Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome Digital SLR Body

The Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome is a monochrome specific digital SLR camera. It features a new monochrome specific APS-C-format CMOS image sensor with with approximately 25.73 effective megapixels to capture high resolution black and white images rich in gradation and extra fine sharpness. It also includes custom image modes specifcally designed for black and white photography.

Monochrome-specific CMOS image sensor
To optimize the quality of monochromatic images, the camera incorporates a monochrome-specific, APS-C-format CMOS image sensor free of an AA (anti-aliasing) filter with approximately 25.73 effective megapixels. Typical colour image sensors are designed to receive light passing through red (R), green (G) and blue (B) colour filters, so each pixel detects only one colour-data component. To compose a mono-chrome image, colour sensors must convert colour data into monochromatic data by interpolating the colour data they collect. The new monochrome-specific image sensor, however, can faithfully reflect the brightness data obtained by each pixel in the image — without the interpolation process — to produce extra-fine monochromatic expression, in images high in resolution and rich in gradation.

A selection of monochrome-specific finishing touches
The PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome provides three Custom Image modes exclusively designed for monochrome photography to provide distinctive finishing touches. In addition to Standard mode, it also provides Hard mode to produce high-contrast images, and Soft mode to create high-key, low-contrast images. Each mode provides minute adjustment of parameters such as tone, key, contrast and sharpness. This allows the photographer to personalize their images with the desired finishing touch.

Exterior design reflecting 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 “Monochrome” lettering printed on the upper-left shoulder of the back panel. Its menu screen features a black-and-white visual 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 grey to assist the users with their camera operation.

Body-integrated Shake Reduction II System (IBIS)
The built-in Shake Reduction System prevents camera shake that can occur, for example, when using lenses with a long focal length and / or slow shutter speeds in low light conditions which can be the cause of blurred images. Image stabilisation takes place in five axes. In addition to sensor rotation, horizontal and vertical shift, the PENTAX K-3 Mark III also offers horizontal and vertical tilt correction, which can occur, for example, during macro photography. Horizontal pan movements are automatically detected and corrected accordingly. All in all, this system ensures exposure reliability of up to 5.5 LV steps and thus expands the limits of freehand photography. It works independently of the lenses used. This means that adapted M42 lenses can be used in exactly the same way as the current lens series. Once stored, the lens information required for compensation can be retrieved as needed.

Pixel Shift function to increase resolution
With the previous model, the PENTAX K-3 Mark II, sensor shift was used for the first time to improve image resolution. This technique can now be used without a tripod with the PENTAX K-3 Mark III. With conventional systems, missing RGB colour information of the sensor has to be interpolated, as the different colours are not captured by all pixels of the sensor. With the Pixel Shift function, the PENTAX K-3 Mark III offers the possibility of taking four shots in a row. The sensor is shifted up, down, left and right by one pixel at a time and the camera calculates a single image from this, which can be saved as a JPEG or RAW file. With this technique, the 25.73 megapixels are fully utilised for the image file, resulting in significantly higher sharpness and colour rendition as well as lower image noise.

Low-pass filter simulation
By omitting an AA filter (Anti-Aliasing), a higher image sharpness is achieved. To avoid a possible moiré effect, the sensor unit is set into micro-vibrations and thus ensures minimal blurring. This works just as effectively as a built-in low-pass filter. Two levels provide adjustment to the appropriate shooting situation.

SAFOX 13 autofocus system with 101 focus sensors
The SAFOX 13 phase comparison autofocus system has been newly developed for the PENTAX K-3 Mark III. It has a total of 101 AF sensors, 25 of which are positioned centrally as cross sensors. In order to focus reliably even when shooting at night, three special sensors are centrally positioned, which already work at an EV of -4. For the first time, the camera is equipped with a small joystick with which the individual focus points can be intuitively selected. The new AF system is supported by a new RGB-Ir image sensor with approx. 307,000 pixels and a newly developed image tracking algorithm. This means that even subjects in motion are reliably detected and focused more precisely.

Pentax Real-time Scene Analysis System
The PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System supports camera control with the latest artificial intelligence technology. Based on the RGB-lr image sensor with approximately 307,000 pixels, the processor uses advanced image recognition technology to optimise exposure and autofocus. Shooting scenes are analysed and, based on colour or brightness distribution, subject as well as motion detection, certain exposure parameters such as shutter, autofocus, white balance are adjusted accordingly and taken into account for the image calculation. By introducing Deep Learning technology with Artificial Intelligence, the PENTAX K-3 Mark III guarantees better and more reliable scene recognition and assessment than ever before.

High-resolution LCD monitor with intuitive touch-screen controls
For the first time in the PENTAX system, the 3.2-inch LCD screen, with a resolution of approx. 1,620,000 pixels, has a touch screen with intuitive menu control and image zoom function during image playback. The PENTAX K-3 Mark III also uses the tried and tested screen construction with "Air Gapless" technology for improved visibility. A special resin is inserted between the screen layers, which effectively reduces reflections and the scattering of light. Beneath the viewfinder eyepiece, which extends beyond the display, is an eye sensor that optionally turns off the monitor when the photographer looks into the viewfinder. This prevents the illumination of the monitor from impairing visibility during the shot. Another advantage especially for night photography is the night vision LCD display function to quickly adjust the brightness of the monitor depending on the shooting location.

High frame rate
The mirror and shutter mechanism has been redesigned for the PENTAX K-3 Mark III. In combination with the new processor technology and the fast image processing parameters, the PENTAX K-3 Mark III makes it possible to shoot series of images at a previously unknown frame rate. 32 RAW files can be captured at 12 frames per second. At 2.5 frames per second and in JPEG format, the shooting series increases to 90 images before the camera has to save. Despite the highest load, the shutter is designed for at least 300,000 shots.

Video function with 4K resolution
The Pentax K-3 Mark III was developed in the tradition of SLR technology, but the desire of many PENTAX photographers for a 4K video function could not be ignored. So the camera now records video clips in 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels; 30p/24p frame rate) or Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels; 60p/30p/24p frame rate) in the H-264 recording format. For sound, there is a connection for a stereo microphone and headphones. It is possible to adjust and monitor the audio recording level. One of the two SD card slots is prepared for the UHS-II standard in order to be able to process the data volumes at high frame rates or video recordings accordingly.

In-camera image and video editing and RAW development
The Pentax K-3 Mark III offers numerous options for editing videos and photos directly in the camera. Various filters and the original PENTAX Custom Image function, which simulates different types of film, are already available when shooting. Further filters and RAW development expand the options. For video recordings there are simple film editing options. Thanks to the many possibilities, no complex image editing programme is necessary to create your own distinctive image style.

Camera control and image transfer via "Image Sync" App The Pentax K-3 Mark III can be connected to devices such as smartphones or tablets via Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi. By installing the free Image Sync app on a mobile device, the user can display Live View images on their screen, change camera settings and take pictures. Captured images can be transferred to a mobile device and shared directly from there on social networks.