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General Data
Camera ThumbnailPentax KPPentax K-3 IIIPentax K-3 II
Camera NamePentax KPPentax K-3 IIIPentax K-3 II
Year Introduced201720212015
AvailabilityDiscontinued (2021)In ProductionDiscontinued (2019)
Current PriceFind on eBay | PF Marketplace$1696

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In-Depth ReviewPentax KP reviewPentax K-3 III reviewPentax K-3 II review
User ReviewsBrowseBrowseBrowse
Sensor
Sensor FormatAPS-CAPS-CAPS-C
Sensor TypeCMOSCMOSCMOS
Megapixels24.3225.7324.35
Resolution4000 x 6016 pixels4128 x 6192 pixels4000 x 6016 pixels
AA FilterNo (AA filter simulator)No (AA filter simulator)No (AA filter simulator)
Super ResolutionYesYesYes
Bit Depth141414
Minimum ISO100100100
Maximum ISO819200160000051200
ISO Range100 - 819,200100 - 1,600,000100 - 51,200
Imaging
ProcessorPRIME IV w/accelerator unitPRIME V w/accelerator unit IIPRIME III
Exposure ModesAuto (green), HyP, Sv, Tv, Av, TAv, M, B, User (5)Auto (green), HyP, Sv, Av, Tv, TAv, HyM, X, B, User(5)Auto (green), HyP, Sv, Av, Tv, TAv, HyM, X, B, User(3)
Program ModesAuto, Normal, Action, Depth of Field (deep/shallow), MTF priorityAuto, Normal, Action, Depth of Field (deep/shallow), MTF priorityAuto, Normal, Action, Depth of Field (deep/shallow), MTF priority
Scene ModesNone. Auto (green) sets exposure based on scene analysisNone. Auto (green) sets exposure based on scene analysisNone
RestrictionsExposure modes with M and K lenses are restricted to Av (with aperture always wide open) and M (with stop-down metering)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)Exposure modes with M and K lenses are restricted to Av (with aperture always wide open) and M (with stop-down metering)
Shutter Speeds (Auto)30s to 1/6,000s (mechanical), to 1/24,000s (electronic)30s - 1/8000s (1/16000 with electronic shutter)30s - 1/8000s (stepless)
Shutter Speeds (Manual)B, 30s to 1/6,000s (mechanical), to 1/24,000s (electronic). Up to 20 minutes in Timed Bulb. Up to 300s in Astrotracer modeB, 30s - 1/8000s (1/16000s with electronic shutter). Up to 20 minutes in Timed Bulb mode. Up to 300s in Astrotracer modeB, 30s - 1/8000s. Up to 300s in Astrotracer mode
High ISO NROff, Auto, Low/Medium/High, Custom by ISOOff, Auto, Low/Medium/High, Custom by ISOOff, Auto, Low/Medium/High, Custom by ISO
Slow Shutter NROff, Auto, OnOff, Auto, OnOff, Auto, On
Shutter Life100,000300,000200,000
Maximum FPS7128.3
Continuous ShootingHi: 7 fps up to approx. 28 frames (JPG), up to approx. 8 frames (RAW), M: 3 fps up to approx 70 frames (JPG), 15 frames (RAW), Lo: 0.8 fps up to approx. 100 frames (JPG), up to appox. 100 frames (RAW)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)Hi: 8.3 fps up to approx. 60 frames (JPG), up to approx. 23 frames (RAW), M: 4.5 fps up to approx 100 frames (JPG), 32 frames (RAW), Lo: 3 fps uup to approx. 200 frames (JPG), up to appox. 52 frames (RAW)
Exposure Compensation+/-5 EV (+/-2 EV in movie mode)+/- 5EV (+/-2 EV in movie mode)+/-5 EV (+/-2 EV in movie mode)
Auto BracketingExposure (2, 3 or 5 frames), one-push EV bracketing, Depth of Field (3 frames), Motion (3 frames), AA filter (2 or 3 frames)Exposure (2, 3 or 5 frames), one-push EV bracketing, Depth of Field (3 frames), Motion (3 frames), AA filter (2 or 3 frames)Exposure (2, 3 or 5 frames), one-push EV bracketing, AA filter (3 frames)
Expanded Dynamic RangeHighlight (auto, on, off),
Shadow (auto, high, medium, low, off)
Highlight (auto, on, off),
Shadow (auto, high, medium, low, off)
Highlight (auto, on, off),
Shadow (auto, high, medium, low, off)
Metering Sensor86K Pixel307K Pixel86K Pixel
Meter Range-3 to 20 EV-3 to 20 EV-3 to 20 EV
Meter PatternMulti-Segment,Center Weighted,SpotMulti-Segment,Multi-Segment with Face Detection,Center Weighted,Highlight Weighted,SpotMulti-Segment,Center Weighted,Spot
Exposure LockYesYesYes
Self Timer2 s with mirror lock-up, 12 s2 s with mirror lock-up, 12 s2 s with mirror lock-up, 12 s
Interval ShootingUp to 2000 frames, 2 sec to 24 hours intervalUp to 9999 frames, 1 sec to 24 hours intervalUp to 2000 frames, 2 sec to 24 hours interval
Mirror Lock-upYesYesYes
HDR ModeYesYesYes
Multiple ExposuresYes, average, additive and bright, 2 to 2000 shotsYes, average, additive and bright, 2 to 20 shotsYes, average, additive and bright, 2 to 2000 shots
Pixel MappingYesYesYes
Optics/Mount
MountKAF2 (no aperture coupler)KAF2 (no aperture coupler)KAF2 (no aperture coupler)
Composition AdjustmentYesYesYes
Supported LensesAll Pentax K-mount lenses. Manual focus only with K-, M-, and A-series lenses. Stop down metering only 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.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.All Pentax K-mount lenses. Support for lenses with the KAF4 mount variant requires a firmware update. Manual focus only with K-, M-, and A-series lenses. Stop down metering only with K- and M-series lenses. M42, Pentax 645 and Pentax 6x7 lenses with the appropriate adapters (stop down metering and manual focus only).
StabilizationYes (sensor-shift SR II)Yes (sensor-shift SR II) with panning SRYes (sensor-shift SR)
Autofocus (viewfinder)Yes (SAFOX 11, 27 focus points (25 cross type))Yes (SAFOX 13, 101 focus points (25 cross type))Yes (SAFOX 11, 27 focus points (25 cross type))
AF Points2710127
Autofocus Sensitivity-3 to 18 EV-4 to 18 EV-3 to 18 EV
Autofocus With SDMYesYesYes
Autofocus AssistDedicated LEDDedicated LEDDedicated LED
Autofocus ModesViewfinder: AF.S, AF.C, AF.A
Live view: Face detection, Tracking, Multiple AF points, Select, Spot
Single Shot, Continuous, Auto Area, Zone Select, Expanded area (S, M, L), User select (S), SpotSingle Shot, Continuous, Auto, Expanded area (S, M, L), Zone select, User select, Manual focus
Front/Back Focus CorrYes (adjustment for up to 20 lenses)Yes (adjustment for up to 20 lenses)Yes (adjustment for up to 20 lenses)
Power ZoomNot supportedSupported (zoom only)Supported (zoom only)
Lens CorrectionDistortion,Lateral Chromatic Aberration,Vignetting,DiffractionDistortion,Lateral Chromatic Aberration,Vignetting,DiffractionDistortion,Lateral Chromatic Aberration,Vignetting,Diffraction
Video
Video/Movie Mode1920x1080 (16:9 Full HD) at 60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p,
1280x720 (16:9 HD) at 60p, 50p
MPEG4 AVC/H.264
4K interval movie (4K,Full HD, HD)
Star stream (4K,Full HD, HD)
3840 x 2160 (4K) at 30p/24p fps,
1920 x 1080 (Full HD) at 60p/30p/24p fps
MPEG4 AVC/H.264
1920x1080 (16:9 Full HD) at 60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p fps,
1280x720 (16:9) at 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p and 24p fps,
MPEG4 AVC/H.264,
Interval Movie (4K, Full HD, HD)
Video StabilizationElectronicSensor-shift SRElectronic
Exposure ModesP, Av, TAv, Tv, MP, Av, TAv, Tv, MP, Av, TAv, Tv, M
Movie Mode RestrictionsClips up to 4GB or 25 minutesClips up to 4 GB / 25 minutesClips up to 4 GB / 25 minutes
AF During RecordingContinuous (with compatible lenses) and On-demandContinuous (with compatible lenses) and On-demandOn-Demand
Sound In Movie ModeStereo (external mic), Stereo (built-in mic). Adjustable sound levelStereo (via internal mic or external mic). Adjustable sound levelStereo (external mic), Mono (built-in mic). Adjustable sound level
Flash
Built-in FlashYes, GN 6 (ISO 100/m)NoNo
Sync Speed1/180s1/200s1/180s
P-TTL FlashYesYesYes
TTL FlashNoNoNo
Flash Exposure Comp-2 to 1 EV-2 to +1 EV-2 to 1 EV
Flash FunctionsAuto discharge, On (leading curtain sync), Redeye reduction, Slow-speed sync, Trailing curtain sync, High-speed sync*, Manual (full - 1/128), Wireless*, Contrast control*
* Available when combined with external flash
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
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
Viewfinder/LCD
Viewfinder100%, 0.95x1.05x, 100%0.95x, 100%
Viewfinder TypePentaprismPentaprismPentaprism
Diopter Adjustment-2.5 to +1.5-4 to +1-2.5 to +1.5
AF Points In ViewfinderYesYesYes
Exchangeable ScreenYesNoYes
Depth Of Field PreviewYesYesYes
Digital PreviewYes (with image magnification)Yes (with image magnification)Yes (with image magnificaion)
Live ViewYesYesYes
Focus PeakingYesYesYes
Back LCD3 inch, 921,000 dots, 3:2 aspect ratio, tilts up/down, red light night mode3.2 inch, 1,620,000 dots, 3:2 aspect ratio, touch screen, red light night mode3.2 in., 1,037,000 dots, 3:2 aspect ratio
Top LCDNoYesYes
Body
Weather ResistantYesYesYes
GPSVia AccessoryVia AccessoryBuilt-In
Control Wheels332
Camera Controls1 traditional e-dial, 1 knob on the front and 1 settings dial on top plate. Customizable control panel. Five user mode settings. Customizable Fx1, Fx2, & Fx3 button.2 traditional e-dials and 1 settings dial/control wheel. Joystick. Touch screen. Many dedicated buttons. One customizable Fx button. Customizable control panel. Five user mode settings.2 control wheels. Many dedicated buttons. Control panel. Three user mode settings
Dust RemovalYes, Ultrasonic DR IIYes, Ultrasonic DR IIYes, Ultrasonic DR II
Dust AlertNoNoYes
File FormatPEF (RAW),DNG (RAW),JPG,MOVPEF (RAW),DNG (RAW),JPG,MOVPEF (RAW),DNG (RAW),JPG,MOV
Card Slots122
Memory Card TypeSD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-I compatible)SD, SDHC, SDXC (slot 1 UHS-II compatible, slot 2 UHS-I compatible)SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-I Compatible), Eye-Fi, Flucard
TetheringVia built-in Wi-FiVia built-in Wi-Fi,Via Built-in BluetoothVia O-FC1 FLUcard
Battery

D-LI109 lithium-ion rechargeable

D-LI90 lithium-ion rechargeable

D-LI90 lithium-ion rechargeable

Battery Grip

D-BG7 (takes one D-Li109 or one D-LI90 battery)

D-BG8 which accepts the D-LI90 Li-Ion battery.

D-BG5 (takes D-LI90 or 6x AA)

Battery Life420 photos (CIPA)800 images720 images Video playback time: 370 minutes
Size (W X H X D)131.5 x 101 x 76 mm134.5 x 103.5 x 73.5 mm131.5 x 102.5 x 77.5 mm
Weight643 g (body only), 703 g (with battery)735g (820g with mattery and SD card)700 g (785 g with battery and SD card)
ConnectivityUSB 2.0, HDMI out (via USB port and an adapter), stereo mic, cable release (uses mic input jack), DC in, GPS, Wi-Fi.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)
USB 3, HDMI out, stereo mic, headphones, DC in, X-sync, cable release
Latest Firmware

Link to download page

Link to download page

Link to Download Page

NotesAstrotracer functionality with the optional O-GPS1 unit,
Depth of field bracketing,
Electronic level,
Embed copyright information in EXIF,
High ISO NR, can be customized for each major ISO value,
Image plane indicator,
In-camera RAW development,
Moiré suppression via SR mechanism,
Moiré suppression bracketing,
Motion bracketing,
Save last JPG as RAW,
Save JPG from movie,
The three Fx buttons are customizable and can perform a variety of functions, hereunder exposure bracketing.
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.
Astrotracer functionality with the built in GPS,
Electronic level,
Embed copyright information in EXIF,
GPS and electronic compass,
High ISO NR, can be customized for each major ISO value,
Image plane indicator,
In-camera RAW development,
Moiré suppression via SR mechanism,
Moiré suppresion bracketing,
Save last JPG as RAW,
Save JPG from movie,
The RAW button is customizable and can perform a variety of functions, hereunder exposure bracketing.
Colors / Special Editions

Black and Silver

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.

Black, Limited Silver





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