The ultimate field camera
Unsurpassed in visual expression and operability
Acclaimed for its exceptional imaging performance and compact, dependable body with weather-resistant, dustproof construction,the PENTAX K series takes another step in its evolution as a field camera.
The new PENTAX K-3 features a 24-megapixel CMOS image sensor without an AA (anti-aliasing) filter to deliver high-resolution images, a 27-point AF system with 25 cross sensors for pinpoint focusing, and an 86,000-pixel RGB light-metering sensor to assure accurate exposure on subjects of all kinds.
What’s more, it boasts the world’s first AA simulator to effectively minimize moiré.*
The PENTAX K-3 is a one-of-a-kind digital SLR camera — one exclusively designed for truly creative photographers.
* For lens-interchangeable digital SLR cameras, as of October 2013 (based on RICOH IMAGING research).
AA-filter-free 24-megapixel CMOS image sensor
to deliver astonishingly-high-resolution images
The K-3 comes equipped with a CMOS image sensor with approximately 24 effective megapixels. Based on the design scheme that puts priority on image resolution, it is designed without an optical AA (anti-aliasing) filter. The result is that the K-3 makes the best use of the total resolving power of the 24-megapixel CMOS sensor to produce sharp, fine-detailed images rich in gradation, while faithfully recreating the sense of depth, ambience and texture in captured images.
AA filters are designed to reduce false color and moiré by separating light by frequencies and obscuring outlines.
Although the K-3 has no AA filter, it generates very little false color thanks to the large number of pixels present. Even when false color is generated, it is kept to an undetectable level.
The world’s first AA filter simulator
to eliminate false color and moiré whenever required
Based on original ideas and innovative technology, PENTAX has developed the world’s first AA filter simulator, which reproduces the effects created by an optical AA filter. By applying microscopic vibrat ions to the CMOS sensor during exposure, the K-3 minimizes false color and moiré. You have a choice of three settings to obtain the desired effect: “TYPE 1” to attain the optimum balance between image resolution and moiré; “TYPE 2” to prioritize moiré compensation; and “OFF” to prioritize image resolution. Thanks to this innovative feature, the K-3 offers the benefits of two completely different cameras — the high-resolution images assured by an AA-filter-free model, and minimized false color and moiré assured by an AA-filter-equipped one. You can switch the AA filter effect** on and off as you wish.
** The AA-filter effect is more evident when a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower is used.
State-of-the-art SAFOX 11
to assure high-speed, high-precision autofocusing
The K-3 features the latest SAFOX 11 AF module equipped with a highly responsive, sensit ive AF sensor.
It also incorporates a diffractive lens in its optics to greatly improve focusing accuracy while effectively minimizing any chromatic aberration generated within the module. Since the entire module is encased in an airtight, shock-resistant housing, demanding outdoor shooting has very little effect on the K-3’s autofocusing accuracy. In addition, this module features a light-source sensor to eliminate minute focusing errors caused by certain artificial light sources.
Three-motor mechanism
for independent control of the mirror, shutter and diaphragm
The innovative three-motor mechanism, in which each motor optimizes the action of the shutter, mirror and diaphragm independently, is the key to the K-3’s high-speed continuous shooting. You can adjust the drive speed in three steps to match the speed of the subject’s movement.
