Pentax K-3 Mark III
Pentax · DSLR · 26 MP · APS-C · 4K video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Pentax |
| Model | K-3 Mark III |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2021 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | March 30, 2021 |
| Camera type |  DSLR |
| Camera size | 135 x 104 x 74 mm |
| Camera weight | 820 g |
Optics82/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Pentax K-3 Mark III earns a solid score of 83, showcasing its impressive specifications. Announced on March 30, 2021, and released the same year, this DSLR camera has dimensions of 135 x 104 x 74mm and a weight of 820g (1.81lbs). The K-3 Mark III is a solid DSLR and a competitive option in today’s market. These specifications highlight the camera’s strong performance and user-friendly design. The Pentax K-3 Mark III is a reliable choice for photographers seeking a high-quality DSLR experience. Pentax K-3 Mark III Overview and OpticsThe optics of the Pentax K-3 Mark III receive a score of 82/100. This camera features a 26-megapixel CMOS sensor with a Prime IV processor, ensuring high-quality images. The shooting speed is 12 frames per second, making it suitable for capturing fast-paced action. The Pentax KAF2 lens mount allows for a wide range of compatible lenses, providing versatility for photographers. Image stabilization is present, which reduces camera shake and blurring in photos. The aspect ratio of 3:2 is standard for DSLR cameras, ensuring compatibility with common print sizes. The Pentax K-3 Mark III stands strong in today’s market, offering reliable optics and features for various photography needs. Its high score reflects its competitive capabilities, making it a solid choice for photographers seeking quality and versatility. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 26 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6192 x 4128 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 23 x 15.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 12 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Pentax KAF2 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Prime IV |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 16000003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 16000003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 1010300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  Yes |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video83/100 | |
About the VideoThe Pentax K-3 Mark III has a video score of 83/100. This camera offers a maximum video resolution of 4K, with dimensions of 3840 x 2160. The maximum video frame rate is 60fps, providing smooth footage for various shooting scenarios. Additionally, the camera has built-in time-lapse functionality, allowing for creative video capturing options. In the current market, the Pentax K-3 Mark III’s video specifications are competitive. The 4K resolution and 60fps frame rate are standard features in modern cameras, providing high-quality video results. The built-in time-lapse feature adds versatility to the camera’s video capabilities. The Pentax K-3 Mark III is a solid choice for video recording, with its competitive specifications and additional features. The camera’s video score reflects its capabilities and performance in the market. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 3840 x 2160 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  Yes |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4, MOV |
Features87/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Pentax K-3 Mark III boasts a feature score of 87/100, reflecting its competitive position in the current camera market. This camera’s 3.2-inch screen offers a high resolution of 1,620,000 dots, providing clear and detailed image previews. The touchscreen functionality enhances user experience, allowing for easy navigation and control. However, the absence of a flip screen and GPS may limit its versatility for some users. Despite these limitations, the Pentax K-3 Mark III still offers modern connectivity options, such as WIFI and Bluetooth, enabling users to transfer images and remotely control the camera with ease. Taking these features into account, the Pentax K-3 Mark III remains a strong contender in today’s market, providing users with a high-quality camera that integrates advanced technology and user-friendly features. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  Yes |
| Screen size | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 16200001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. | No |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |  Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  Yes |
Storage & Battery81/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Pentax K-3 Mark III receives a storage and battery score of 81/100. The camera is equipped with two memory card slots, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. One of these slots is UHS-II compatible, providing faster transfer speeds. This feature is competitive in the current market, as it caters to the increasing demand for high-speed storage options. The K-3 Mark III offers a battery life of 800 shots, utilizing the D-LI90 battery type. This battery life is impressive and allows photographers to capture more images without needing frequent battery changes. Additionally, the camera supports USB charging, which is a convenient option for on-the-go charging. Taking these specifications into account, the Pentax K-3 Mark III offers reliable storage and battery performance. Its competitive features cater to the needs of photographers in today’s fast-paced market. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (1 slot is UHS-II compatible) |
| Dual memory card slots |  Yes |
| Battery type | D-LI90 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 800 shots1505000 |
| USB charging |  Yes |