Pentax K-3 III Summary

26 Megapixels26 MegapixelsSingle Lens ReflexSingle Lens ReflexHigh ISO: ISO 6400 or more is available at full-resolution.High ISO: ISO 6400 or more is available at full-resolution.Stabilization: Compensates for tiny involuntary movements of the camera.Stabilization: Compensates for tiny involuntary movements of the camera.Automatic Level: Corrects for some degree of tilt to keep the horizon level.Automatic Level: Corrects for some degree of tilt to keep the horizon level.Continuous DriveContinuous DriveUltra HD (4K) video: 3840x2160 resolution or more.Ultra HD (4K) video: 3840x2160 resolution or more.Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).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.Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.Spot MeteringSpot MeteringDepth-Of-Field Preview: Improve perception of DOF before shooting.Depth-Of-Field Preview: Improve perception of DOF before shooting.Weatherproof - Seals protect from dust, humidity and light splashing.Weatherproof - Seals protect from dust, humidity and light splashing.Built-In GPSBuilt-In GPSAccepts Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), SDHC and SD memory.Accepts Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), SDHC and SD memory.Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed review

Pentax K-3 III Assessment

The Pentax K-3 III is easily the ultimate APS-C DSLR. It truly delivers class-leading performance for just about everything and comes close for the rest.

Image-quality from the K-3 III is superb. Its new 26 MP BSI-CMOS sensor captures images with crispness and clarity that match the K-5 IIs
Pentax K-5 IIs
while with more resolution than the K-3 II
Pentax K-3 II
. From base to medium ISO, this DSLR has the lowest noise of any APS-C cameras. Above that the Fujifilm X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor has a very slight edge. The Pentax K-3 III also manages to come in second in terms of dynamic-range, once more a similar level as the K-5 IIs.

Newly designed shutter and mirror mechanisms allow the K-3 III to sustain 12 FPS, faster than any APS-C DSLR. Its 101-Point SAFOX XIII autofocus system is highly capable and can operate continuous up to 11 FPS. This AF system is highly reliable and sensitive down to -4 EV, although its performance falls short of the Nikon D500
Nikon D500
for action-photography.

The Pentax K-3 III provides an enormous feature-set, including a vastly improved 5-axis image-stabilization system that is effective to 5½-stops, while remaining remarkably compact. It is an extremely sturdy camera with a weatherproof and freezeproof body.

Ergonomics of this DSLR are simply outstanding. Triple control-dials, an 8-way focus joystick, extensive exposure modes and ten customizable buttons make this the most efficient camera yet. Ricoh kept most innovative features and truly helpful features inherited from Pentax in their latest APS-C flagship.

This spectacular performance and capabilities really makes the Pentax K-3 III stand-out at a time when DSLR are losing ground to mirrorless cameras. The only aspect holding this camera back is its high price that rivals Full-Frame models. None of those are as usable as the K-3 III yet they come with advantages of their own, a larger viewfinders and faster speed for those that are mirrorless.

Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed review Read the full Pentax K-3 III review here.

PROS CONS
Superb detail capture Random overexposure
Extremely low noise Variable AF speed
Wide dynamic-range Poor menu system
Nicely saturated colors Limited lens lineup
Most powerfull DSLR Image-Stabilization Not Exposure-Priority Live-View
Fastest APS-C DSLR High price
Excellent autofocus accuracy
Extremely responsive
Automatic Horizon Correction
Unique Anti-Alias Simulator
Post-shot RAW saving
Excellent usability
Superb ergonomics
Best-in-class weather resistance
Fantastic build quality
Excellent +Excellent + Excellent +

Pentax K-3 III Related Information

Sister Models
Pentax K-3 II
Pentax K-3 II
- 24 MP, ISO 51200 Max, 4½-Stop IBIS, 27-Point AF, 1080p Max Video
Reviews
Neocamera
Pentax K-3 III
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By Neocamera on 2021-06-03

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Pentax K-3 III Highlights

Pentax K-3 III
SLR digital camera

Sensor-Size: 24 x 16mm

APS-C Sensor

Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI

26 Megapixels DSLRISO 100-1600000
Pentax K Mount
1.5X FLM
Shutter 1/8000-1200s
5-Axis Built-in Stabilization, 5.5-Stop ImprovementFull manual controls, including Manual Focus
100% Coverage
Extra Large Viewfinder
Custom white-balance with 2 axis fine-tuning
Automatic Eye-Start sensorSpot-Metering
Auto Horizon Correction
2 Axis Digital Level
Hot-Shoe & Sync-Port
Weatherproof down to -10CStereo audio input
Built-in Dust ReductionLithium-Ion Battery
12 FPS Drive, 37 ImagesSecure Digital Extended Capacity x 2
3840x2160 @ 30 FPS Video Recording
3.2" LCD 1.6 Megapixels
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