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
{{reflist|35em}}
External links
{{Commons category multi|Pentax K-3|Taken with Pentax K-3}}
- [https://k3.ricoh-imaging.eu Microsite for K-3]
- [https://www.ricoh-imaging.co.uk/en/digital-slr/group/6/body/overview/K3.html Product page of Pentax K-3], Pentax UK
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20131011000741/http://www.us.ricoh-imaging.com/dslr/K-3_ Product page of Pentax K-3], Pentax US
Reviews
- [http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=5438&news=pentax+K-3+Nikon+D600+head+to+head+comparison+Pentax+wins Nikon D600 vs. Pentax K-3 Image Comparison: Pentax Sweeps Nikon], Digital Camera Review
- [http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/pentax-k3/pentax-k3A.HTM Pentax K-3 Review], Imaging Resource
- [http://www.englishphotographer.com/pentax-k3-camera-review/ Pentax K3 Camera Review], Ben Evans
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEAfjHOK86w Pentax K-3 Hands on Review - YouTube], Spyros Heniadis (16:29 duration)
- [https://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Pentax/K-3 Pentax K-3: Tests and Reviews], DxOMark
{{Pentax digital interchangeable lens cameras}}
Category:Live-preview digital cameras