Camera Basics
Camera Choosing
Camera Models
Camera Buying
DSLR Buying
Pentax K-3 Summary
24 Megapixels
Single Lens Reflex
High ISO: ISO 6400 or more is available at full-resolution.
Stabilization: Compensates for tiny involuntary movements of the camera.
Automatic Level: Corrects for some degree of tilt to keep the horizon level.
Continuous Drive
Full 1080p HD Video: 1920 x 1080 resolution or more but less than 4K.
Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).
Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.
Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.
Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.
Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.
Spot Metering
Depth-Of-Field Preview: Improve perception of DOF before shooting.
Weatherproof - Seals protect from dust, humidity and light splashing.
Accepts Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), SDHC and SD memory.
Neocamera detailed review
Discontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.Pentax K-3 Assessment
The Pentax K-3 leaps forwards as the first Ricoh DSLR, bring a unique Anti-Alias Filter Simulator and Time-Lapse video up to Ultra HD (4K). This, together with a new 24 megapixels APS-C CMOS sensor and 27-point SAFOX XI autofocus engine with 25 cross-type points.
While almost keeping the ultimate ergonomics and usability of Pentax DSLRs, the K-3 packs the deepest feature-set of any digital camera with a high number of genuinely useful photographic functions.
The K-3 outputs excellent image-quality with very low image-noise and superb retention of fine-details, second only to the K-5 IIs among APS-C cameras. A slightly lower dynamic-range and more noise at high ISOs let it a little down while still delivering one of the best performance on the market.
The new autofocus system keeps the class-leading sensitivity of its predecessor and performs very similarly but with added sophistication. This makes it a fast AF system but leaves it behind other high-end cameras which can fair better for action photography.
The Ricoh Pentax K-3 clearly delivers as the most feature-rich DSLR around. Its high-resolution images makes it a superb landscape photography camera and its weather-sealed freezeproof body lets it travel in the toughest conditions to get the shot.
Neocamera detailed review Read the full Pentax K-3 review here.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Excellent control over image-noise | Below average shot-to-shot speeds |
| Superb retention of details | Highly variable autofocus speed |
| Good dynamic-range | Tracking AF lags |
| Excellent metering | Pitch not shown in OVF |
| Natural image colors | Weak Live-View |
| Highly responsive | LCD too left |
| Class-leading focus sensitivity | Status screen does not turn off automatically |
| Good focusing accuracy | Short battery-life |
| Effective stabilization for all lenses | Usability setbacks compared to K-5 family |
| Unique Anti-Alias Simulator | Camera strap gets in way of mode-dial |
| Automatic Horizon Correction | |
| Digital Preview | |
| Post-shot RAW recovery | |
| Best-in-class weather resistance | |
 Excellent Excellent |
|
Recent Similar Cameras
Pentax K-3 Related Information
| Sister Models |
|---|
Pentax K-5 IIs Pentax K-5 IIs - 16 MP, 11-Point AF |
Pentax K-5 II Pentax K-5 II - 16 MP, Anti-Alias Filter, 11-Point AF |
| Reviews | |
|---|---|
| Neocamera | Photography Blog |
| ePhotozine | |
 |
 
|
Please Support Neocamera
All information on Neocamera is provided free of charge yet running this website is a huge endeavor. Purchases made via affiliate links found throughout the site help keep it running and up-to-date. There is no additional cost to you, so please consider buying via these links to our affilates:
If you found any information on this site valuable and did not purchase via our affiliate links, please considering donating via PayPal:
Any amount will be greatly appreaciated. Thank you for your support!
Pentax K-3 Highlights
SLR digital cameraSensor-Size: 24 x 16mm
Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI
| 24 Megapixels DSLR | ISO 100-51200 |
| Pentax K Mount 1.5X FLM | Shutter 1/8000-30s |
| 3-Axis Built-in Stabilization, 3.5-Stop Improvement | Full manual controls, including Manual Focus |
| 100% Coverage Large Viewfinder | Custom white-balance with 2 axis fine-tuning |
| Auto Horizon Correction 2 Axis Digital Level | Spot-Metering |
| Weatherproof down to -10C | Hot-Shoe & Sync-Port |
| Built-in Dust Reduction | Stereo audio input |
| 8.3 FPS Drive, 60 Images | Lithium-Ion Battery |
| 1920x1080 @ 30 FPS Video Recording | Secure Digital Extended Capacity x 2 |
| 3.2" LCD 1 Megapixels |
Camera Bag
Your camera bag is empty. To add a camera or lens click on the star next to its name.
Your camera bag is empty.
Add cameras or lenses by clicking on the star next to their name.
Updates
2024.11.18
Best 2024 Photography Gifts for Every Budget
Great gifts for photographers and photo enthusiasts selected for every budget among the best products of 2024.
2024.08.07
Eye Protection Tips for Professional Photographers
The four main considerations for professional photographers regarding eyewear.
2024.07.14
Fujifilm X100VI Review
Flagship fixed-lens compact digital camera with a 40 MP sensor and Image-Stabilization, a first for the series. Retro design featuring dual control-dials, plus direct ISO, Shutter-Speed and EC dials. Its hybrid viewfinder can switch between EVF and OVF mode.
2024.05.09
Fujifilm GFX100 II Review
Flagship 102 Megapixels Medium-Format Mirrorless Digital Camera with 8-Stop 5-Axis IBIS, 8 FPS Drive, 8K Video and 400 MP Super-Resolution capture in a weatherproof and freezeproof body with dual control-dials and dual memory-card slots.
2024.04.03
Fujifilm X-T5 Review
Newest Fujifilm flagship boasting a 40 MP APS-C sensor, 5-axis IBIS with 7-stop efficiency, 15 FPS continuous drive, 6.2K Video capture, dual control-dials and dual SDXC UHS-II slots in a sturdy weatherproof and freezeproof body.
2023.11.20
Best Digital Cameras of 2023
Find out which are the Best Digital Cameras of 2023. All the new Mirrorless Digital Cameras from entry-level to high-end professional.
2023.07.10
Fujifilm X-H2 Review
40 Megapixels APS-C Hybrid Mirrorless Digital Camera with 7-stop IBIS. Fastest shutter ever and 8K video capture. Large builtin EVF with 0.8X magnification and 5.8 MP, plus an Eye-Start Sensor. Packed with features and large number of controls in a weatherproof and freezeproof body.
2023.05.07
Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G Review
Review of the unique Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G lens. The optical zoom of this lens spans ultra-wide-angle and medium focal-length coverage, making it one of the most versatile Full-Frame lenses on the market.
2023.01.15
Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 Review
Review of the Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 tablet, a medium sized drawing surface with dual dials and customizable buttons. Connects via USB-C or Bluetooth 5.0 with Windows, Linux and Android support.
2022.12.08
How to Pack for a Photo Trip
Find out how to pack for a travel photography trip, carry your gear safely while meeting airline regulations.
2022.11.13
Best Digital Cameras of 2022
The best digital cameras of 2022. A short list of the most outstanding models in their respective categories. Choose one for yourself or as a gift.
2022.09.21
Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM Review
Review of the Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM, the constant-aperture telephoto zoom with the highest zoom-ratio on the market.
