It may not be competitive in sheer number of focus points and associated AF tracking benefits. However, I expect it to be very competitive in low-light sensitivity and accuracy.
The k5II is a significant improvement in AF performance in low light sensitivity and accuracy against the k5. Sensitivity is at -3EV for 9 cross points and a f/2.8 AF baseline is available for the centre point in addition to an effective low-light assist light for total darkness (the assist light algorithm has been revised and now uses very brief and less subject-distracting pulses). The competition:
- is reportedly slow in low light AF with no AF assist light (Canon 5d Mark III) or,
- only achieves -3EV for centre point (Canon 6D)), or
- is sensitivity limited to -2EV (at centre point?) and precision limited by a f5.6 AF system baseline (Nikon 3500). (there are a number of documented test reports of poor AF accuracy of the d800/d4 with f/1.4 lenses on digilloyd.com.)
Having practically evaluated the k5II against some of the competition myself I was quite shocked to find how well the new AF system works. The k5 in comparison thoroughly deserves it's reputation for poor AF speed and accuracy.
I think Pentax engineers definitely deserves credit for the job they did with the k5II as in some ways it is class-leading. The only current lag is in tracking, which is not really relevant for people not interested in sports photography. Personally I would rather they emphasise low light sensitivity in future designs with larger and fewer AF points, rather than target niche sports photography demands and increase AF point count.
Additionally, when Adam compared the k5II to the Canon 7D and concluded that the 7D features a superior AF systems he must have surely not used both cameras indoors. If he had he would find that the 7D (despite its good tracking performance in daylight) has poor low light sensitivity.
Originally posted by falconeye Wrt K-3 speculation, I wonder if the K-3 would compete with D7100 or rather the D5200.
Obviously, the D7100 is prepared for the battle with its removal of Bayer-AA filter. But how about Pentax to fight with that rather capable 51 point Multi-CAM 3500DX AF module?
Will be interesting times