Pentax K-3

Rugged flagship APS-C DSLR with high resolution

Pentax K-3
79/100
CAMERA SCORE
Features 16
Performance 16
Durability 16
Price 14
Usability 17
Brand Pentax
Model 15531

Key Features

SENSOR 24.35MP APS-C CMOS sensor without anti-aliasing filter
PROCESSOR PRIME III image processor for fast processing
AUTOFOCUS SAFOX XI AF system with 27 points, 25 cross-type
PHASE DETECTION Dedicated phase-detection sensor with -3 EV sensitivity
VIDEO 1080p Full HD at 60i/30p, H.264 format
STABILIZATION In-body Shake Reduction (SR) system
BURST RATE 8.3 fps continuous shooting with 22 RAW buffer
VIEWFINDER Pentaprism optical viewfinder with 100% coverage
DISPLAY 3.2-inch fixed LCD monitor, 1.037k dots
CONNECTIVITY USB 3.0, HDMI, mic/headphone ports, optional Wi-Fi
MEMORY CARD Dual SD card slots, UHS-I compatible
WEATHER SEALING 92 weather seals, magnesium alloy chassis
BATTERY LIFE Approx. 720 shots per charge (D-LI90)

The Most Important Buttons & Dials — Pentax K-3

Control / Button / Dial Status Note
Shutter-release Button ✓ Present
Mode Dial ✓ Present
+/- EV (Exposure Compensation) Button ✓ Present
Dedicated ISO Button ✓ Present
Dedicated Aperture Dial / Ring ~ Limited Via command dials
Dedicated Shutter Speed Dial ~ Limited Via command dials
AF-ON Button ✓ Present
Main Command Dial ✓ Present
Sub-Command Dial ✓ Present
Function (Fn) Buttons ✓ Present
Joystick / Multi-selector ✓ Present
AF-assist / Self-timer Lamp ✓ Present
Monitor Mode Button ✓ Present
Video Record Button ✓ Present
Drive Mode Control ✓ Present

How-to Use Pentax K-3

Welcome to the How-to section of the camera. In this Light & Composition University website, each page for a camera has a how-to section and a section for learning. Simply because the buttons and the controls of each camera is located in different places that not only varies for brands but in each model. How-to section help you operate your camera, however, if you are interested to learn photography, not only you need to know how your camera works, but also you must know what you can change and why you do that to get better photo. Click the “Learn” or scroll down.

Pentax K-3 Exposure Indicators

Optimal exposure Underexposed by 1/3 EV Overexposed by over 2 EV
 . 0 . +
 . 0 . +
 . 0 . +
|||||||►

The key to the photography is light, and it’s the exposure indicators, where you see how much light your camera sensor sees. These indicators both in monitor and viewfinder show whether the photograph would be under or over-exposed at the current setting. The amount of under or overexposure is shown in increments of 1/3 EV.

Learn & Master Photography with Pentax K-3

For over a decade, we have been teaching photography following a university standard. No one does it better than us. We have a selection of courses, diplomas, graduate and post-graduate programs, as well as some of our best-selling university press publications, to guide you in the best possible way for your camera. Enroll in the fundamentals and then move to the genres you want to master.

Technical Specification

Sensor APS-C CMOS
Resolution 24.35 Megapixels
ISO Range 100-51200
Autofocus 27-point phase detection
Shutter Speed 1/8000 to 30 sec
Burst Rate 8.3 fps
Video 1920 x 1080 (60i, 30p)
Stabilization Sensor-shift
Viewfinder Optical Pentaprism
LCD 3.2-inch fixed
Memory Card Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity USB 3.0, HDMI, Mic, Headphone
Battery Life 720 shots
Weight 800g
Dimensions 131 x 100 x 77 mm