New Pentax Flagship dSLR, alas not Full-Frame

New PENTAX K-3 advanced enthusiast DSLR features 24 megapixel sensor, selectable anti-aliasing filter and fast 8.3 frames per second frame rate

October 7, 2013 – Ricoh Imaging
Americas Corporation (Ricoh Imaging) is pleased to establish a new standard
of performance with the debut of the PENTAX K-3 advanced enthusiast DSLR. As
the Premiere DSLR in Ricoh Imaging’s robust and full-featured APS-C lineup, the
PENTAX K-3 brings unparalleled technology and advanced specifications
presenting photographers with a solution that raises the bar while removing
limitations.

Elevating standard performance, the PENTAX K-3 boasts a 24 megapixel APS-C
CMOS sensor, incredibly fast 8.3 fps (frames per second) frame rate, innovative
selectable anti-aliasing (AA) filter technology and outstanding HD video
performance; all while giving demanding photographers dual card slots for quick
and easy image recording and seamless wireless remote capture and image
transfer capabilities.



 

 

 

“Ricoh Imaging has made an investment to ensure that our product lineup
features the most complete and capable APS-C offering in our history,” said Jim
Malcolm, Executive Vice President, Ricoh Imaging.  “This goal was realized
with the introduction of the K-3. Its unmatched feature set and revolutionary
technology set a benchmark of excellence that raises the bar for the entire
APS-C category.”

 



Housed in the PENTAX K-3’s sleek and ergonomic body is a host of
cutting-edge technology including the innovative and proprietary selectable AA
filter which allows photographers to toggle anti-aliasing functionality on or
off using the lauded PENTAX SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism. This breakthrough
in imaging technology empowers photographers to retain greater control of image
output while eliminating the need to commit to supreme resolution or superior
moiré control by providing both options in a single camera body. Also new to
the PENTAX K-3, and the APS-C category, is the PENTAX FLU SDHC memory card that
delivers wireless connectivity with unprecedented functionality to a compatible
PC or connected device via a web browser. Using this advanced technology,
photographers are able to perform a variety of functions including inspect a live-view
image, release the K-3’s shutter, shift the AF sensor point, and check images
recorded on the card using any connected device with a web browser. And, thanks
to its SD card-based, internal placement the PENTAX K-3 retains its
weather-resistant, moisture-tight capabilities with no protruding devices
preventing door closure.



 

 
The K-3 also features an enhanced video recording experience including the
ability to change from still image to video recording with the flip of a
dedicated switch to capture full HD movie recording in H.264 format. The K-3
comes equipped with a headphone terminal and stereo mic terminal for external
microphone connection. The user can also adjust the audio recording level
manually and monitor sound levels during recording. In addition to a variety of
creative special-effect modes, the K-3 also provides an upgraded interval movie
mode, which captures a series of 4K-resolution movie clips (3840 x 2160 pixels)
at a fixed interval.

Rounding out the new and advanced capabilities offered in the PENTAX K-3 is
a newly designed autofocus module, SAFOX11, which boasts 27 AF sensors and high
light-sensitivity, covering a wide AF working range of –3EV to +18EV.
Finally, the new Real-Time Scene Analysis System features an 86,000 pixel RGB
light-metering sensor and improved algorithms that further enhance the accuracy
of exposure, white balance and auto-focusing.

Pricing and Availability

The PENTAX K-3 will be available for purchase  at retailers nationwide in November 2013 for a suggested retail price of CAD $1,299.95.



The PENTAX K-3 Premium Silver Edition* will also be made available in a limited quantity with only 2,000 units being offered worldwide. This limited-edition model features a silver body with a silver BG-5 battery grip designed exclusively for the K-3, making it a perfect match for the silver HD PENTAX DA Limited lens series, which is designed for unrivaled
image rendering. This special package also includes an exclusive leather strap and silver
D-BG5 battery grip. The PENTAX K-3 Premium Silver Edition will be available for purchase at retailers nationwide in November 2013 for a suggested retail price of $ 1,599.95.

To learn more about Ricoh Imaging’s unmatched lineup of APS-C DLSRs and
lenses as well as other Ricoh Imaging products, please visit Ricoh-Pentax Canada

 

* The specifications of this limited-edition model are identical to those
of the PENTAX K-3.

Pentax K-3 specifications

Price
MSRP	$1299 body only, $1699 with 18-135 WR lens, $1599 for limited edition silver body
Body type
Body type	Mid-size SLR
Body material	Magnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution	6016 x 4000
Other resolutions	4608 x 3072, 3072 x 2048, 1920 x 1080
Image ratio w:h	3:2
Effective pixels	24 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	25 megapixels
Sensor size	APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor type	CMOS
Processor	Prime III
Color space	sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array	Primary Color Filter
Image
ISO	Auto, 100 - 51200
White balance presets	9
Custom white balance	Yes (3)
Image stabilization	Sensor-shift
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Best, better, good
File format	RAW 14 bits (PEF, DNG) JPEG (Exif 2.3) DCF 2.0
Optics & Focus
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi-area Center Selective single-point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection Live View
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Digital zoom	No
Manual focus	Yes
Number of focus points	27
Lens mount	Pentax KAF2 mount
Focal length multiplier	1.5×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3.20″
Screen dots	1,037,000
Touch screen	No
Screen type	TFT LCD monitor
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage	100%
Viewfinder magnification	0.95×
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	30 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/8000 sec
Exposure modes	Green Hyper Program (P) Sensitivity Priority (Sv) Shutter Priority (Tv) Aperture Priority (Av) Shutter and Aperture Priority (TAv) Metered Manual (M) Bulb X-Speed User (3)
Built-in flash	Yes (Pop-up)
Flash range	13.00 m (at ISO 100)
External flash	Yes (Hot-shoe, Wireless)
Flash modes	Auto, on, off, red-eye, slow sync, slow sync + red-eye, trailing curtain sync, high speed, wireless, manual
Flash X sync speed	1/180 sec
Drive modes	Single Continuous shooting (Hi, Med, Lo) Self-timer (2 or 12 sec) Remote control (0 or 3 sec, or continuous) Exposure bracketing Mirror lockup HDR capture
Self-timer	Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds)
Metering modes	Multi Center-weighted Spot
Exposure compensation	±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	±2 (2, 3, 5 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	No
Videography features
Format	MPEG-4 H.264
Microphone	Mono
Speaker	Mono
Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p)
Storage
Storage types	Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity
USB	USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
HDMI	Yes (mini)
Remote control	Yes (optional, wired or wireless)
Physical
Environmentally sealed	Yes (Weather and dust resistant)
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	Lithium-Ion D-LI90 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	560
Weight (inc. batteries)	800 g (1.76 lb / 28.22 oz)
Dimensions	131 x 100 x 77 mm (5.16 x 3.94 x 3.03″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes (up to 9999 pictures)
GPS	Optional
GPS notes	O-GPS1