Pentax K-III Official Launch

2021.03.31

Ricoh officially launched the Pentax K-3 III they unveiled last October This new flagship APS-C DSLR is built for professional photographers that require a camera that is both sturdy and relatively compact. It is designed to excel at travel photography beyond any other current DSLR. With the rise of Mirrorless Digital Cameras, this type of camera is increasingly rare with fewer than one such model launched each year!

The Pentax K-3 III is built around a 26 megapixels BSI-CMOS sensor with extreme ISO 100-1,600,000 sensitivity range and paired with a new Prime V image-processor and second-generation Acceleration Engine to deliver low noise without compromising on dynamic-range. An improved 5-axis image-stabilization mechanism inside the compensates for 5½-stops of shake, compared to hand-holding. A new motion detection and panning mode was added to control the IBIS with a dedicated button to access its new features.

Most specifications for the Pentax K-3 III were previously released but today Ricoh published the final version which fills in a few blanks. The headline change is an extra-large and very bright optical viewfinder that shows 100% coverage at 1.05X magnification and features an essential Eye-Start Sensor. The already class-leading Pentax DSLR ergonomics were further refined and more control-points were added. These include triple control-dials, like the intermediate K-P and Pentax Full-Frame DSLRs, plus an 8-way joystick. The latest release reveals that one memory-card slot supports UHS-II and the other UHS-I. The Pentax K-3 III also includes WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, in addition to IR receptors front and back of the camera.

The K-3 III layout is extremely familiar to preview Pentax DSLR users. Buttons are packed slightly tighter to accommodate a larger 3.2" LCD with Night Vision mode. The new 8-way joystick pushed down the green button. Ricoh completely redesigned the menu system while maintaining a high-level of customization. A new shutter and shutter-release promise much more tactile and speedy response times. The shutter mecahnism is quicker allowing a 1/200s Flash-Sync speed, outstanding 1/8000-1200s shutter-speed range and is built for a durable 300,000 actuations.

Already known improvements from the Pentax K-3 II include a 101-Point Phase-Detect AF system with 25 cross-type points, a 12 FPS continuous drive that only slows down to 11 FPS while maintaining continuous AF, Advanced Hyper Mode that gives even more flexibility compared to Program Shift and the outstanding number of features Pentax gets from cleverly using the 5-axis image-stabilization system: Automatic Horizon Correction, Composition Adjustment, Anti-Alias Filter Simulation, Dust Reduction II, Super-Resolution and Astro-Tracer, when coupled with an optional GPS unit. The lack of a GPS is the only downgrade from the preview K-3 II.

The body of the K-3 III is built to handle use in adverse conditions. Its fixed rear LCD ensures that there is no fragile hinge and maintains the profile of the camera relatively slim. Its body with weatherproof and freezeproof down to -10C, as only Pentax DSLRs are. Seals and gaskets at every control-point protect this camera when paired with a weatherproof lens. The is no builtin flash which removes another moving part but plenty of lighting options are available since this DSLR sports a standard Hot-Shoe and Sync-Port. The contour of the body has been refined for added comfort and the viewfinder eye-piece extended backwards.

The Pentax K-3 III is expected later this month for $2000 USD. Follow the previous link to see pre-ordering options when they open on April 6, 2021.

Update - 2021.04.07

The Pentax K-3 III is ready for pre-ordering at Adorama and B&H Photo. The reputable affiliates will keep your order but will not charge your credit card until the camera ships. Both will ship to the US, Canada and multiple other destinations.

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