Scored using Cameras Methodology v3.0
Cameras Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Cameras Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Cameras Methodology v3.0

Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome review: 112 specs compared

Avg. price:~£2,020Sensor size:APS-CWeight:820 gBattery life (CIPA):800 shots

Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome Review: Compare 112 technical specifications and 13 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Cameras category and whether it is worth buying.

Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome
8.0/10

Overall score

Score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

7.7

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.3

Reviews score

10%

9.3

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 89% of cameras
5.9

Value for money

Value for money
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.0

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 93%
7.7

Technical score

Technical score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

28%

8.2

Sensor & Image

25%

8.3

Photo Features

18%

6.2

Video & Audio

14%

6.4

Display & Design

8%

8.9

Battery & Power

7%

8.7

Connectivity & Storage

★Better than 90%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

80%

8.4

Average grade

20%

7.7

Popularity

Grades by review (13)
7 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 6 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 70%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet

What reviewers say about the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome

Based on 6 · 7

Reviewers praise its excellent low-light results and solid build, but find it heavy and the screen disappointing.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome

Based on 39 owners sharing their experience in online comments

95%positive0%mixed5%negative

Owners most value the dedicated monochrome files and engaging shooting experience, while price and Pentax's direction draw the clearest concerns.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say the price, at about £1,700 new, is hard to justify, though discounted returns made it more reasonable.3
  • Owners worry that Pentax is discontinuing this camera and may not keep investing in the brand's future.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of camera Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome

Technical score
Technical score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

28%

8.2

Sensor & Image

25%

8.3

Photo Features

18%

6.2

Video & Audio

14%

6.4

Display & Design

8%

8.9

Battery & Power

7%

8.7

Connectivity & Storage

7.7
Reviews score
8.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

8.0

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

5.9
Sensor size
APS-C
This camera has a sensor size of APS-C, which is larger than 58.6% of cameras and the same as 24.8% of cameras.
Sensor resolution
25.7 MP
This camera captures images at 25.7 MP, which is higher than 89% of cameras.
Sensor pixel size
3.8 µm
This camera has sensor pixels measuring 3.8 µm, which are larger than those in 63.7% of cameras.
Base ISO
200
This camera has a base ISO of 200, which is higher than 85.3% of cameras and equal to 13.2% of cameras.
Max ISO
ISO 1600000 ISO
This camera reaches ISO 1,600,000, which is higher than 99.9% of cameras and equal to 0.1% of cameras.
Show more
What reviewers say
Lens mount
Pentax KAF2
Built-in focus motor
yes
This camera has a built-in focus motor. 10.8% of cameras have a built-in focus motor.
N. of focus points
101
This camera has a focus-point count of 101, which is higher than 79.6% of cameras.
Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
yes
This camera supports phase-detection autofocus for photos. 36.5% of cameras support phase-detection autofocus for photos.
AF tracking
yes
This camera supports AF tracking. This feature is available on 87.4% of cameras.
Show more
What reviewers say
Max video resolution
3,840 px
This camera records at 3,840 px, which is higher than the resolution in 75.7% of cameras and the same as in 19% of cameras.
Video bitrate
?
Video bit depth
8 bit
This camera records in 8 bit, which is higher than the colour depth in 8.2% of cameras and the same as in 79.8% of cameras.
Video chroma subsampling
4:2:0
This camera records with 4:2:0, which is better than the chroma sampling in 8.2% of cameras and the same as in 70% of cameras.
Video codecs
H.264
Show more
Type
dslr
Weight
820 g
This camera weighs 820 g, which is heavier than 90.7% of cameras and equal to 0.1% of cameras.
Width
134.5 mm
This camera is 134.5 mm wide, which is wider than 81.3% of cameras and equal to 0.3% of cameras.
Height
104 mm
This camera is 104 mm tall, which is taller than 87.9% of cameras and equal to 1.4% of cameras.
Thickness
73.5 mm
This camera is 73.5 mm thick, which is thicker than 67% of cameras and equal to 0.3% of cameras.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life (CIPA)
800 shots
This camera lasts for 800 shots per charge, which is longer than 92.3% of cameras and equal to 0.6% of cameras.
Battery capacity
1,860 mAh
This camera has 1,860 mAh battery capacity, which is larger than 82.6% of cameras and equal to 2.6% of cameras.
Removable battery
yes
This camera has a removable battery, and 97.8% of cameras include one.
USB Power Delivery (PD)
no
This camera does not support USB Power Delivery. 10.6% of cameras support USB Power Delivery.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This camera supports Wi-Fi. This feature is available on 48.1% of cameras.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
This camera uses Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which is more advanced than the Wi-Fi in 54.8% of cameras and the same as in 34.6% of cameras.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This camera has Bluetooth. 24% of cameras support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
4.2
This camera has Bluetooth 4.2, which is newer than 85.1% of cameras and the same as 10.1% of cameras.
USB Type-C
yes
This camera features USB Type-C. 16.3% of cameras use USB-C ports.
Show more

Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome vs the average camera

246810TotalDisplay & DesignSensor & ImagePhoto FeaturesVideo & AudioBattery & PowerConnectivity & Storage
  • In-body stabilization
    This camera supports in-body stabilization, the average camera does not.
  • 1,593,600 ISO higher maximum sensitivity
    This camera reaches a higher maximum ISO than the average camera (1,600,000 ISO vs 6,400 ISO). The average camera's maximum ISO is 6,400 ISO.
    1,600,000 ISO vs 6,400 ISO
  • Phase-detect AF for photos
    This camera supports phase-detection autofocus for photos, the average camera does not.
  • 6.4 fps faster mechanical burst
    This camera has a faster mechanical burst than the average camera (12 fps vs 5.6 fps). The average camera reaches 5.6 fps.
    12 fps vs 5.6 fps
  • Human eye AF
    This camera supports human eye-detection AF, the average camera does not.
  • 1,574,400 ISO higher expanded sensitivity
    This camera extends sensitivity to a higher ISO than the average camera (1,600,000 ISO vs 25,600 ISO). The average camera extends sensitivity to 25,600 ISO.
    1,600,000 ISO vs 25,600 ISO
  • More megapixels
    This camera has more megapixels than the average camera (25.7 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera's sensor resolution is 16.2 MP.
    25.7 MP vs 16.2 MP
  • Dual card slots
    This camera offers dual card slots, the average camera does not. 13.1% of cameras offer them.
  • 27.7% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.5 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    7.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (13)
    7 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 6 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.3 vs 6.5
  • 29.2% higher sentiment score
    9.3 vs 7.2
  • Supports weather sealing
    Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome supports weather sealing, while the average camera does not. 25.4% of cameras support weather sealing.
  • 0.2 in larger screen
    This camera has a larger screen than the average camera (3.2 in vs 3 in). The average camera has a screen of 3 in.
    3.2 in vs 3 in
  • Has a touchscreen
    This camera has a touchscreen, the average camera does not. 36.7% of cameras support touchscreen input.
  • 10 more customisable buttons
    This camera has more customisable buttons than the average camera (10 vs 0). The average camera has 0 customisable buttons.
    10 vs 0
  • More advanced viewfinder
    This camera has a more advanced viewfinder than the average camera (optical vs none).
    optical vs none
  • 0.27 x bigger view
    This camera has a bigger viewfinder image than the average camera (1.1 x vs 0.78 x). The average camera has a magnification of 0.78 x.
    1.05 x vs 0.78 x
  • 1,593,600 ISO higher maximum sensitivity
    This camera reaches a higher maximum ISO than the average camera (1,600,000 ISO vs 6,400 ISO). The average camera's maximum ISO is 6,400 ISO.
    1,600,000 ISO vs 6,400 ISO
  • More megapixels
    This camera has more megapixels than the average camera (25.7 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera's sensor resolution is 16.2 MP.
    25.7 MP vs 16.2 MP
  • 1,574,400 ISO higher expanded sensitivity
    This camera extends sensitivity to a higher ISO than the average camera (1,600,000 ISO vs 25,600 ISO). The average camera extends sensitivity to 25,600 ISO.
    1,600,000 ISO vs 25,600 ISO
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    This camera uses a BSI sensor, the average camera does not. 35.7% of cameras use a BSI sensor.
  • Sensor cleaning system
    This camera includes a sensor cleaning system, the average camera does not.
  • Larger image sensor
    This camera has a larger sensor than the average camera (APS-C vs 2/3"). The average camera's sensor size is 2/3".
    APS-C vs 2/3"
  • 9 years newer
    This camera was released more recently than the average camera (2023 vs 2014). The average camera was released in 2014.
    2,023 vs 2,014
  • 0.76 µm larger sensor pixels
    This camera has larger sensor pixels than the average camera (3.8 µm vs 3.04 µm). The average sensor pixel size is 3.04 µm.
    3.8 µm vs 3.04 µm
  • In-body stabilization
    This camera supports in-body stabilization, the average camera does not.
  • Phase-detect AF for photos
    This camera supports phase-detection autofocus for photos, the average camera does not.
  • 6.4 fps faster mechanical burst
    This camera has a faster mechanical burst than the average camera (12 fps vs 5.6 fps). The average camera reaches 5.6 fps.
    12 fps vs 5.6 fps
  • Human eye AF
    This camera supports human eye-detection AF, the average camera does not.
  • Animal eye AF
    This camera supports animal eye-detection AF, the average camera does not.
  • 78 more focus points
    This camera has a higher focus-point count than the average camera (101 vs 23). The average camera has a count of 23.
    101 vs 23
  • Built-in AF motor
    This camera has a built-in focus motor, the average camera does not.
  • 1 stops more stabilisation
    This camera has better stabilisation than the average camera (5 stops vs 4 stops). The average camera is rated at 4 stops.
    5 stops vs 4 stops
  • 200,000 more shutter cycles
    This camera is rated for more shutter cycles than the average camera (300,000 vs 100,000). The average camera is rated for 100,000 shutter cycles.
    300,000 vs 100,000
  • Supports touch autofocus
    This camera supports touch autofocus, the average camera does not. 34.6% of cameras support touch autofocus.
  • Pixel shift shooting
    This camera supports pixel shift shooting, the average camera does not.
  • Supports focus bracketing
    This camera supports focus bracketing, the average camera does not.
  • Has anti-flicker mode
    This camera includes an anti-flicker mode, the average camera does not. 19.9% of cameras include it.
  • Higher video resolution
    This camera records at higher resolution than the average camera (3,840 px vs 1920 px). The average camera records at 1920 px.
    3840 px vs 1920 px
  • Has microphone input
    This camera has microphone input, the average camera does not.
  • Includes headphone output
    This camera includes a headphone output, the average camera does not.
  • Clean HDMI output
    This camera offers clean HDMI output, the average camera does not.
  • Supports 24p cinema mode
    This camera supports 24p cinema mode, the average camera does not. 43.1% of cameras support this mode.
  • Built-in timelapse
    This camera includes timelapse capture, the average camera does not.
  • 470 shots longer battery life
    This camera lasts longer per charge than the average camera (800 shots vs 330 shots). The average camera lasts for 330 shots.
    800 shots vs 330 shots
  • 740 mAh more battery capacity
    This camera has a larger battery than the average camera (1,860 mAh vs 1,120 mAh). The average camera has 1,120 mAh battery capacity.
    1,860 mAh vs 1,120 mAh
  • Dual card slots
    This camera offers dual card slots, the average camera does not. 13.1% of cameras offer them.
  • Has USB Type-C
    This camera has a USB Type-C port, the average camera does not. 16.4% of cameras use USB-C.
  • Has Bluetooth
    This camera supports Bluetooth, the average camera does not. 24.1% of cameras support Bluetooth.
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This camera supports Wi-Fi, the average camera does not. 48.1% of cameras support Wi-Fi.
  • Smartphone remote control
    This camera supports smartphone remote control, the average camera does not. 46.2% of cameras support smartphone remote control.
  • Faster USB connection
    This camera transfers data faster than the average camera (USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2). The average camera uses USB 2.0.
    USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2.0
  • 430.5 g heavier
    This camera is heavier than the average camera (820 g vs 389.5 g). The average camera weighs 389.5 g.
    820 g vs 389.5 g
  • No flash
    This camera does not have a built-in flash, the average camera does. 73.1% of cameras have a flash.
  • 30.3 mm taller body
    This camera is taller than the average camera (104 mm vs 73.7 mm). The average camera is 73.7 mm tall.
    104 mm vs 73.7 mm
  • 6.97x more expensive
    Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome is more expensive than the average camera (£2,020 vs £290).
    £2,020 vs £290
  • 17.3% worse value for money
    Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera (5.87 vs 6.9).
    5.87 vs 6.88
  • 15.5 mm wider
    This camera is wider than the average camera (134.5 mm vs 119 mm). The average camera is 119 mm wide.
    134.5 mm vs 119 mm
  • 27.6 mm thicker
    This camera is thicker than the average camera (73.5 mm vs 45.9 mm). The average camera is 45.9 mm thick.
    73.5 mm vs 45.9 mm
  • 100 stops higher base ISO
    This camera has a higher base ISO than the average camera (200 vs 100). The average camera's base ISO is 100.
    200 vs 100
  • 6.97x more expensive
    Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome is more expensive than the average camera (£2,020 vs £290).
    £2,020 vs £290
  • 17.3% worse value for money
    Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera (5.87 vs 6.9).
    5.87 vs 6.88
  • 430.5 g heavier
    This camera is heavier than the average camera (820 g vs 389.5 g). The average camera weighs 389.5 g.
    820 g vs 389.5 g
  • No flash
    This camera does not have a built-in flash, the average camera does. 73.1% of cameras have a flash.
  • 30.3 mm taller body
    This camera is taller than the average camera (104 mm vs 73.7 mm). The average camera is 73.7 mm tall.
    104 mm vs 73.7 mm
  • 15.5 mm wider
    This camera is wider than the average camera (134.5 mm vs 119 mm). The average camera is 119 mm wide.
    134.5 mm vs 119 mm
  • 27.6 mm thicker
    This camera is thicker than the average camera (73.5 mm vs 45.9 mm). The average camera is 45.9 mm thick.
    73.5 mm vs 45.9 mm
  • 100 stops higher base ISO
    This camera has a higher base ISO than the average camera (200 vs 100). The average camera's base ISO is 100.
    200 vs 100
  • 5 min shorter recording time
    This camera has a shorter recording time than the average camera (25 min vs 30 min). The average camera records for 30 min.
    25 min vs 30 min

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
PetaPixel
≈ estimated
19/12/2023
Hands-on review · dynamic range and noise tests
Verdict
Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome is clearly worth it for black and white shooters who accept that no colour is possible.
9.0
Edward Martins
≈ estimated
30/11/2023
Long-term test · 6 weeks of use
Verdict
Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome has some ergonomic gripes, but its monochrome tonality makes it a strong choice for black and white work.
9.0
Pete Coco Photography
≈ estimated
15/07/2023
Hands-on review · several photoshoots and build impressions
Verdict
Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome is a unique niche camera that Pentax fans and black and white lovers will find plenty to enjoy.
9.0
Michal Baranowski
≈ estimated
13/06/2023
Hands-on review · street use and low-light tests
Verdict
Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome proves DSLRs remain capable street cameras, with a comfortable body and strong low-light performance despite a loud shutter.
8.0
Samuel Streetlife
≈ estimated
12/04/2023
Hands-on review · several weeks of shooting
Verdict
Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome's main appeal is the monochrome experience, since image gains over a colour sensor are mostly limited to low light.
7.0
Edward Martins
≈ estimated
First impressions · monochrome image results and system fit
Verdict
Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome is worth it for true black and white digital shooters, though system fit is a real problem.
Brand video
Shop video
Overview video
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
19/01/2024
Hands-on review · Black-and-white DSLR
Verdict
The Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome is a sturdy, weather-sealed black-and-white DSLR for photographers who like dials and optical viewfinders, but autofocus trails mirrorless cameras.
9.0
keithwee.com
≈ estimated
10/12/2025
First impressions · Black-and-white DSLR
Verdict
The Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome is a rugged, comfortable DSLR whose clean high-ISO black-and-white images suit photographers who shoot only mono.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
23/10/2023
Hands-on review · Black-and-white only
Verdict
The Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome suits Pentax owners who shoot only black and white, with strong image quality, though its heavy DSLR body will not suit everyone.
9.0
thesprocketdocket.com
≈ estimated
18/09/2024
Personal review · Street photography
Verdict
The Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome suits street photographers working in dim, mixed light, thanks to detailed high-ISO results and quick black-and-white edits.
9.0
ppa.com
≈ estimated
01/02/2024
Hands-on review · Creative options
Verdict
The Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome is a strong choice for photographers who love black-and-white and want creative filters, though it is bulkier than mirrorless.
9.0
pentaxforums.com
≈ estimated
Not Dated
In-depth review · Image quality
Verdict
The Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome performs much like the regular K-3 III, with subtle gains in detail and tonal range, plus toning effects.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome

  • Weather sealing suits rain and dusty trips.
  • A 1.05 x viewfinder with 100 % coverage shows the full frame.
  • Image stabilization rated at 5 stops steadies handheld shots.
  • 800 shots per charge by the CIPA rating.
  • A shutter durability rating of 300000 suits heavy use.
  • Pixel shift and focus bracketing add tools for careful landscape work.

What customers don't like about Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome

  • At 820 g it is heavy for long walks.
  • Recording stops after 25 min, which is short for longer clips.
  • 4K tops out at 30 fps, which limits smooth motion.
  • There is no flash, so fill light must come from elsewhere.
  • There is no USB webcam mode, so it cannot serve as a streaming webcam.

Verdict

Rain and dust are less of a worry with the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome, an APS-C camera with weather sealing and an optical viewfinder. Its 1.05 x viewfinder shows the whole frame at a size that is pleasant to look through. The 101 focus points and AF tracking follow a moving subject, and 12 fps keeps up with fast action. Its maximum reaches 1600000 ISO, although its base of 200 ISO is a limit in bright scenes. Battery life reaches 800 shots by the CIPA rating, which is a long day of shooting. The trade-off is size and video: at 820 g and 134.5 mm wide it is bulky, and recording stops after 25 min. It suits a photographer who works outdoors in bad weather and does not mind the heft.

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