Pentax K-3 II
Announced April 23, 2015
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Pentax K-3 II is a rugged, weather-sealed DSLR that delivers excellent image quality and a unique feature set including Pixel Shift Resolution and built-in GPS. While it offers a solid, high-performance experience for photography, the omission of a pop-up flash and modern wireless connectivity may limit its appeal for some users.
Weighted from 13 reviewer scores
Pros
- High-detail image capture with Pixel Shift Resolution
- Robust, weather-sealed build quality
- Effective in-body image stabilization
- Fast autofocus and continuous shooting performance
- Integrated GPS functionality
Cons
- Absence of a built-in flash
- Missing modern wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi and NFC
- Fixed rear LCD screen without touch or articulation
- Large file sizes and potential zippering with Pixel Shift
- Limited video capabilities
- Launch price $1,099 (USD)
- Sensor 24.35MP APS-C CMOS
- Video 1080p 60p
- Stabilization In-body IS
What the Reviewers Say
All 13 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
Is this product missing a reputable review? Share a link to a review article or YouTube video for consideration.
-
The original Pentax K-3 was a clear Dave’s Pick, and with its tweaked feature set we think the Pentax K-3 II is just slightly better than its already-spectacular sibling.
-
When compared to the original K-3, it’s clear the K-3 II’s core credentials haven’t changed much.
-
Pentax continue to offer rugged, weather resistant DSLRs that offer outstanding image quality at a very attractive price.
-
The Pentax K-3 II is a fairly minor update of the excellent K-3 camera, principally adding the innovative Pixel Shift Resolution technology, an improved anti-shake system, Diffraction Correction, and built-in GPS (albeit at the expense of the pop-up flash).
-
The Pentax K-3 II D-SLR adds some features to its predecessor, including an in-camera GPS, but does so at the cost of the built-in flash. Images, and the devices that capture them, are my focus.
-
The K-3 II offers excellent build quality and some interesting features at a reasonable price. It's a good all-rounder DSLR that's capable of delivering high-quality images across a range of subjects.
-
It’s not without faults, but it represents good value and a superb feature set that you can’t get from other manufacturers.
- Photo Review 8.9/10
In the current marketplace, where sales of DSLR cameras continue to decline, the K-3 provides a welcome combination of innovative technology, excellent performance and a competitive price tag.
-
Like its predecessor the Pentax K-3, this is a superbly put together camera. Its body is made from magnesium alloy over a metal chassis and it’s reassuringly solid without being heavy.
-
[T]he images from this Pentax actually look quite good, better than I see from cameras like the Sony A7. This Pentax has very good color and tone rendition, which is all that really matters.
-
Well, it could be said that if one’s looking for a Pentax SMC 35mm F/2.8, it doesn’t really matter if one buys the common M or the uncommon A.
-
For most people, myself included, the trade-off of pixel shift and GPS in exchange for the onboard flash would make this camera worth considering at minimum and very possibly worth buying.
-
When shopping for a new DSLR, it’s all to easy to ignore Pentax shooters amid the higher profile marketing of rival Canon and Nikon cameras, but that would be a mistake.
