Pre-production K3s are out there right now: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

Pre-production K3s are out there right now

Started Sep 25, 2013 | Discussions

KL Matt • Veteran Member • Posts: 6,001

Pre-production K3s are out there right now

Sep 25, 2013

Hi there Pentaxians,

I hear there are people who have their hands on K-3s as we speak.

The specs leaked on Photorumors from Sep. 23 appear to be mostly correct: 24MP Sony sensor, new autofocus system with more AF points, no AA filter, some new RGB sensor for either metering or AF not sure which.

Some new tidbits for you to consider tonight:

-New flash system

-The AF sensors are *all* cross sensors

-Tracking AF ! !

-Some new in-camera functions not further specified

-The body is similar to the K5, but something about Ricoh doing something different with the display.

Well that this certainly sounds like Ricoh may indeed be quite serious about expanding the Pentax lineup. Hope the announcement comes beginning of October, not towards the end. There is talk it will be Oct. 8.

I also heard something very specific about FF for next year that I nearly couldn't believe and I'm trying to get confirmed. Will let you know if I do. Also something about pro-level support...wow! 2014 could be a very big year for the brand if this holds water.

Matt

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sdribetahi • Contributing Member • Posts: 819

Re: Pre-production K3s are out there right now

In reply to KL Matt • Sep 25, 2013

Who are these people and how did you hear?

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OP KL Matt • Veteran Member • Posts: 6,001

Re: Pre-production K3s are out there right now

In reply to sdribetahi • Sep 25, 2013

OK, but you tell me your real name and where you live first.

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baldeagle21b • Senior Member • Posts: 1,006

Re: Pre-production K3s are out there right now

In reply to KL Matt • Sep 25, 2013

I also heard something very specific about FF for next year that I nearly couldn't believe and I'm trying to get confirmed. Will let you know if I do. Also something about pro-level support...wow! 2014 could be a very big year for the brand if this holds water.

Matt

Pentax has had pro level support for some time for those who are pros and can prove it

with better than 50% of annual income from photography.

They haven't and won't offer pro level support for amateurs.

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Johan Josefsson • Senior Member • Posts: 1,165

Re: Pre-production K3s are out there right now

In reply to KL Matt • Sep 25, 2013

Some new tidbits for you to consider tonight:
-New flash system

-The AF sensors are *all* cross sensors

-Tracking AF !

That sounds nice. Very nice.

1/250 flash sync + dependable PTTL bounced flash would be welcome.

-The body is similar to the K5, but something about Ricoh doing something different with the display.

Great news!

If this is true, we indeed do have an interesting 2014 ahead.

But please Ricoh, don't do anything stupid like setting price way above 70D / D7100 and making it compete with 6D / D600.

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paulkienitz • Veteran Member • Posts: 5,461

Re: Pre-production K3s are out there right now

In reply to KL Matt • Sep 25, 2013

Well, this appears to contradict the rumor about 20MP and a system to fake 40MP by shifting the sensor half a pixel-width.

Whatev, I'd probably get more real use from a standard 24mp than from one that is occasionally 40MP but usually 20MP.

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OP KL Matt • Veteran Member • Posts: 6,001

Re: Pre-production K3s are out there right now

In reply to paulkienitz • Sep 25, 2013

paulkienitz wrote:

Well, this appears to contradict the rumor about 20MP and a system to fake 40MP by shifting the sensor half a pixel-width.

Yes, I thought the same thing. But maybe the double resolution trick is still true and it's 48 instead of 40...There was unspecified talk of new in-camera features. Maybe next week we'll know more...

Matt

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NesutoNeko • Junior Member • Posts: 29

Re: Pre-production K3s are out there right now

In reply to KL Matt • Sep 25, 2013

Seems like a logistically easy way for Pencoh to distinguish a flagship DSLR from CaNikon would be a premium built, tastefully retro designed body. I'm really hoping for this, and the redesign of the DA's in both silver and black can be seen as encouraging in this regard.

Regarding the LCD, I'd much prefer wifi communication with smartphone/tablet over articulating LCD!

Thanks Matt!

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sdribetahi • Contributing Member • Posts: 819

Re: Pre-production K3s are out there right now

In reply to NesutoNeko • Sep 25, 2013

NesutoNeko wrote:

Seems like a logistically easy way for Pencoh to distinguish a flagship DSLR from CaNikon would be a premium built, tastefully retro designed body. I'm really hoping for this, and the redesign of the DA's in both silver and black can be seen as encouraging in this regard.

Regarding the LCD, I'd much prefer wifi communication with smartphone/tablet over articulating LCD!

Thanks Matt!

I am not 70 years old. I don't want my flat screen tv to come with a wood cabinet, my cell phone to have a visible antenna, or my camera to look like a fake 1960's camera.

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NesutoNeko • Junior Member • Posts: 29

Re: Pre-production K3s are out there right now

In reply to sdribetahi • Sep 25, 2013

sdribetahi wrote:

NesutoNeko wrote:

Seems like a logistically easy way for Pencoh to distinguish a flagship DSLR from CaNikon would be a premium built, tastefully retro designed body. I'm really hoping for this, and the redesign of the DA's in both silver and black can be seen as encouraging in this regard.

Regarding the LCD, I'd much prefer wifi communication with smartphone/tablet over articulating LCD!

Thanks Matt!

I am not 70 years old. I don't want my flat screen tv to come with a wood cabinet, my cell phone to have a visible antenna, or my camera to look like a fake 1960's camera.

I hear you but I think it can be done tastefully. I much prefer, say, an Oly OMD EM-1 to a D7100. I'm not a huge fan of things that are over the top retro kitsch but there can be a balance of new with a nod to what's come before. The k-5, IMO, is leaning in that direction but I'd prefer a bit more lean.

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Regor250 • Veteran Member • Posts: 6,884

Clairvoyant...

In reply to KL Matt • Sep 25, 2013

No need for a rumour... obviously, if Pentax is to release a replacement for the K-5 anywhere within the next 12-14 months, it is better be having a pre-production prototype in field testing right now, or else, there won't be anything available for the next couple of years. New generation Cameras released today (not talking about a reboxing of an existing camera wish small tuning), were conceptualized perhaps 3 years ago ! Things don't happen so fast in the industry that one can go from concept to production in 12 months. There's adjustments along the way to take advantage of the latest and best components of course, which in themselve were conceptualized at about the same time in all likelyhood.. So if everyone's in the industry is talking and cooperating as they should, things come together at the right time.

Stating that a pre-production K-3 is in someody's hand right now, is like stating the obvious. Of course there's some pre-production K'3s out there, Pentax isn't dead yet. As for the spec, there's only so much one can guess to improve upon what we already have and remain realistic. Educated speculation is all that is needed !

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Roger

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OM-1 Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm F1.8 Olympus 8mm F1.8 Fisheye Pro Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN | C Olympus 12-45mm F4 Pro +4 more

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OP KL Matt • Veteran Member • Posts: 6,001

Re: Clairvoyant...

In reply to Regor250 • Sep 25, 2013

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old joe • Junior Member • Posts: 48

Re: Pre-production K3s are out there right now

In reply to NesutoNeko • Sep 25, 2013

NesutoNeko wrote:

sdribetahi wrote:

NesutoNeko wrote:

Seems like a logistically easy way for Pencoh to distinguish a flagship DSLR from CaNikon would be a premium built, tastefully retro designed body. I'm really hoping for this, and the redesign of the DA's in both silver and black can be seen as encouraging in this regard.

Regarding the LCD, I'd much prefer wifi communication with smartphone/tablet over articulating LCD!

Thanks Matt!

I am not 70 years old. I don't want my flat screen tv to come with a wood cabinet, my cell phone to have a visible antenna, or my camera to look like a fake 1960's camera.

I hear you but I think it can be done tastefully. I much prefer, say, an Oly OMD EM-1 to a D7100. I'm not a huge fan of things that are over the top retro kitsch but there can be a balance of new with a nod to what's come before. The k-5, IMO, is leaning in that direction but I'd prefer a bit more lean.

buy a fuji, leave Pentax as it is

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K5 and the odd lens or 2

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Roland Karlsson • Forum Pro • Posts: 30,200

Re: Clairvoyant...

In reply to Regor250 • Sep 25, 2013

rogerstpierre wrote:

No need for a rumour... obviously, if Pentax is to release a replacement for the K-5 anywhere within the next 12-14 months, it is better be having a pre-production prototype in field testing right now,

If it arrives within 12-14 months, then it will better be 36 MP. The 24 MP version should be here already, or very, very soon.

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/Roland
X3F tools:
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OP KL Matt • Veteran Member • Posts: 6,001

Re: Pre-production K3s are out there right now

In reply to old joe • Sep 25, 2013

Yeah I don't think you're going to see Pentax bet the farm on a retro-style DSLR any time this decade. It's not that they wouldn't want to, it's just too niche for what they're trying to do. If you want a retro-ish Pentax, please refer to the nice MX compact or the IMO ill-conceved digital 110.

Fuji is, as stated above, your brand for a retroish interchangeable lens system at the moment. They're really nice cameras, too.

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James O'Neill • Veteran Member • Posts: 6,376

Re: Clairvoyant...

In reply to Regor250 • Sep 25, 2013

rogerstpierre wrote:

No need for a rumour... obviously, if Pentax is to release a replacement for the K-5 anywhere within the next 12-14 months, it is better be having a pre-production prototype in field testing right now,

Stating that a pre-production K-3 is in someody's hand right now, is like stating the obvious. Of course there's some pre-production K'3s out there,

Don't confuse engineering prototypes which are part of the development process (various "mules" will be out there with new bits being tested in conjunction with existing ones). and first assembly of real camera to be put on the market when the line gets fired up. Those tend to go out to reviewers a couple of weeks before a launch, and one of the rumours is the new camera will be unveiled on October 8th. (A good date if cameras are to be in stores for the holiday peak). So review models out ahead of an October 8th Launch ? Totally possible. I'll beleive it when I see it

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Pentax K-5 IIs Pentax K-1 Pentax smc FA 50mm F1.4 Pentax smc DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 Pentax smc FA 43mm F1.9 Limited +3 more

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sdribetahi • Contributing Member • Posts: 819

Re: Pre-production K3s are out there right now

In reply to NesutoNeko • Sep 25, 2013

NesutoNeko wrote:

sdribetahi wrote:

NesutoNeko wrote:

Seems like a logistically easy way for Pencoh to distinguish a flagship DSLR from CaNikon would be a premium built, tastefully retro designed body. I'm really hoping for this, and the redesign of the DA's in both silver and black can be seen as encouraging in this regard.

Regarding the LCD, I'd much prefer wifi communication with smartphone/tablet over articulating LCD!

Thanks Matt!

I am not 70 years old. I don't want my flat screen tv to come with a wood cabinet, my cell phone to have a visible antenna, or my camera to look like a fake 1960's camera.

I hear you but I think it can be done tastefully. I much prefer, say, an Oly OMD EM-1 to a D7100. I'm not a huge fan of things that are over the top retro kitsch but there can be a balance of new with a nod to what's come before. The k-5, IMO, is leaning in that direction but I'd prefer a bit more lean.

Cutting edge electronics, which is really what a camera is now, should come in a cutting edge box. Otherwise, here's a new Iphone 6...

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Jim in Hudson • Senior Member • Posts: 2,527

Re: Pre-production K3s are out there right now

In reply to sdribetahi • Sep 26, 2013

sdribetahi wrote:

NesutoNeko wrote:

sdribetahi wrote:

NesutoNeko wrote:

Seems like a logistically easy way for Pencoh to distinguish a flagship DSLR from CaNikon would be a premium built, tastefully retro designed body. I'm really hoping for this, and the redesign of the DA's in both silver and black can be seen as encouraging in this regard.

Regarding the LCD, I'd much prefer wifi communication with smartphone/tablet over articulating LCD!

Thanks Matt!

I am not 70 years old. I don't want my flat screen tv to come with a wood cabinet, my cell phone to have a visible antenna, or my camera to look like a fake 1960's camera.

I hear you but I think it can be done tastefully. I much prefer, say, an Oly OMD EM-1 to a D7100. I'm not a huge fan of things that are over the top retro kitsch but there can be a balance of new with a nod to what's come before. The k-5, IMO, is leaning in that direction but I'd prefer a bit more lean.

Cutting edge electronics, which is really what a camera is now, should come in a cutting edge box. Otherwise, here's a new Iphone 6...

Awesome... looks like it has tethering !!

Jim in Hudson's gear list:Jim in Hudson's gear list

Pentax K-3 Fujifilm X-T5 Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM | C Fujifilm XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS Tamron 17–70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD +1 more

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OP KL Matt • Veteran Member • Posts: 6,001

Not pre-production, production with early firmware

In reply to James O'Neill • Sep 26, 2013

Hi James,

Those tend to go out to reviewers a couple of weeks before a launch, and one of the rumours is the new camera will be unveiled on October 8th. (A good date if cameras are to be in stores for the holiday peak). So review models out ahead of an October 8th Launch ? Totally possible. I'll beleive it when I see it

Yes, I think this must be what is going on at the moment. It appears now that I was incorrect to classify the cameras as pre-production models, they are apparently final hardware revision with pre-firmware, 0.0x....

So: no mules, but rather production cams with early firmware. I have a high degree of confidence in the source. What I don't have confidence in is the announcement date. Could be Oct. 8, could be end of Oct.

Matt

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maxola67 • Regular Member • Posts: 123

Re: Pre-production K3s are out there right now

In reply to KL Matt • Sep 26, 2013

Hi, hi.

24Mp for APS-C camera?

What's it for?

I guess Pentax did right thing not running for megapixels.

16Mp would be limit for APS-C.

Of course there's a firm like a Nikon which is more innovative in this point(in marketing for sure)))

maxola67's gear list:maxola67's gear list

Pentax K-5 II Pentax smc FA 50mm F1.4 Pentax smc DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM Pentax smc DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED

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