Pentax K3

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Appeared on Pentax US site but pulled:

•24 effective mega-pixels in an APS-C sized CMOS sensor

Designed for the demanding photographer, the K-3 features 24 effective megapixels in an APS-C sized CMOS sensor for outstanding high resolution imagery. By coupling this sensor with a newly developed PRIME III imaging engine with high-efficiency noise and image processing capacities and an anti-aliasing filter-less design, the K-3 delivers high-resolution, fine-gradation images.


•Selectable Anti-Aliasing Filter

Enjoy the world’s first selectable anti-aliasing filter, giving the user the ability to easily toggle anti-aliasing functionality on or off, for supreme resolution and zero limitations. This breakthrough technology eliminates the need to commit to either supreme resolution or superior moiré control, by providing both options in a single camera body. Newly developed for the K-3, the anti-aliasing simulator* applies microscopic vibrations to the image sensor unit at the subpixel level during image exposure, generating the same level of moiré-reduction effect as an optical anti-aliasing filter. * This function is most effective with a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower. This function is not available during HDR shooting.


•Real Time Scene Analysis with 86,00 pixel sensor

The new Real Time Scene Analysis System features an 86,000 pixel RGB light-metering sensor and improved algorithms that further enhance accuracy of exposure, white balance and autofocusing.


•Professional H.264 video

Enhance your video recording experience with full HD movie capture in the H.264 format (60p/50p/30p/24p), also including the ability to switch from still image to video recording with the flip of a dedicated switch. Equipped with a headphone terminal and stereo microphone terminal for external microphone connection. The user can also adjust the audio recording level manually and monitor sound levels during recording.


•Dual SD Card Slots

Dual SD card slots allow for greater memory card flexibility, for separation of JPG and RAW files, and for use with Eye-fi card and new FLU card technology.


•Built-in Electronic Level

Built-in electronic level now features a tilt scale display in Liveview.


•Multi-pattern white balance

When shooting scenes that include multiple light sources, such as sunlight and shade or flash, light sources are recognized automatically and the image is separated into different areas. White balance is adjusted separately in each area according to the different light sources to achieve optimal color reproduction.


•PENTAX PEF and Adobe DNG files

Native support for both PENTAX PEF and Adobe DNG 14 bit RAW files, including the ability to retrieve RAW data from JPG files if still present in buffer memory.


•HDR Image Capture

Improved in-camera HDR image capture features more blending options and better pixel registration for easier operation without a tripod.


•Magnesium alloy body w stainless steel chassis


Durable magnesium alloy covers surround a rugged stainless steel chassis.


•Fastest continuous shooting at 8.3FPS

Never miss a single moment with an incredibly fast frame rate of 8.3 FPS, for extreme action capture and demanding high performance shooting. With a maximum 1/8000 second shutter speed, freeze even the fastest action without subject movement blur--rated for 200,000 cycles. The K-3 continuously records as many as 22 images in the RAW format or 60 images in the JPEG format* in a single sequence. This is made possible through the use of several innovative technologies, including a high-speed, high-accuracy control mechanism that regulates the shutter, mirror and diaphragm independently; a damper mechanism that effectively minimizes mirror shock; and a high-speed data transmission system incorporated in the PRIME III imaging engine. * JPEG Recorded Pixels:L, JPEG Quality:★★★


•SAFOX11 Autofocus Module

The newly designed SAFOX11 autofocus module maximizes 27 AF sensors and a vast light sensitivity range of –3EV to +18EV. The new focus module includes 25 cross sensors and three AF sensors dedicated to low light focusing.


•Optional FLU, Eye-fi Wireless, and SDX Memory card compatibility

With installation of the optional, dedicated 16 GB FLU CARD for PENTAX in the K-3, the photographer can remotely change settings such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO, shift the AF focus point, release the camera shutter, check Liveview image, and browse and download images to mobile devices and PC. Eye-fi Wireless and standard SDX Memory cards also compatible.


•PENTAX body-based Shake Reduction (SR)

The PENTAX-original SR stabilization system is built right into the body, and is compatible with any of the 27 million PENTAX lenses ever produced.


•Pentaprism Optical Viewfinder for 100% FOV and .95 magnification

Low profile glass pentaprism viewfinder, with interchangeable focusing screens, achieves a 100% optical field of view for framing accuracy in a highly compact form factor. Treated with a new coating, its glass prism improves reflectance resulting in a brighter viewfinder image. Also, its improved design assures 0.95-times viewfinder magnification for a broader image field and enhanced focus and composition confirmation.


•Fully Weather Sealed

With 92 special seals, the K-3 boasts a fully weather and cold proof design to resist water, fog, snow, sand, and dust, for top performance in extreme field conditions as well as in the studio.


•100-51200 ISO

High sensitivity 100-51200 ISO range with improved noise performance throughout, including ISO-specific noise reduction.


•HDMI port

An HDMI port outputs high definition images, video and sound to HDTVs.


•Customizable RAW/Fx button

Customizable RAW/Fx button allows for easy access to common shooting settings.


•Optional BG-5 Battery Grip

The BG-5, designed exclusively for the K-3, is the perfect match for this professional level DSLR, and optionally accepts six AA-sized batteries as well as the standard lithium-ion rechargeable battery. It features and extra set of shutter-release, AE-lock, AF, ISO, exposure-compensation and green buttons, as well as a preview lever and a dual electronic dials to facilitate vertical-position shooting. It also features the same dustproof, weather-resistant construction as the K-3 body.
 
Sensor
Type: CMOS w primary color filter and integrated Shake/Dust Reduction sensor movement system
Size: 23.5 x 15.6mm
Color depth: 8 bits/channel JPG, 14 bits/channel RAW
Effective pixels: 23.35 MP
Total pixels: 24.71 MP​

Recorded resolutions
Still: Jpeg –
L (24M:6016x4000),
M (14M: 4608x3072),
S (6M: 3072x2048),
XS (2M: 1920x1280)
RAW – L (24M:6016x4000)​

Movie (resolution/FPS):

Full HD (1920x1080, 60i/50i/30p/25p/24p)
HD (1280x720, 60p/50p/30p/25p/24p)
Quality levels: ★★★ Best, ★★ Better, ★ Good, RAW (14-bit)​

Dust Removal: DR II (ultrasonic vibration to low pass filter) with Dust Alert function

Lens

Type/construction: PENTAX KAF2 bayonet stainless steel mount
Usable lenses: PENTAX KAF3, KAF2, KAF, and KA (K mount, 35mm screwmount, 645/67 med format lenses useable w adapter and/or restrictions)
SDM function: Yes
Power zoom function: Yes (power zoom only)​

Focus System

Type: SAFOX 11 TTL phase-matching - 27 point (25 cross type focus points in the center)
Focus modes: AF Single (w focus lock, focus/shutter priority selectable), AF Continuous (w focus/FPS priority selectable), Manual
Focus point adjustment: Spot, Select, Expanded Area (S, M, L), Zone select, Auto (27 AF points)​

Viewfinder

Type: Pentaprism
Coverage (field of view): 100%
Magnification: 0.95X (w 50mm F1.4 at infinity)
Standard focusing screen: Natural-Bright-Matte III (interchangeable)
Diopter adjustment: -2.5m to 1.5m
Depth of field preview: Optical (diaphragm stop-down), Digital​

LCD Monitor

Type: 3.2” TFT color LCD with brightness/saturation/color adjustment AR coating and air-gapless glass.
Resolution: 1037K dots
Wide angle viewable: Yes​

Flash

Type: Retractable P-TTL popup flash
Guide number: 13m (ISO 100)
Coverage: 28mm wide angle (equiv 35mm)
Flash modes: Auto, On, Redeye, Slow Sync, Slow Sync + Redeye, Trailing Curtain Sync, High-speed sync, Wireless, Manual
Flash exposure compensation: -2 to 1 EV (1/2 steps)​

External Flash

Type: Hotshoe (P-TTL), high speed sync and wireless w PENTAX dedicated flash, X-Sync Socket
Synchronization speed: 1/180 sec​

Storage Media

Internal memory: n/a
Removable memory: SD, SDHC, SDXC, EyeFi, FLU​

Interfaces

Ports: USB 3.0 hi-speed, AV out, HDMI out, DC in, cable switch, 3.5mm stereo microphone, X-sync socket
Video out: HD (via HDMI), NTSC, PAL
Printer interfaces: n/a​

Power Supply

Power source: Rechargeable Li-Ion battery D-LI90, D-BG5 Battery Grip (optional) with trays for 2nd D-Li90 battery or 6x AA batteries​

Recordable images:

Approx 720 (approx 560 w 50% flash, CIPA)
Playback time: Approx 370 min
Movie recording time: Approx 25 min (automatic overheat shutdown protection)​

AC adapter available: Yes - (optional) K-AC132

Physical Specs

Body dimensions (W x H x D): 5.17in x 3.94in x 3.05in
Body weight
Without battery or removable memory: 25.2 oz
Loaded and ready: 28.2 oz​

Construction material(s):

Magnesium alloy shell over metal chassis
Weather resistant: Yes (92 special sealing parts)
Operating temperature: 14-104°F (-10 to 40°C)​

Language Support

English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish,
Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Korean, Chinese
(Simplified/Traditional), Japanese​

Image Stabilization

Type: Sensor-Shift Shake Reduction with rotational compensation (3.5EV TBD)
Electronic level function: Yes, verification via viewfinder and LCD panel​

Metering System

Type: TTL open aperture metering using 86K pixel RGB sensor
Sensitivity range: EV -3 to 20 (ISO 100, 50mm F1.4)
Multi-Segment: Yes
Center weighted: Yes
Spot: Yes
Exposure compensation: +/- 5 EV (1/3 and 1/2 steps)
Exposure lock: Yes
Exposure bracketing: Yes (2, 3, or 5 frames, up to +/- 2 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps)​

ISO Sensitivity

Auto: ISO 100-51200 (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps), Auto ISO range selectable,
Bulb mode: Auto ISO n/a
Manual: 100-51200 (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps),​

White Balance

AUTO WB, Multi Auto WB,
Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent Light (D: Daylight Color, N:Daylight White, W:Cool White, L:Warm White), Tungsten Light, Flash, CTE,
Manual mode(s): Yes, Manual WB (up to 3 settings), Color Temperature Configuration (up to 3 settings), Copying the white balance setting of a captured image* WB fine adjustment available in all modes​

Shutter

Type: Electronically controlled, vertical-run, focal plane shutter
Shutter speed: 1/8000 to 30 sec (1/3 or 1/2 EV steps), Bulb​

Capture Modes

Mode selection: Green, Hyper Program (P), Sensitivity Priority (Sv), Shutter Priority (Tv), Aperture Priority (Av), Shutter & Aperture Priority (TAv), Metered Manual, Bulb, X-Speed, USER (3 presets).
Custom Image Modes: Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Bleach Bypass, Reversal Film, Monochrome, Cross Processing​

HDR:

Auto, HDR1, HDR2, HDR3, Exposure Bracket Value adjustable, Automatic composition correction function​

- All include gamut radar and fine adjustment of saturation, hue, high/low key, contrast, and sharpness (regular and fine adjustment scales). Monochrome mode includes adjustments for filter effects (green, yellow, orange, red, magenta, blue, cyan, infrared), toning (sepia, warm/cool), high/low key, contrast, and sharpness (regular, fine, and extra sharp adjustment scales).​

Green simplified mode available: Yes
P/A/S/M/B: P, A, S, M, B (extended modes Sv, TAv)
Date stamp: n/a​

Digital filters (capture):

Extract Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Unicolor Bold, Bold Monochrome​

Data record:

Folder name (standard, date), file name (standard, customizable), embed copyright.​

Drive Modes

Mode selection: Single, Continuous (H,M,L), Self-Timer (12s, 2s), Remote (0s, 3s, continuous), Exp. Bracketing (standard, timer, remote), Mirror up (standard, remote), HDR Capture (3 shots at 1EV, 2EV, or 3EV, 3 blend settings plus Auto, pixel alignment)
Multi-exposure: Composite Mode (Additive/Average/Bright) Number of Shots (2 to 2000 images), Interval 2000 shots, 2 sec to 24 hrs, time delay available)
Continuous FPS (JPG ★★★)
- Continuous H: Approx 8.3 FPS (60 JPG, 23 RAW)
- Continuous M: Approx 4.5 FPS (100 JPG, 32 RAW)
- Continuous L: Approx 3.0 FPS (200 JPG, 52 RAW)
Self-timer: Yes (12s, 2s)
Remote control: Yes, infrared (0s, 3s, continuous), cable switch​

Playback Modes

Mode selection: Single frame, multi-image display (6,12, 20, 35, 80 segmentation), display magnification (up to 16, 100% display and quick magnification available), rotating, histogram (Y histogram, RGB histogram), bright area warning, Auto Image Rotation, detailed info, Copyright Information (Photographer, Copyright holder), Folder Display, Calendar Filmstrip Display, Slide Show Mode pallet: Image Rotation, Digital Filter, Resize, Cropping, Slideshow, Save as Manual WB, RAW Development, Index Print, Protect, Movie Edit, Extract JPG from Movie, Magnification: up to 16X, scrollable, quick magnification.​

Digital filters (playback):

Base Parameter Adj, Extract Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Unicolor Bold, Bold Monochrome, Tone Expansion, Sketch, Water Color, Pastel, Posterization, Miniature, Soft, Starburst, Fish-eye, Slim​

File Formats

Still: RAW (PEF, DNG), JPG (EXIF 2.30), DCF 2.0 compliant
Movie: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264(MOV) - JPEG(AVI) for internal movie record​

Custom Functions: Functions available: 27

Battery Life

Power source: Rechargeable Li-Ion battery D-LI90, D-BG5 Battery Grip (optional) with trays for 2nd D-Li90 battery or 6x AA batteries

Recordable images: Approx 720 (approx 560 w 50% flash, CIPA)
Playback time: Approx 370 min
Movie recording time: Approx 25 min (automatic overheat shutdown protection)
AC adapter available: Yes - (optional) K-AC132​

Dimensions

5.17in x 3.94in x 3.05in​
 
What a great spec!

Don't think many Pentaxians will be waiting for a full frame now.

To be launched on the 9th.

Apparently the UK price will be £1099 and there will be offers.

SRS have a Pentax open day on Wednesday so you know what will be there. :D
 
wrong forum to get much interest here, but on paper it is a nice bump in specs, be interested to see how the new aa filter works in real life. If I hadn't just got married, Id be seriously considering this, but as the flash sync speed hasn't changed, it can be a long term planned upgrade as the DA 60-250 will be my next purchase. Good to see Pentax releasing a well thought out camera at what looks like a good price..
 
Maybe this camera will help, but this forum is mainly canikon now - search for Pentax and see the comments that get posted :-(
The K3 looks really good, but I moved a while back to a K30 from my K5 for the focus peaking for my manual glass so Im not under pressure to upgrade. Not to mention I so want the DA* 60-250, major lens lust at the moment, so will let prices drop and look at it next year, providing I can resist the FA31 as well :-)
 
If anyone is in Watford tomorrow then pop into SRS as they will have two K3's with grips to play with.
 
I can see me getting this, but only after I have the 60-250 and the FA31, so it will be a while off yet, but I think that this little beauty will carry on the reputation that the K5 started for small lightweight very capable DSLR's at a good price
 
Just been told that they have finally added autofocus to video. The new grip is also available for pre-order. The camera is due in early November.
 
Yup and the grip on Tuesday morning as soon as I saw the pre-order. Didn't need to wait for previews or reviews to know how good it will be as the spec and previous models do that. This will end up being the best dslr they've made and it may well get quite a few converts to Pentax. I've already got a good deal on part exchange so its not going to be a great hit on the pocket. Can't wait to get my hands on it. :D
 
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