PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome
A monochrome-specific digital SLR camera,
featuring an exclusively designed image sensor for the ultimate in
monochrome photography
TOKYO, April 13, 2023－RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome camera, exclusively designed to capture monochromatic (black-and-white) images.
The concept of a monochrome-specific digital SLR camera attracted a great deal of attention and interest from photographers visiting PENTAX Meeting Online 2021, a fan event held in November 2021. PENTAX has since made extensive research on the development of a commercial product based on this concept.
The new model's design is based on the PENTAX K-3 Mark III -- the flagship model of PENTAX's APS-C-format series that integrates remarkable imaging performance and a host of advanced features in a compact, durable body -- while adding a new, monochrome-specific image sensor.
The camera is the only monochrome-specific digital SLR camera currently on the market. It captures high-resolution monochromatic images rich in gradation, allowing users who enjoy using all their senses when taking photographs and applying their imagination to express a view of the color-rich world in plain, black-and-white images.
Although there is no production limit for the PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome, it will be produced only in small quantities at a time, because of the difficulty of acquiring the exclusive parts and components on short notice and other unique factors involved in its production process. This means that delivery to buyers can be delayed. We advise them to note this in advance.
Main features of the PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome
1. Monochrome-specific CMOS image sensor
To optimize the quality of monochromatic images, the camera incorporates a monochrome-specific, APS-C-format CMOS image sensor free of an AA (anti-aliasing) filter with approximately 25.73 effective megapixels. Typical color image sensors are designed to receive light passing through red (R), green (G) and blue (B) color filters, so each pixel detects only one color-data component. To compose a monochrome image, color sensors must convert color data into monochromatic data by interpolating the color data they collect. The new monochrome-specific image sensor, however, can faithfully reflect the brightness data obtained by each pixel in the image -- without the interpolation process -- to produce extra-fine monochromatic expression, in images high in resolution and rich in gradation.
2. Image quality exclusively designed for monochrome photography
The image quality produced by the original PENTAX K-3 Mark III was thoroughly re-evaluated and totally redesigned to optimize the imaging characteristics of the new monochrome-specific image sensor. The result is highly sensitive expression with a natural bokeh (defocus) effect, rich gradation and extra-fine sharpness -- an image only the monochrome-specific image sensor can deliver.
3. A selection of monochrome-specific finishing touches
The PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome provides three Custom Image modes exclusively designed for monochrome photography to provide distinctive finishing touches. In addition to Standard mode, it also provides Hard mode to produce high-contrast images, and Soft mode to create high-key, low-contrast images. Each mode provides minute adjustment of parameters such as tone, key, contrast and sharpness. This allows the photographer to personalize their images with the desired finishing touch.
4. Exterior design reflecting the monochrome photography concept
The PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome provides white backlight illumination on the LCD data panel positioned on its upper panel, while featuring "Monochrome" lettering printed on the upper-left shoulder of the back panel. Its menu screen features a black-and-white visual scheme as default, while the SR (Shake Reduction) badge is finished in silver. The icons printed on buttons and switches across the camera's exterior are finished in three shades of gray to assist the users with their camera operation. All in all, the concept of monochrome photography is evident throughout the camera body.
Note: Since the PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome is solely designed for monochrome photography, some of its features and functions may differ from those of the PENTAX K-3 Mark III. Refer to the specification table attached to this release for other original features and functions.
PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome Specifications
Model Description
| Type | TTL autofocus, auto-exposure SLR digital-still camera |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | PENTAX KAF2 bayonet mount (AF coupler, lens information contacts, K-mount with power contacts) |
| Compatible Lens | KAF4, KAF3, KAF2 (power zoom compatible), KAF, KA mount lens |
Image capture unit
| Image Sensor | Monochrome, CMOS. Size: 23.3 x 15.5 (mm) |
|---|---|
| Effective Pixels | Approx. 25.73 megapixels |
| Total Pixels | Approx. 26.78 megapixels |
| Dust Removal | Image sensor cleaning using ultrasonic vibrations "DR II" |
| Sensitivity (Standard output) |
ISO AUTO/200 to 1600000 (EV steps can be set to 1EV, 1/2EV or 1/3EV) |
| Image Stabilizer | Sensor-shift shake reduction "SR II"(5-axis), Auto/Panning/Off |
| AA Filter Simulator | Moiré reduction using SR unit. OFF/Low/High/Bracketing(2 images)/Bracketing (3 images) |
File formats
| File format | RAW (PEF/DNG), JPEG (Exif 2.3), DCF2.0 compliant |
|---|---|
| Recorded Pixels |
JPEG:L(26M:6192x4128)、M(15M:4752x3168)、S(9M:3648x2432)、XS(2M:1920x1280) RAW:(26M:6192x4128) |
| Quality Level |
RAW (14bit): PEF, DNG JPEG: ★★★ (Best), ★★ (Better), ★ (Good), RAW + JPEG simultaneous capturing available |
| Color Space | sRGB, AdobeRGB |
| Storage Medium | SD, SDHC and SDXC Memory Cards * UHS-1/UHS-II compatible (UHS-II is only available for the memory card inserted in the SD1 slot.) |
| Dual SD slot | Sequential Use, Save to Both, Separate RAW/JPG, Image copy between slots possible |
| Storage Folder | Folder Name: Date (100_1018,101_1019...) or User assigned folder name (Default "PENTX") |
| Recording File |
File Name: "IMGP****" or User assigned file name File name numbering: Sequential, Reset |
Viewfinder
| Type | Pentaprism Finder |
|---|---|
| Coverage (FOV) | Approx. 100% |
| Magnification | Approx. 1.05x (FA 50mmF1.4 at infinity) |
| Eye-Relief Length | Approx. 20.5mm (from the view window), Approx. 22.0mm (from the center of lens) |
| Diopter adjustment | Approx. -4.0m to + 1.0m-1 |
| Focusing Screen | Natural-Bright-Matte III focusing screen |
| Viewfinder Overlay | AF Points, Grid Display, Electronic Level, AF Frame, Spot Metering Frame, Crop, Smart Function, Operation Control Lock |
Live view
| Type | TTL method using image sensor |
|---|---|
| Focusing Mechanism | Contrast detection (Auto Area, Zone Select, Tracking, Select(L/M/S), Spot) |
| Functions | Focus Peaking, Face detection, Touch AF |
| Display | Field of View approx. 100%, Magnified view (up to 16x), Grid Display (4x4 Grid, Golden Section, Scale, Square(L), Square(S), Grid Color: Black/Gray/White ), Histogram, Bright area warning, Composition Adjustment |
LCD monitor
| Type | Wide viewing angle TFT color LCD, Air-gapless glass |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.2 inch (aspect ratio 3:2) |
| Dots | Approx. 1620K dots |
| Touch Screen | Capacitive sensing method |
| Adjustment | Brightness, Saturation and Colors adjustable |
| Outdoor View Setting | Adjustable ±2 step |
| Night Vision LCD Display | ON/OFF |
Autofocus System
| Type | TTL: Phase-matching autofocus |
|---|---|
| Focus Sensor | SAFOX 13, 101 point (25 cross type focus points) |
| Brightness Range |
EV-3 to 19 (ISO 200 / at normal temperature) *-3 EV is only available for AF points that support F2.8 light flux when an F2.8-light-flux compatible lens is attached. |
| AF mode | Single AF (AF.S), Continuous AF (AF.C) |
| AF Point Selection | Auto Area, Zone Select, Select, Expanded Area(S, M, L), Select(S), Select(XS), Spot |
| AF Assist Light | Dedicated LED AF assist light |
Metering
| Type | TTL open aperture metering using 307K pixel RGBIr sensor, Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot and Highlight-weighted |
|---|---|
| Metering Range | EV-2 to 21 (ISO200 at 50mm F1.4) |
| Exposure Mode | Scene Analyze Auto, Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Shutter & Aperture Priority, Manual, Bulb, Flash X-sync Speed, USER1, USER2, USER3, USER4, USER5 |
| EV Compensation | ±5EV (1/2EV steps or 1/3EV steps can be selected) |
| AE Lock |
Button type (timer type: two times the meter operating time set in Custom Setting); Continuous as long as the shutter button is halfway pressed |
Shutter
| Type | Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter / Electronic shutter |
|---|---|
| Shutter Speed | Mechanical shutter: Auto:1/8000 to 30 sec., Manual: 1/8000 to 30 sec. (1/3EV steps or 1/2EV steps), Bulb (Timed exposure setting possible from 1 sec. to 20min.) Electronic shutter: Auto:1/16000 to 30 sec., Manual: 1/16000 to 30 sec. (1/3EV steps or 1/2EV steps) |
Drive modes
| Mode Selection | Single Frame, Continuous (H, M, L), Bracketing (2, 3 or 5 frames), Depth of Field Bracketing, Motion Bracketing, Mirror-up, Multi-Exposure(Average/Additive/Bright), Interval Shooting, Interval Composite |
|---|---|
| Self-timer | 12s, 2s |
| Remote Control | 0s, 3s |
| Continuous Shooting |
Max. approx. 12 fps, JPEG ( L: ★★★ at Continuous H): up to approx. 55 frames, RAW: up to approx. 32 frames, RAW+: up to approx. 30 frames Max. approx. 7.0 fps, JPEG L: ★★★ at Continuous M): up to approx. 100 frames, RAW: up to approx. 40 frames, RAW+: up to approx. 33 frames Max. approx. 2.5 fps, JPEG ( L: ★★★ at Continuous L): up to approx. 100 frames, RAW: up to approx. 100 frames, RAW+: up to approx. 65 frames * The number of images captured in the continuous shooting mode is an approximate figure, tested at a sensitivity of ISO 200. The number may vary depending on the type of memory card used and/or the photographic conditions. * The continuous shooting speed may decrease depending on the type of lens used and/or the aperture, shutter speed and sensitivity selected by the user. * A certain amount of time is required for the playback of images captured in the continuous shooting mode. The time required may vary depending on the number of captured images and/or the recording format. |
External Flash
| Flash Modes |
Auto Flash Discharge, Auto Flash + 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 * Contrast-control-sync and High-speed sync requires 2 or more dedicated external flash |
|---|---|
| Sync Speed | 1/200sec. |
| Flash Exposure Compensation | -2.0～+1.0EV |
Capture Settings
| Custom Image | Standard, Hard, Soft |
|---|---|
| Digital Filter | Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Tone Expansion, Grainy Monochrome |
| Clarity | Adjustable ±4 step |
| HDR | Auto, HDR1, HDR2, HDR3, Advanced HDR, Exposure bracket value adjustable, Automatic composition correction function |
| Lens Correction | Distortion Correction, Peripheral Illumin. Correction, Diffraction Correction |
| D-Range Correction | Highlight Correction, Shadow Correction |
| Noise Reduction | Slow Shutter Speed NR, High-ISO Noise Reduction |
| ASTROTRACER | Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 *Type 1 and Type 2 available with O-GPS1/O-GPS2(Optional) |
| Horizon Correction | SR On: correction up to 1 degrees, SR Off: correction up to 2 degrees |
| Composition Adjustment | Adjustment range of ±1.5mm up, down, left or right (±1mm when rotated); Rotating range of ±1 degree |
| Electronic Level | Displayed in viewfinder (Horizontal and vertical); Displayed on LCD monitor (Horizontal and vertical) |
| Program Line | AUTO, Normal, Hi-speed Priority, DOF Priority (Deep), DOF Priority (Shallow), MTF Priority |
Movie
| File Format | MPEG-4 AVC/H.264(MOV) |
|---|---|
| Recorded Pixels |
4K(3840x2160, 30p/24p) Full HD(1920x1080, 60p/30p/24p) |
| Sound |
Built-in stereo microphone, external microphone (Stereo recording compatible) Recording Sound Level adjustable, Wind Noise Reduction |
| Recording Time | Up to 25 minutes or 4GB ; automatically stops recording if the internal temperature of the camera becomes high. |
| Custom Images | Standard, Hard, Soft |
| Digital Filter | Retro, High Contrast, Invert Color |
Playback
| Playback View | Single frame, Multi-image display (20, 48, 70 segmentation), Display magnification (up to 16, 100% display, quick zoom and Focus Magnification available), Grid display (4x4 Grid, Golden Section, Scale, Square(L), Square(S), Grid Color: Black/Gray/White), Rotating, Histogram (Y histogram), Bright area warning, Auto Image Rotation, Detailed information, Copyright Information (Photographer, Copyright holder), GPS information (latitude, longitude, altitude, Coordinated Universal Time) , Orientation, Folder Display, Calendar Filmstrip Display |
|---|---|
| Delete | Single image, All images, Selected images, Folder, Images on the selected shooting date, Instant review image |
| Digital Filter | Base Parameter Adj, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Tone Expansion, Grainy Monochrome, Miniature, Soft, Fish-eye, Slim, Frame Composite |
| RAW Development |
RAW file select: Select Single Image, Select Multiple Images, Select a folder, Select a shooting date RAW Development Parameter: Custom Image, Sensitivity, Digital filter, Clarity, HDR, Distortion Correction, Peripheral Illumin. Corr., Diffraction Correction, High-ISO Noise Reduction, Shadow Correction, File Format (JPEG/TIFF), JPEG Recorded Pixels, JPEG Quality, Aspect Ratio, Color Space |
| Edit |
Protect, Image Rotation, Image Copy, File Transfer, Save RAW Data in buffer memory, Resize, Cropping (Aspect ratio and Slant adjustment available), Levels Adjustment, Movie Edit (Divide or delete selected frames), Capturing a JPEG still picture from a movie |
Customization
| Settings | USER Mode, Fx Button, AF/AE Lock Settings, Preview Dial, E-Dial Programming, Smart Function, Monitor Touch Operation, Eye Sensor, Viewfinder Display, LCD Panel, Monitor Display, Instant Review, Zoom Review, Warning Display, Control Panel, Memory, EV Steps, ISO Sensitivity Steps, Input MF Lens Focal Length, Save Rotation Information, Aperture Information Record, AF Fine Adjustment, Copyright Information |
|---|---|
| Language | English, French, Germany, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Thai, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese |
Power supply
| Battery Type | Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI90 |
|---|---|
| AC Adapter | AC Adapter Kit K-AC166(Optional) |
| Battery Life |
Number of recordable images: Approx. 800 images Playback time: Approx. 250 minutes * With a fully-recharged Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery. Tested in compliance with CIPA standard. Actual results may vary depending on the shooting condition. |
Interfaces
| Connection Port | USB Terminal(USB Type-C), External cable switch terminal(2.5mm diameter), X-sync socket, HDMI output terminal (Type D) , Stereo microphone input terminal, Headphone terminal |
|---|---|
| USB Connection | USB 3.2 Gen1, Data Transfer: MTP/CD-ROM, Battery Recharge/Power Supply (Optional AC Adapter required) |
Wireless LAN
| Standards | IEEE 802.11b/g/n |
|---|---|
| Frequency (Center Frequency) | 2412MHz～2462MHz (1ch～11ch) |
| Security | Authentication: WPA2, Encryption: AES |
Bluetooth
| Standards | Bluetooth® v4.2 (Bluetooth Low Energy） |
|---|---|
| Frequency (Center Frequency) | 2402MHz～2480MHz (CH0～CH39) |
Dimensions and Weight
| Dimensions | Approx. 134.5mm (W) x103.5mm (H) x 73.5mm (D) (excluding protrusions) |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approx. 820g (Including dedicated battery and SD Memory Card), Approx. 735g (body only) |
Operating Environment
| Temperature | -10°C～40°C (14°F～104°F) |
|---|---|
| Humidity | 85% or less (no condensation) |
Accessories
| Included |
Strap O-ST162, ME Viewfinder Cap, Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI90, USB Power Adapter, Power Plug, USB Cable I-USB166 <Mounted to the camera> Eyecup FU, Hot shoe cover FK, Sync socket 2p cap, Body mount cap KII, Battery Grip terminal cover |
|---|---|
| Software | Digital Camera Utility 5 |
Storage capacity
<Still>
| JPEG | RAW | ||||||||||||
|
Recorded Pixels |
L: 26M | M: 15M | S: 9M | XS: 2M | |||||||||
| 6192x4128 | 4752x3168 | 3648x2432 | 1920x1280 | 6192x4128 | |||||||||
| Quality Level | ★★★ | ★★ | ★ | ★★★ | ★★ | ★ | ★★★ | ★★ | ★ | ★★★ | ★★ | ★ | PEF |
| JPEG | JPEG | JPEG | JPEG | JPEG | JPEG | JPEG | JPEG | JPEG | JPEG | JPEG | JPEG | RAW | |
| Recorded Pixels |
L: 26M 6192x4128 |
L: 26M 6192x4128 |
L: 26M 6192x4128 |
M: 15M 4752x3168 |
M: 15M 4752x3168 |
M: 15M 4752x3168 |
S: 9M 3648x2432 |
S: 9M 3648x2432 |
S: 9M 3648x2432 |
XS: 2M 1920x1280 |
XS: 2M 1920x1280 |
XS: 2M 1920x1280 |
6192x4128 |
| Quality Level | ★★★ | ★★ | ★ | ★★★ | ★★ | ★ | ★★★ | ★★ | ★ | ★★★ | ★★ | ★ | PEF |
| 8GB | 411 | 704 | 1120 | 694 | 1185 | 1872 | 1168 | 1978 | 3105 | 4021 | 6630 | 9812 | 126 |
shots
<Movie>
| Recorded
Pixels |
4K | Full HD | |||
| 3840x2160 | 1920x1080 | ||||
| 30p | 24p | 60p | 30p | 24p | |
| Recorded
Pixels |
4K 3840x2160 |
4K 3840x2160 |
Full HD 1920x1080 |
Full HD 1920x1080 |
Full HD 1920x1080 |
| 30p | 24p | 60p | 30p | 24p | |
| 8GB | 00:08′39″ | 00:10′46″ | 00:12′17″ | 00:24′09″ | 00:29′56″ |
hh:mm:ss
The maximum file size is 4GB for movie.
The maximum length is 25 minutes for movie.
System Requirements
<Windows>
| OS | Windows 11, Windows 10 |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5 or higher |
| RAM | 8GB or more |
| Free Disk Space |
Program installation and start-up: 100 MB or more of available space Image file saving: Approximately 15 MB per file (JPEG) / approximately 50MB (RAW) |
| Monitor | 1280 x 1024 dots, 24 bit full-color or more |
<Macintosh>
| OS | macOS 13 Ventura, macOS 12 Monterey, macOS 11 Big Sur, macOS 10.15 Catalina |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5 or higher |
| RAM | 8GB or more |
| Free Disk Space |
Program installation and start-up: 100 MB or more of available space Image file saving: Approximately 15 MB per file (JPEG) / approximately 50MB (RAW) |
| Monitor | 1280 x 1024 pixels, 24 bit full-color or more |
| About Ricoh |
Ricoh is empowering digital workplaces using innovative technologies and services that enable individuals to work smarter from anywhere.
With cultivated knowledge and organizational capabilities nurtured over its 85-year history, Ricoh is a leading provider of digital services, information management, and print and imaging solutions designed to support digital transformation and optimize business performance.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group has major operations throughout the world and its products and services now reach customers in approximately 200 countries and regions. In the financial year ended March 2022, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 1,758 billion yen (approx. 14.5 billion USD).
For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com