What's the best way to describe the Pentax K-3 ? Well, it's an advanced DSLR with a robust feature set that delivers impressive image quality without making any sacrifices in terms of performance or overall speed.

Exceptional detail at low ISOs; High-resolution 24-megapixel sensor; Accurate metering and white balance; Fantastic auto white balance performance in artificial light; Innovative and effective AA filter simulator; In-camera moire removal; In-camera HDR with RAW support; Sensor-shift shake reduction...

Certain menu screens have become overly-complex; Camera locks up for a prolonged period while writing RAW files; Phase detect autofocus area unchanged; Viewfinder AF tracking speed not significantly improved over the K-5 IIs; Poor video autofocus; Video recording freezes briefly while...

John Riley reviews the new Pentax K-3, the flagship Digital SLR with new 24 megapixel sensor and advanced features.

Superb clarity in image quality with 24MP sensor; Rugged weather sealed construction with 92 seals; Flucard and Eye-Fi card compatibility; Shutter rated to 200,000 exposures; Some unique prime lenses in range; AA Filter Simulator; Glass pentaprism viewfinder with 95% magnification; Backwards lens...

Lack of long zoom lenses; Current lack of lens support from some third party manufacturers

Pentax K-3 Review – Can the Pentax K-3 enthusiast DSLR offer some competition to Nikon and Canon? Find out in the full What Digital Camera Pentax K-3 review

Great image quality; Solid build; Customisable interface

Sluggish AF performance; Lacking Wi-fi functionality; Some performance quirks

The flagship Pentax K-3 is a new semi-professional DSLR camera. Key features of the K-3 include a 24 megapixel APS-C sensor with an anti-aliasing simulator rather than an optical anti-aliasing filter, 27-point Safox XI AF module that remains operational down to -3EV, 86,000 pixel RGB light-metering...

The Pentax K-3 leaps forwards as the first Ricoh DSLR, bring a unique Anti-Alias Filter Simulator and Time-Lapse video up to Ultra HD (4K). This, together with a new 24 megapixels APS-C CMOS sensor and 27-point SAFOX XI autofocus engine with 25 cross-type points.

Excellent control over image-noise; Superb retention of details; Good dynamic-range; Excellent metering; Natural image colors; Highly responsive; Class-leading focus sensitivity; Good focusing accuracy; Effective stabilization for all lenses; Unique Anti-Alias Simulator; Automatic Horizon...

Below average shot-to-shot speeds; Highly variable autofocus speed; Tracking AF lags; Pitch not shown in OVF; Weak Live-View; LCD too left; Status screen does not turn off automatically; Short battery-life; Usability setbacks compared to K-5 family; Camera strap gets in way of mode-dial

With company takeovers, mergers and job losses, it is not surprising that the past few years have seen Pentax lose its way a little. In 2009, two years after the company was bought by Hoya, Jessops made the decision to stop selling Pentax cameras altogether.

The Pentax K-3 follows on from some impressive recent Pentax DSLRs that have applied some real pressure to the ‘big two' traditional DSLR manufacturers. The K-3 marks a departure from previous generation models, sporting a new 23.2MP sensor that's not only a bump in resolution, but also manufactured...

Pentax's latest DSLR, the Pentax K-3 , slightly confusingly marketed by Ricoh who now owns the brand, just happens to be a flagship pro model. Despite this, it fields a 24.7 megapixel APS-C sensor rather than the full frame chip of the Nikon D610, and in comparison is smaller and more square edged...

Solid feel; pro grade body; switch on or off anti aliasing filter; in-body image stabilisation

Like the Nikon D610; there's no Wi-Fi connectivity built into the actual camera body; squarish; blocky body design won't be to all tastes

When Pentax announced the K-3 in October as the new flagship model in its line-up it was met with considerable interest and acclaim, even before the initial reviews appeared. Not only was its 24-megapixel resolution the highest in the range; it also introduced an exciting technological innovation...

The Pentax K-3 is a feature-packed, well-built DSLR that is certainly an upgrade on the Pentax K-50. A significant increase in focus points, a higher resolution and improved weather-proofing are just a few of the improvements.