Camera Basics
Camera Choosing
Camera Models
Camera Buying
DSLR Buying
Pentax K-3 Samples
24 Megapixels
Single Lens Reflex
High ISO: ISO 6400 or more is available at full-resolution.
Stabilization: Compensates for tiny involuntary movements of the camera.
Automatic Level: Corrects for some degree of tilt to keep the horizon level.
Continuous Drive
Full 1080p HD Video: 1920 x 1080 resolution or more but less than 4K.
Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).
Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.
Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.
Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.
Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.
Spot Metering
Depth-Of-Field Preview: Improve perception of DOF before shooting.
Weatherproof - Seals protect from dust, humidity and light splashing.
Accepts Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), SDHC and SD memory.
Neocamera detailed review
Discontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.
1 - Images2 - Indoor Crops3 - Comparative CropsAPS-C vs Full-Frame
Current DSLRs are available in two sensor-sizes: APS-C or Full-Frame. The former has a smaller sensor which is 1.5X smaller diagonally compared to the latter which has the same sensor-size as 35mm film. Pentax makes APS-C DSLRs only, while Nikon and Canon make DSLRs with either size of sensor. Technically, Canon APS-C cameras have slightly smaller sensors, 1.6X smaller compared to full-frame.
Full-frame DSLRs are theoretically advantegeous since their larger sensors let them collect more light per area. Practically speaking, technology and sensor-design plays a huge role in sensor-performance. We compare the K-3 versus the Nikon D610
Nikon D610 to evaluate the real-life performance difference among state-of-the-art DSLRs.
| Pentax K-3 | Nikon D610 |
 ISO 50 |
|
 ISO 100 |
 ISO 100 |
 ISO 200 |
 ISO 200 |
 ISO 400 |
 ISO 400 |
 ISO 800 |
 ISO 800 |
 ISO 1600 |
 ISO 1600 |
 ISO 3200 |
 ISO 3200 |
 ISO 6400 |
 ISO 6400 |
 ISO 12800 |
 ISO 12800 |
 ISO 25600 |
 ISO 25600 |
 ISO 51200 |
The above 100% crops show that image-noise is nearly identical at low sensitivities. By ISO 1600 though, the full-frame advantage becomes clear. The difference widens towards the end of the range but never exceeds a full stop. This is an excellent performance for the K-3 which shows that it is equally usable for low-ISO but full-frame cameras are better for low-light hand-held photography.
Note that sharpness appears quite different. There are two reasons for that. The main is optics. The lens in use on the K-3 is an ultra-sharp prime while the D610 used a variable aperture zoom. This underlies the importance of quality lenses. The second reason is a different JPEG rendering engine. Pentax uses superior sharpening to produce crisper edges before introducing artifacts.
 |
 
 
|
1 - Images2 - Indoor Crops3 - Comparative Crops
Pentax K-3 Highlights
SLR digital cameraSensor-Size: 24 x 16mm
Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI
| 24 Megapixels DSLR | ISO 100-51200 |
| Pentax K Mount 1.5X FLM | Shutter 1/8000-30s |
| 3-Axis Built-in Stabilization, 3.5-Stop Improvement | Full manual controls, including Manual Focus |
| 100% Coverage Large Viewfinder | Custom white-balance with 2 axis fine-tuning |
| Auto Horizon Correction 2 Axis Digital Level | Spot-Metering |
| Weatherproof down to -10C | Hot-Shoe & Sync-Port |
| Built-in Dust Reduction | Stereo audio input |
| 8.3 FPS Drive, 60 Images | Lithium-Ion Battery |
| 1920x1080 @ 30 FPS Video Recording | Secure Digital Extended Capacity x 2 |
| 3.2" LCD 1 Megapixels |
Camera Bag
Your camera bag is empty. To add a camera or lens click on the star next to its name.
Your camera bag is empty.
Add cameras or lenses by clicking on the star next to their name.
Updates
2020.09.08
Fujifilm X-T4 Review
Fujifilm APS-C flasghip mirrorless with 5-axis builtin stabilization mechanism using the same high-speed 26 MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor as the X-T3. New 15 FPS mechanical shutter and builtin HDR. Professional mirrorless with mechanical controls, dual control-dials, dual memory-card lots, a built EVF with Eye-Start Sensor and a huge feature set.
2020.08.04
Canon RF-Lens Info
Info on all Canon native RF-mount lenses added to the Canon EOS R5 preview.
2020.08.03
Canon EOS R5 Preview
Preview of the Canon EOS R5 flagship Full-Frame Mirrorless with 45 MP sensor on a 5-axis stabilization system effective to 8-stops. First 8K video capable digital camera. 20 FPS electronic and 12 FPS mechanical drive.
2020.07.22
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Review
Third-Generation OM-D that packs a 20 MP Four-Thirds CMOS on a 5-Axis Stabilization System. Fast 121-Point Phase-Detect AF, 30 FPS Continuous Drive, Cinema 4K Video and more in a weatherproof and freezeproof body. Features dual control-dials and a builtin 2.4 MP EVF with Eye-Start Sensor with 0.69X magnification and 100% coverage.
2020.07.07
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III Review
20 MP Micro Four-Thirds Mirrorless with 7-Stop 5-Axis Image-Stabilization, 121-Point Phase-Detect AF 30 FPS Continuous Drive and Cinema 4K capability in a weatherproof and freezeproof body with dual control-dials and dual SDXC memory card slots.
2020.07.03
M.Zuiko 12-45mm F/4 PRO Review
A review of the M.Zuiko 12-45mm F/4 PRO added to the Olympus Premium Lens Roundup.
2020.05.05
Peak Design Travel Tripod Review
Review of the unique Peak Design Travel Tripod with its own ballhead and the universal ballhead adapter.
2020.04.15
Nikon Z-Mount DX Lens Roundup
Review of Nikon Z-Mount lenses for APS-C mirrorless digital cameras. Covers all current Z-mount DX lenses available.
2020.03.25
Nikon Z50 Review
The first Nikon APS-C mirrorless is built around a 20 MP BSI-CMOS sensor with ISO 100-204800, 209-Point Phase-Detect AF, 11 FPS Drive and 4K Video capability. Compact body with dual control-dials and 2.4 MP 0.39" EVF with 0.68X magnification, 100% coverage and an Eye-Start Sensor.
2020.02.08
Mirrorless Digital Camera Buying Guide 2020
The Mirrorless Digital Camera Buying Guide was fully rewritten for 2020, including all new systems from Nikon, Canon and Leica joined by Panasonic and Sigma. This new extensive 2020 Edition shows in 5 simple steps how to choose a mirrorless camera.
