Monochrome (or black-and-white) photography is the origin of photographic expression. Without colour data, monochrome can more clearly depict the form and texture of a subject using light, shadow and 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 the brightness data of the light coming through the lens. The obtained data is then directly converted to compose an image.

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