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Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR Camera, with Shoulder Bag, 32GB Card, Tripod
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Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR Camera, Bundle with Alpine 160 Shoulder Bag, 32GB Memory Card, MT-11 Tripod, PC Software Kit

SKU: IPXK3MK MFR: 01195 K
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PACKAGE INCLUDES:

  • Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR Camera
    Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR Camera
  • +
  • Slinger Alpine 160 Multi-Device Shoulder Bag
    Slinger Alpine 160 Multi-Device Shoulder Bag
  • +
  • SanDisk Ultra 32GB UHS-I SDHC Memory Card
    SanDisk Ultra 32GB UHS-I SDHC Memory Card
  • +
  • 5 more

Key Features

  • Capture stunning, detailed black and white images with the 25.73MP APS-C monochrome sensor.
  • Experience exceptional clarity and precision with the advanced autofocus system, perfect for dynamic subjects.
  • Record breathtaking 4K video at 30p, bringing your cinematic visions to life with rich detail.
  • Enjoy robust durability with the magnesium alloy body, ideal for adventurous outdoor photography.
  • Benefit from 5-axis in-body image stabilization, ensuring sharp photos even in challenging conditions.
  • Utilize a wide range of Pentax K-mount lenses for versatile creative control and superior image quality.
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Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2023-11-28T07:40:16

Rated 5 out of 5

The joy of B&W Photography is now affordable!

If both of the following are true for you the K3 Monochrome is not the camera for you. 1) You leave your camera on Auto almost all the time. 2) Contrast "snap" in your pictures isn't some you really notice. I started with a Nikon FTn primarily using black and white film. The FTn handled the metering, but the rest was up to the photographer. As a result one develops a keen awareness of focusing and the interrelationship between shutter speed and aperture. With black and white shadows and contrast is how you "paint" a picture. Black and white causes the human eye to focus on detail and color distracts from detail. The first thing I noticed about this camera is it is designed to enable the photographer to control everything and easily see how the controls are set via the LCD screen after pressing "Info". Since this is a SLR camera the LCD screen can be used to monitor the cameras settings because unlike a mirrorless camera you don't need the screen to see the image. The LCD screen information is very well laid out because it is not trying to cram a bunch of icons and information around the edges so you can still see the image. You can still set the screen to act like a live view screen but for the most part I use the viewfinder to see the image and the screen to provide a complete set of information. I also have a Nikon Z7, and like all the Nikons I had before it, I used the custom functions buttons to avoid going through the menus. I haven't done this with the K3 because press the "Info" button and the control panel displays with everything that you want to change for shooting in a grid on the screen. (See Picture - Control Panel) When not using control panel you can display detailed information which includes information such as shutter speed, f-stop, ISO, and exposure compensation. It includes showing icons for which control knob to turn to change the setting next to the icon. At a glance you can tell quickly what the camera is setup for and also which control knob to turn. (See Picture - Detail Panel) I did a few quick sample black and white pictures which are attached. There is a snap to them you don't get when converting color to black and white. This is in part because at best a color sensor is only seeing ½ of detail. The typical Bayer sensor with 60 megapixels for example, only 30 megapixels will see the what is in the green filter range, 15 megapixels will see what is in the red filter range, and 15 megapixels in the blue filter range. Then a demosaicing algorithm is applied to reconstruct the image. None of that is needed for a monochrome sensor. A monochrome sensor with produce finer gradients of contrast and details without artifacts because a demosaicing algorithm is not needed. Try shooting a picture of a red brick building with a Camera with a Bayer sensor. After greatly enlarge and you will often see artifacts where there are wavy lines. The coolest feature I found in the camera is being able to set a "Finishing Tone" (See Picture - Finishing Tone"). While called Standard, Hard, and Soft I found the out the box settings not to my liking. You can set the tone curve to whatever you want for each setting. I changed to the "Soft" setting to something in-between the Standard and Hard and it is what I use most often. Yes you can use post processing software or raw images to do this but it is nice to see the result immediately. The manual focus on this camera is excellent. Turn all the features on and raise the volume to max. It provides an experience like my FTn spit image viewfinder. While not a spit image it beeps as you go in and out of focus and red lines flash. Very easy to set the focus manually. Manual focus is easier than any of my Nikon or Sony Cameras. Finally, I spent another $450 for a number of used manual lens. Most of the lens from the film era of Pentax cameras work fine and are sharp. These are 100% manual - Focus and Aperture. Read the online reviews for any of the old lens before buying because some are better than others. Also many online reviews of these old lens cover compatibility.

JEFFREY K.

2023-07-04T08:18:06

Rated 5 out of 5

Excellent

Pentax really did well with this monochrome camera...with the Bayer filter removed, the fine details are revealed with excellent tones of Black & White, I'm able to shoot at ISO 6400 before any fine grain appears and than higher I S O such as 8K, 10k even 25K ISO the fine grain is pleasing....I am so pleased Pentax has listened to it's customers and developed this camera

deno p.

Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome Specifications

General

General

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  • Color

    Black

  • Lens Mount

    Pentax K

  • Shoe Mount

    1x Hot Shoe

  • Tripod Mounting Thread

    1x 1/4"-20 Female (Bottom)

  • Material of Construction

    Magnesium Alloy

  • Operating Conditions

    14 to 104 Degree F (-10 to 40 Degree C) up to 85% Humidity

  • AF Point Selection

    Auto Area, Zone Select, Select, Expanded Area (S, M, L), Select(S), Select(XS), Spot

  • Flash Exposure Compensation

    -2.0 - +1.0EV

Imaging

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  • Sensor Resolution

    Actual: 26.78 Megapixel
    Effective: 25.73 Megapixel (6192 x 4128)

  • Image Sensor

    23.3 x 15.5mm (APS-C) CMOS

  • Sensor Crop (35mm Equivalent)

    Crop Factor: 1.5x

  • Image Stabilization

    Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis

  • Capture Type

    Stills & Video

Exposure Control

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  • Shutter Type

    Mechanical Focal Plane Shutter and Electronic Rolling Shutter

  • Shutter Speed

    Electronic Shutter
    1/16000 to 30 Seconds
    Mechanical Shutter
    1/8000 to 30 Seconds

  • Bulb/Time Mode

    Bulb & Time Mode (Up to 20 Minutes)

  • ISO/Gain Sensitivity

    Native: 200 to 1,600,000

  • Metering Method

    Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Multi-Zone, Spot

  • Exposure Modes

    Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority

  • Exposure Compensation

    -5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)

  • Metering Range

    -2 to 21 EV

  • White Balance

    Presets: Auto, CTE, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Daylight, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Manual, Multi Auto WB, Shade, Tungsten

  • Continuous Shooting

    Up to 12 fps at Maximum Resolution for up to 32 Frames (Raw) / 55 Frames (JPEG)

  • Interval Recording

    Yes

  • Self-Timer

    2/12-Second Delay

Still Image Capture

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  • Aspect Ratio

    3.2

  • Image File Format

    DNG, JPEG, Raw

  • Bit Depth

    14-Bit

Video Capture

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  • Internal Recording

    H.264/MOV
    UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/29.97 fps
    1920 x 1080p at 23.98/29.97/59.94 fps

  • Video Output

    No

  • Fast-/Slow-Motion Support

    No

  • Recording Limit

    25-Minute Maximum

  • IP Streaming

    No

Interface

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  • Media/Memory Card Slot

    Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
    Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)

  • Video I/O

    1x Micro-HDMI Output

  • Audio I/O

    1x 1/8" (3.5mm) TRS Stereo Headphone Output
    1x 1/8" (3.5mm) TRS Stereo Microphone Input

  • Power I/O

    1x USB-C Input/Output

  • Other I/O

    1x 2.5mm Sub-Mini Remote Input
    1x PC Flash Sync Output
    1x USB-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 1) Data Input/Output (Shared with Power Input)

  • Wireless

    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 4.2

  • Mobile App Compatible

    Yes: Android & iOS
    App Name: Image Sync
    Functionality: Access Stored Files, Remote Control

  • Location Tracking

    GPS

Monitor

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  • Display Size

    3.2"

  • Viewfinder Resolution

    1,620,000 Dot

  • Display Type

    Fixed Touchscreen LCD

  • Secondary Display

    Top: Status Display

Viewfinder

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  • Type

    Optical (Pentaprism)

  • Eye Point

    20.5mm

  • Coverage

    1

  • Magnification

    Approx. 1.05x

  • Diopter Adjustment

    -4 to +1

Focus

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  • Focus Type

    Auto and Manual Focus

  • Focus Mode

    Continuous-Servo AF, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AF

  • Autofocus Points

    Phase Detection: 101 (25 Cross-Type)

  • Autofocus Sensitivity

    -3 to +19 EV

Flash

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  • Built-In Flash/Light

    No

  • Flash Modes

    Auto, Auto/Red-Eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On w/ Red-Eye Reduction, Hi-Speed Sync, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-Eye Reduction, TTL Auto, Wireless

  • Maximum Sync Speed

    1/200 Second

  • Flash Compensation

    -2 to +1 EV

  • Dedicated Flash System

    P-TTL

  • External Flash Connection

    PC Terminal

Battery

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  • Battery

    Lithium-ion

  • Battery Info

    Required, Included

  • Battery Type

    Non-universal

  • Battery Quantity

    1

Physical Details

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  • Dimensions (WxHxD)

    5.3 x 4.1 x 2.9" (134.5 x 103.5 x 73.5mm)

  • Weight

    Including dedicated battery and SD Memory Card: 1.8 lbs (820g) (Approx), Body only: 1.62 lbs (735g) (Approx.)

Live view

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  • Focusing Mechanism

    Contrast detection (Auto Area, Zone Select, Tracking, Select(L/M/S), Spot)

  • Functions

    Focus Peaking, Face detection, Touch AF

  • Display

    Field of View approx. 100%, Magnified view (up to 16x)
    Grid Display (4x4 Grid, Golden Section, Scale, Square(L), Square(S), Grid Color: Black/Gray/White ), Histogram, Bright area warning, Composition Adjustment

Capture Settings

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  • Custom Image

    Standard, Hard, Soft

  • Digital Filter

    Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Tone Expansion, Grainy Monochrome

  • Clarity

    Adjustable +/-4 step

  • HDR

    Auto, HDR1, HDR2, HDR3, Advanced HDR, Exposure bracket value adjustable, Automatic composition correction function

  • Lens Correction

    Distortion Correction, Peripheral Illumin. Correction, Diffraction Correction

  • D-Range Correction

    Highlight Correction, Shadow Correction

  • Noise Reduction

    Slow Shutter Speed NR, High-ISO Noise Reduction

  • ASTROTRACER

    Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, (Type 1 and Type 2 available with O-GPS1/O-GPS2 (Optional))

  • Horizon Correction

    SR On: correction up to 1 degree, SR Off: correction up to 2 degrees

  • Composition Adjustment

    Adjustment range of +/-1.5mm up, down, left or right ( +/-1mm when rotated); Rotating range of +/-1 degree

  • Electronic Level

    Displayed in viewfinder (Horizontal and vertical); Displayed on LCD monitor (Horizontal and vertical)

  • Program Line

    Auto, Normal, Hi-speed Priority, DOF Priority (Deep), DOF Priority (Shallow), MTF Priority

Movie

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  • File Format

    MPEG-4 AVC/H.264(MOV)

  • Recorded Pixels

    4K (3840x2160, 30p/24p)
    Full HD (1920x1080, 60p/30p/24p)

  • Sound

    Built-in stereo microphone, external microphone (Stereo recording compatible)
    Recording Sound Level adjustable, Wind Noise Reduction

  • Recording Time

    Up to 25 minutes or 4GB; automatically stops recording if the internal temperature of the camera becomes high

  • Custom Images

    Standard, Hard, Soft

  • Digital Filter

    Retro, High Contrast, Invert Color

Playback

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  • Playback View

    Single frame, Multi-image display (20, 48, 70 segmentation), Display magnification (up to 16, 100% display, quick zoom and Focus Magnification available), Grid display (4x4 Grid, Golden Section, Scale, Square(L), Square(S), Grid Color: Black/Gray/White), Rotating, Histogram (Y histogram), Bright area warning, Auto Image Rotation, Detailed information

  • Playback View (Contd.)

    Copyright Information (Photographer, Copyright holder), GPS information (latitude, longitude, altitude, Coordinated Universal Time) , Orientation, Folder Display, Calendar Filmstrip Display

  • Delete

    Single image, All images, Selected images, Folder, Images on the selected shooting date, Instant review image

  • Digital Filter

    Base Parameter Adj, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Tone Expansion, Grainy Monochrome, Miniature, Soft, Fish-eye, Slim, Frame Composite

  • RAW Development

    RAW file select:
    Select Single Image, Select Multiple Images, Select a folder, Select a shooting date

    RAW Development Parameter:
    Custom Image, Sensitivity, Digital filter, Clarity, HDR, Distortion Correction, Peripheral Illumin
    Corr., Diffraction Correction, High-ISO Noise Reduction, Shadow Correction, File Format
    (JPEG/TIFF), JPEG Recorded Pixels, JPEG Quality, Aspect Ratio, Color Space

  • Edit

    Protect, Image Rotation, Image Copy, File Transfer, Save RAW Data in buffer memory, Resize, Cropping (Aspect ratio and Slant adjustment available), Levels Adjustment, Movie Edit (Divide or delete selected frames), Capturing a JPEG still picture from a movie

Other

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  • UPC Codes

    192223290884, 735163165098, 192223021532, 840014197040, 619659185275, 027075305373, 840014139958, 192223084001, 6972436381159

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About Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome

FEATURED REVIEWS

Excellent

By deno p.

Pentax really did well with this monochrome camera...with the Bayer filter removed, the fine details are revealed with excellent tones of Black & White, I'm able to shoot at ISO 6400 before any fine grain appears and than higher I S O such as 8K, 10k even 25K ISO the fine grain is pleasing....I am so pleased Pentax has listened to it's customers and developed this camera

The joy of B&W Photography is now affordable!

By JEFFREY K.

If both of the following are true for you the K3 Monochrome is not the camera for you. 1) You leave your camera on Auto almost all the time. 2) Contrast "snap" in your pictures isn't some you really notice. I started with a Nikon FTn primarily using black and white film. The FTn handled the metering, but the rest was up to the photographer. As a result one develops a keen awareness of focusing and the interrelationship between shutter speed and aperture. With black and white shadows and...

View full Review

Returning to the starting point of photography: capture images with light and shadow
Monochrome (or black-and-white) photography is the origin of photographic expression. Without color data, monochrome can more clearly depict the form and texture of a subject using light, shadow and the in-between gradations. This means that the photographer can create images that are more impressive and persuasive.

For users who want to master monochrome photography, the PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome features an image sensor specifically designed to capture monochrome images only. By designing the camera solely for the purpose of monochrome photography, each pixel detects brightness data of the light coming through the lens. The obtained data is then directly converted to compose an image.

Typical color image sensors are designed to receive light passing through red (R), green (G) and blue (B) color filters, so each pixel detects only one color data component. To compose a monochrome image, color sensors must convert color data into monochromatic data by interpolating the obtained color data while using adjacent areas of the image field as a reference.

Since a monochrome-specific image sensor can faithfully reflect the brightness data obtained by each pixel in the image - without the interpolation process - the photographer can create extra-fine monochromatic expression, in an image high in resolution and rich in gradation.

Image quality exclusively designed for monochrome photography
Image quality has been re-evaluated and redesigned to optimize the imaging characteristics of the monochrome-specific image sensor. Unlike a color sensor that requires the interpolation process, each pixel of the monochrome-specific image sensor corresponds precisely to each pixel in the resulting image. The result is minimal deterioration of the data obtained, and optimal visual expression. To optimize these advantages, the imaging process has been completely restructured to assure highly sensitive expression with a natural bokeh (defocus) effect, rich gradation and extra-fine sharpness - an image only the monochrome-specific image sensor can deliver.

Monochrome-specific Custom Image
The PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome features three Custom Image modes exclusively designed for the monochrome-specific image sensor: Standard, Hard and Soft. Each mode provides minute adjustment of parameters such as tone, key, contrast and sharpness. This allows the photographer to personalize images for the desired finishing touch.

Exterior design signifying the monochrome photography concept
The PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome provides white backlight illumination on the LCD data panel positioned on its upper panel, while featuring the Monochrome lettering printed on the upper-left shoulder of the back panel. The camera's User Interface menu features a black-and-white color scheme as default, while the SR (Shake Reduction) badge is finished in silver. The icons printed on buttons and switches across the camera's exterior are finished in three shades of gray to assist the users with their camera operation. All in all, the concept of monochrome photography is evident throughout the camera body.

Minimum ISO setting at 200
Since the monochrome-specific image sensor is free of the color filters that cause a loss of light, it can take in more light. This allows the camera's minimum ISO to be set at 200.

Fx button
Unlike full-color photography, in which color reproduction varies depending on the light source (or color temperature), monochrome photography doesn't require white balance control. In the PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome, the white balance button of the PENTAX K-3 Mark III is replaced with the Fx (function) button.

In-body shake reduction mechanism
The PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome incorporates an advanced SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which lets the photographer use all types of lenses - from the latest to vintage - and to capture sharp, blur-free images while optimizing the distinctive visual expression of each lens.

Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome Features

  • Monochrome-specific CMOS image sensor with approximately 25.73 effective megapixels
  • Image quality exclusively designed for monochrome photography
  • A selection of monochrome-specific finishing touches
  • Exterior design reflecting the monochrome photography concept
  • Minimum ISO setting at 200
  • Optical viewfinder with approx. 100% field of view, and approx. 1.05X magnification
  • TTL autofocus, auto-exposure SLR digital-still camera
  • Incorporates an advance In-body shake reduction mechanism

Warranty Information

This product has a limited warranty of 12 months.

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Key Features

  • Capture stunning, detailed black and white images with the 25.73MP APS-C monochrome sensor.
  • Experience exceptional clarity and precision with the advanced autofocus system, perfect for dynamic subjects.
  • Record breathtaking 4K video at 30p, bringing your cinematic visions to life with rich detail.
  • Enjoy robust durability with the magnesium alloy body, ideal for adventurous outdoor photography.
  • Benefit from 5-axis in-body image stabilization, ensuring sharp photos even in challenging conditions.
  • Utilize a wide range of Pentax K-mount lenses for versatile creative control and superior image quality.

What's in the box:

  • Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR Camera
  • Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery (D-LI90 E)
  • USB Power Adapter
  • Power Plug
  • USB Cable (I-USB166)
  • ME Viewfinder Cap
  • Strap (O-ST162)
  • Eyecup FU
  • Hotshoe Cover FK
  • Body Mount Cap KII
  • Synchro Terminal 2P Cap
  • K-1 Triangular Ring
  • K-1 Protective Cover
  • Battery Grip Connector Cover
  • Pentax 1 Year Limited Warranty
  • Bundle Includes:
  • Slinger Alpine 160 Multi-Device Shoulder Bag
  • SanDisk Ultra 32GB UHS-I SDHC Memory Card
  • Corel Photo Video Art Suite Software Kit for PC, License Key
  • ProOptic Complete Optics Care and Cleaning Kit
  • Slinger Digital Memory Card Wallet - Holds 12 Cards
  • Green Extreme USB 2.0 Multi Card Reader, SD, Mini SD, microSD, Memory Stick (MS)
  • Ulanzi MT-11 Multifunctional Octopus Tripod with Ball Head, 4.4 lbs Capacity

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Best Monochrome Cameras for Black & White Photography

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