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Pentax K-3
69
SCORE
Pentax · DSLR · 24 MP · APS-C · Full HD video

Pentax K-3

General 69Optics 74Video Performance 70Features and Benefits 59Storage and Battery 63
From $398 — 4 offers
KEY FACTS
BrandPentax
ModelK-3
Released2013
Announcement date08/10/2013
Camera typeDSLR

General 69

Brand
Pentax
Model
K-3
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2013
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
08/10/2013
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
131 x 100 x 77 mm
Camera weight
800 g

Optics 74

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6016 x 4000
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
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.
8.3 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 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
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.
512003003280000
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.
512003003280000
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.
270300
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
Read our notes on optics

The Pentax K-3 receives a score of 69/100 for its general specifications. Launched in 2013 with a price of $1300, this DSLR camera has dimensions of 131 x 100 x 77mm and weighs 800g (1.76lbs). Though it has been on the market for a few years, the K-3 still holds its own in terms of size and weight. However, newer models may offer more advanced features, so it’s important to consider individual needs before choosing this camera.

Pentax K-3 Overview and Optics

The Pentax K-3 receives a score of 74 out of 100 for its optics. This camera has a 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, paired with a Prime III processor. It offers a shooting speed of 8.3 frames per second, making it capable of capturing fast action. The DXOMARK score for the sensor is 80, which is competitive in today’s market.

The camera has a Pentax KAF lens mount, allowing for a wide variety of lenses to be used. It also features image stabilization, ensuring sharp images even in challenging conditions. The aspect ratio of 3:2 is standard for most DSLRs and provides a familiar format for photographers.

The Pentax K-3’s optics score of 74 demonstrates its solid performance in this area. Its specifications make it a reliable choice for photographers seeking a versatile camera with good image quality.

Pentax K-3 Video Performance 70

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.
Full HD
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.
1920 x 1080
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
Read our notes on pentax k-3 video performance

The Pentax K-3 has a video score of 70/100. The camera offers Full HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080 pixels. With a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, the K-3 provides smooth and clear video quality. Additionally, the camera features built-in time-lapse functionality, allowing creative videography options for users.

In today’s market, the Pentax K-3’s video capabilities are competitive but not exceptional. Many cameras now offer 4K video resolution, surpassing the K-3’s Full HD offering. However, the 60fps frame rate and time-lapse functionality remain valuable features for users looking to capture high-quality video content.

The Pentax K-3’s video performance is solid, but it is not the top choice for those prioritizing video capabilities. The camera excels in other areas, but potential buyers should consider the K-3’s video specifications and compare them to other options on the market to make an informed decision.

Pentax K-3 Features and Benefits 59

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
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
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3.2"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
10370001150001500000
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.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on pentax k-3 features and benefits

The Pentax K-3 scores 59/100 in the features category. The camera possesses a 3.2-inch screen with a resolution of 1,037,000 dots, but it lacks a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth capabilities.

In the current market, these specifications may not be competitive, as most modern cameras come equipped with touchscreens, flip screens, and wireless connectivity options. The absence of GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth make it challenging for users to transfer images and geotag their photos without additional accessories.

The Pentax K-3’s features may not appeal to photographers seeking advanced technology and convenience in their cameras. However, it still serves as a reliable option for those who prioritize other aspects, such as image quality and performance, over cutting-edge features.

Pentax K-3 Storage and Battery 63

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC
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.
560 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on pentax k-3 storage and battery

The Pentax K-3 receives a storage and battery score of 63/100. It has two memory card slots, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, offering versatility in storage options. However, its battery life falls short with only 560 shots per charge using the D-LI90 battery. Additionally, the camera lacks USB charging capabilities.

In the current market, the Pentax K-3’s storage options meet standard requirements, but its battery life and lack of USB charging may disappoint some users. Despite these shortcomings, the camera’s other features and specifications may still appeal to certain photographers.