Pentax K-3

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}

{{Infobox camera

| model = Pentax K-3

| image = Pentax K3 jm6729.jpg

| caption =

| kind = Digital single-lens reflex camera

| sensor = APS-C 23.7 × 15.7 mm CMOS sensor

| res = 24.71 megapixels (6016×4000)

| lens = Interchangeable Pentax KAF3 and KAF2 mount compatible with Pentax auto-aperture lenses; older lenses supported in stop-down metering mode

| shutterRange = 1/8000 – 30 s, Bulb

| speedRange = ISO 100–51,200 in 1, {{frac|1|2}}, or {{frac|1|3}} EV steps

| metering = 86,000-pixel RGB metering sensor with Real-Time Scene Analysis System

| mmode = Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot

| cont = Up to 8.3 fps for 60 JPEG or 23 raw images

| rearLCD = {{convert|3.2|in|abbr=on}}, 1,037,000 dots (720×480 RGB pixels)

| recording_medium = 2 slots for SD/SDHC/SDXC; dedicated Flucard for wireless tethering available

| emode = Green (fully automatic), program, aperture priority, shutter priority, sensitivity priority, aperture and shutter priority, manual, bulb, X-sync shutter speed, three User presets.

| flash = Onboard pop-up flash; hot shoe for P-TTL flash units with high-speed sync support; PC socket for studio flashes; 1/180 s X-sync speed

| battery = D-LI90 lithium-ion rechargeable battery

| dimensions = 131×97×73 mm

| obp = D-BG5 battery grip accepts additional D-LI90 battery or 6 AA (R6) batteries

| viewfinder = Eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.95× magnification

| weight = With battery: {{convert|800|g|oz|abbr=on}}
Without battery: {{convert|715|g|oz|abbr=on}}

| made_in = {{Flag|Philippines}}

}}

The Pentax K-3 is a 24-megapixel Pentax high-end digital single-lens reflex camera with an APS-C sensor, announced on 7 October 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/10/07/ricoh-announces-pentax-k-3-24mp-dslr-with-optional-low-pass-filtering|title=Ricoh announces Pentax K-3 24MP DSLR with selectable low pass filtering |date=7 October 2013|access-date=13 October 2013}} The Pentax K-3 is the successor to both the K-5 II and K-5 IIs models, which have a 16-megapixel sensor. The K-5 II (and most other cameras of its time) had an optical low pass filter or anti-aliasing (AA) filter that can prevent the appearance of moire patterning on the captured image. This filter reduces the sharpness of the image, so Pentax also produced the K-5 IIs which omitted this filter. In the K-3, Pentax obviated the need for providing two separate models by including a selectable AA filter "simulator". This mechanism vibrates the sensor when switched on, slightly blurring the image in a way that replaces the function of the optical AA filter, providing the same benefit as the filter in the K-5 II and other cameras with an optical AA filter. When the AA simulator is disabled, the sensor records a sharper image, as in the K-5 IIs.

The Pentax K-3 was also the first camera to support the Pentax FluCard for wireless remote capture and download of images.

The Pentax K-3 is a mid-size DSLR with a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, and is priced at a relatively similar level to the newer upper-entry level Nikon D5500 DSLR{{cite web |url=http://cameradecision.com/compare/Nikon-D5500-vs-Pentax-K-3 |title=Nikon D5500 vs Pentax K-3 |access-date=26 April 2015}} and $300 cheaper than the newer mid-range Nikon D7200 DSLR. The Pentax K-3 was ranked #2 in a comparison of mid-size DSLR class, was class-leading in image quality for portrait, street, daily and landscape photography, and ranked only slightly lower for sport photography. In-body stabilization also gives the Pentax K-3 an advantage, but its 800-gram weight is slightly more than average for a mid-size DSLR.{{cite web |url=http://cameradecision.com/compare/Pentax-K-3-vs-Nikon-D7200 |title=Pentax K-3 vs Nikon D7200 |access-date=26 April 2015}}

Limited editions

When the K-3 was originally announced, Ricoh made available a Premium Silver Edition that included the camera body and battery grip with a silver paint finish as well as an exclusive red leather neck strap. According to Ricoh, this would match the silver versions of Pentax HD DA Limited lenses.{{cite web|url=http://www.dpreview.com/articles/8357047859/ricoh-announces-pentax-k-3-24mp-dslr-with-optional-low-pass-filtering|title=Ricoh announces Pentax K-3 24MP DSLR with selectable low pass filtering|website=dpreview.com|access-date=26 June 2017}} In July 2014, Ricoh announced the Prestige Edition, which included a K-3 and battery grip in a "gunmetal gray" finish as well as two batteries and black artificial leather neck strap,{{cite web|url=http://www.dpreview.com/articles/1093365305/ricoh-announces-pentax-k-3-prestige-edition|title=Ricoh announces Pentax K-3 Prestige Edition|website=dpreview.com|access-date=26 June 2017}} embossed with the lettering "2014 TIPA BEST DIGITAL SLR EXPERT" and the Pentax K-3 logo.{{cite web|url=http://www.ubergizmo.com/2014/07/ricoh-unveils-pentax-k-3-prestige-edition/|title=Ricoh Unveils Pentax K-3 Prestige Edition|website=ubergizmo.com|access-date=26 June 2017}} Each edition was limited to 2000 units.

Awards

The Pentax K-3 has won the TIPA Award "Best Digital SLR Expert" for 2014,{{cite web |url=http://www.tipa.com/english/award-details.php?iId=3634&sAward=Best%20Digital+SLR++Expert |title=TIPA - TECHNICAL IMAGE PRESS ASSOCIATION - Award details |website=www.tipa.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523032321/http://www.tipa.com/english/award-details.php?iId=3634&sAward=Best%20Digital+SLR++Expert |archive-date=2014-05-23}} and the EISA Photo Award 2014-2015 for Best Advanced DSLR.{{cite web|url=http://www.fotomagazin.de/index_dyn.php?we_objectID=7953&pid=0|title=fotomagazin.de|website=fotomagazin.de|access-date=26 June 2017}}

References

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