K-3 vs K-5II

Wilhelm219154 · Mar 23, 2014

I'm probably a year late in asking this question, but I'd like to decide between the two (B&H has an excellent price on the K-5II while the K-3 still comes pretty dear). Is it worth it?

Plan to use it for general photography, especially low-light, mostly with a Sigma f:1.4/30mm. Shoot lots of B&W.

I once had a K20D but there were recurring problems with it so I switched to trouble-free Canon, which works well with my old Pentax-M lenses (from 15mm to 500mm) with stop-down adapter.

brandrx · Mar 23, 2014

Wilhelm said:
I'm probably a year late in asking this question, but I'd like to decide between the two (B&H has an excellent price on the K-5II while the K-3 still comes pretty dear). Is it worth it?

Plan to use it for general photography, especially low-light, mostly with a Sigma f:1.4/30mm. Shoot lots of B&W.

I once had a K20D but there were recurring problems with it so I switched to trouble-free Canon, which works well with my old Pentax-M lenses (from 15mm to 500mm) with stop-down adapter.

Hi Wilhelm,

If you don't plan on doing sports or tracking birds in flight then the best buy IMO is the Pentax K-5 IIs.

Ron

fakuryu · Mar 23, 2014

brandrx said:
Wilhelm said:

I'm probably a year late in asking this question, but I'd like to decide between the two (B&H has an excellent price on the K-5II while the K-3 still comes pretty dear). Is it worth it?

Plan to use it for general photography, especially low-light, mostly with a Sigma f:1.4/30mm. Shoot lots of B&W.

I once had a K20D but there were recurring problems with it so I switched to trouble-free Canon, which works well with my old Pentax-M lenses (from 15mm to 500mm) with stop-down adapter.

Click to expand...

Hi Wilhelm,

If you don't plan on doing sports or tracking birds in flight then the best buy IMO is the Pentax K-5 IIs.

Ron

Phixer323 · Mar 23, 2014

We just went through this. We shoot motorsports, a lot of which is in lowlight. I use two K-5's, but the wife needed an upgrade from her K10D. She doesn't do quite as much on-track that I do. Because of the cost and compatibility, we decided to go with the K-5iis. My vertical battery grips will be interchangeable with the K-5iis and not the K-3. Also there has been evidence on both sides of the issue with the dynamic range and lowlight capability of the K-3 vs the K-5 series. I know for sure the capabilities of the K-5 series and there is improvement with the AF-C with the iis. Yes it may be better with the K-3, but how much is enough. An example of this, I just recently shot a day of Snocross snowmobile racing that was 1,375 shots with a keeper rate of 92.5%. This included an user error of 30 lost shots when I forgot to switch back to AF-C from AF-S after shooting some static victory lane shots. I have great success with the Pentax system. The only thing I have to do is use third party long 2.8 zooms. Its a compromise, but it works.

JGoodard · Mar 23, 2014

Wilhelm said:
I'm probably a year late in asking this question, but I'd like to decide between the two (B&H has an excellent price on the K-5II while the K-3 still comes pretty dear). Is it worth it?

Plan to use it for general photography, especially low-light, mostly with a Sigma f:1.4/30mm. Shoot lots of B&W.

I once had a K20D but there were recurring problems with it so I switched to trouble-free Canon, which works well with my old Pentax-M lenses (from 15mm to 500mm) with stop-down adapter.

There is growing evidence of a serious hardware design flaw with the K3-a so called 'mirror flap' problem. See the associated thread on Pentax Forums via the hyperlink for further details.

If and until that issue is ever addressed by Ricoh Japan, probably best to pick up a K5-II/IIs on one of these outstanding BH and Adorama deals.

I purchased a K5-II w/18-135 WR lens during the black-friday deal last November through BH; long story short, K5-II is an outstanding camera to shoot with and relatively easy to learn how to operate.

Regor250 · Mar 25, 2014

JGoodard said:
Wilhelm said:

I'm probably a year late in asking this question, but I'd like to decide between the two (B&H has an excellent price on the K-5II while the K-3 still comes pretty dear). Is it worth it?

Plan to use it for general photography, especially low-light, mostly with a Sigma f:1.4/30mm. Shoot lots of B&W.

I once had a K20D but there were recurring problems with it so I switched to trouble-free Canon, which works well with my old Pentax-M lenses (from 15mm to 500mm) with stop-down adapter.

Click to expand...

There is growing evidence of a serious hardware design flaw with the K3-a so called 'mirror flap' problem. See the associated thread on Pentax Forums via the hyperlink for further details.

If and until that issue is ever addressed by Ricoh Japan, probably best to pick up a K5-II/IIs on one of these outstanding BH and Adorama deals.

I purchased a K5-II w/18-135 WR lens during the black-friday deal last November through BH; long story short, K5-II is an outstanding camera to shoot with and relatively easy to learn how to operate.

All we've seen so far wrt 'mirror flap', is that it does occur under very specific conditions, i.e. the use of time laps; seems to be occurring with firmware 1.3, hence not a hardware issue; and certainly can hardly be characterised as 'serious'. You are over reacting a little bit perhaps?

emem · Mar 25, 2014

rogerstpierre said:
JGoodard said:

Wilhelm said:

I'm probably a year late in asking this question, but I'd like to decide between the two (B&H has an excellent price on the K-5II while the K-3 still comes pretty dear). Is it worth it?

Plan to use it for general photography, especially low-light, mostly with a Sigma f:1.4/30mm. Shoot lots of B&W.

I once had a K20D but there were recurring problems with it so I switched to trouble-free Canon, which works well with my old Pentax-M lenses (from 15mm to 500mm) with stop-down adapter.

Click to expand...

There is growing evidence of a serious hardware design flaw with the K3-a so called 'mirror flap' problem. See the associated thread on Pentax Forums via the hyperlink for further details.

If and until that issue is ever addressed by Ricoh Japan, probably best to pick up a K5-II/IIs on one of these outstanding BH and Adorama deals.

I purchased a K5-II w/18-135 WR lens during the black-friday deal last November through BH; long story short, K5-II is an outstanding camera to shoot with and relatively easy to learn how to operate.

Click to expand...

All we've seen so far wrt 'mirror flap', is that it does occur under very specific conditions, i.e. the use of time laps; seems to be occurring with firmware 1.3, hence not a hardware issue; and certainly can hardly be characterised as 'serious'. You are over reacting a little bit perhaps?

No comment on the over-reaction Roger but it's not true that this problem only occurs under very specific conditions - I've had it occur twice (in the first couple of months I had the K-3 prior to ANY firmware update) when I was shooting AF-S taking a shot every few minutes. Had to remove the battery to stop the mirror from rapid flapping on both occasions. I read here ( http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/...or-flapping-lockup-report-yours-here.htmlthat ) that more than 50 different users have been recorded as reporting this problem (on the other forum) and only a couple of them have been doing time lapse. JGoodard (above) already linked to this post. I think the jury is very much still out on whether it's hardware or software related.

Daedbird · Mar 25, 2014

Never had a problem with the K3....

That said, only get the K3 if you plan on shooting a lot of:

1. Fast moving sports (the K5II is good, but the K3 is faster)

2. Video (K3 is much better than the K5II)

3. Large zooms (K3 makes the Sigma 170-500 fly)

The K5II is a great camera, so is the K3.

JGoodard · Mar 25, 2014

rogerstpierre said:
All we've seen so far wrt 'mirror flap', is that it does occur under very specific conditions, i.e. the use of time laps; seems to be occurring with firmware 1.3, hence not a hardware issue; and certainly can hardly be characterised as 'serious'. You are over reacting a little bit perhaps?

--
Roger

Roger, you are right to caution my advice. At this point, it's unknown to what extent this reported mirror flap-whatever the cause-is present throughout currently produced K3 bodies. [current anecdotal reports all strongly indicate that this is a hardware level problem]

That being said, the problem is known (in the current K3 shooter community) and given the fact that the K3 is an entirely brand new camera design incorporating very advanced tech that is yet to prove itself (though an extended period of time needed for photographers and engineers to first find and then to fix or modify quirks and flaws where possible), it seems prudent to give priority to the proven K-5 body selling at a cost greatly reduced from the original launch price as compared to the (much) more expensive and unproven current generation K-3 body should the prior generation design meet one's specific shooting needs with little to no compromise when compared to current generation design.

Obviously, this is not to dismiss the many technical improvements (and many user experiences) of the new K-3 over and above the old K-5 series, the limitations of the latter (older) bodies being well documented.

howieb101 · Mar 25, 2014

Well, although it shouldn't be a risk/reward decision you could regard it is now such given the number of reported instances of the mirror flap issue.

However, if you get an extended warranty and can benefit from some of the improvements NOW I would say why not get the K3.

Also, while the issue seems well reported on DPR and Pentax forums if you checked the Amazon reviews they are predominantly, close to 100% glowing in praise of the K3.

I think people need to put things in perspective. If the mirror flap issue worries you then buy a K5II or wait it out. For others, buying a K3 now may be an equally valid proposition. Each to their own. Its a camera after all, not the end of the world.

Howie B

Greyser · Mar 25, 2014

JGoodard said:
... At this point, it's unknown to what extent this reported mirror flap-whatever the cause-is present throughout currently produced K3 bodies.

I've been shooting genuine K5 for 3 years. And it did have occasional mirror flop. I pinpointed it to use of tracking mode and after a few occurrences simply stopped using the mode (it was almost useless anyway)

I've been shooting K-3 for 5 months and K-5IIs (as a 2nd body) for about 3 months. So far so good.

DRabbit · Mar 25, 2014

rogerstpierre said:
All we've seen so far wrt 'mirror flap', is that it does occur under very specific conditions, i.e. the use of time laps; seems to be occurring with firmware 1.3, hence not a hardware issue; and certainly can hardly be characterised as 'serious'. You are over reacting a little bit perhaps?

Roger,

Nearly 60 people reporting the issue in two weeks and under a variety of conditions, is hardly inconsequential, nor would it be considered under "specific conditions".

And FYI, a lot of people with the issue weren't shooting time-lapse at all.

If you want more accurate information on the issue, go here:

K3 Crazy Mirror Sickness (Mirror Flapping Lockup)

I've tried to stay out of "what should I buy" threads because I don't want to discourage people. As someone who's been through the crazy mirror issue, with two K3 bodies no less, I still think it's a great camera. It's just not something I'd plan to shoot if I had to seriously rely on it not to miss a moment, or if I were shooting weddings in quiet churches.

If either of those things are true, buy a K5-II or K5-IIs.

The original K5 was known to have the issue as well. But I went through 115,000 shutter actuations with the K5-II and it never once had a single problem, issue or lockup. Performed flawlessly 100% of the time.

Take it for what it's worth...

Amy

edspen · Apr 4, 2014

Had a K3, then picked up a IIs & II when they were on sale. After 2 months I sold the K3, the IIs images were as crisp as I wanted, the II is it's backup. I found the IIs & II controls simple and quick and same on both bodies, the K3 controls were a bit too much. So, the K3 was in demand and an easy sell with no loss.

Model Mike · Apr 4, 2014

JGoodard said:
JGoodard wrote:

There is growing evidence of a serious hardware design flaw with the K3-a so called 'mirror flap' problem. See the associated thread on Pentax Forums via the hyperlink for further details.

Worth mentioning that the bounced flash problem which plagued the K-5x is solved on the K-3.

Best solution is to wait for the K-2 which will fix both the mirror flap and bounced flash problem, though it is rumoured to have a new bug (to be fixed later in the K-1).

--

Mike

rc-soar

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Kaso · Apr 4, 2014

When performance, reliability and value are considered all together, the K-5 II shines.

The K-3 and the K-5 II are both great in what they are individually designed to do. But, right now, the K-5 II is less expensive. It is difficult to get a weather-sealed, relatively compact in size, and ergonomic in handling DSLR like the K-5 II for the current low price.

I recommend the "s" version which does not have an anti-alias filter. Also, get the 18-135mm WR lens as part of a kit, if you can.

I've been using a K-5 IIs and love it.

jimrpdx · Apr 4, 2014

Greyser said:
JGoodard said:

... At this point, it's unknown to what extent this reported mirror flap-whatever the cause-is present throughout currently produced K3 bodies.

Click to expand...

I've been shooting genuine K5 for 3 years. And it did have occasional mirror flop. I pinpointed it to use of tracking mode and after a few occurrences simply stopped using the mode (it was almost useless anyway)

I've been shooting K-3 for 5 months and K-5IIs (as a 2nd body) for about 3 months. So far so good.

My K-5 Classic had the battery-full mirror events that many owners reported, and a board was replaced within warranty. I have not heard of the II series having that problem at all, and a final answer on the K-3 still awaits.

I shifted to the II as it addressed the few issues that were relevant to me over the original, and the K-3 solves issues I don't have. Budget needs forced me to let the II go, but the IRS just bought me a new IIs!

--
Jim in (or near) Oregon -- Pentax user, Alpha & m4:3 veteran
talking to myself at http://granitix.blogspot.com

Petroglyph · Apr 4, 2014

Did you ever say what you decided on this question?

Gee Emm · Apr 5, 2014

This thread comes at a good time for me. I am currently weighing up the merits of a K3 vs K5II(probably 's') vs keeping my K5. I have basically skipped a body as I have gone along, going IstD to K(something?) to K5, so K3 is a 'natural' step for me.

However the discussion here has changed my inclination towards the K3, and I am now thinking the K5II may be a better tradeoff of cost/capability.

I do a bit of motorsport photography (circuit racing, car shows) and what I call general photography. Good low light performance is important to me, including focussing. Frame rate is not so important, but of course faster is better. Not into video as yet, so that is not a factor. And I am not a big pixel peeper, nor am I into 'megapixels are good, more are better, and most is best'.

Depending on what I can get for my K5, the changeover to K5II could be relatively painless whereas the extra ask for the K3 means I want some decent benefits for the extra money.

In short, money is not the issue, but value for money is. Seems like the biggest 'value' in the K3 is that it is the latest and greatest, the new flagship (I exaggerate, but I think you know what I am saying).

I would be interested in any views on this assessment, especially any points about either camera that I have overlooked, undervalued, or overvalued.

Thanks.

DAVID MANZE · Apr 5, 2014

Hi,

My K5 regularly takes two or three shots when pressing the shutter button once, but who wants to hear about old K5 problems these days?

I will go for the K3 as soon as the price drops a bit, simply because to me the K5II/s is a less of a complete camera. K3's advantages;

better AF 27 points system with tracking that works and brisker body motor. 8.3fps

realistic movie mode, ( K5's had ludicrous files sizes) complete with mic/headphone socket.(pity no inbuilt stereo mic)

bigger screen for my tired old eyes, better use of screen format.

Focus peaking for MF my MF lenses ( K01 has shown me it's essential)

24 Mps with AA less filter ( here, I might have been happy with 16Mps) + simulator.

and a host of other goodies.

I think this camera will be with us for two more years, so firmware updates with potential further features are possible. (K5II firmwares are finished except for lens updates).

God knows you only live once!

K-3 vs K-5II

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