Pentax K-3 II Detailed Review

In additional K-3 II was introduced by Pentax in April 2015. It belongs to the Amateur DSLRs category.

Pentax is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Pentax.

The K-3 II has a APS-C CMOS sensor with size of 24 x 16 mm² (0.93″ x 0.61″).

Picture of K-3 II’s sensor compared to popular format.

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The K-3 II’s sensor has resolution of 23 megapixel.

The Pentax supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Pentax’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The K-3 II features a mechanism for automatic sensor cleaning.

The K-3 II has an optical viewfinder with a penta prism. Viewfinders with a penta prism are typical for enthusiast and professional DSLRs. The viewfinder covers 100% of the field of view and has a magnification of 0.59x, an average value for a viewfinder like this.

The K-3 II’s shutter speed varies from 1/8000s to 30s.

The K-3 II’s sensitivity goes from 100 ISO und 51200 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

The K-3 II supports all general exposure modes.

The Pentax allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The K-3 II’s auto focus processor has 27 AF points. The main point is about that the more points the autofocus has then preferably. If AF has more points then you have a better opportunity to have a focus at the interesting area. In addition, It is a big advantage in a difficult condition. For example, when doing macross.

Manual focusing is available in the Pentax. Even in complicated location.

The K-3 II doesn’t feature a built-in flash. That is not unsusual in this camera category.

A flash or a trigger for remote flashes can be attached to the Pentax’s hotshoe.

The K-3 II features a monitor with a diagonal of 81.00mm (3.2 in.) and a resolution of c. 1.04 megapixel. That’s about average.

Unfortunately, the K-3 II’s monitor is not articulated. That can make it tricky to frame your subject in some situations, e.g. when taking selfies.

The K-3 II does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

K-3 II video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone.

Pentax K-3 II Video parameters:

Built-in wireless connectivity is not available with the Pentax. You will need appropriate accessories to wirelessly transfer images between camera and smartphone.

However, the camera can be controlled over a wired connection.

Connect the Pentax to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

USB 3.0 is already supported by the Pentax. USB 3.0 greatly speeds up transferring images and videos to the computer.

Connection parameters:

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Pentax K-3 II has a D-LI90 LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 720 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The K-3 II’s battery battery parameters:

The Pentax K-3 II’s size is 131.5 x 102.5 x 77.5mm³. (5.2″ x 4.0″ x 3.1″). That dimensions are without lens. The weight of camera is 5.2″ x 4.0″ x 3.1″ grams (785 oz.) without lens weight.

Here is front and top view of the K-3 II:

For a better idea of the size of the camera, takes a look off camera and ID card comparison image.