PENTAX K-3 Mark III DSLR Camera
The Pentax K-3 III is a 25.7MP APS-C mirrorless camera — with 4K video and in-body stabilization. Used copies start from $1,467.78 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
PENTAX K-3 Mark III DSLR Camera
Used Pentax K-3 III Listings on GearFocus
Camera Overview — Pentax K-3 III
Key Features — Pentax K-3 III
25.7MP APS-C Sensor: The PRIME V-processed sensor delivers 6192x4128 pixel files with strong detail and color rendition for stills and video alike.
ISO 100–1,600,000: An exceptionally wide native ISO range gives shooters usable exposure options in extremely low-light environments.
5-Axis In-Body Stabilization: Sensor-shift IBIS compensates for camera movement across five axes without relying on digital cropping or lens-based IS.
101-Point Hybrid AF: Combines phase and contrast detection with Eye Detection AF, Face Detection AF, and subject tracking for reliable focus on still and moving subjects.
12fps Burst Shooting: Continuous shooting at up to 12 frames per second makes the K-3 Mark III a practical choice for action and sports photography.
4K Video Recording: Records 4K footage at 24 or 30fps for high-resolution video capture with post-production flexibility.
Camera Specifications — Pentax K-3 III
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Portrait, Landscape, Travel, Night, Studio |
| Type | DSLR |
| Sensor | APS-C |
| Resolution | 25.7MP |
| Processor | PRIME V |
| ISO Range | 100 – 1600000 |
| AF System | Phase Detection, Contrast Detection, Hybrid (Phase + Contrast), Eye Detection AF, Face Detection AF |
| AF Points | 101 |
| Max Photo Resolution | 6192x4128 |
| Burst Rate | 12 fps |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K |
| Max Frame Rate | 30fps |
Description — Pentax K-3 III
The Pentax K-3 Mark III is built around a 25.7MP APS-C sensor powered by the PRIME V image processor, capable of capturing stills at 6192x4128 pixels. Its ISO range stretches from 100 to 1,600,000, offering significant latitude in varied lighting. The 101-point hybrid autofocus system combines Phase Detection, Contrast Detection, Eye Detection AF, and Face Detection AF, with both eye tracking and subject tracking active.
Continuous shooting reaches 12fps for demanding action scenarios. Video recording tops out at 4K/30fps with 10-bit color depth, and includes 24fps and 30fps frame rates along with Flat and Vibrant color profiles. 5-axis in-body image stabilization is standard, with no digital IS fallback. The 3.2-inch, 1620k-dot LCD and optical viewfinder cover monitoring needs.
Built from magnesium alloy with weather sealing, the body measures 134.5 x 103.5 x 73.5 mm and weighs 820g. Connectivity covers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, Micro HDMI, 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks, and a Pentax Standard TTL hot shoe. Battery is rated at 800 shots per charge on a rechargeable lithium-ion cell.
Storage uses SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards via the Pentax K lens mount system.
Pros — Pentax K-3 III
- ✓Extremely wide ISO range from 100 to 1,600,000 (specifications.iso.min / max)
- ✓101-point hybrid AF system with Eye Detection and subject tracking (specifications.autofocus.focusPoints / eyeTracking / subjectTracking)
- ✓10-bit video recording at up to 4K/30fps (specifications.videoSpecs.bitDepth / maxResolution / maxFrameRate)
Cons — Pentax K-3 III
- ✗Optical viewfinder with no resolution or refresh rate data provided — electronic viewfinder buyers may prefer alternatives (specifications.viewfinder.resolution / refreshRate are null)
- ✗Single card slot system with SD/SDHC/SDXC only — no redundant backup slot apparent in specs (specifications.storageMedia)
- ✗Body weight of 820g may feel substantial for extended handheld use (specifications.bodyDesign.weight.value)
Videos — Pentax K-3 III
Pentax K-3 Mark III Review (+ comparison to Nikon D500) — DPReview TV
Frequently Asked Questions — Pentax K-3 III
What sensor and resolution does the Pentax K-3 Mark III use?+
The camera uses an APS-C sensor with a resolution of 25.7MP, processed by the PRIME V image processor. Maximum still image output is 6192x4128 pixels.
What is the ISO range of the K-3 Mark III?+
The ISO range runs from 100 to 1,600,000 as listed in the specifications. This wide range is designed to assist in challenging or low-light shooting scenarios.
Does the K-3 Mark III have in-body image stabilization?+
Yes, the camera features 5-axis in-body image stabilization. The specifications confirm that digital IS is not used — stabilization is purely in-body.
What video capabilities does the K-3 Mark III offer?+
The camera records up to 4K at 30fps with 10-bit color depth. Available frame rates are 24fps and 30fps, and video color profiles include Flat and Vibrant.
Is the K-3 Mark III weather sealed?+
Yes, the body is listed as Weather Sealed and is constructed from magnesium alloy. Dimensions are 134.5 x 103.5 x 73.5 mm and it weighs 820g.
What connectivity options does the K-3 Mark III have?+
The camera includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, standard USB, Micro HDMI output, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a 3.5mm microphone jack. It uses the Pentax Standard TTL hot shoe.