Pentax K-3 Mark III APS-C-Format DSLR Camera Body, Jet Black Edition

Pentax K-3 Mark III

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Pentax K-3 Mark III 

Top Rated Gear: Pentax K-3 Mark III APS-C-Format DSLR Camera Body, Jet Black Edition Buy now & save $3. Configuration: Body Only, Edition: Standard, Lens Included: Without Lens, Memory Card Type: SDHC UHS-I, SDHC UHS-II, SDXC UHS-I, SDXC UHS-II

Pentax K-3 Mark IIIThe PENTAX K-3 Mark III builds on the PENTAX legacy of outstanding image quality, incorporating a back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with approximately 25.73 effective megapixels. By coupling this sensor with an AA (anti-aliasing) filter- free optical design, the camera produces super-high-resolution images.A new, super-bright optical viewfinder delivers a nearly 100% field of view and magnification of approximately 1.05 times. With a newly developed high-refraction glass prism, the viewfinder provides a wide field of view equivalent to that of a full-frame SLR, fully immersing the photographer in shooting. It features a high-performance, five-axis shake-reduction (SR) system and the innovative Pixel Shift Resolution System.The camera's PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System, supported by the latest artificial intelligence technology, assists the camera in optimizing exposure settings and improving autofocusing accuracy, assuring more accurate subject detection and more reliable scene judgment.The high-definition 3.2-inch touch-screen LCD monitor-the first touch screen in the PENTAX K series, improves efficiency and operability. Its compact, rugged dustproof and weather resistant body makes it suitable for use in the most extreme environmental conditions.Optical Viewfinder With Nearly 100% Field Of View & Approximately 1.05 Times MagnificationThe PENTAX K-3 Mark III features an optical viewfinder with a nearly 100-percent field of view and a magnification of approximately 1.05 times. A newly developed, high-refraction glass prism assures comfortable viewing with a wide field of view equivalent to that of a full-frame SLR. Also, by using a distortion-correcting optical element and optimizing the lens coatings, it delivers a clear, true-to-life viewfinder image free of distortion.Back Illuminated CMOS Image SensorThe PENTAX K-3 Mark III is equipped with a back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with approximately 25.73 effective megapixels. By coupling this sensor with an AA (anti-aliasing) filter-free optical design, the camera produces super high resolution images.The newly developed, high-performance PRIME V imaging engine and new-generation accelerator unit delivers well-defined images with minimal noise, while retaining high-resolution reproduction at all sensitivities-even in the super-low or super-high range. By greatly improving the noise-reduction performance at high-sensitivity ranges, it boasts a top sensitivity of ISO 1600000 to extend the range of scenes that can be photographed.High Speed Continuous ShootingThanks to a newly developed mirror-driving mechanism assuring high-speed, high-accuracy control of the mirror and shutter mechanisms, and the high-performance PRIME V imaging engine that performs high-speed data transmission, the PENTAX K-3 Mark III provides high-speed drive continuous shooting - with a maximum speed of approximately 12 images per second in the AF.S mode, or approximately 11 images per second in the AF.C mode.User Friendly Shooting Functions&#149; PENTAX-exclusive Hyper Operation system, featuring a new Advanced mode for more flexible exposure control&#149; Operation Control Lock function, to prevent accidental operational errors of exposure-setting buttons and the four-way controller&#149; New-generation Smart Function with the dedicated Smart Function button, for speedy selection and setting of various functions without the need of switching on-screen menus&#149; Button Customization function, to assign user-selected functions to 10 different control buttonsCompact Sturdy Body With Dust & Weatherproof ConstructionThe PENTAX K-3 Mark III's top, bottom, front and rear panels are all made of lightweight, high-rigidity magnesium alloy. Coupled with a dustproof, weather-resistant construction with special seals applied to crucial parts of the camera body, and outstanding cold-resistant performance to ensure stable operation at -10 Degree C, the camera is designed to be extremely durable and dependable even in harsh environmental conditions. The camera also features a durable, dependable shutter unit - verified in an endurance test of 300,000 shutter-release actions -to perfect the rugged body for worry-free shooting at any location.4K Resolution Movie RecordingThe PENTAX K-3 Mark III captures 4K-resolution movie clips (3840 x 2160 pixels;30p/24p frame rate) or Full HD movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels; 60p/30p/24p frame rate) in the H-264 recording format. Equipped with a stereo microphone input terminal and headset terminal, it also allows the user to manually set the audio recording level and monitor the sound pressure level for microphone input. Thanks to quiet touch-screen control on the LCD monitor positioned on its back panel, the desired shooting function and exposure compensation level can be set without worrying about operational noise.

I can't believe I waited so long to get this camera. It will greatly improve my wildlife photo success.

What took me so long

There is noting like looking through an optical viewfinder and this is the best optical veiwfinder on any camera.  Image quality and color rendition are outing standing.  4K video is very good. Autofocus and subject tracking are greatly improved and are on par with the Nikon D500. which I also own.  The 24-40mm Limited is a great walk around lens, and is perfect for street photography. It produces very accurate color.

A Great Pair

This camera has great erognimics.  The build quality is outstanding.  The focus is greatly improve over previous Pentax DSLR.  The new snsor yeild excelent imaga quality and color rendition. For those folks that are optical view finders this is the camera.

Amazing Preformance.

Incredible camera! Pentax really stepped up their game on this one

Outstanding

I?m a Pentax shooter since 2012 with two K-3 bodies, one K-r and LOTS of accumulated glass.  The K-3 Mark III is really a brand new camera, and it?s WONDERFUL!  

Aside from a relocated playback button, I needed to learn nothing new to just go out and shoot.  Key controls are familiar to Pentax users, and K-3 shooters in particular.  

Improvements: slightly more sensor resolution and better color accuracy.  Image stabilization from quite good to uncanny / class leading.  Customization takes a quantum leap with many options to program buttons, dials and entire camera setups through 5 user modes.  I use this stuff a lot already, and it makes me more efficient.  The new viewfinder is huge, and hey - that's what the DSLR experience is all about!  The back LDC is bigger and sharper.  

What is brand new and wonderful: super-quick and accurate AF acquisition, something Pentax has always struggled with, even in the FF K-1. Track a bird coming straight at you - or a jet fighter, doesn't matter - and with continuous AF turned on, one can nail perfect focus.  Touch-screen menu control - and better menu organization.  A new switch for viewfinder / live view / movie.  Separate controls for drive mode and remote control use.

What have we given up vs the K-3?  Built-in flash.  The K-3 Mark II had already lost that, as well.

What's missing?  Ahh...just one thing: an articulating screen.  When shooting from very low positions, or shooting something  overhead from a tripod - that feature would be SO handy.  Maybe with the Mark IV?

Who's it for?  Pentaxians, or someone wanting a very high-end DSLR experience...and for whom jumping to a whole new system is no big deal.  (Said another way, folks who value seeing what they're shooting directly through the lens AND who want the best hardware available.) Pentax has chosen to double-down on mirrors - they may not even be developing a mirrorless body.  So they're committed to this older capture method.  For me, that's perfect, but...

Who is it not for?  Someone starting out fresh in photography and seeking their first real camera should think twice.  There's a reason every other manufacturer spends all their R&D budget on mirrorless systems today: that's the future.  Lens makers have also begun to drop DSLR glass production.  DSLR's may persist for decades to come, but as a niche.  I happen to love the experience, but if I were just entering the game I'd be shopping mirrorless.  Battery life notwithstanding, mirrorless makers have solved the problems that held them back for a while, matching or even surpassing DSLR in some areas.

Possibly the best APS-C DSLR on the market

I am just starting to use this very nice camera.  It has a bunch of options and such to learn from the manual.  It is just a bit on the heavy side, but not bad at all if you are at all accustomed to a "real" camera.  Controls work nice and are easy to reach for all the common stuff.  Dynamic range looks good so far and auto-focus is so fast I don't always realize it has done it.  Battery grip also works nice, but Pentax has dropped the AA battery option with it.  (I like AA rechargeables since they recharge quickly - if you have a high-end charger - and the same batteries work in my portable flash.)

Very nice camera with a LOT of capability.

Wow! What a step up from my Pentax K-70. The pictures are excellent. Has all the bells and whistles to create perfect photos. I?ve owned Pentax since 1966 when I bought my first one in Vietnam at the PX, in the Cholon district of Saigon. In all these years, I have never been disappointed in Pentax cameras. Since I upgraded to the K-3 III, I have bought a new lens, new filter, and extra battery. I feel like a professional photographer.

Love the Pentax K-3 III

Still learning all the possible custom settings, because this camera is very, very, customizable, but in the meantime I have captured some great photos.  I loved my previous Pentax K5ii, but this is another level up.

Great upgrade

Love the 12 fps and fast auto focus.  Major upgrade.

Excellent product.

At last, a Pentax DSLR with a fast, accurate AF system!  FAST!!!  In fact, the AF may match the best DSLR's from the big 2 competitors, and perhaps the best mirrorless stuff as well.  That alone is worth the upgrade from a K-3 or Mark II, but a better sensor, powerful new programmability - more on that later, a huge viewfinder and upgrades in every aspect of performance - well, this camera is a no-brainer for Pentax DSLR shooters. 

Also very nice: they key controls, (aperture, shutter speed, ISO), are all in the same place, allowing a K-3 shooter to go right to work. I am ecstatic with this new body and, together with my 2 K-3 bodies and many K-mount lenses, I'm joyfully locking into DSLR tech for at least another 5 years. 

OK, about programming: with the twist of a dedicated dial, I can change from using the 5 center focus points with center weighted metering, single shot, single focus with preset shutter, ISO and aperture settings - to a different set of exposure settings, center 5 plus the box of AF points immediately around that, continuous AF, continuous shooting and global metering.  Just as an example. In practical terms, I go from shooting birds stationary in a tree to shooting them in flight, just that fast - one click of a dial.  That's a powerful trick!

The PERFECT Pentax DSLR Upgrade

Pentax has really down a nice job on this camera.  The look of it, the feel of it, the quality of it - it screams Pentax.  This camera has become my everyday camera and compliments my K1 nicely. I know there are a lot of individuals that miss the articulating screen, but honestly, I never really used it, so I am not missing it on this one.  The touchscreen is a nice addition.

K-3 Mark III - best new DSLR out there

Great camera. DSLR with qualities of mirrorless.

Great camera

Very nice like it very much, still learning all about ir

K3 III, IT'S FOR ME

The one we've been waiting for. A real action capable DSLR from Pentax. But oh man, is it so much more. Has to be the most well rounded DSLR from Pentax yet, capable of doing everything extremely well photographically, and quite decent video too! The few days I've had with it so far have been a wake up call, this is a gargantuan effort by Ricoh on all fronts. Pro's are loving it. Compared to my D500 it has better build, better weather sealing, a better viewfinder, better menu system, better ergonomics, and the AF system is very much comparable to my D500- that shocked me. This is the first Pentax I'll recommend for action photographers. There's so much more to say about it I don't know where to start. But if the price has you concerned remember this, five years ago the D500 was the same price, and hasn't really dropped much. This camera is absolutely loaded. Hats off to Ricoh for giving photographers another DSLR they wanted. The market will always want DSLR's in it, good for them to see the light. This one is a beauty and worth every penny.

Home Run!

Holy smokes, this thing is a rock, and I mean that in a good way. Well-crafted, solid and substantial, it feels like a camera built for a decades use. The low light capability is impressive, with 25600 now my new max ISO.  Yes that's eminently usable, particularly with a quick spin with Topaz. 

Eye-focus in the viewfinder on a DSLR. Seriously? Drunk bicyclist AF tracking too. 12 frame bursts on a leaf shutter good for 300,000 activations? That's a massive leap for Pentax. If you're one of those photographers who simply cannot work with mirrorless displays, or simply prefer the look and in-hand ergonics of a DSLR you'll kick yourself it you don't put the K3 III on your short list. It's too good to be a Pentax!

Pentax K-3 Mark III APS-C-Format DSLR Camera Body, Jet Black Edition

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