Pentax K-3 Digital SLR Camera with DA 18-135 WR Lens

Pentax K-3

Pentax

Pentax K-3 Video #1

Pentax K-3 DSLR Camera with DA 18-135mm WR Lens

Adorama

Photography

Cameras

Digital SLR Cameras

Pentax Digital SLR Cameras

Pentax K-3 

Top Rated Gear: Pentax K-3 Digital SLR Camera with DA 18-135 WR Lens Color: Black, Configuration: Body & Lens, Connectivity: WiFi, Format: APS-C Camera, Frames Per Second: 8.3, Lens Included: 18-135mm, Media Type: SD, Newer Model: K-3 II

The Pentax K-3 is Pentax's most advanced DSLR. A rugged, high-resolution APS-sensor DSLR, the K-3 boasts several technological firsts. Designed for photography enthusiasts with previous picture-taking experience, the camera promises near pro level performance and image quality improvements.  The Pentax K-3 has a new 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor and the world's first selectable anti-aliasing filter (more about that soon). Autofocus is achieved via 27 AF sensors with an impressive range of -3 to +18 EV; in other words, this camera should be able to focus in near-darkness. Pentax is also introducing a proprietary FLU wireless SDHC technology that will allow users to operate all of the camera's controls from their smart phone or tablet. The camera's body is magnesium alloy and it is water-sealed, and offers dual SD card slots.   Optional OFC-1 16GB Flucard WiFi SD Card Available (IPXOFC1) - Benefits:   Mirror live-view on your Smart devices or PC in real time  Change various settings on the camera remotely (Aperture, Shutter speed, ISO setting, Exposure)  Change focus point and release the shutter via touch control if it's available.  Browse the images stored in the card from browser on Smart devices or PC.  Download the image data from card to Smart devices or PC.   Key features: &#149; 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor  &#149; Selectable anti-aliasing filter  &#149; SAFOX11 AF engine; 27 AF sensors includes 25 cross sensors and 3 sensors dedicated to low-light focusing  &#149; Optional FLU wireless control  &#149; ISO range 80-51,200  &#149; 1080/60p HD video in H.264 format  &#149; Body-based Shake Reduction  &#149; Dual SD Card Slots  &#149; Pentaprism Optical Viewfinder with 100% coverage  &#149; Built-in electronic level  &#149; Weather sealed  &#149; Multi-pattern white balance  &#149; JPEG, Pentax PEF and Adobe DNG 14-bit RAW files  &#149; HDMI Port  &#149; HDR Image Capture  Let's take a closer look at this new camera's most important features.  24MP sensor: The Pentax K-3 features 24MP, APS-C-sized CMOS sensor, providing a 1.5x crop factor. It is coupled with a newly developed PRIME III imaging engine with what Pentax describes as high-efficiency noise and image processing capacities and an anti-aliasing filter-less design.  Selectable Anti-Aliasing Filter: The K-3's most significant innovation is a first-ever Selectable Anti-Aliasing filter, giving the user the ability to easily toggle anti-aliasing functionality on or off, for supreme resolution and zero limitations. There is no physical filter; instead, using the same technology that powers the camera's sensor-based Shake Reduction technology, when the anti-aliasing simulator is turned on, microscopic vibrations are applied to the image sensor unit at the subpixel level during image exposure, generating the same level of moire-reduction effect as an optical anti-aliasing filter. The image is then computationally fine-tuned to remove any aliasing artifacts.  Since there's no filter to cut down light during this process, the effective light sensitivity of the sensor is greater. The downside  Anti-aliasing simulation is most effective with a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower.   Wireless capabilities: The K-3 has two SC card ports, and one of them is intended for an optional 16GB FLU card, designed by Ricoh exclusively for use with the Pentax K-3. Using this card's unique wireless capabilities, , the photographer can remotely change any camera settings such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO, shift the AF focus point, release the camera shutter, check Liveview image and more via a wireless device. Users can also download images to mobile devises and PC. Eye-fi Wireless and standard SDX Memory cards are also compatible.  Class-leading burst rate: At 8.3 FPS burst rate, the Pentax K-3 is very well-suited for extreme action capture and demanding high performance shooting. A maximum 1/8000 second shutter speed freezes even the fastest action without subject movement blur, and is rated for 200,000 cycles. The K-3 continuously records as many as 22 images in the RAW format or 60 images in the JPEG format in a single sequence.  Pentax has employed several innovative technologies to boost the camera's performance, including a high-speed, high-accuracy control mechanism that regulates the shutter, mirror and diaphragm independently; a damper mechanism that effectively minimizes mirror shock; and a high-speed data transmission system incorporated in the PRIME III imaging engine.  SAFOX11 Autofocus Module: The newly designed SAFOX11 autofocus module maximizes 27 AF sensors and a vast light sensitivity range of -3EV to +18EV. The new focus module includes 25 cross sensors and three AF sensors dedicated to low light focusing.  Real Time Scene Analysis with 86,000 pixel sensor: The new Real Time Scene Analysis System features an 86,000 pixel RGB light-metering sensor and improved algorithms that further enhance accuracy of exposure, white balance and autofocusing.  H.264 video: The Pentax K-3 captures HD movie capture in the H.264 format (60p/50p/30p/24p), also including the ability to switch from still image to video recording with the flip of a dedicated switch. Equipped with a headphone terminal and stereo microphone terminal for external microphone connection. The user can also adjust the audio recording level manually and monitor sound levels during recording.  Fully weather sealed: As with most advanced Pentax cameras introduced recently, the K-3 boasts a rugged all-weather design. With 92 special seals, the K-3 boasts a fully weather and cold proof design to resist water, fog, snow, sand, and dust, for top performance in extreme field conditions as well as in the studio.  Multi-pattern white balance: When shooting scenes that include multiple light sources, such as sunlight and shade or flash, light sources are recognized automatically and the image is separated into different areas. White balance is adjusted separately in each area according to the different light sources to achieve optimal color reproduction.  Conclusion and Recommendation  The tradition of Pentax innovation not only continues under Ricoh, but it seems to have been ratcheted up several notches with the K-3, a very intelligently designed DSLR. This camera has the potential to be an instant classic. 

Best camera

Great improvement in the screen and controllers logic and easy access.  Quality of pictures is very good.  The increased ISO sensitivity is a good feature as it is a company with an improvement over noise reduction.  I like the two memory cards it can at same time.  I have not test durability as I just had it for two weeks.  Seems sturdy enough to last a long time.

Functions well and the quality is high

As a former Pro I last used Pentax equipment (graciously supplied by the company after they heard of my Canon gear being stolen). I ordered this particular model for a variety of reasons and so far (I haven't had it long) everything seems to be as I expected a Pentax to be; primarily, intuitive. Aside from being a bit on the heavier side (a hand/wrist strap is on order) almost every function that I need is at my fingertips and quickly adjustable without  moving my eye from the finder. 
As I said, not enough time has passed for me to give this camera a full review but so far I am pleased. It'll be interesting to see how my old glass looks and shoots through this new digital body.

I ordered this particular model for a variety of reasons and so far (I haven't had it long) everything seems to be as I expected a Pentax to be

It's an excellent camera for the money I paid $1300 with a grip and "nifty fifty" and I'm very happy. You can get it for less now but I'm not complaining. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Big gang for the buck

Love the Pentax. This is an upgrade from an older Digital DSLR. It is easy to use as the settings and menus are similar to my prior body. Camera has a rapid focus and frame speed and the colors captured have been wonderful so far. Recommended.

Long time Pentax user

I bought this camera body for my family with a good deal ! It came with the body, 50 mm lens and the flash! We all like it! The color of the pics look so nice! Highly recommended!

very nice product !!

I keep buying Pentax because they give me exactly what I want without extra fluff I don't need.  The K-3 is supremely well designed and usable.  The build quality is the primary reason I own Pentax.  I shoot outdoors in all weather and Pentax works no matter what.

Several forays into mirrorless technology have been sorely disappointing for me.  The DSLR still offers too many advantages over mirrorless for my work.  With comparable lenses the size and weight difference is insignificant.  I find the DSLR body more pleasing to hold with one hand for extended periods.  Battery life of the Pentax is amazing.  I shot one battery for 3 days camping in winter.

Another Pentax triumph great quality!

awesome camera!

I upgraded to this from a Nikon D3200. I was looking for a bit better focus performance, and weather sealing. I knew that this was a superior camera, but I had no idea just by how much. The IBIS is simply stunning. Even at 1/40 exposure, with no flash, the images are completely blur free, that is with the free 50mm f1.8 lens. Camera definitely is half a step underexposing, but color vibrancy is very good. Controls are very intuitive, and everything is pretty much exactly where you want it. I would certainly recommend this. I was a bit torn between this and a D7100, but I'm glad I went with the K3. It's an incredible toy that should last me a long long time... :)

Astonishingly good.

Because of the features provided, the sensor and the easy-to-learn functionality, this camera goes far beyond any other camera of it's class!  The ISO alone beats the competitor cameras like the Canon 70D and the Nikon 7200 for a less grainy and more true-to-color light sensitivity. Also, being that it is weather-proof makes it one of the most versatile DSLRs out there!  For the money, you will not see a better camera on the market!

Biggest bang for your buck!

This camera is really amazing it has allot of features some of which you might find yourself changing to fit your preferences the only thing i highly recommend though is investing in really good lens with good lens this camera really shines

Amazing camera but...

Great file quality, improved auto focus and LCD screen make this a nice improvement over the K5.

A very capable camera

This is my second K3, with such an exceptional price I could not resist adding it as a backup or standby with alternate lens camera.  Compared to the competition, this Pentax can't be beat at 3 or 4 times the price.

Hi Quality Weather Resistant DSLR

I shoot sporting events for a high school yearbook and newspaper. This camera does an excellent job in bad lighting conditions. Landscapes, portraits and other subject matter are also excellent. This is my second K3, since I upgraded my backup camera from a K5II to a K3. The shake reduction works well and the ISO grain is barely perceptible at 1600. My only complaint is that Tamron and Sigma have not made all of their lenses for Pentax. The Pentax lineup is rather pricey.

Excellent Camera

I had been using my Pentax K10D for the past seven years, so this was a significant upgrade for me to move up to the K3 body.  Having made a jump of about five versions, I had to read the instruction manual to acquaint myself with the many new features that the K3 offers.  The button layout is different, mostly due to the larger screen, and many new features have been added. I haven't had the K3 for too long, so I haven't tried everything.  I'll be interested to find out, for example, how the HDR feature works.

I'll just throw out a few random observations.

The first thing I noticed is how much quieter the shutter release is on the K3.  Also, I can't even hear the dust removal feature operate, whereas it's quite audible on the K10D.  The live view is nice, but I don't anticipate using that much, if at all, on a DSLR, so that's not a big deal to me.  I also take few videos, though I appreciate being able to take movies when I want to.  What is a big deal to me is the increased ISO range and the decreased noise at higher ISOs.  I really like the built-in level, which appears on the back screen, the top screen, and inside the viewfinder (if you choose).  My internal "level" is usually a couple of degrees off, so I appreciate this feature very much.

Before I purchased the K3, I read a couple of online reviews.  One reviewer said that the three middle autofocus sensors on the K3 were so sensitive that you could autofocus with a fast lens in near-darkness.  So I checked this out.  With a 50mm f1.8 lens on, I went into a basement room with no windows and lit only by a partially obscured night light.  When I focused near the night light with the middle sensor, the camera immediately focused.  When I pointed the camera at pictures on a very dark wall, the camera made use of the focus-assist lamp, but it immediately focused as soon as the lamp lit.  I was quite impressed by this.  Since I normally prefer to use the middle sensor, rather than let the camera choose what to focus on, this works great for me.

So far, a couple of things have been minor issues.  One was my own fault.  I misunderstood the settings for the dual SD card slots.  I thought when I chose the symbol showing both slots that this permitted the camera to automatically start writing to the second card after the first card is full.  I was shooting a birthday party over the weekend and was astounded when the camera said that both my cards were full, and I thought I would have plenty of room, even shooting raw plus JPEG.  After I got home and downloaded my files, I found that I had duplicate files of every shot.  That's when I went back to the manual and saw that when you have the symbol showing two cards selected, it causes the camera to write the same files to both cards simultaneously!  I won't make that mistake again.

The other quibble, which I still haven't really figured out, has to do with how the camera selects its exposure combinations.  I like to use Program, unless I have a particular need for some other setting.  I also chose to use auto ISO, for which I had 3200 as my upper limit, since I planned to shoot indoors without flash.  I assumed that the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO would all constantly fluctuate according to the lighting to give me the best combination.  But that isn't how it worked.  For awhile, I noticed that it was using only 400 ISO, no matter what.  I needed a bit more, so I manually adjusted it to 800 ISO.  Then I noticed that, for a reason I can't determine, the shutter speed was staying at 1/20th of a second.  This is too slow when you're photographing a one-year-old!  For a time, it bumped up to higher shutter speeds, but then it went back down to 1/20th.  That made no sense to me.  I don't yet know if this was because of something I had done unwittingly (such as when I manually adjusted the ISO) or if it is a quirk of the camera.

Overall, exposure is good, and the feature that allows the camera to do some auto compensation for highlights and shadows is helpful.  Other than the two issues I mentioned, I'm very happy with the camera and trust it will work well for me.  After all these years, the K10D is still going strong, so I will use it as a back-up body.

A Significant Upgrade

I've been using it to snap photos of family and of the backyard birds. The quality of the pictures is way better than my K-30. Plus I can crop a lot and still get lots of pixels. I really can't wait to start taking more macro with this camera. The auto-focus is really fast and accurate and the color rendition is excellent. I do wish that it had a swiveling LCD but I am going to take care of that with a Flu Card.

Best Pentax I've owned yet!

why is there no clean uncompressed hdmi port?/i cant believe they think people just want to record on this old,yesterday compressed codec on these cameras,i really hate not being able to get the best video in post.we need clean uncompressed hdmi ports.PLEASE.

no clean uncompressed hdmi port???WHY?

Use the camera for trips and family. Love Pentax controls, simple, straight forward and intuitive. Pictures are wonderful, love the detail.
Adorama makes it simple, good price, great customer service.

Great camera!

Stunning detail. Focus is fast and accurate.

The best Pentax yet

Wow...Great camera...Have had it a week, can't wait to run it through its paces...

Pentax K3

For an enthusiast photographer, this camera has everything and more. From the large and clear viewfinder, the weather sealing, selective anti-aliasing, this camera really outshines its competitors at this price range. Searching hard to find a downside and you may note that video capturing isn't as sophisticated as it is in some of its competitors, but in every other area it easily surpasses anything else for similar money. Beyond the features, there's a solidity to it that's difficult to quantify, but it really is a confidence inspiring piece of equipment.

No compromises enthusiast camera

From the K10>K20>K7>K5 and now K3, finally have what I've been after.  Pentax' current implementation of autofocus now hits the nail on the head with both speed and accuracy.  I mainly use spot focus, and this one is spot-on all the time.  The progressive minor improvements all around are great as well, but still thrilled about the AF performance.

They got it right!

Great camera, features are outstanding and the image quality far better than past Pentax DSLR's. The only thing that I was bummed about there's is no built in wireless, so you need to buy a Pentax OFC-1 16GB FluCard for $99 Would have been nice if they packaged it with the camera! I'm very happy with the K-3 and you can never go wrong with Adorama! Best price with many extras to make it a sweet deal.

K-3 is AWESOME!

The Pentax K-3 DSLR is the top of the line Pentax. Despite it still not being a full frame DSLR, it's CMOS sensor has incredible resolution and image quality. Professional reviews I have read rate the camera as equal to or better than its Nikon and Canon competitors. Not having either of those brands, I can only compare it with my K-5, which takes incredible photos. In my side by side comparisons, The K-3 with the same lenses, beats its predecessor in every category. Of course, the K-3 body is about $500 more than the more discounted and older K-5. Of course the main question becomes is it worth the extra money. My answer is simple, If you are a serious photographer who wants to get the best images available, than it definitely is. I've only had the camera about a month, but my only gripe so far is the lack of a complete, operating manual in book format. There's a smaller version that comes with the camera, but for a full manual you need to access it through your computer. If you have any other Pentax cameras it helps, but there are differences that need to be read and understood.

The best Pentax yet!

This new enthusiast level camera shows that Pentax/Ricoh is serious about staying in the DSLR game. It is a top-to-bottom redesign, replacing the already good K-5ii and K-5iis.

Feature-wise, spec-wise and performance-wise, the K-3 easily competes with the Nikon D7100 and Canon 70d. But in some ways it has even a little more to offer. Notably, this is the only camera on earth that can emulate having an AA filter, (to use when moire might be a risk), but without the full-time sacrifice of detail imposed by installing a true low pass filter. In addition, I'm not sure anyone else offers a star-tracking feature that uses GPS (optional) and the mirror to follow the earth's rotation. Very cool. But most importantly, this camera's anti-shake is built into the body, not the lenses - meaning it works even with any old K-mount lens you find at a garage sale. And the system works quite well, buying you 3ev or so.

Pros will enjoy having two SD slots, very fast continuous shooting and a slick new auto-focus system that is (finally!) first rate - as good as anyone's. The K-3 is forgiving about low light / high ISO shooting. You'll see some noise at 3200 but it cleans up pretty easily.

While the video has greatly improved over prior models, there is still no continuous AF, making other choices more attractive for those planning to record their little girl's first ballet. (Think Canon.) This camera is for still-shooters, who will fall in love with it.

For existing Pentax owners, the upgrade is largely familiar in terms of control placement. What moved, mostly, needed to. Using the camera is a breeze once you learn the controls, and there are many. Within a week, though, I found I could control the camera even in the dark, so the layout must be fairly intuitive. Better, so much can be controlled from buttons and switches that I almost never need to navigate the menu.

Image quality is superb, and with 24mp one can crop deeply and retain surprisingly sharp detail. Colors are rich but authentic and white balance, so far, has been spot-on using the auto setting.

Ricoh has placed their badge on the camera's back - I guess that's OK, as long as the Pentax name stays on the front. While nobody else is close to the Big Two in this market, I'd hate to see the Pentax brand weakened or supplanted. That said, we can thank Ricoh and their deep pockets for building a superior enthusiast-grade DSLR. Hope they keep them coming!

Pentax steps UP!

I got hooked on pentax when I was climbing--small easy to use while hanging on a cliff.  I live in the Northwest so weather sealing is perfect -- no more worries about rain or the errant splash in the drift boat.  The rest of the package is what I've come to love about Pentax products  Perfect for my world

picture perfect

I finally decided to upgrade to the K-3 from my K-5 which I love.  The picture quality is amazing, the sharpness due to the lack of AA filter gives new life to my old lenses. The 24MP sensor permits tighter crops. AF is way better too, much quicker and more decisive.
Overall performance is much snappier, just make sure to use fast SD cards to take advantage of the new processor.

Pentax homerun

Photo quality is outstanding. Unbelievable auto focus with smooth silant shutter. All the features that I'll ever need.

Pentax hits home run with K-3

A much needed upgrade from my circa 2003 & 2004 Canon bodies.  Resolution is amazing, low light capability is amazing, and handling is a dream.  It has taken much less time to learn this camera than it ever did to learn my previous DSLRs and SLRs, but with the expanded resolution, the camera continues to remind me that I have so much more to learn.  Very happy with this purchase and will purchase Pentax again.

Amazing technology.

I use this camera for every day picture taking.
Colors are lifelike and flashless pics are marvelous!
Haven't found anything bad with it.