Pentax K-3 Mark lll Monochrome Digital SLR Camera (Official HK goods)

Returning to the starting point of photography: capture images with light and shadow

Monochrome (or black-and-white) photography is the origin of photographic expression. Without color data, monochrome can more clearly depict the form and texture of a subject using light, shadow and the in-between gradations. This means that the photographer can create images that are more impressive and persuasive.

For users who want to master monochrome photography, the PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome features an image sensor specifically designed to capture monochrome images only. By designing the camera solely for the purpose of monochrome photography, each pixel detects brightness data of the light coming through the lens. The obtained data is then directly converted to compose an image.

Typical color image sensors are designed to receive light passing through red (R), green (G) and blue (B) color filters, so each pixel detects only one color data component. To compose a monochrome image, color sensors must convert color data into monochromatic data by interpolating the obtained color data while using adjacent areas of the image field as a reference.

Since a monochrome-specific image sensor can faithfully reflect the brightness data obtained by each pixel in the image — without the interpolation process — the photographer can create extra-fine monochromatic expression, in an image high in resolution and rich in gradation.

Image quality exclusively designed for monochrome photography

Image quality has been re-evaluated and redesigned to optimize the imaging characteristics of the monochrome-specific image sensor. Unlike a color sensor that requires the interpolation process, each pixel of the monochrome-specific image sensor corresponds precisely to each pixel in the resulting image. The result is minimal deterioration of the data obtained, and optimal visual expression. To optimize these advantages, the imaging process has been completely restructured to assure highly sensitive expression with a natural bokeh (defocus) effect, rich gradation and extra-fine sharpness — an image only the monochrome-specific image sensor can deliver.