Description

Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome SLR Camera

A monochrome specific digital SLR camera, boasting an image sensor that is specifically designed for monochrome photography

The Pentax K3 III is the only monochrome specific digital SLR camera currently on the market. Capturing 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 colour-rich world in plain, black-and-white images.

During the Pentax Meeting Online 2021, a fan event held in November 2021, the announcement of a monochrome-specific digital SLR camera concept generated significant interest and attention from photographers. In response to the positive reception, Pentax has conducted extensive research towards developing a commercial product based on this concept.

The design of the new camera model is inspired by the Pentax K-3 Mark III, the flagship camera of Pentax's APS-C-format series, known for its exceptional imaging performance and advanced features. The new model will incorporate a new, monochrome-specific image sensor to enable photographers to capture black and white images with unparalleled clarity and detail. By combining these features, the new camera is expected to appeal to photography enthusiasts and professionals who are seeking a specialized camera for monochrome photography in a compact, durable body.

In-body shake reduction mechanism

 

The Pentax K3 Mark III Monochrome includes an advanced SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism that enables photographers to use various lenses, ranging from the newest to vintage, to capture sharp, clear images while enhancing the unique visual characteristics of each lens. This feature provides photographers with the flexibility to experiment with different types of lenses while still ensuring excellent image quality.

The exterior design conveying the monochrome theme

 

The Pentax K3 Mark III Monochrome showcases several design elements that highlight the monochrome theme. For instance, the camera features white backlight illumination on the LCD data panel, situated on its upper panel, and the Monochrome lettering is printed on the upper-left shoulder of the back panel. The User Interface menu has a black-and-white colour scheme by default, and the SR (Shake Reduction) badge is finished in silver. Additionally, the buttons and switches on the camera's exterior have icons printed in three shades of gray to assist users with operating the camera. All these design features come together to create a cohesive monochrome concept throughout the camera body.

Fx button

 

 

In contrast to full-colour photography, where colour reproduction can vary based on the light source or colour temperature, monochrome photography does not necessitate white balance control. As such, the Pentax K3 Mark III Monochrome eliminates the white balance button present in the original Pentax K3 Mark III and replaces it with the Fx (function) button.

Monochrome-specific CMOS image sensor

Returning to the starting point of photography: capture images with light and shadow

Monochrome (or black-and-white) photography is the origin of photographic expression. Without colour data, monochrome can more clearly depict the form and texture of a subject using light, shadow and the in-between gradations. This means that the photographer can create images that are more impressive and persuasive.

For users who want to master monochrome photography, the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome features an image sensor specifically designed to capture monochrome images only. By designing the camera solely for the purpose of monochrome photography, each pixel detects brightness data of the light coming through the lens. The obtained data is then directly converted to compose an image.

Typical colour image sensors are designed to receive light passing through red (R), green (G) and blue (B) colour filters, so each pixel detects only one colour data component. To compose a monochrome image, colour sensors must convert colour data into monochromatic data by interpolating the obtained colour data while using adjacent areas of the image field as a reference.

Since a monochrome-specific image sensor can faithfully reflect the brightness data obtained by each pixel in the image — without the interpolation process — the photographer can create extra-fine monochromatic expression, in an image high in resolution and rich in gradation.

Image quality exclusively designed for monochrome photography

The Monochrome K3 III has undergone a re-evaluation and redesign of its image quality to enhance the imaging characteristics of its monochrome-specific image sensor. Unlike a coloUr sensor that requires an interpolation process, each pixel of the monochrome-specific image sensor directly corresponds to each pixel in the resulting image, leading to minimal data deterioration and optimal visual expression. To capitalize on these benefits, the imaging process has been completely overhauled to ensure highly sensitive expression with a natural bokeh effect, rich gradation, and extra-fine sharpness, all of which can be achieved exclusively by the monochrome-specific image sensor.

Complete renewal of key devices

A back-illuminated monochrome CMOS imaging sensor with a resolution of approximately 25.7 megapixels

Image quality has been extensively re-evaluated and redesigned to maximize the capabilities of its new monochrome-specific image sensor. As a result, the camera can deliver highly sensitive expression with a natural bokeh effect, rich gradation, and extra-fine sharpness that are exclusive to the monochrome-specific image sensor. This ensures exceptional image quality that can only be achieved with the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome.

Excellent cold-resistant performance down to -10°C

Anticipating use in low-temperature locations

Pentax has subjected the camera to exacting environmental tests at temperatures as low as -10°C*, while assessing the performance of its mechanisms and electronical circuits and measuring the precision of optical components.

*Battery performance declines as the temperature goes down. When shooting in low-temperature environments, the user is advised to carry spare batteries and keep them warm by storing them in an inside pocket.

Accessories included