Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Review

Name: Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome
Brand: Pentax

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Main Features

26MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor

No Optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter

ISO 100 - 1600000

Sensor-shift Image Stabilization

3.20" Fixed Type Screen

Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder

12.0fps continuous shooting

4K at 30fps and FHD at 60fps Video Recording

Built-in Wireless

820g. 135 x 104 x 74 mm

Weather-sealed Body

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Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Overview

First introduced in April 2023 , Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome is a 26.0MP Advanced DSLR camera with a APS-C (23 x 15.5 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization, weather-sealed body and Pentax KAF2 lens mount.

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Review - Click for Table of Contents

Overview
Pros and Cons
Lens Mount and Lenses
Sensor and Photography Features
Physical Specs
LCD and Viewfinder
Connectivity, Storage and Battery
Video
Other Features
Photography Type Scores
Alternatives
Popular Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Specifications

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome is the latest member of Pentax's K-3 series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

Pentax K-3 Series History

Model	Release Date	Sensor	Dimensions	Weight
Pentax K-3 III Monochrome	2023	26.0MP - APS-C	135 x 104 x 74mm	820g
Pentax K-3 III Compare	2021	26.0MP - APS-C	135 x 104 x 74mm	820g
Pentax K-3 II Compare	2015	24.0MP - APS-C	131 x 100 x 77mm	800g
Pentax K-3 Compare	2014	24.0MP - APS-C	131 x 100 x 77mm	800g

Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side-by-side:
Pentax K-3 III Monochrome vs K-3 III vs K-3 II vs K-3

**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome PROs and CONs Review

Now let's get in to more details of our Pentax K-3 III Monochrome review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

PROs

Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)

Bluetooth Connectivity

Image Stabilization

4K at 30fps and FHD at 60fps Video Recording

Touch Screen

Optical Built-in Viewfinder

Face Detection Focusing

26.0MP - High Resolution Sensor

1.600.000 Max ISO

101 Focus Points

Large 3.20" Screen

1.620k dots LCD Resolution

1/8000s High Shutter Speed

1/16000s Electronic Shutter Speed

12.0fps Max Continuous Shooting Speed

Long Battery Life (800 shots)

External Microphone Port

External Headphone Port

Environmental Sealing

Timelapse Recording

0.7x magnification - Large Viewfinder

25 Cross Type Focus Points

2 Storage Slots

Top LCD Display

Wide AE Bracketing Range: ±5 EV

Flash Sync Port

AF Micro Adjustment (Fine Tune)

Sensor Shift High Resolution Mode

Anti Alias Filter Simulator

Dual-axis Electronic Level

Remote control with a smartphone

EV -4 Focus Sensitivity

Compatible with fast UHS-II cards

USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)

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Buy Pentax K-3 III Monochrome from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO

CONs

No Articulating Screen

Heavy Body: 820g

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Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Physical Specs

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome weighs 820 g (1.81 lb / 28.92 oz) and has external dimensions of 135 x 104 x 74 mm (5.31 x 4.09 x 2.91″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR type cameras is 773g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 74mm, it also has an average thickness.

Weight Comparison

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Pentax K-3 III Monochrome

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Thickness Comparison

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Here is the front and top view image of Pentax K-3 III Monochrome with the dimensions:

Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Camera Body

In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Pentax K-3 III Monochrome, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.

Physical size of the Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Pentax K-3 III Monochrome with its main competitors:

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs K-3 III Monochrome	Thickness	vs K-3 III Monochrome
Leica M11 Monochrome Compare	640g	180g lighter	39mm	35mm thinner
Pentax K-3 Compare	800g	20g lighter	77mm	3mm thicker
Pentax K-3 III Compare	820g	equal weight	74mm	equal thickness
Fujifilm X-T5 Compare	557g	263g lighter	64mm	10mm thinner
Leica Q2 Monochrom Compare	734g	86g lighter	92mm	18mm thicker
Nikon D7500 Compare	720g	100g lighter	73mm	1mm thinner
Pentax KF Compare	684g	136g lighter	74mm	equal thickness
Nikon D780 Compare	840g	20g heavier	76mm	2mm thicker

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Size Comparison Video

Weather Sealing

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome has environmental sealings on its body which makes it a weather resistant camera, providing resistance against the water and dust getting in to the camera. If you like outdoors photography and want to be able to use your camera in extreme conditions, Pentax K-3 III Monochrome will serve you well. If you attach one of these Pentax K-3 III Monochrome weather-sealed lenses to your camera, you will have a great all weather kit.

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Lens Mount and Lenses

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome has a Pentax KAF2 lens mount and currently there are 163 native lenses available for this mount. Pentax K mount has backward compatibility for all the K mount lenses produced since 1975 so Pentax users has access to a large selection of manual era native lenses in addition to the modern AF lenses.

K-3 III Monochrome also has a Sensor based Image Stabilization system which means that all of these lenses will be stabilized when used on K-3 III Monochrome. Pentax claims that the image stabilization of K-3 III Monochrome is effective up to 5.5 stops. Sensor based image stabilization is one of the most useful features that you can have in an ILC.

Weather-sealed Lenses for Pentax K-3 III Monochrome

There are 27 lenses with weather sealing for Pentax K-3 III Monochrome that you can couple with its weather-sealed body.

Here are some of the most popular Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Lenses on Camera Decision:

Popular Pentax KAF2 Mount Lenses for Pentax K-3 III Monochrome

Model	Focal Length equiv.	Coverage	Weight	Focusing	Street Price
Pentax D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6 ED DC AW	225-675mm	35mm FF	2000gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM	225-750mm	35mm FF	1780gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
HD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR	82.5-450mm	APS-C / DX	466gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax DA 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW	24-75mm	APS-C / DX	712gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR	75-300mm	APS-C / DX	285gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE	27-75mm	APS-C / DX	158gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE	82.5-450mm	APS-C / DX	471gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
Pentax smc DA 18-270mm F3.5-6.3 ED SDM	27-405mm	APS-C / DX	453gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo

Here you can find the lenses that are compatible with K-3 III Monochrome classified by suitability to certain photography types:

Check our Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Lenses page for more detailed lens search.

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Sensor and Photography Features

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome has a 26.0MP APS-C (23 x 15.5 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features PRIME V processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 6192 x 4128 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. K-3 III Monochrome has a native ISO range of 100 - 1600000 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome is not the highest resolution APS-C camera. Fujifilm X-T5 with its 40.2MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Pentax K-3 III Monochrome vs Fujifilm X-T5 or take a look at Highest resolution DSLR cameras list.

High Resolution Mode

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome has a special High Resolution mode where the camera takes multiple images of a scene while moving its sensor using the sensor shift image stabilization system and combine them automatically to create a much higher resolution image. This feature works best with static scenes and using a tripod is a must to minimize stitching artifacts.

Anti-Aliasing Filter

Another important feature about Pentax K-3 III Monochrome's sensor is the lack of anti-alias (Low-pass) filter. Removing anti-aliasing filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but on the other side it also increases the chance of moiré occurring in certain scenes. But wait! K-3 III Monochrome takes care of this problem for you. It has a unique and adjustable Anti-Aliasing Filter Simulator mode which can create the effects of a Low Pass filter electronically when you want to avoid moiré.

Let's look at how the size of the Pentax K-3 III Monochrome's APS-C sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Comparison image of Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Sensor Size with other standard sensors

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome LCD and Viewfinder

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome has a Fixed Type 3.20-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1,620k dots. The Pentax K-3 III Monochrome's 3.20" screen is larger than average and its resolution is up to the class standarts.

LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

Unfortunately Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best DSLR Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.

K-3 III Monochrome has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a coverage of 100% and a magnification ratio of 0.7x. 100% coverage ensures that what you see in the viewfinder while shooting matches exactly what you will get later in your image, helping accurate framing your shots and minimizes the need for cropping images later.

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Connectivity, Storage and Battery

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection. Pentax K-3 III Monochrome's Bluetooth connectivity feature comes handy for connecting other devices that supports it. One other feature that we like is the ability to use our smartphone as a remote to control our K-3 III Monochrome. You can change camera settings, release shutter, view LCD screen and tranfer files using remote control app.

You can connect K-3 III Monochrome to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) port.

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Battery

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome is powered by D-LI90 battery which provides a battery life of 800 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR type cameras is 943 shots, Pentax K-3 III Monochrome has a short battery life for its class so we strongly recommend K-3 III Monochrome owners to invest in some extra batteries.

Battery Life Comparison in Advanced DSLR Cameras

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome

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Max

Nikon D780 with its 2260shots is the model with longest battery life among Advanced DSLR cameras. Check the comparison of Pentax K-3 III Monochrome vs Nikon D780 or take a look at Longest Battery Life DSLR cameras list.

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Leica M11 Monochrome Compare	None	700shots	Yes	No	No
Pentax K-3 Compare	1920 x 1080	560shots	No	No	No
Pentax K-3 III Compare	3840 x 2160	800shots	Yes	Yes	No
Fujifilm X-T5 Compare	6240 x 4160	580shots	Yes	Yes	No
Leica Q2 Monochrom Compare	4096 x 2160	350shots	Yes	Yes	No
Nikon D7500 Compare	3840 x 2160	950shots	Yes	Yes	No
Pentax KF Compare	1920 x 1080	410shots	Yes	No	No
Nikon D780 Compare	3840 x 2160	2260shots	Yes	Yes	No

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Video Features

With Pentax K-3 III Monochrome, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 3840 x 2160 at 30p, 24p fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Pentax K-3 III Monochrome's 4K is the common standard resolution in consumer video world.
It is also a big step up from its predecessor which has a max video resolution of only. If you are thinking of upgrading your and shoot a lot of video, this is a big factor to consider in favor of K-3 III Monochrome.

Microphones, Speaker and Headphone Connections

Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. Pentax K-3 III Monochrome also has a port for an external microphone and a headphone port for connecting external headphones which make Pentax K-3 III Monochrome a very suitable camera high quality videography.

If you are getting into videography and want to know what are the must-have video accessories for your camera, read our article:
Essential Videography / Filmmaking Accessories for your Camera

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome can shoot continuously at max speed of 12.0 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/8000 sec. K-3 III Monochrome also has an electronic shutter which can shoot silently at max speed of 1/16000s. One thing to keep in mind is that electronic shutter may cause rolling shutter / jello effects, and also banding issues under artificial light on your images.

Flash

Unfortunately K-3 III Monochrome doesn't have a built-in flash but it has a flash shoe for mounting external flashes.

Focusing

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 101 focus points and 25 of these sensors are of Cross-type. Cross-type sensors locks focus faster and more accurate compared to single type sensors.

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

What type of Photography is Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Good for?

In this section, we review and score Pentax K-3 III Monochrome in 5 different photography areas.

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome for Portrait Photography

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome has a score of 68 for Portrait Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Portrait Photography list.

Large APS-C (23 x 15.5 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 26.0MP
Image Stabilization

Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling

Read the details of how we scored Pentax K-3 III Monochrome for Portrait Photography

Check the Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Portrait Photography

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome for Street Photography

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome has a score of 83 for Street Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.

Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing

Image Stabilization
Large APS-C (23 x 15.5 mm) sensor
Large Body

Read the details of how we scored Pentax K-3 III Monochrome for Street Photography

Check the Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Street Photography

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome for Sports Photography

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome has a score of 92 for Sports Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.

Fast Continuous Shooting: 12.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
25 Cross Type Focus sensors
101 Focus Points
Good Battery Life: 800 shots

Good Low Light ISO
Wireless Connection
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Image Stabilization

Read the details of how we scored Pentax K-3 III Monochrome for Sports Photography

Check the Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Sports Photography

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome for Daily Photography

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome has a score of 70 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Daily Photography list.

Environmental Sealings
Large APS-C (23 x 15.5 mm) sensor
Large Body

820g
Body Thickness 74mm

Read the details of how we scored Pentax K-3 III Monochrome for Daily Photography

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome for Landscape Photography

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome has a score of 45 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography list.

Live-view
Large APS-C (23 x 15.5 mm) sensor

Very High Resolution Sensor: 26.0MP
Environmental Sealings

Read the details of how we scored Pentax K-3 III Monochrome for Landscape Photography

Check the Best Pentax KAF Mount Lenses for Landscape Photography

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Pentax K-3 III Monochrome compares with other DSLR cameras within a similar price range.

Read a more detailed analysis of Pentax K-3 III Monochrome alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Pentax K-3 III Monochrome

Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Pentax K-3 III Monochrome amongst Camera Decision readers.

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Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare Pentax K-3 III Monochrome with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Pentax K-3 III Monochrome's price range.

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Pentax K-3 III Monochrome Conclusion and Scores

Currently, Pentax K-3 III Monochrome has an Overall Score of 85/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome is ranked #5 out of 210 in DSLR cameras (Top 20 DSLR), and ranked #42 out of 1268 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

#42 out of 1268 in Top Ranking Cameras
#5 out of 210 in Top Ranking DSLR Cameras
#5 out of 94 in Top Ranking Advanced DSLR Cameras
#4 out of 273 in Top Ranking APS-C Sensor Cameras
#1 out of 35 in Top Ranking Pentax KAF Lens Mount Cameras
#169 out of 386 in Largest Viewfinder Magnification Cameras (0.7x)
#119 out of 144 in Lightest DSLR Cameras with APS-C sensor(820g)
#4 out of 920 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen
One of only 11 Cameras to have a AA (Anti-Aliasing) Filter Simulator
One of only 36 Cameras to have a High Resolution Mode
Geek Score: 2

Pentax K-3 III Monochrome

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Main Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

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Frequently Asked Questions about Pentax K-3 III Monochrome

Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Pentax
Model	Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome
Announced	2023-04-12
Body Type	Mid-size SLR
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	Pentax KAF2
Number of Lenses	163
Focal Length Multiplier	1.5x
Macro Focus Range	n/a
Screen
Screen Type	Fixed Type
Screen Size	3.20"
Screen Resolution	1,620k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Resolution	no electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Coverage	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.7x
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	30s
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed	1/8000s
Max Electronic Shutter Speed	1/16000s
Max Continuous Shooting	12.0 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	Yes
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	no built-in flash
Max Flash Sync	1/200s
Flash Modes	Auto, Auto + Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On + Red-eye Reduction, Slow- speed Sync, Slow-speed Sync + Red-eye, P-TTL, Contrast-control-sync, High-speed sync, Wireless sync
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	not tested
DxO Color Depth	not tested
DxO Dynamic Range	not tested
DxO Low Light ISO	not tested
	Report a correction

Sensor
Sensor Type	CMOS
Sensor Size	APS-C
Sensor Dimensions	23 x 15.5 mm
Sensor Area	356.50mm²
Sensor Resolution	26 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	6192 x 4128
Max Native ISO	1,600,000
Min Native ISO	100
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	101
Number of Cross Focus Points	25
Video Features
Video Resolutions	3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
Max Video Resolution	3840 x 2160
Video Formats	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Built-In
HDMI
USB	USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	820g
Physical Dimensions	135 x 104 x 74mm
Battery Life	800 shots
Battery Type	Battery Pack
Battery Model	D-LI90
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None
Storage Type	Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II supported in slot 1)
Storage Slots	2