Pentax K-3 II Specs and Scores
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General
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Pentax K-3 II
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Brand | Pentax |
Model | K-3 II |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2015 |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | April 23, 2015 |
Camera Type |  DSLR |
Camera Size | |
Camera Weight |
The Pentax K-3 II scores a 69/100 on our scale. Announced on April 23, 2015, this DSLR camera was released with a launch price of $1100. Measuring 131 x 100 x 77mm and weighing 800g (1.76lbs), it offers a compact and lightweight option for photographers.
Despite being a 2015 model, the K-3 II still holds its ground in today’s market. Its specifications cater to a variety of photography needs, making it a reliable choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Pentax K-3 II Overview and Optics
The Pentax K-3 II receives a score of 74/100 for its optics. This camera features 24.35 megapixels, an 8.3 shooting speed, and a CMOS sensor. The processor is the Prime III, and the DXOMARK score for the sensor is 80. The sensor size is APS-C, and the lens mount is the Pentax KAF. Image stabilization is present, and the aspect ratio is 3:2.
These specifications show that the Pentax K-3 II has a strong performance in the market. The 24.35 megapixels offer high-resolution images, while the 8.3 shooting speed provides fast capture. The CMOS sensor and Prime III processor ensure quality image processing. The APS-C sensor size and Pentax KAF lens mount offer versatility and compatibility with various lenses. Image stabilization and a 3:2 aspect ratio contribute to the camera’s overall performance.
Considering these specifications, the Pentax K-3 II is a reliable camera with competitive optics. Its features meet the demands of today’s market, making it a suitable choice for photographers seeking quality and versatility.
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Optics
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.35 MP |
Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6016 x 4000 px |
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. | 15.6 x 23.5 mm |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 8.3 fps |
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 KAF |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Prime III |
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 |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 |
Maximum ISO (Native) 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. | 51,200 |
Minimum 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. | 100 |
Maximum 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. | 51200 |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s |
Maximum 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. | 1/ 8000 s |
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. | 27 |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   |
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) |
Pentax K-3 II Video Performance
The Pentax K-3 II receives a video score of 70 out of 100. The camera offers Full HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080, providing crisp and clear visuals. With a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, the K-3 II captures smooth footage, crucial for fast-paced action shots.
In comparison to today’s market, the Pentax K-3 II’s video capabilities are decent, but not outstanding. Many contemporary cameras offer 4K video resolution, which surpasses Full HD. However, the K-3 II does include a time-lapse functionality built in, adding versatility to its video features.
The Pentax K-3 II’s video capabilities are satisfactory for most users, but professionals and enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge video quality may opt for cameras with higher resolution and advanced features.
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Video
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Pentax K-3 II
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  |
Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD |
Max Video Dimensions 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. | 1920 x 1080 px |
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 p |
Time-Lapse 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. |  |
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. | MOV, AVI |
Pentax K-3 II Features and Benefits
The Pentax K-3 II receives a feature score of 59/100, which offers a decent range of specifications. With a screen size of 3.2 inches and a resolution of 1,037,000 dots, the display provides clear image previews and menu navigation. However, it lacks a touchscreen and flip screen, which limits its ease of use and versatility in certain shooting situations.
The camera includes GPS, a valuable feature for photographers who want to geotag their images. Unfortunately, the Pentax K-3 II does not support WIFI or Bluetooth connectivity, making it less convenient for sharing and transferring images compared to other modern cameras.
Considering these features, the Pentax K-3 II stands as a solid choice for photographers who prioritize GPS functionality and image quality over advanced connectivity options and display features.
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Features
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |   |
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. |  |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  |
Screen Type | LCD |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  |
Screen Size |  3.2" |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,037,000 dots |
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. |  |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  |
Wi-Fi |  |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  |
Pentax K-3 II Storage and Battery
The storage and battery of the Pentax K-3 II receive a score of 65 out of 100. This camera has two memory card slots, which accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. This feature allows for ample storage and flexibility when capturing images. However, the camera’s battery life is relatively short, offering only 720 shots per charge. The battery used is a D-LI90 type, which does not support USB charging.
In the current market, the Pentax K-3 II’s storage options are competitive, but its battery life falls short compared to other cameras. The lack of USB charging is a disadvantage that may affect the user’s experience. Despite these shortcomings, the camera still offers solid performance in other areas.
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Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
Dual Memory Card Slots |  |
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. | 720 shots |
USB Charging |  |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Pentax K-3 II
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |
Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 23.6 bits |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 13.6 EVs |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 1106 |
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Scores
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User Scores
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B&H photo video |