After keeping everyone in suspense, and apparently mulling over it seriously for a long time, Pentax has finally decided to name its new APS-C flagship DSLR… the K3 Mark III — the successor of, wait for it, the K3 Mark II. Pentax says that it firmly believes in the future of DSLRs, and while there are many photographers who are still currently using DSLRs, we cannot help but wonder if this will continue to be the case in a few years. Unwilling or unable to embrace ground-breaking mirrorless technology, Pentax seems to have settled for the collector’s game, putting out ever so slightly improved DSLRs every couple of years, and issuing limited edition of silver models.

As to their claim of reaching ISO 1.6M in the K3 Mark III, we’ll have to wait until February 2021 when the camera is officially launched to see what that high sensitivity claim really amounts to. We find this a bit hard to believe or take at face value, and since Pentax does not make a bit deal about it, we can only surmise it may be a feature where a number of long exposure photos are stacked together in-camera to mathematically yield that high ISO number. According to the video, we can expect the price of the K3 Mark III to be in the US $2500 – $3000 range.

Oct 27, 2020

Progress report on PENTAX’s new APS-C-format digital SLR flagship camera: officially named PENTAX K-3 Mark III

RICOH COMPANY, LTD. and RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. have been developing a new PENTAX K-series digital SLR camera, which will be positioned as the flagship model of the APS-C-format SLR lineup.

Currently in development, the new camera now has its official name: the PENTAX K-3 Mark III.

Designed to be a camera embodying The Five Principles of PENTAX, it will incorporate an array of functions and features to highlight the significance of SLR photography, and to optimize the joy taking pictures for everyone with a passion for photography.

The product prototype was exhibited last year during the PENTAX 100th Year Anniversary event. At the event, we announced that it would be launched by the end of 2020 — and it is now in the final stage of development. Once the development is complete, we will streamline the camera’s production system. It has taken a bit longer than expected, so we appreciate your patience and wish to share already an overview of the product, as per the specifications below.

We’ll provide you with more product information, such as the scheduled market launch date, as soon as the information is confirmed. Finally, we invite you to visit our RICOH IMAGING website for more information on the new PENTAX APS-C-format digital SLR flagship, and to get ready for the arrival of this new camera, which we expect to set a new standard for the future of SLR photography.

Overview of the new product in development:

• Product name: PENTAX K-3 Mark III
• Launch date: scheduled around the period of the CP+ camera exhibition, which will be held from February 25 to 28 in 2021.
• Price: Not decided

The five principles of PENTAX:

1. We design new cameras through sheer devotion.
2. Our goal is to produce cameras with the power to capture images that allow for direct communication with the subject.
3. We design cameras that allow our users to enjoy all the processes involved in taking a picture.
4. We pursue a level of quality and performance that can’t be measured by numbers alone.
5. We respect and value the photographic experiences of our users and view this as an invaluable asset.

The designs and specifications are identical to those first announced publicly about the camera’s development, and are subject to change without notice.
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