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Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR Camera

BH #PEK3M3MBK • MFR #01195
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Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR Camera
Key Features
  • 25.7MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • SAFOX 13 101-Point Phase-Detection AF
  • 1.05x-Mag. Pentaprism Optical Viewfinder
  • 3.2" 1.62m-Dot Touchscreen LCD
Dedicated to the artistry of black and white photography, the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR Camera captures high-resolution images rich in gradation, enabling you to express a distinct view of the world in high-quality black and white images. The only monochrome-specific DSLR camera currently on the market, the camera's design integrates remarkable imaging performance and a host of advanced features in a compact and durable body.
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Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Overview

Dedicated to the artistry of black and white photography, the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR Camera captures high-resolution images rich in gradation, enabling you to express a distinct view of the world in high-quality black and white images. The only monochrome-specific DSLR camera currently on the market, the camera's design integrates remarkable imaging performance and a host of advanced features in a compact and durable body.

Utilizing a newly-developed image sensor, this camera features three custom image modes exclusively designed for the monochrome-specific image sensor: Standard, Hard, and Soft. Each mode provides minute adjustments of parameters such as tone, key, contrast, and sharpness, allowing you to personalize images for the desired look. The exterior design of the camera has also been customized to reflect its monochrome capabilities. Design features include white backlight illumination on the LCD data panel, "Monochrome" lettering printed on the upper-left shoulder of the back panel, the SR (Shake Reduction) logo finished in silver, a menu screen featuring a black and white visual scheme as default, and icons printed on buttons and switches across the camera's exterior finished in three shades of gray.

Monochrome-Specific CMOS Image Sensor
Incorporating an APS-C-format 25.7MP CMOS sensor, the K-3 Mark III Monochrome is designed without an AA (anti-aliasing) filter for exceptional sharpness, and the monochrome-specific image sensor faithfully reflects the brightness data obtained by each pixel to produce exquisite high-resolution images rich in gradation. An ISO range of 200-1600000 allows the camera to perform in a variety of lighting conditions, and the sensor is paired with a sophisticated image processor to provide quick performance and processing when shooting both stills and video.
SR II In-Body Shake Reduction
Distinct among DSLRs, an advanced 5-axis SR II Shake Reduction system provides 5.5 stop-effective image stabilization performance with select lenses. This in-body IS system helps to greatly reduce the appearance of camera shake when shooting handheld with slower shutter speeds, making it easier to work in more difficult lighting conditions.
SAFOX 13 Phase-Detection AF
Updated with more points and improved coverage, the SAFOX 13 autofocus sensor is a phase-detection focusing system that uses 101 individual points, including 25 cross-type sensors in the middle of the image frame. This array benefits focusing speed and accuracy in a variety of lighting conditions, down to -3 EV.
Body Design
  • Large and bright optical pentaprism viewfinder provides an impressive 1.05x magnification and covers 100% of the image frame for clear and accurate eye-level viewing.
  • Rear 3.2" 1.62m-dot touchscreen LCD is a large and bright means for image review, menu navigation, and live view shooting. This screen is also benefitted by a Night Vision function that adjusts the screen's brightness depending on the shooting conditions.
  • Typical of Pentax's designs, a sturdy and weather-resistant construction is featured for use in trying weather conditions. The chassis is built from lightweight-yet-durable magnesium alloy and is fitted with a series of dust- and moisture-resistant seals to protect against various weather conditions.
  • Both 3.5mm microphone and headphone ports are featured to benefit audio performance while recording video.
  • Included D-LI90 rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides approximately 800 shots per charge and the camera's USB-C port can be used for in-body battery charging.
  • Dual SD memory card slots offer flexible storage capabilities, and the first card slot is compatible with the UHS-II standard for faster transfer speeds.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity can be used to wirelessly share imagery or remotely control the camera via the Image Sync mobile app.
UPC: 027075305373

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Specs

Key Specs
Lens Mount
Pentax K
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 26.78 Megapixel
Effective: 25.73 Megapixel (6192 x 4128)
Image Sensor
23.3 x 15.5 mm (APS-C) CMOS
Image Stabilization
Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
ISO/Gain Sensitivity
Native: 200 to 1,600,000
Internal Recording
H.264/MOV
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/29.97 fps
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/29.97/59.94 fps
Video Output
No
Media/Memory Card Slot
Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Video I/O
1x Micro-HDMI Output
Audio I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input
Power I/O
1x USB-C Input/Output
Other I/O
1x 2.5 mm Sub-Mini Remote Input
1x PC Flash Sync Output
1x USB-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 1) Data Input/Output (Shared with Power Input)
Wireless
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 4.2
Display Type
Fixed Touchscreen LCD
Battery
1x D-LI90 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1860 mAh (Included)
 • Approx. 800 Shots
Imaging
Lens Mount
Pentax K
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 26.78 Megapixel
Effective: 25.73 Megapixel (6192 x 4128)
Image Sensor
23.3 x 15.5 mm (APS-C) CMOS
Sensor Crop (35mm Equivalent)
Crop Factor: 1.5x 
Image Stabilization
Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
Built-In ND Filter
No
Capture Type
Stills & Video
Exposure Control
Shutter Type
Mechanical Focal Plane Shutter and Electronic Rolling Shutter 
Shutter Speed
Electronic Shutter
1/16000 to 30 Seconds
Mechanical Shutter
1/8000 to 30 Seconds
Bulb/Time Mode
Bulb & Time Mode (Up to 20 Minutes)
ISO/Gain Sensitivity
Native: 200 to 1,600,000
Metering Method
Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Multi-Zone, Spot
Exposure Modes
Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority
Exposure Compensation
-5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)
Metering Range
-2 to 21 EV
White Balance
Presets: Auto, CTE, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Daylight, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Manual, Multi Auto WB, Shade, Tungsten
Continuous Shooting
Up to 12 fps at Maximum Resolution for up to 32 Frames (Raw) / 55 Frames (JPEG)
Interval Recording
Yes
Self-Timer
2/12-Second Delay
Still Image Capture
Aspect Ratio
3:2
Image File Format
DNG, JPEG, Raw
Bit Depth
14-Bit
Video Capture
Internal Recording
H.264/MOV
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/29.97 fps
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/29.97/59.94 fps
Video Output
No
Fast-/Slow-Motion Support
No
Recording Limit
25-Minute Maximum
IP Streaming
No
Built-In Microphone
Stereo
Interface
Media/Memory Card Slot
Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Video I/O
1x Micro-HDMI Output
Audio I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input
Power I/O
1x USB-C Input/Output
Other I/O
1x 2.5 mm Sub-Mini Remote Input
1x PC Flash Sync Output
1x USB-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 1) Data Input/Output (Shared with Power Input)
Wireless
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 4.2
Mobile App Compatible
Yes: Android & iOS
App Name: Image Sync
Functionality: Access Stored Files, Remote Control
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.)
GPS
*Adapter Required
Monitor
Display Size
3.2"
Resolution
1,620,000 Dot
Display Type
Fixed Touchscreen LCD
Secondary Display
Top: Status Display
Viewfinder
Type
Optical (Pentaprism)
Eye Point
20.5 mm
Coverage
100%
Magnification
Approx. 1.05x
Diopter Adjustment
-4 to +1
Focus
Focus Type
Auto and Manual Focus
Focus Mode
Continuous-Servo AF, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AF
Autofocus Points
Phase Detection: 101 (25 Cross-Type)
Autofocus Sensitivity
-3 to +19 EV
Flash
Built-In Flash/Light
No
Flash Modes
Auto, Auto/Red-Eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On w/ Red-Eye Reduction, Hi-Speed Sync, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-Eye Reduction, TTL Auto, Wireless
Maximum Sync Speed
1/200 Second
Flash Compensation
-2 to +1 EV
Dedicated Flash System
P-TTL
External Flash Connection
PC Terminal
General
Battery
1x D-LI90 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1860 mAh (Included)
 • Approx. 800 Shots
Shoe Mount
1x Hot Shoe
Tripod Mounting Thread
1x 1/4"-20 Female (Bottom)
Material of Construction
Magnesium Alloy
Operating Conditions
14 to 104°F / -10 to 40°C up to 85% Humidity
Dimensions (W x H x D)
5.3 x 4.1 x 2.9" / 134.5 x 103.5 x 73.5 mm
Weight
1.6 lb / 735 g (Body Only)
1.8 lb / 820 g (With Battery, Recording Media)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
3.045 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
8.3 x 6.9 x 5.1"

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Reviews

Worth every penny!

By Tim
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-06-26

I've only had this camera for a couple of weeks but have come to love what it brings to my photography. I also own a Pentax K1/II and K3/III, so was not sure that I would get the best bang for the buck with the Monochrome, but am very happy that I added it to the collection. Using the Monochrome changes how I shoot. It changes how I look at the subjects. I've compared the K1 and color K3 images changed from color to mono and there is a lot more tonality and clarity to the Monochrome images.

a BLACK and White Camera?

By TERRY
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-04-10

Sounds weird a Monochrome only camera but it may not be for everyone but those of us that grew up loading cassettes and shooting B&W film will be right at home with it. I'm not saying that its and easy camera to learn bas it will take a little time to learn all of the buttons and what they do but I believe you can teach and old dog new tricks. I haven't gotten a chance to really use it except some quick sessions here and there as I am moving but plan on really getting back to my roots as soon as possible. I realize that are digital cameras can shoot the same mode but they just aren't the same dog and this really the way to shoot B&W photos. The camera seems very well made and handles well, all controls are within easy reach when you learn where they are, I like it , I didn't need it but if you want to shoot B&W this is the way to go as you don't have the temptation of switching midstream to color you are stuck with monochrome only. I normally buy a camera strap and not use the one they supply but this brought back so many memories of the old days that I still have two of my old leather straps from my film cameras and one of them is on this camera now. Look here 's the thing if you lie B&W and are serious about it then go for it but if you aren't sure, don't waste your money and try it in your digital camera to see if you really like it first. Would I have purchased the Pentax if Canon of Fuji would have one, probably not as now I am having to buy Canon, Fuji and Pentax lenses. I am happy with it, I need another one or two lenses and I will be done with the system.

See any errors on this page?

Are the filters such as red, yellow or green ...

Are the filters such as red, yellow or green built in? Dennis
Asked by: Dennis
While the K-3 III can apply digital filters, as there is no RGB filter on the sensor, the camera only records light intensity without any colour information. If you need to adjust the colour rendition before you take a photo you will need to use colour filters on the lens.
Answered by: Chris
Date published: 2024-01-27

Is there a magnified live mode to aid manual ...

Is there a magnified live mode to aid manual focusing? (Especially useful at night for astrophotography.)
Asked by: Hampton
The Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR Camera has no magnified live mode.
Answered by: Lawrence C
Date published: 2024-03-28

Any chance there's an adapter to use L mount ...

Any chance there's an adapter to use L mount lenses on this?
Asked by: James
No, the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR Camera can not be connected to L-mount lenses. There are no adapters to connect L lenses to a Pentax K-mount camera body.
Answered by: Llinelva D
Date published: 2024-04-10

Is the 4K video captured with full sensor width, ...

Is the 4K video captured with full sensor width, or the central 3840x2160 pixels?
Asked by: Hampton
The Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR Camera does not capture 4K video with the full sensor. It is captured with a 1.5x crop on the sensor.
Answered by: Tim Z
Date published: 2024-03-28

Will this camera just shoot black and white or ...

Will this camera just shoot black and white or will it take color to?
Asked by: Christopher
Black and White ONLY! the RGB colour rilter on the sensor has been removed so there is NO colour information records by the sensor, just light intensity.
Answered by: Chris
Date published: 2024-11-10

Any adapter to use nikon lenses in this camera?

Any adapter to use nikon lenses in this camera?
Asked by: Patricio
Regarding an adapter to use Nikon lenses on the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR Camera, you can try the Urth Manual Lens Mount Adapter for Nikon F-Mount Lens to K-Mount Camera Body; however, this will only work for a manual lens (no autofocusing).
Answered by: Elliot
Date published: 2024-07-03

Can this camera be attached to a telescope with a ...

Can this camera be attached to a telescope with a T Adapter? Any settings to adjust to allow shutter release w/out a lens?
Asked by: Hampton
The Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR Camera can be attached to a telescope with a T adapter. Without a lens shutter speed can't be adjusted.
Answered by: Samik G
Date published: 2024-03-28

Fujifilm X Mount Lenses to pentax k 3 mark iii ...

Fujifilm X Mount Lenses to pentax k 3 mark iii monochrome camera. Possible with an adapter?
Asked by: Petrus Nicolaas
Unfortunately, there is no adapter for Fuji X mount lens to Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome DSLR Camera.
Answered by: Daniel C
Date published: 2024-01-10
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