Pentax K-3 - User Manual

Other manuals for Pentax K-3

Installation Guide6 pages

Questions and Answers

T
Thomas GrayJul 26, 2025
What to do if the shutter cannot be released on my Pentax K-3 Digital Camera?
- R
  robertdownsJul 26, 2025
  If the shutter on your Pentax Digital Camera won't release, it could be due to several reasons. First, the built-in flash might be charging; wait until it finishes. Second, the memory card may be full; either insert a card with available space or delete unwanted images. Third, data might be processing; wait until it's done. Finally, check that the lens aperture ring is set to the 9 position.
J
Joanna Williams MDJul 31, 2025
How to remove dust or dirt particles appearing in Pentax K-3 images?
- K
  keithgravesJul 31, 2025
  If you're seeing dust or dirt particles in your Pentax Digital Camera images, it's likely because the CMOS sensor is dirty. Try activating the [Dust Removal] function from the D4 menu. The Dust Removal function can be activated every time the camera is turned on and off.
J
Jason VasquezAug 3, 2025
What to do if there are defective pixels in my Pentax K-3?
- C
  Catherine WashingtonAug 3, 2025
  If you notice pixels in the monitor or captured images that don't light up or remain lit on your Pentax Digital Camera, it means that there are defective pixels in the CMOS sensor. Activate [Pixel Mapping] from the D4 menu. It takes about 30 seconds to correct the defective pixels, so be sure to install a fully charged battery.
J
Jade HughesAug 8, 2025
Why won't my Pentax K-3 Digital Camera turn on?
- R
  randy37Aug 8, 2025
  Your Pentax Digital Camera might not be turning on because the battery isn't installed correctly. Double-check the battery's orientation. Alternatively, the battery could be low, so try charging it.
J
Juan TerryAug 12, 2025
Why is autofocus not working on my Pentax K-3 Digital Camera?
- A
  Arthur BarnettAug 12, 2025
  If autofocus isn't working on your Pentax Digital Camera, it could be because the subject is difficult to focus on. Try locking focus on an object at the same distance, then aim at your subject. You can also use w. Another possibility is that the subject is too close; move away and try taking the picture again.
R
Robin WalkerAug 16, 2025
Why does the built-in flash not discharge on my Pentax Digital Camera?
- P
  Phillip ReedAug 17, 2025
  If the built-in flash on your Pentax Digital Camera isn't discharging, the flash mode might be set to A or B. Try changing the flash mode.
S
sheri48Aug 21, 2025
What to do if my Pentax K-3 is not recognized when connected to a computer?
- C
  Curtis FrankAug 21, 2025
  If your Pentax Digital Camera isn't recognized when connected to a computer, the USB connection mode might be set to [PTP]. Change the [USB Connection] setting to [MSC] in the D2 menu.

Summary

Introduction to Pentax K-3 Camera Operation

Getting Started with Your Pentax K-3

Memory Card Handling and Formatting

Guidance on inserting, removing, and formatting memory cards for camera use.

Initial Camera Configuration and Basic Operation

Steps for turning on the camera, setting language, date/time, and basic shooting.

Shooting with Live View

How to use the Live View function for composing and capturing images.

Shooting Techniques and Camera Settings

Capture Settings Configuration

Setting file formats, recorded pixels, and quality for still pictures and movies.

Still Picture Shooting Modes

Explanation of various exposure modes for still photography.

Exposure Control and Metering

Managing exposure compensation, ISO sensitivity, program lines, and metering methods.

Focusing Methods and AF Operations

Setting focus modes, AF points, and fine-tuning autofocus performance.

Drive Mode Operations

Using continuous shooting, self-timer, remote control, bracketing, and interval modes.

White Balance Settings and Adjustments

Setting and manually adjusting white balance for accurate color rendition.

Playback and Image Management

Playback Mode Palette Functions

Accessing and utilizing functions within the playback mode palette.

Image Editing and Processing

Copying, resizing, cropping, correcting color moiré, and applying digital filters to images.

RAW Image Development

Camera Settings and Customization

Button and Dial Customization

User Mode Configuration and Management

Memory and File Management Options

Appendix and Additional Information

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Guidance for resolving common camera problems and error messages.

Sensor Cleaning Procedures

Warranty Policy and Compliance

Pentax K-3 Specifications

General

Megapixel	24.35 MP
Camera type	SLR Camera Body
Sensor type	CMOS
Image stabilizer	Yes
Total megapixels	24.71 MP
Image sensor size	- \
Image formats supported	JPG, RAW
Maximum image resolution	6016 x 4000 pixels
Image sensor size (W x H)	23.5 x 15.6 mm
Still image resolution(s)	Jpeg – L (24M：6016x4000), M (14M: 4608x3072), S (6M: 3072x2048), XS (2M: 1920x1280)\\r RAW – L (24M：6016x4000)
Optical zoom	- x
Mounting type	Bayonet
Focal length range	- mm
Lens mount interface	Pentax KAF2
Minimum aperture number	-
Focus	TTL
Focus adjustment	Auto/Manual
Auto Focus (AF) points	27
Auto focusing (AF) modes	Continuous Auto Focus, Single Auto Focus
Light metering	Centre-weighted, Evaluative (Multi-pattern), Spot
ISO sensitivity	100, 51200, Auto
ISO sensitivity (max)	51200
ISO sensitivity (min)	100
Light exposure correction	±5EV (1/2; 1/3 EV step)
Camera shutter type	Electronic
Fastest camera shutter speed	1/8000 s
Slowest camera shutter speed	30 s
Flash sync-speed	1/180 s
Flash range (wide)	- m
Shoe mounting point type	Hot shoe
Video formats supported	AVC, AVI, H.264, MOV, MPEG4
Maximum video resolution	1920 x 1080 pixels
Analog signal format system	NTSC, PAL
Resolution at capture speed	1280x720@25fps, 1280x720@30fps, 1280x720@50fps, 1920x1080@24fps, 1920x1080@25fps, 1920x1080@30fps, 1920x1080@50fps, 1920x1080@60fps
Internal memory	- MB
Compatible memory cards	Eye-Fi, FLU, SD, SDHC, SDXC
Display diagonal	3.2 \
Vari-angle LCD display	No
Display resolution (numeric)	1037000 pixels
Magnification	0.95 x
Viewfinder type	Optical
USB version	3.2 Gen 1 (3.1 Gen 1)
USB connector	Micro-USB B
HDMI connector type	Micro
Data network	Not supported
Scene modes	Portrait, Landscape (scenery)
Image editing	Crop, Resizing, Rotating
Photo effects	Black&White, Sepia
White balance	Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent, Tungsten
Shooting modes	Aperture priority, Manual, Sensitivity priority, Shutter priority
Camera playback	Movie, Single image, Slide show
Self-timer delay	2, 12 s
Languages support	CZE, DAN, DEU, DUT, ENG, ESP, FIN, FRE, GRE, HUN, ITA, POL, POR, RUS, SWE, TUR
Camera file system	DCF 2.0, Exif 2.3
Diopter adjustment (D-D)	-2.5 - 1.5
Power source type	Battery
Battery type	D-LI90
Battery life (CIPA standard)	720 shots
Material	Magnesium, Metal
Product color	Black
Operating temperature (T-T)	-10 - 40 °C