K-5 iii

RonHendriks1966 · 10-09-2013, 12:53 AM

Should Pentax come with an update for the Pentax K-5 II in spring to make the cameraline more complete? As off now there are 4 dslr's in line with K-500, K-50, K-5 II and K-3. Pentax could drop or fase out the K-5 II, but could also run the line off 4 camera's (maybe topping it with a FF K-1).

K-5 III

Keep the current body from K-5 II and the D-GB4 grip.
Keep the 16 megapixel sensor.
PRIME III processor.
Safox 11 AF-module.
Framerate of 7 fps with the 100k shutter.
One SD card.
USB 3.0 port instead of USB 2.0
New 86k RGB metering system.
Sensor only with AA-filter.
Videospecs from K-3, but no headphone jack.
Pentaprism as in the K-5 II.

I think that would be a great camera in line-up. Basicly only updating the electronics inside with the PRIME III, Safox 11 AF-module, new metering system and USB 3.0 port.

Do you think this would be a good idea for expanding the camera line-up or just be a bad way to undercut the K-3 market?

Adam · 10-09-2013, 12:57 AM

Originally posted by RonHendriks1966

Should Pentax come with an update for the Pentax K-5 II in spring to make the cameraline more complete? As off now there are 4 dslr's in line with K-500, K-50, K-5 II and K-3. Pentax could drop or fase out the K-5 II, but could also run the line off 4 camera's (maybe topping it with a FF K-1).

K-5 III

Keep the current body from K-5 II and the D-GB4 grip.
Keep the 16 megapixel sensor.
PRIME III processor.
Safox 11 AF-module.
Framerate of 7 fps with the 100k shutter.
One SD card.
USB 3.0 port instead of USB 2.0
New 86k RGB metering system.
Sensor only with AA-filter.
Videospecs from K-3, but no headphone jack.
Pentaprism as in the K-5 II.

I think that would be a great camera in line-up. Basicly only updating the electronics inside with the PRIME III, Safox 11 AF-module, new metering system and USB 3.0 port.

Do you think this would be a good idea for expanding the camera line-up or just be a bad way to undercut the K-3 market?

I don't think many would complain about this, especially if it were priced at $999 (halfway between the K-50 and K-3).

On the other hand, they could just as well keep the K-5 II in production.

IMO they will take the usual route and simply discontinue the K-5 II, however. Since they current have 3 other bodies, they should be in better shape than they've been in a long time!

**RobA_Oz** · 10-09-2013, 01:51 AM

You forgot to mention a yellow-bodied version, Ron!

I'm not sure what market segment this proposal would address. The K-50 is a very capable camera, probably lacking only the top LCD and body material of the K-5. I recognise the attraction of keeping the same basic underpinnings from a successful predecessor, but there has to be a recognisable market for it, and I think the K-50 would probably undercut it, especially if some of the K-3 technology filters down to the next K-50 iteration.

Personally, although it's not in the same product stream, I think Pentax would be better putting their efforts into a 2nd generation K-01, preferably with an EVF built into the body, and definitely with some of the K-3 technology. I don't think I'd get an argument from you on that one.

calsan · 10-09-2013, 02:18 AM

I see no reason to get rid of it at this point in time. It still makes sense as a camera for people who just want still photography features. It's also a great price now and it's always good to have choice. Even though the price of the k-3 is quite reasonable, the price jump from the K-5ii to the K-3 is currently enough to get a lens.

RonHendriks1966 · 10-09-2013, 05:29 AM

Wow we are evening out at the moment with all three choices on a same level.

TenZ.NL · 10-09-2013, 06:00 AM

That`s simply put a K5II with Prime III... or, depending how you look at it, a cutdown K3.
I know I would fork out the extra €300 for the K-3 and I guess a lot of people probably would also (If the price not allready got lower).

**grahame** · 10-09-2013, 06:18 AM

Originally posted by RonHendriks1966

Safox 11 AF-module.

I like an upgraded K5III, KEEPING 16MP SENSOR. Maybe not the same one as on K5, but newer one with better high ISO noise control. not sure if pentax can find a new 16 APC-S sensor though.
But I would like to see the 25 AF-module.
And why do you not like the Pentaprism on K3? a brighter viewfinder is great!

**LaurenOE** · 10-09-2013, 06:23 AM

Interesting.
The K5II is a great camera, and I could see it still being in production as it's a better camera than the K50/500 and it can live in the price point below the K3.

That's a good point. Let's see what Ricoh does.

krebsy75 · 10-09-2013, 06:28 AM

The only con with the K-3 is increased size. I think APS DSLRs should be as small as possible Hence, my prelim preference for the K-5II.

**monochrome** · 10-09-2013, 06:50 AM

Just keep the current K-5 in production, making whatever FW updates are possible given hardware limitations.

**crewl1** · 10-09-2013, 07:22 AM

Originally posted by monochrome

Just keep the current K-5 in production, making whatever FW updates are possible given hardware limitations.

Agreed.

As much as i love the K-5 form factor I feel the engineering resources should be focused on shoving the FF sensor into the larger chassis and developing new lenses.

**monochrome** · 10-09-2013, 07:29 AM

Originally posted by crewl1

Agreed.

As much as i love the K-5 form factor I feel the engineering resources should be focused on shoving the FF sensor into the larger chassis and developing new lenses.

K5II/s is a spectacular camera in its own right, especially at a lower price point. Allow consumers to decide to "reach" for the K-3 - don't tempt them to compromise by moving new tech down to a K5III. Work on the shutter(s) and flash for the K-1 and 645DII. Incrementally improve your, then, quite competent base technologies.

That is the Ricoh way.

**TER-OR** · 10-09-2013, 07:39 AM

Essentially won't this be the K-30, the mid-range version of the K3? Oops, they already used that...screwing up their numbering scheme.
I guess they could do K-300, an entry-level version. I'd rather see them use the K3 format and make reduced-cost versions. I won't buy one, but it might make sense to leverage the R&D and production investments.

Will we see a K-03, the mirrorless version? That might be very interesting.

The K3 is the camera I hoped they'd release. I'm already seeding the idea of upgrade at home - going for the soft sell, since my K5 is still darn good.

theskonesdad · 10-09-2013, 07:48 AM

I like the K5III idea !

RonHendriks1966 · 10-09-2013, 06:39 PM

Originally posted by grahame

And why do you not like the Pentaprism on K3? a brighter viewfinder is great!

I like the bigger pentaprism, but the general idea to this K-5 III is to update the internals and not developing a new body.

View Poll Results: Would you like Pentax to upgrade to the K-5 III?
Yes, a new K-5 III would be great!	25	31.65%
No, keep the K-5 II in production.	30	37.97%
No, ditch the K-5 II, there is no room for an extra body in the camera line-up.	24	30.38%
Voters: 79. You may not vote on this poll

10-09-2013, 12:53 AM	#1
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	K-5 iii Should Pentax come with an update for the Pentax K-5 II in spring to make the cameraline more complete? As off now there are 4 dslr's in line with K-500, K-50, K-5 II and K-3. Pentax could drop or fase out the K-5 II, but could also run the line off 4 camera's (maybe topping it with a FF K-1). K-5 III Keep the current body from K-5 II and the D-GB4 grip. Keep the 16 megapixel sensor. PRIME III processor. Safox 11 AF-module. Framerate of 7 fps with the 100k shutter. One SD card. USB 3.0 port instead of USB 2.0 New 86k RGB metering system. Sensor only with AA-filter. Videospecs from K-3, but no headphone jack. Pentaprism as in the K-5 II. I think that would be a great camera in line-up. Basicly only updating the electronics inside with the PRIME III, Safox 11 AF-module, new metering system and USB 3.0 port. Do you think this would be a good idea for expanding the camera line-up or just be a bad way to undercut the K-3 market?

10-09-2013, 12:57 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,593	Originally posted by RonHendriks1966 Should Pentax come with an update for the Pentax K-5 II in spring to make the cameraline more complete? As off now there are 4 dslr's in line with K-500, K-50, K-5 II and K-3. Pentax could drop or fase out the K-5 II, but could also run the line off 4 camera's (maybe topping it with a FF K-1). K-5 III Keep the current body from K-5 II and the D-GB4 grip. Keep the 16 megapixel sensor. PRIME III processor. Safox 11 AF-module. Framerate of 7 fps with the 100k shutter. One SD card. USB 3.0 port instead of USB 2.0 New 86k RGB metering system. Sensor only with AA-filter. Videospecs from K-3, but no headphone jack. Pentaprism as in the K-5 II. I think that would be a great camera in line-up. Basicly only updating the electronics inside with the PRIME III, Safox 11 AF-module, new metering system and USB 3.0 port. Do you think this would be a good idea for expanding the camera line-up or just be a bad way to undercut the K-3 market? I don't think many would complain about this, especially if it were priced at $999 (halfway between the K-50 and K-3). On the other hand, they could just as well keep the K-5 II in production. IMO they will take the usual route and simply discontinue the K-5 II, however. Since they current have 3 other bodies, they should be in better shape than they've been in a long time! Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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10-09-2013, 01:51 AM	#3
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,191	You forgot to mention a yellow-bodied version, Ron! I'm not sure what market segment this proposal would address. The K-50 is a very capable camera, probably lacking only the top LCD and body material of the K-5. I recognise the attraction of keeping the same basic underpinnings from a successful predecessor, but there has to be a recognisable market for it, and I think the K-50 would probably undercut it, especially if some of the K-3 technology filters down to the next K-50 iteration. Personally, although it's not in the same product stream, I think Pentax would be better putting their efforts into a 2nd generation K-01, preferably with an EVF built into the body, and definitely with some of the K-3 technology. I don't think I'd get an argument from you on that one.

10-09-2013, 02:18 AM	#4
calsan Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,548	I see no reason to get rid of it at this point in time. It still makes sense as a camera for people who just want still photography features. It's also a great price now and it's always good to have choice. Even though the price of the k-3 is quite reasonable, the price jump from the K-5ii to the K-3 is currently enough to get a lens.

10-09-2013, 05:29 AM	#5
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675 Original Poster	Wow we are evening out at the moment with all three choices on a same level.

10-09-2013, 06:00 AM	#6
TenZ.NL Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Below sealevel Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,100	That`s simply put a K5II with Prime III... or, depending how you look at it, a cutdown K3. I know I would fork out the extra €300 for the K-3 and I guess a lot of people probably would also (If the price not allready got lower).

10-09-2013, 06:18 AM	#7
grahame Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,041	Originally posted by RonHendriks1966 Safox 11 AF-module. I like an upgraded K5III, KEEPING 16MP SENSOR. Maybe not the same one as on K5, but newer one with better high ISO noise control. not sure if pentax can find a new 16 APC-S sensor though. But I would like to see the 25 AF-module. And why do you not like the Pentaprism on K3? a brighter viewfinder is great!

10-09-2013, 06:23 AM	#8
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690	Interesting. The K5II is a great camera, and I could see it still being in production as it's a better camera than the K50/500 and it can live in the price point below the K3. That's a good point. Let's see what Ricoh does.

10-09-2013, 06:28 AM	#9
krebsy75 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chester County, Pa. Posts: 804	The only con with the K-3 is increased size. I think APS DSLRs should be as small as possible Hence, my prelim preference for the K-5II.

10-09-2013, 06:50 AM	#10
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Just keep the current K-5 in production, making whatever FW updates are possible given hardware limitations.

10-09-2013, 07:22 AM	#11
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Originally posted by monochrome Just keep the current K-5 in production, making whatever FW updates are possible given hardware limitations. Agreed. As much as i love the K-5 form factor I feel the engineering resources should be focused on shoving the FF sensor into the larger chassis and developing new lenses.

10-09-2013, 07:29 AM	#12
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by crewl1 Agreed. As much as i love the K-5 form factor I feel the engineering resources should be focused on shoving the FF sensor into the larger chassis and developing new lenses. K5II/s is a spectacular camera in its own right, especially at a lower price point. Allow consumers to decide to "reach" for the K-3 - don't tempt them to compromise by moving new tech down to a K5III. Work on the shutter(s) and flash for the K-1 and 645DII. Incrementally improve your, then, quite competent base technologies. That is the Ricoh way.

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10-09-2013, 07:39 AM	#13
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	Essentially won't this be the K-30, the mid-range version of the K3? Oops, they already used that...screwing up their numbering scheme. I guess they could do K-300, an entry-level version. I'd rather see them use the K3 format and make reduced-cost versions. I won't buy one, but it might make sense to leverage the R&D and production investments. Will we see a K-03, the mirrorless version? That might be very interesting. The K3 is the camera I hoped they'd release. I'm already seeding the idea of upgrade at home - going for the soft sell, since my K5 is still darn good.

10-09-2013, 07:48 AM	#14
theskonesdad Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Creston,B.C. Posts: 73	I like the K5III idea !

10-09-2013, 06:39 PM	#15
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675 Original Poster	Originally posted by grahame And why do you not like the Pentaprism on K3? a brighter viewfinder is great! I like the bigger pentaprism, but the general idea to this K-5 III is to update the internals and not developing a new body.