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How much dynamic range does the Pentax K-3 offer?

According to measurements carried out by DXO Mark, the sensor in the Pentax K-3 provides a maximum of 13.4 EV of dynamic range (DR). DR is defined as the ratio between the highest and lowest brightness a camera can capture. A value of 12 EV or above is considered excellent.

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High dynamic range of a camera sensor is particularly desirable for scenes with a mix of very bright and very dark parts, such as in some landscape photography settings. It helps to avoid that highlights get washed out or that detail in shadows is lost.

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Sensor specs and performance

The table below compares the sensor specs of the Pentax K-3 to those of several similar cameras. The reported DXO values are indicators of the sensor's imaging quality (higher is better). In addition to dynamic range (DXO Landscape), the listing also covers color depth (DXO Portrait) and high-ISO noise (DXO Sports). Larger sensor cameras tend to outperform cameras of the same generation that are equipped with a smaller imager. On the other hand, larger sensors are more expensive and require bigger and heavier lenses than smaller light receptors.

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Sensor Characteristics
    Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Pentax K-3 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
2.
 
Nikon D7100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.213.7125683
3.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
4.
 
Pentax K-5 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.714.1116282
5.
 
Pentax K-5 II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.814.1123582
6.
 
Pentax K-50 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.713.0112079
7.
 
Pentax K-70 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i23.813.1163980
8.
 
Pentax KP APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.913.2169981
9.
 
Pentax K-S1 APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.513.0106178
10.
 
Pentax K-S2 APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.612.9151479
11.
 
Sony A77 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.280178
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
Further information on the sensor in the Pentax K-3 and the camera's operation can be found in the camera manual.

In the United States, the K-3 was initially launched in October 2013 at a price of $1,299.

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Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Pentax K-3
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Pentax K mount lenses
    Launch Date October 2013
    Launch Price USD 1 299
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 367 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 24.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 6 016 x 4 000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.90 μm
    Pixel Density 6.56 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 51 200 ISO
    Image Processor PRIME III
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 80
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.7
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1216
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.63x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.2 inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peaking
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 8.3 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy200 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Pentax D-LI90 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)560 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 131 x 100 x 77 mm
    (5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0 in)
    Camera Weight 800 g (28.2 oz)

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