfinder
- speed
- apsc from factor

Drawbacks
- not available in FF yet
- fast tele glass matching this camera is missing
- Pentax accessories and third party support. Wireless remote control units, tele converters, quick battery charging options, … often not perfect or missing.

Conclusion
Awesome new type of Pentax camera. Pentax is renewing DA* zooms right now to match it. More glass and accessories are needed to match performance and positioning of this camera.
   
Pentaxian

Registered: December, 2007
Location: In the most populated state... state of denial
Posts: 1,845

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: March 28, 2022 Recommended | Price: $2,000.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: construction, electronic VF
Cons:
Years Owned: Since 2021    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 8    Autofocus: 9    Features: 10    Value: 10    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 10    New or Used: New   

What an incredible camera, I upgraded from a K5IIs and is miles ahead
Quite, sturdy, and with an incredibly informative viewfinder.
The viewfinder is bright, and easy to see even in bright light, the electronic layouts are great

The compatibility with K and M lenses has improved ans that is a big plus

Image quality is a big step forward from what I had, all in all a camera that makes me smile every time I take out

PS. I bought a GPS unit for astrophotography and have been very impressed.
   
Site Supporter

Registered: October, 2017
Location: Sale, Cheshire
Posts: 241

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: March 5, 2022 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Everything
Cons: Nothing of significance
Years Owned: 0.6    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 10    Autofocus: 10    Features: 10    Value: 10    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 10    New or Used: New   

I bought this camera as an upgrade to my K-3, which was an excellent and reliable camera.
Pentax have certainly put tremendous effort into this camera. I believe Pentax cameras are designed by photographers for photographers, with new models being a step change in performance and not a marketing tweak just to sell units (highlighted by the few distinct models Pentax sell).
The positives are:

Ergonomics and build quality are second to none (handling is very intuitive).

The image quality with the modern high quality Pentax lenses is superb. RAW images are so good, very little post processing is required.

The dynamic range is as least as good as anything comparable on the market (see the link 'https://www.pentaxforums.com/camerareviews/reviews.php?product=300' for camera comparisons).

The AF performance is excellent, for static and fast moving objects. Oncoming cars at motorway speeds are tracked with ease. The eye tacking is impressive. Eye tracking for static birds nails the focus every time and has a high percentage success rate for birds in flight.

Excellent high ISO performance - I have successful images at 80,000 ISO, using ACR and NIK Define 2 wisely for noise reduction.

Excellent image stabilisation at 5.5 stops. Hand held sharp photographs at 1/10s (1/6s with a monopod).

The superb OVF, which makes the camera a joy to use.

Very effective Pixel Shift.

Totally configurable controls.

An innovative astrotracking feature.

The list goes on!

I am not a serious video taker, but for the casual user the settings are semi-automatic on Av, etc., easy to use and produces very competent results.

As a stills camera it is an exceptional and very intuitive tool, and is a great pleasure to use.
What more can one ask for.
   
Pentaxian

Registered: October, 2010
Posts: 6,241

3 users found this helpful
Review Date: November 16, 2021 Recommended | Price: $2,000.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Responsie AF(very good), OVF with 1.05 X, Pentax
Cons: Some quirks, not big deal
New or Used: New   

I just wanted to chime in and make a review.


I honestly did think that if Pentax don't really go up with expectations this time, it will be it for me with Pentax.

let me explain,

I have been mostly 'advanced enhustiac' but in last couple of years I'v actually been offered gigs for actual money, not just for fun/beers. And I want to deliver. Most of my 'best' shots were out of focus with previous gen pentax and that forced me to shoot in sertain way in order to get what I needed in oder to get job done.

AF worries - end of that agony.

This new K-3III does actually give me those shots I wanted to get. if I want to have more shots, it is mostly because of need to get that perfect expression/timing, do not to have to worry about AF any more.

So now it is up to me. That said, I moght end up shooting as many frames as before, or even more, but I'm sure that AF will be right there.
This alone for me is worth more than many other things build in this camera.

OVF

First of all, I do have K-1 and one thing over K-3(original) in buying decision was that bigger OVF. And it was great, untill this camera did end up in my hands. With K-1 I did take that as granted, bigger sensor -> bigger OVF. When I did shoot with these cameras, ths K-3III reminded me more of old film cameras. Thin body but amazing big VF. It is still great feeling to put this camera up and look through it. Greatest part is that clarity.


PERFORMANCE

FPS is really good, and the fact that it does actually focus during these bursts very well too does make it actually quite handy. I have never been person for long bursts. I'm using it for short bursts if needed. In my style of photography it is rarely that I'll meet the end of the buffer. Basically 3-10 frames timed in spot I see coming. So for me this is enough. I do shoot events, and portraits as well as landscapes, not so much sports. Althou my timing has been honed up too.

IMAGE QUALITY

I have put files next to K-1 which I still do think is the king.

That said.
I have also put it next to Panasonic S5, and it is not the king.

Yes, resolution is some what similar to S5. DR is just a tad below S5, couple notch below K-1. K-1 Is resolution and DR king of all of these 3.

WB, and noise performance is the crown K-3III has out of all these. Yes, you read it right. If I do import files from any of these cameras and just do simple post process, K-3III is best and most accurate. Performance with accelerator MK2 is no joke. Also details are there. This all with normal import from camera and then adjust up to your taste, K-3III, winner. This is a big deal for me as I did buy this camera for photography and I do not really enjoy post processing that much. I do enjoy process of looking and posting my pictures.

VIDEO

It is a big step up. Not quite big enough. This is why I have Panasonic S5. That said, I do think that S5 was designed with video in mind and K-3III was designed with photography in mind. When I have really taken this thing in consideration that it is 'just' expanded photo mode(in JPEG), then it is okay actually. So, let's say you are shooting mushrooms at the forest and you want to capture the surroundings, light, ect. on top of that. it does look good, especially if you use tripod. Or you want to have mood from portrait shoot, or good memory from lake or city or where ever. It is good enough. Also for normal interview with you behind the camera. If you want more, then it is better to have camera for video all in all.


discaimer with video: I do think that there is more performance in reserve, let us see if there is more to come and I'll(really) update my review. I'v looked up material shot with S5 and K-3III. This is big comparison, and the 'end result' is what is important. I'v seen thigs that do rival S5, really. but DR (10 bit) was not needed. and with tripod, you can have nice 4K quality when lithing is correctly made.

ERGONOMIC

If you like pentax. this is really well made camera. I have small hands(173 cm tall) and quite average hand size. With K-3I my pinky fell under the cam. With this, it did not. some buttons did take time to adjust to. But all in all, it is very well thought over I like everything in it. It did take 3 seconds to get new amazing joystic in my workflow.


LV

Yes, this is stll the part where Pentax is 'behind' the competition. In comparision my Panasonic S5 is as good/bad in LV as it is in EVF, althou LV you don't suffer that lag and many other weird things. LV with Pentax K-3III is practical. I do not use it. And I do not need to use it because of that amazing OVF. Really, that OVF is alone one reason to buy this thing. I do not know why it has not been brought up more?

edit: Yes, it does not have flippy, or selfie rotating screen. The point of not really needing that with beautiful OVF is still applying, I do not like flippy, too small to make a difference, external display or even your phone/pad is the way to go.


WRAP IT UP

what more should I say. Honestly in image quality, I'm waiting for the K-1III to surface. Still, even after that I do think that this will actually be my camera for 60% all in all. Now with K-1(original) and Panasonic S5 , K-3III is my photocamera NRO.1 for 95 % of usage for that. Honestly. I'm going to buy K-1III, when it will come, bu even with K-1, I some times felt like lower MP should be good, because 36 MP is too much. At some point I did think that 24 MP would satisfy me if it was FF. Having Panasonic S5, I do not think like that any more. I do not see any clear advantage in size, let alone image quality. 26 MP is more than original K-3, but that alone does not make the cake. Accelerator mk.2 does.

That and the fact that I'm obviously not that good with EVF. I had olympus 5EM2, Now I have panasonic S5. I first thugh that it was that olympus that was what ever. Now with this it is the same. irritation and even pain. One night I had frame flickering in my eyeswhen I was trying to get asleep. This is no joke. Perhaps you can get used to it, but I do not want to. And with Pentax I do not need either.

I have used this K-3III in professional gigs, where I have been paid for, and they have not complained the end result, at all. I'm safe to think that it will remain to be so. I can enjoy big and beautiful OVF. I can have all the things I need and enjoy photography. All in all I'm happy that I did pull the trigger and buy this as preorder.

edit: it says 2000 dollars, in up there, but it was 2000€
   
Pentaxian

Registered: November, 2013
Location: Barcelona
Posts: 659

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: October 26, 2021 Recommended | Price: $2,000.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Fast AF, Crop-in mode in camera, menus, quick easy to use
Cons: Buffer (very slow for motorsport)
Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 10    Autofocus: 10    Features: 9    Value: 6    Image Quality: 9    Noise: 9    New or Used: New   

So first of all I do NOT own this beast.

Second of all: I have been using it for a couple of Motorsport Events this year. I got it borrowed by Pentax Spain.

Pros: It's Fast AF (finally !!!)
The Menus are quick and fantastic
Built in Crop-in 1.3x it is wonderful.
Ergonomics.
It gets software updates often.
Live View works fantastic.

Cons:
Buffer utterly insufficient for Motorsports and Action (allows only 30-40 pics per shooting doing Raw+ and Jpg+). Compared to a Nikon D500 that keeps and keeps and keeps shooting, this is very few. Plus if you get a bunch of cars now, and then you have some more later you'll miss the latest ones due to the slow buffer acting.

Price: Compared to any other camera in this range it is expensive at 2000€. Considering both Cons I'd probably pick up a D500 instead (cheaper and better buffer)

Fewer lens options. Specially for newer lenses from brands like Sigma or Tamron. You can not get a Sigma 150-600mm for the Pentax system. And the old big zooms are rare and heavily looked after so prices are expensive (i know myself).





You can check the tests I did with it here:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/210-pentax-k-3-iii/427629-borrowed-k3-ii...e-10-days.html

It is the Ultimate APS-C Pentax camera indeed. It is a beast indeed. Is it what I need now? Maybe it appeared a bit too late.
   
New Member

Registered: July, 2021
Location: Sydney
Posts: 18

2 users found this helpful
Review Date: July 22, 2021 Recommended | Price: $2,432.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Feel in hand, bright large OVF, low noise high ISO, configurability
Cons: No tilting screen, only 1 UHSii sd slot, only ~35 shot raw buffer
Years Owned: .25    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 9    Autofocus: 10    Features: 10    Value: 10    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 10    New or Used: New   

Easily the best camera I have ever used. I own 9 Pentax bodies and every newer one amazingly feels both familiar and yet a quantum leap forward when compared to its predecessor.

Incredible high ISO/low noise performance and superb new sensor that you can (in Lightroom) recover highlight and shadow detail you would swear was never captured.
With 12fps, action shooting is a dream but the buffer does fill up after about 3 seconds. A UHSii card does help empty it quite quickly, however, some ppl may prefer CF based cameras if they only shoot sports.

Full frame shooters may still opt for a K1 or 645Z but the K3's sensor matches or betters their pixel density. And if you only looked through its viewfinder, you would swear it was full frame !

Adverts bandied round clichés like "an extension of the artist's hand" and the like but this unit is so seriously ergonomic and button and dial configurable, that I rarely need to take my eye away from the OVF to get to any of my favourite settings and options. The Smart Fn button and Smart eDial are incredible on their own but when coupled with 10 user memories, there is no other camera out there that can truly adapt to different styles of shooting in an instant. So much immediate flexibility to be had with just your thumb and index finger.

With Covid lockdowns, I haven't been out too much with this unit yet but the few times I have felt like for the first time, the camera is no longer in charge of the situation - I am.
It's a hell of a lot smarter than me too. You have to try out "Highlight Metering" - wow. And with such a fast AF solution, I can for the first time now rely only upon back button AF and leave the shutter to do what it does best (and fast).

Shake reduction has also come a long way since the K3ii and matches the best mirrorless bodies out there today. While the SR noise is a bit disconcerting sometimes in quiet places, hearing it give itself a good workout is somewhat re-assuring.

I purchased the premium kit with the DBG8 grip and nice embossed leather strap, and just recently bought an O-GPS1, a DA* 300mmf4 and a HD 1.4 telecon but Covid has delayed me trying those out.

I have only used the K3-iii so far with the 70-200 f2.8, Sigma 18-35 f1.8 Art and an old Sigma 600mm mirror (moon shot). Very happy with the results but of course the mirror lens will never be a sharp shooter...

Looking forward to trying out so many more of its features once this lockdown ends. Will post another review once I get a good bunch of samples too.

If you have invested heavily in K mount lenses, this is the best, most versatile camera out there. For what I shoot, it beats the K1 hands down - and that's saying something because the K1 is a phenomenal body.
   
Site Supporter

Registered: June, 2017
Location: 3City agglomeration
Posts: 2,000

4 users found this helpful
Review Date: July 15, 2021 Recommended | Price: $2,300.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: autofocus, image quality, build quality, OVF
Cons: short battery live, weight
Years Owned: 1    Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 10    Autofocus: 10    Features: 10    Value: 10    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 10    New or Used: New   

I got it to replace K-50 and it was competing with K-1 Mk II. Autofocus perspecitves won so I got this. Never regretted it, even for a second.


Camera body: it is very sturdy, feel in hand is comparable to my old Zenith XP so you feel as if you could hammer nails with it. All buttons feel sturdy, there is pleasant resistance that is felt when operating, giving just the feel that buttons are very solid but not impeding operation. Screen looks ok, I have no additional protection but the glass is handling outdoor activities ok, no scratches as of now. Overall 10 points out of 10. Even 11

Screen: it is bright enough. Resolution is ok for photo peaking or in camera editing. Not tiltable, but with wifi connectivity and mini HDMI it can be supplemented either with phone or dedicated screen so no issue for me.

OVF: big and bright, there are all informations displayed that are need to operate camera with eve glued to OVF. Only issue I have with it is black overlay for AF points and level indicators. It makes makes operating in low light or when photographing something dark rather hard.

Menu: usable. Layout is changed when compared to older cameras but it is still quite similar to old ones that navigation is not an issue

Features: still experimenting, but I never experienced situation this camera could not handle.


Image quality: superb. In all ways - both from detail and resolution to high ISO handling to color rendering it is really superb. I often find that when I load RAW to ACDSee I do not need to do anything to it. And we are talking about naked RAW, not in camera processed JPEG.


Noise: there is one on higher ISO, but for my needs/level of sensitivity to noise I set up 25600 as acceptable for auto ISO top level.


Any negatives? Well, from what I found:

- battery live is very short for DSLR. Expected it with all the calculations that are need to be done but still it is noticeable so do not go out without spare battery
- bluetooth connection sometimes goes wrong. No issue with wifi though so if you are using phone app to connect, do it via wifi
- autoexposure tends to underexpose when there is lot of reflected light in foreground, for example when shooting plane with clouds in background. Even setting meter to point is not helping. Bit weird, but if you know what to expect it is easy to compensate by proper settings

All in all I am very happy with this camera.

This is SOOC image, JPEG with retro/film setting:


_IMG2003 by Jerzy Jabłoński, on Flickr
   
Forum Member

Registered: July, 2010
Location: Cardiff, UK
Posts: 65

6 users found this helpful
Review Date: June 7, 2021 Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: Probably...the best DSLR ever made
Cons:
Ergonomics: 10    Build Quality: 10    User Interface: 10    Autofocus: 10    Features: 10    Value: 10    Image Quality: 10    Noise: 10    New or Used: New   

I have owned Pentax film cameras (KM, MX [both still working fine] and ME Super) and digital cameras (100D, 200D, 20D, K5, K3). This camera can be seen as the finest elaboration of the design aesthetic which all these models have in common.It must be counted as being in a league of its own for design, build quality and for the range of possibilities it offers anyone who cares to pick it up. Image quality is outstanding. Autofocus excellent. The new pentaprism finder is wonderous. Most people have probably experimented with mirrorless cameras - and there are some fine ones (Fuji X Pro maybe the best of them). The K3 III may swim against the mirrorless current, but who knows if the tide will turn? After all, EVF cameras are power-hungry and so more environmentally damaging than DSLRs. On top of that, an EVF can never offer the kind of connectedness with the photographed environment that an OVF does (as said, with one exception: the X Pros manage it, but in a very different way that is not really comparable). Some will lament the lack of a flipping screen. I do not. This camera has brilliant ergonomics. A camera so good that it vanishes from the awareness of the user when it is being used, which is what every good piece of equipment ought to do.
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