Fully loaded: Pentax K-3 review

I've got a K-3, but if I were already invested in the A7ii, I wouldn't trade in the A7ii for anything, I'd keep it. Then if the k-3 takes your fancy, by all means have it as a second camera.

Sony being the first 35mm mirrorless maker has the advantage of being WAY out in front with mirrorless. The disappointing thing is the FE lens range is small, and not too sharp. The A7ii images are excellent and really pop.

The dedicated lens range for Pentax crop is the largest, and you can put together a fantastic collection of lenses.

Get out there and enjoy your A7ii !

Jun 8, 2015permalink

Craig from Nevada

It is now May 2015, one year after the review. $750 for the body and $980 for the body with the 18-135mm lens. These are great times to be buying a camera.

May 5, 2015*permalink

EnglishPhotographer

Great, comprehensive camera review. I've written about my experience testing the Pentax K3 in the field as a professional photographer, and also compared it to the Nikon D600/D610 camera. Hope it helps someone trying to decide! http://www.englishphotographer.com/pentax-k3-camera-review/

Apr 19, 2015permalink

We PhotoBooth You

I still think Pentax are falling behind too much.

Mar 30, 2015permalink

Why on earth would you think that? The K3 might be the most advanced APS-C camera made today. If I weren't so much invested in Nikon and Full Frame, the K3 might be my first choice for the type features advanced photographers want and need. Where else can one get a solid cast magnesium alloy weather sealed body at this price point. Where else can you get a 100% view optical glass pentaprism viewfinder at $800 street. Add in the pro level controls and ergonomics and you've got a winner well deserving of its Gold award.

For that price other brands offer a less build quality and a cruddy electronic viewfinder or pentamirrors. The Pentax is designed to appeal to real serious photographers instead of the PlayStation crowd. The K3 feature set is used to create compelling images rather than checking off whiz bang, gew gaw features which are mostly useless and shunned by long time photographers.

Is it important for your camera to have WiFi so you can pop Jpegs to your Facebook page?

Apr 2, 2015permalink

Matt1645f4

I find and Eye-fi is more than efficent to transfer images quickly and effortlessly.

Apr 8, 2015permalink

I much prefer CF to SD and also prefer to plug whatever card into a high speed USB-3.0 reader over anything much else, but I'm transferring a lot of 40+ meg RAW files sometimes daily. Facebook and Twitter don't like 40 meg RAW files much. ;-)

Apr 9, 2015permalink

You need to understand that Pentax has largely been about the image quality. I switched to Pentax because the image quality was very accurate - Image quality first !

AF speed has been a little behind on some SDM lenses, but screw drive are just as fast as L-series.

Do I want the muted colors of a nikon, or dullness of a canon? Yeah I'll get slightly better AF, but I prefer that my Pentax colors can stand side by side next to a Foveon. Pentax image reproduction is far out in front.

Canon and nikon tune down their colors to lessen color noise, and get better DXO scores. DXO scores don't rate accuracy or use a reference camera like a Sigma foveon to benchmark accuracy. DXO is the most unprofessional.

pentax has the largest range of DX lenses.

A camera is not auto focus, a camera is about the image it captures.

Jun 8, 2015permalink

@Hansel300 Sorry pal, but that is about the most fanboi response I've seen in quite a while. It's basically ridiculous and misleading to say the least. How about the same sensor which might be in some Pentax is the same as might be in a Nikon or Sony? This means the RAW capability is the same.

If you're talking default Jpeg results, the argument becomes even more silly. That's like buying a radio because you like what channel it was turned to in the store. If you think Nikon has muted colors, dial them where you like them. If I think my Pentax is overly cartoonish, I can dial them down. In fact, I flat out guaranty I can set any Pentax so you can't tell it from any Nikon. Period.

Besides, how many photographers these days who would consider an up-spec'd K3 type camera shoot in Jpeg, much less default Jpeg? We generally shoot in RAW because we are concerned with image quality, and yes, image quality is important, but less than composition. With RAW, there is near zero difference.

Jun 8, 2015permalink

kadajawi

Are you absolutely sure that the SR works for video? I have tried a K-3 in a shop, and it is _very_ obvious that it does not use the sensor-shift system to stabilize video. Owners of the K-3 all say the same, no SR. Even PENTAX (!) confirms that it does not have sensor-shift based SR.
"#13. Many users do not find electronic video stabilization to be satisfactory. Do you have plans to bring back sensor-shift video SR like in the K-5, or possibly a different type of stabilization? Was there a reason you moved away from mechanical video SR?

The sensor-shift SR is one of our advantages, even for videos, but at this time we have had difficulties solving the problem of sounds of shifting (noise during recording). So it might take time to get a real solution to avoid this problem, and then we will consider how to do it."
http://www.pentaxforums.com/articles/photokina-2014/pf-interview-with-ricoh-imaging-photokina-2014.html

Dec 4, 2014permalink

enyceckk

SR works for me in Video mode. You can turn it on using the info button when in video mode.

Jan 27, 2015permalink

davids8560

What does it mean when you really just happen to stumble across a $100 used K-x in a garage sale, and like it so much that you decide to buy a cheap, used K-7 without even reading the reviews, and then read the reviews, and realize you really want a K-5, and then buy a brand new K-5, but after using it only five months, you impulse buy a $809 brand new K-3 with a battery grip that will probably never see any use? (The battery grip, I mean!)

Nov 4, 2014*permalink

Senistar

It means you are officially infected with G.A.S. Good luck! and enjoy the camera..

Nov 11, 2014permalink

http://www.eisa.eu/awards/photography/40/european-advanced-dslr-camera-2014-2015.html

GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) is a subset of NAS (Nikon acquisition syndrome) which tends to be the most virulent form of the infection. Maybe PAS is a strain which rivals NAS. I don't know. Regardless, you obviously have it and the K3 is a superb way to get it. ;-)

Apr 2, 2015permalink

Chris62

Too much denoising and... Denoising in RAW? Why?
RAW is not RAW now...

Oct 6, 2014permalink

MikeB1951

I bought one of the first K-3s to replace my K-10D. I needed basic movies, higher sensitivities to photograph horse shows, marginal lighting sometimes indoors, inside buildings, and indoor sports events (ice hockey), and no anti-aliasing filter for astrophotography. I also had a couple of good full frame Pentax lenses. I'm very happy with the camera. I have noticed three distractions that the K-10 doesn't have:
1. The four-way switches on the back are much more sensitive, easier to press, than those on the K-10. I wind up changing white balance in particular with my nose when looking through the viewfinder!
2. The control wheel on the back is closer to the thumb rest than the K-10's. I find I inadvertently change whatever parameter it controls at the time.
3. The grip on the front where the middle finger supports the camera when shooting is sharp. The K-10's was much more comfortable.
That said the camera produces wonderful images. In particular, I find the TAv mode extremely useful.

Oct 1, 2014permalink

raztec

Wow! A .95x magnification viewfinder with 100% coverage. What other company offers that in a DSLR? Even the FF from Nikon and Canon have puny viewfinders in comparison.

The experience of shooting with a nice bright viewfinder is such an engaging experience, that alone is worth switching systems for.

Sep 22, 2014permalink

disasterpiece

You're either trolling or going to let me disappoint you: the 4-year old Nikon D7000 has exactly the same specs for the viewfinder and so do many other cameras from this class. The numbers you're seeing are not absolute but rather relative to the frame size.

Dec 23, 2014permalink

Yoda boy

Pentax ( Ricoh ) is still introducing new products that were likely in the pipeline before their takeover from Hoya. They have the ability to create a niche product by introducing a better and more directed line of lenses. WR and A* are really the only way to go if you have a K 7 or newer body as they create a complete system, especially now that the series II flashes have been created.

For K 5 and K 3 photographers, there also should be a 10 mm or 10-20 mm WR lens, preferably with a 2.8 or 3.5 fixed f to fill a void in their lens lineup.

As to an articulating LCD screen, I personally don't see the point as the more serious photographers seem to be quite happy with fixed screens as is the norm for high end Nikon and Canon. Personally, I think one pays more attention to details when looking through a viewfinder.

Sep 13, 2014*permalink

duchamp

For macro photography articulated screen is a blessing.

Dec 22, 2014permalink

avicenanw

The next Pentax flagship DSLR will have an articulating LCD screen which is the trend now with the other manufacturers. Hope they also improve on video performance with better codec and perhaps 4K.

Sep 12, 2014permalink

Class A

The K-3 just won the EISA "Advanced DSLR Camera award 2014-2015":

Aug 15, 2014permalink

brownie314

There are so many categories, I think every body took home an award.

Aug 28, 2014permalink

Yoda boy

It did seem to be that way. It would have been nice to add some of the second place contestants and also some honourable mentions so people looking to make a near future purchase might get some helpful guidance.

Also, an Oldies but Goodies category might have been interesting.

Sep 13, 2014permalink

Tactical Falcon

I have the K-5II and love it. Uncertain if the K-3 will give me more in IQ, in video shooting probably, but want to still learn more before I get one. Certainly has the feature set I want. I am happy with the IQ with the K-5II so far.

Aug 7, 2014permalink

kadajawi

The K-3 offers more control, but the actual video quality of the K-5 is better. Less artefacts due to compression, and a properly stabilized video (the system in the K-3 is electronic only, with a ton of trade-offs, even though this review claims it is a mechanical system). Also the K-3 crops the frame for video.

Dec 4, 2014permalink

Monobod

Regarding the autofocus speed, I understand that the K-3 has a more powerful in body motor for the spindle focus drive, so it is quicker than say the K-5 by about 50%. With respect to the 'in lens' motors, then Pentax probably does need to up the design parameters here and introduce faster drives, especially for the long focus throw lenses. The shorter primes, even with spindle drive, seem to be quick enough now.

This will happen in time I'm sure and third party lenses may well be the first to go down this route, so there should be plenty of choice.

Jul 29, 2014permalink

joyclick

dpr gave the K3 a GOLD award "wholeheartedly"

Jul 24, 2014permalink

russella1

......got to say I'm totally impressed with the K3 which I've been using professionally extensively for almost a year now. I've always used 35mm Pentax since the Spotmatic back in the late 60's / early 70's and have a large selection of Takumar lenses (arguably some of the best, fastest and sharpest lenses ever made)
My K3, old Takumar lenses with screw mount / k mount adapter produces great images with the best of them, and they still produce as sharp results as a lot of the new pentax lenses. The reason I bought the K3 was because I had all of these very expensive and specialised lenses from the days of film and wanted to maximise the use of what I already owned.
In my workplace I also use various Nikon and Canon DSLR models which have their uses, but I am totally biased and must confess that in my opinion for my own personal use the K3 beats them all hands-down in almost every respect.

Jul 4, 2014permalink

Malwina

useful!

Jun 25, 2014permalink

Sandmanusd

So from this review it seems the auto focus on the lenses is the culprit on the Auto focus "problems" not the camera itself. Are there any other reviews out there that indicate that the Pentax Auto Focus is substantially slower than those on Nikon?

I am up in the air between this and the D7100 and really the ONLY thing throwing me for a loop and preventing me from buying the K-3 right now is the problematic slow auto focusing lenses available for the camera.

Is there any other reviews out there on the interwebs that can verify or refute the claims here that the slow AF on the lenses are to blame for the issues with the Cont. AF they see here?

This is a deal breaker for me really if this is true. I want fast auto focus lenses, like those available for the Nikon D7100... Any body with some thoughts or links to shed some light?

Jun 23, 2014permalink

SkilakDeZoo

and how do you do the exposure measuring? spot or matrix? if you shot moving small objects you use spot metering rather than matrix then the results are a kind of a lucky dip. I have D7100 and K-5 and comparing 21mm ltd and 35mm 1.8G , K-5 is not slower but gives more reliable outcomes e.g. exposure and focus. BTW you may find that Pentax does not cope well with Red but Nikon does not cope with Orange and in the field the skin gets pastel orange color (peachy). So it is down to you what you like.

Jun 24, 2014permalink

Anything thats screw drive (Bar macro) is just as fast as L-series. I've got 16-50 2.8, and its very fast- canikon fast. 50-135 2.8 is a bit slow because of the longer throw. 200mm 2.8 is a little slow but is ridiculously sharp. if you are shooting sports, the new 70-200 2.8 or Sigma model should do the job. (There could be others fast enough)

I've used some nikon gear, and some lenses are pretty slow with nikon too. So its lens dependant.

If you know which lenses you need, make a table of lenses from either brands, and find out how they rate by users.

At the end of the day you've got to check off your listed lenses on the table as suitable or unsuitable. Pentax has definitely got the sharpness. But SDM is not the same from lens to lens, and the SDM failures have apparently been sorted.

Tell people what you are shooting, and they can advise you better. Nikon people or Pentax people.

Jun 8, 2015permalink

WaveDancer

Any news about the crazy mirror flapping issue with the K3?

May 31, 2014permalink

Firmware fixed it

Jun 8, 2015permalink

Westcoast Guy

About "Bulb" and remote cable release use...

I do a lot of tripod-mounted time-laps shots for star trails, weird optical effects in low-light, etc.

How long does the K3 take from the end of, say a 30-min exposure, to copy it to the SD card?

I have a K20-D and I have to allow equal amounts of "shot time" as well as "transfer time". ex. 30 minutes exposure + 30 minute transfer time = 1 hour per shot.

May 26, 2014*permalink

gLOWx

It is not 30 minutes transfert, it is 30 minutes shot with closed shutter ;)
It takes a "black" frame just to get the noise pattern, and subtract it from the real image.
Any modern camera do this to reduce noise on long exposures.
You can disable it on most cameras.
Search for ""long exposure noise reduction" ;)

Jun 15, 2014permalink

JavaJones

It seems DPR simply doesn't review or care about some of the unique aspects of the K-3. How about an evaluation of the weather sealing and comparison to other models? Or a simple breakdown of lens focal lengths available with weather sealing among different manufacturers. I don't know who would win but it's certainly a worthwhile question, particularly relevant to anyone considering Pentax.

Similarly, what about testing Image Stabilization and its effectiveness? Has this ever been tested here, for lenses or camera bodies? I don't recall, though I know others have. The fact that it's in-body with K-3 is hardly mentioned, much less tested. How does it compare to lens-based stabilization of other systems?

Finally, it's great (really great!) to test focus tracking. But I don't recall seeing similar tests on other recent cameras. Is it just taken for granted that they handle this stuff well, and the K-3 is only being tested due to poor past performance and claimed improvements by Pentax?

May 10, 2014permalink

gLOWx

A common (probably true, don't know) scheme is "in-lens" working better for long focals because there is more "margin" to correct shake.
If you like Pentax prime lenses, you don't care.
If you want to shoot birds and safari...take a closer look ;)
And about "past" and Pentax, almost no serious tests are done on Pentax...because it is not Canikon :D
Same applies to Sony Alpha of course. You need to search very hard to get a nice serious review...

Jun 15, 2014permalink

Lassoni

I'm interested in how pentax fares againt the olympus om-d series. This pentax camera looks nice, though maybe it's trying to copy nikon too much with the AF selector position? (Canon has it better).

I wonder how well pentax is holding up. I think nikon bests it due to lens selection alone. OTOH, olympus might also be better, due to smaller size and possibly better quality of lenses (I get impression from reading that olympus has pretty good lenses). Price is also another question mark. Where I live the pentax k3 body costs 200 dollars more than nikon d7100. What's up with that?

Jun 29, 2014*permalink

gLOWx

D7100 was out before, so price is down from release date.
I would not take in account body price difference. You pay a SYSTEM camera. What is important is what you want to do in the future. Thinking "now" is reserved to closed cameras like compact/bridge.With system cameras, you need to know if you want to use complex speedlite configuration (Nikon, Olympus), cheaper amazing second hand manual primes (Pentax all the way) and on and on. With OM-D, you go the m43 format...it is another way ;) If you care about short to medium focal length manual prime lens, Pentax will be cheaper than any other. Olympus makes AMAZING lenses (like Pentax)...but they cost the same price than their APS-C counterpart. Check Pentax Limited series and Takumar :D To me, they are even better than Olympus.
I can't help you on the AF side ;)

Jun 30, 2014permalink

adrianconst

I own a K30 with 18-135mm. I had Canon T2i with 18-135mm and 15-85mm before, and even earliear I had a Nikon D40 with 18-135mm. I onwed each more than a year and took tousends of shots with each. From my experience Canon IS is unbeatable ( I tested some VR lenses from Nikon a couple of time (18-200mm, 18-55mm and 55-300mm). I gain about 2-3 stops with K30 (at 135mm) from the 1/focal distance/1.5 rule of thumb. With Canon I was getting about 4 stops. With Nikon about 3 stops. With Nikon and Canon I was able to get even 1 extra stop if I was taking a couple of continuous shots. One or more out of 5 shots ended up to be sharp enough when I was using a speed 5 stops (for Canon) or 4 stops (for Nikon) slower than the rule of thumb. For some reason this trick doesn't quite work with K30. Maybe because the stabilization does something different between two consecutive shots. Not sure about this and Pentax/Ricoch customer service is not knowledgeable enough.

Feb 26, 2015*permalink

pm1965

I wonder what happened to the intelligence of some of these "expert reviewers"??? The direct competitors of the K3 are the D7100 & 70D. They have similar size, sensor size and price point. I don't understand why on earth do they compare the K3 to a 6D or D600. Does not make sense (different sensor size & price point).

May 10, 2014permalink

Simon Joinson

I'm confused. I see we compare the K3 with many cameras (mostly the D7100 and 70D you mention), but not the 6D or D600... or am I missing something?

May 10, 2014permalink

Anjey

I'm curious why K-3 is only compared to D300s and EOS 7D as direct competitors but not to D7100 which seems more logical for me? I mean the picture quality not handling. So far, D7100 was the leader in the crop category.

May 7, 2014permalink

Leandros S

I'm still concerned that the review draws a conclusion about AF-C in this camera without TESTING whether any other camera would have performed better under *the same conditions*.

May 2, 2014permalink

drummercam

Is Pentax's Hyper-Program operational interface mentioned anywhere in this review? I did not find it under "shooter's experience" where it ought to have been, nor anywhere else. Have I missed it, or was it not mentioned?

Apr 30, 2014permalink

After pulling out EXIF data from some DPR test shots, it was concluded DPR indeed did a sloppy job in evaluating the K-3.
In the AF-C test, they have left the Shake Reduction on, which means camera wanted to stabilise each image in consecutive firing like it would do in a single shot mode.
The Conclusion? DPR made a wrong conclusion about the camera's AF, of course. Their verdict is invalid and wrong and inconsistent with results experienced users are getting out of K-3. Truth is the K-3 is a very sophisticated machine, allowing for many settings. It is not a P&S toy.
Get to know your gear, especially with a less known and more unique brand of cameras, and have a thorough attitude before testing or making public verdicts.

Apr 25, 2014*permalink

Richard Butler

If neither the manufacturer nor the manual suggest any conflict between SR and AF-C, it doesn't seem outrageous to test what appears to be a reasonable combination.

Equally, we also tested without SR on, with the camera on a tripod, without any additional success.

I won't claim to be an expert Pentax-using sports shooter, but we spent a lot of time testing the K-3 in an even-handed manner and judged it against reasonable expectations. A perfect and repeatable AF tracking test may well be impossible, so we made every effort to give the K-3 a fair opportunity and were careful not to make any claims beyond what we experienced.

Apr 25, 2014*permalink

Camera is by no mean a mind reader which knows what next move a user will do, and how quickly the panning / camera motion speed will increase. Thus it is generally recommended to leave the SR off in AF-C. (Despite some users' claim they always and on all Pentax cameras successfully used AF-C with SR on, but which is wrong use despite the fact it may work in some specific instances).
We'd love to see all the motion tracking images you have taken with the SR off, to analyse exif data and see other variables and how can you improve K-3 handling and technique.

Apr 26, 2014permalink

Or in terms of a sport's vocabulary, what you showed us is a punch below the waist, Richard. Those images should be pulled down asap, as they show wrong use, and are shots against the recommended settings.
If you want to make us believe K-3 delivers same results with or without SR turned off, then we shall at least say to readers of this review that is not true.
However, if that is really the case, then please substitute same poor images with SR on with poor images with SR off, to give readers more precise evaluation to conclude whether it's the camera's fault, or your lack of skill. Thank you.

Apr 26, 2014permalink

awaldram

Richard.....
From the manufacturer
"The Shake Reduction function will not fully work when shooting with a very slow shutter speed, for example when panning or shooting night scenes.
In this case, it is recommended to turn off the Shake Reduction function and use a tripod.!"

I don't think it reasonable to expect manuals to regurgitate 'standard' functions usage .

Sensor shift SR is now over 10 years old nothing is different in its use than Optical so it difficult to understand why you thought SR on was OK for panning in direct conflict with standard usage of all manufacturers solutions when panning.??

All SR systems either auto disable or are required to be off or partially disabled (true for Sony, Sigma, Tamron , Canon , Nikon or Pentax ) when panning.

Whilst most optical system can be disabled in on plane to allow SR for the other whilst panning the Pentax system also corrects rotational shake so cannot be partially disabled.

Apr 27, 2014*permalink

EricCul

It seems reasonable to ask that the mistake in the review is corrected.

Apr 27, 2014permalink

To put it simply, SR is designed to correct for accidental movement when photographer is trying to hold the camera steady.

If the camera is meant to move (when panning, tracking a subject, etc) for which a photographer will most likely use AF-C, then the SR should be turned off.

Apr 28, 2014permalink

Alessandro Iannuzzo

Yes true, you can make the test, with the tripod the SR must be set OFF, Sad

Apr 28, 2014permalink

Richard Butler

Tests conducted on a tripod had SR off, tests conducted handheld had it on. Despite claims that it is 'recommended' that SR be off for AF-C, I can find no evidence of these recommendations.

@Awaldram, we were not using slow shutter speeds of the type your message notes. We were not panning in the sense of using a slow shutter speed to show background blur - which that clearly refers to.

The images we posted were the most consistent of the examples we shot. I'm not sure we still have all the other examples, since we re-shot those bursts many, many times (different lenses, different focus area modes, on and off the tripod), and generated several hundred images.

Apr 28, 2014*permalink

SkilakDeZoo

Just out of curiosity: is it that Pentax jpgs are over-saturated or Nikon's under-saturated?;)

May 1, 2014permalink

K-3 now got the ipa award for best expert level dslr http://www.tipa.com/english/award-details.php?iId=3634&sAward=Best%20Digital+SLR++Expert

Apr 23, 2014permalink

Madaboutpix

You lost your "T" ;) , but thanks for posting. It did, and deservedly so, I think. Of course, that doesn't affect anyone's day-to-day shooting. Yet, if it shows anything, it may be another signal that Ricoh/Pentax are back on the block, where they should be.

Would be kind of cool if they could supplement that one with the TIPA for Best Professional DSLR with the 645Z next time around ... :)

Apr 23, 2014permalink

Maybe they will, but it Depends on whether Canon or Nikon will come out with something new later this year.

Apr 23, 2014permalink

phoenix15

So what could be the next now Pentax ?
1. Pentax K-02, mirrorless with new mount to maintain compactness
2. Pentax FF with 36 MP, DSLR.
3. Lastly, lenses with better AF. 12-24, 17-70, 16-50, 50-135. They all need new updates.

Apr 22, 2014permalink

I think mirror less part 2 will happen in 2015. For now de Pentax Q7 is the companies Mirror less. This year a new mid-level K-60 and hopefully a full frame (24mp, same chip as Nikon D610).

Apr 23, 2014permalink

Glenn Schultes

I am hoping for a Monochrome only K5ii
Take out the Bayer filter and that is 48 megapixels of sensor dedicated to B&W

Apr 26, 2014permalink

Nicolas Alexander Otto

If Pentax released a FF body I'd finally have a reason to upgrade my K5 ;)

Apr 29, 2014permalink

willax

Pentax already got Full Frame+....
Pentax also got best or close to best APSc cam
Pentax got best weather sealed bodies& lenses
Pentax owners need to loose up a bit,......really

Jun 16, 2014permalink

Benedito

Can we see in live view the apature change (not the neumeric) .. Can anyone reply

Apr 22, 2014permalink

Couscousdelight

Yes, it's... live ;)

Apr 22, 2014permalink

Benedito

Can we see aperture changes in live view in Pentax k3
as in Canon dslr.

Apr 22, 2014permalink

xmeda

of course, even K7 can do this.. just use DOF preview switch

Apr 24, 2014permalink

gillamoto

great camera.. just wondering how will the next generation will be :D

Apr 21, 2014permalink

EthanX

Hey, is it just me or have many new samples recently been added to the review, including some excellent low light images (e.g. those of the cat)?

I'm pretty sure I haven't seen them before...

Apr 19, 2014permalink

HussainJanjua

Good camera but its bit expensive than its Compitators

Apr 19, 2014permalink

xmeda

certainly not

Apr 24, 2014permalink

dyoon153

Really? check again :)

Apr 24, 2014permalink

spodeworld

How much is the AF tracking likely to be able to be improved via a firmware improvement?

Apr 18, 2014permalink

Not a single source has established a thorough evaluation of the new AF from Pentax. DPR, IR, many others have reflected on it through "a subjective feeling", which is nonsense. Thus the final conclusion on it is yet to be said, but so far, it is as good as any of its best peers, with room for (1) uncovered perks and extra speed due to many people's unfamiliarity of the new Pentax tech, and (2) ability to improve it even further with firmware updates.

Apr 20, 2014permalink

spodeworld

I guess I was trying to understand, that if there are AF tracking issues, how much room is there to improve it through the firmware? Or, is that more likely a hardware problem?

Apr 21, 2014*permalink

noirdesir

Have I missed something? Or why is the Sony A850, a FF camera, in this 'Semi-professional Interchangeable Lens Camera / DSLR' group and not the A77?

Apr 16, 2014permalink

KingOfAtlantis

not the most attractive looking camera out there is it haha

Apr 16, 2014permalink

joseluismx

Since most DSRLs look similar, I can't imagine what you find unattractive about the K-3.

Apr 16, 2014permalink

Gazeomon

@ Josh Bailey. But it takes pictures, har har

Apr 28, 2014*permalink

Münchhausen

Thx a lot for this review that I find balanced and right. I already have a K-3, and I just love it, the best Pentax camera up to date...

Apr 16, 2014permalink

stig777

Wish there was more mention and test of the full weather seal. Thats an important factor, i feel to show as Pentax does weather sealing better then anybody else i feel then is comes to DSLR.

Apr 15, 2014permalink

Danyel39

I think as already suggested, even if emotionally not easy, that I might take a serious look at FF with VERY High Iso capabilities. I also often Crop, and image quality e detail rendition are critical.I really love the Outsider Philosophy of Pentax, humbly and quietly delivering what I consider the best aps-c camera 3-4 years ago ( the K-5). Now time has changed and I believe you cannot win the competition with selectable anti aliasing filter.
The game , or the war, is on other grounds.

Apr 15, 2014permalink

waxwaine

Shooting at ngiht you must consider first MF(Pentax 645Z or other), with lower budget any last generation of 135mm frame dslr. Any way, leaving Pentax(K-5II or K-3) for other ff camera you will loose f2.8 AF capability on lowlight condition. Not if you take 645Z road off course.

Apr 15, 2014*permalink

turvyT

Why don't sell all your Pentax equipment? Although no gear is going to be 100% satisfactory... But at least, you'll contribute to local and global economy.

Apr 16, 2014permalink

Danyel39

Hi,

thanks to all for the replies.
I'm trying to play and change some of the settings but still not 100% happy with the results.
I will give my self time in order to know and understand better if the K-3 can match my expectations.
Especially when looking at the image quality comparison of professional reviews I understand that some other " Systems" might be more suitable for my needs.
Pentax colour rendition is sometimes weird. When you photograph at 2-3 am neon signs of some shops or other artificial lights the colours seem to be sometimes similar to what you see after taking an hallucinogenic.
Very warm , maybe too much, is like the colours are the colours of a marker-highlighter. I tried to change WB, SCENE, still I'm not convinced. Other cameras have a more natural and balanced approach.

Apr 15, 2014permalink

ruggiex

I would think you would shoot in RAW and correct any color in post doing night shots. I'm not aware any camera is problem free in difficult conditions - cameras are dumb.

Apr 15, 2014permalink

ravi pratap

yes ! u r abs correct, the color rendition is not correct as the camera shows pink as magenta and blue as deep blue,
yes exactly like marker !!!

Apr 23, 2014permalink

naththo

Pink is same thing as Magenta no difference at all to me. I prefer skies to be true blue NOT cyan blue or too green skies. I like Pentax colour fidelity. Also Sony Nex 7 is pretty close to Pentax colour while A7 isn't and is shifting toward bit like Fujifilm but in low contrast with bit too green skies. Thats the issue problem currently this time. But thankfully I shoot raw and can fix that though.

Apr 23, 2014permalink

maksa

I have a K-5 and I don’t need better image quality. Its sensor surpasses all my needs. But I need better menus, ergonomics, more precise exposure and WB metering, faster AF and a viewfinder optimized for MF. K-3 is half way from K-5 to my ideal camera. And the sensor doesn’t play any significant role.

I think the K-3 is the best APS-C camera at the moment, and Ricoh’s share of this market will grow. That’s the way to a good competition and to the best choice of cameras for all the photographers.

Apr 15, 2014*permalink

Danyel39

Hi I own a K-5 ( Silver ) and one month ago I received my K-3 ( Silver ).
I don't know what will be the future of APS-C but I'm unhappy with the results of the Image Quality Compared. Olympus is almost there, for my personal opinion D7100 is performing better and when compared to Sony 7R........
I photograph mainly during the night ( color rendition and low light capabilities are crucial ) and I'm starting to think that maybe time has come to sell everything and check both Nikon ( D4s, DF, D400 ? , ) and Sony 7R.
K-5 was my first camera and loved it but it seems to me the future is going into another directions. Image quality of Sony is unbeatable. low light capabilities of some nikons also. Don't know.
Can someone cast light on my considerations ?

Apr 14, 2014permalink

JGoodard

K3 uses a sony sensor. D7100 uses a Toshiba sensor. Have you adjusted your camera's custom image parameters? There's plenty to work with there.

Who knows what branded sensors Nikon and Pentax will use in each of their respective future flagship APS-C bodies.

Apr 14, 2014*permalink

solarider

Re Danyel39

There are several items to turn off or change from factory settings. One is certain noise reduction settings and AF setting. The K3 has more in-camera possible personal settings than the D7100. Probably much more.

Please check with the Pentax forum on this site http://www.dpreview.com/forums/1036 to get the particulars on the K3. The out of the box factory settings for noise reduction are too aggressive and can be easily changed to get the most out of the K3.

Thanks

Nic

Apr 14, 2014*permalink

brujo74

Hi! I'm not very happy with Sony's IQ, let alone low-light performance. I've tested an Alpha65 some time ago and it was nowhere near my K-5 in both respects. I don't know about the new ones, haven't seen them with my own eyes. You can't go wrong with Nikon's D4s, but that's in another league (pricewise too). I think your best bet would be a Nikon D3s if you can get it for a good price.

Apr 14, 2014permalink

dagobah

Do you typically zoom in and pixel peep, i.e. view the images at 100% magnification on the screen? If so, you are actually viewing at a significantly higher magnification than the K-5 (because it is 24MP K-3 vs. 16MP K-5) and therefore the per-pixel noise is not a meaningful comparison. If you reduce the K-3 image to 16MP, it will look as good or better.

Apr 14, 2014permalink

ambercool

You say you shoot mainly during the night so I would think that the first two things that would come to mind for you is Full Frame and fast lens. Even full frame has trouble with night shooting as you compare all ISO to darkness and shadows you're going to see visible noise past ISO 800 no matter what sensor you are using.

I would start looking at all my full frame options and f/1.2 or lower. Good luck!

Apr 15, 2014permalink

tinetz

Hi, you should definitely consider the Pentax 645Z. With ISO 204,800 and 51MP you can photograph at darkest night and and by downsampling the results to your needs you should get rid of all noise ;) Just kidding (except you have some money aside already)...

Apr 15, 2014permalink

Benjamin Kanarek

Excellent review...objective and well balanced ! :-)

Apr 14, 2014*permalink

driftnomore

is my k-5 better than the k-3?

Apr 14, 2014permalink

paulski66

Yes, it's 2 better...

Apr 14, 2014permalink

driftnomore

wow! thanks paul...if we have only choices of lenses here in europe.lenses here are scant and are more expensive.thought of sellimg my k-5.

Apr 14, 2014permalink

photohounds

Nice cam, bit heavy ..
Does it also have the mirror flop issue?
.
I ask because a friend is quite enamoured and has asked me my opinion.
.
My blanket reply "they are all pretty good, just get the one that suits you", didn't wash too well :(

Apr 14, 2014permalink

paulski66

Well, on the plus side, at least we won't have to read any more posts from all the Pentax fanboys complaining "Where's the K-3 review?" every time DPReview posts a review of any other camera.

Apr 13, 2014permalink

waxwaine

Don't think so. No comes Pentax 645Z time ;)

Apr 13, 2014permalink

You don't have to read any posts at all you know.

Apr 13, 2014permalink

paulski66

Would that I could avoid them, D1NO. Every review DPR publishes is met with the same chorus of bitching and whining from the Pentaxians, though hopefully this will give us all a temporary respite.

And btw, where the hell is the D4 review?!? The D4 was released over 2 years ago! The K-3 is less than 6 months old, and already we get a full review of it, while we patiently wait and wait for the D4 review and...nothing.

Outrageous!

Apr 14, 2014*permalink

robmanueb

Holy bitchin pentaxians batman!

Apr 14, 2014permalink

KonstantinosK

The whining was well justified, in my opinion. DPR rushed the Df review in no time, just before the Christmas season. And it's not the only example...

Apr 14, 2014permalink

brujo74

Nikon D4 doesn't need a review, paulski66 !

Apr 14, 2014permalink

Leandros S

I'm just glad you're not bitching about anything, paulski.

Apr 15, 2014permalink

I see more people bitching about pentaxians than bitching pentaxians.

Apr 15, 2014permalink

Yoda boy

As someone who is very interested in the K3, and has a K5, I can advise that when talking to Ricoh Canada reps recently, they have advised that the K3 is much improved in many ways compared to the K5 trio. I tried the K3 with a few lenses and found no focusing problems at all. Ricoh has had lots of feedback on making all their lenses WR and becoming the WR camera company. I personally think this is a great idea as this would make the brand a natural choice for outdoors/landscape photographers. Their new flash units are WR and so are their grips.

One item not often mentioned in reviews is the feel when holding a camera. The Pentax K 7 and up all feel very comfortable when hand held and very substantial to boot. Something that I appreciate. Privately, several camera store reps have said how they secretly love the Pentax brand. They usually shoot with Nikon or Canon, only because they already have lenses and such and because of discounted pricing at certain times of the year.

Jul 5, 2014permalink

gravelhopper

Interesting to see that dpr does not mention the K3's AF capability in low light. For every in-door available light photographer this is as cruicial as low noise at high ISO. When reviewing the K5 II this was mentioned: "As for light levels, I was able to compare the K-5 II with the Nikon D7100, and found I was able to focus with the K-5 II in lower light than with the Nikon. In exceptionally low light (a large blacked-out room lit with a single tungsten bulb) there was a clear point where the Nikon's AF system (rated down to -2EV) just gave up, never delivering a focus confirmation beep, and the K-5 II (rated down to -3EV) kept on making accurate decisions." Also something I do not understand: for both the K5 ii and the K3 the whole "performance" section is missing while it is being part of other reviews. Anyway, I hope the K5 ii low light capabilities are a base feature in all Pentax bodies now.

Regards

Apr 13, 2014permalink

...yes the K5II low light AF is insanely good

Apr 14, 2014permalink

joseluismx

Indeed, @gravelhopper. I've been trying to find a worthy FF camera to move to. I currently own a K-5II and and K-5IIs. For the type of photography I do, i need -3EV AF sensitivity. None of the current FF are better than my cameras or if they match the Pentaxes (like the Canon 6d), they're heavily crippled.

Apr 15, 2014permalink

Keith Reeder

Zvonimir,

you've made that ALL up.

Apr 13, 2014permalink

Whilst he doesn't produce evidence or a link to a test...and neither can I right now, I do recall a test between the original K5 and the D7000 a couple of years ago where this was the result, not by a huge margin..........in fast moving subjects I would find that hard to believe. However having the K5IIs, I can attest that I have so few failed AF and it can focus in Low light like you wouldn't believe. It would make an interesting test and there would be a margin of error for individual cameras and lenses and human factor, but I think the perceived and legendary and supposed poor AF is now a thing of the past, was never really a major issue and any current problems rest with a few of the lenses. How many milli seconds really makes any sort of difference to 99% of users??

Apr 13, 2014*permalink

It's become such a blown out of proportion issue, much like Pentax's perceived lack of lenses from other brand users fanboys and pimply faced salesman with no real knowledge, who choose to find any crumb of evidence to put down someone else, where in fact Pentax has the best APS-C range around and still a significant 3rd party manufacture usage.
If people can't shoot decent results with ANY of the current crop of cameras from any brand, be able to AF and find mostly enough lenses to suit then they have issues.....

Apr 13, 2014permalink

JustDavid

I think this is what you're looking for
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3100452

And here is a link to the original PDF of the test:
http://multimedia.fnac.com/multimedia/editorial/labo/reflex_2012.pdf

Apr 13, 2014*permalink

Yes, that's the one i'm thinking of......

Apr 14, 2014permalink