[bossa]

Here you go.




Interesting theory about perspective distortion. If you look at the product shots from the K-5 to the K-50 and now the supposed K-3 they are amazingly, remarkably similar save for changes in lighting to accentuate the contours of each camera. And from the original K-5 to the K-50 we're talking about several years. That leads me to believe that they have some sort of strict formula for taking these product shots, maybe even some custom rig and rules for camera distance, focal length, etc... to ensure consistency. If the K-3 shot is indeed a fake, they took some care to mimic the official product shots or are decent photochoppers.

That said, wanted to test the focal length theory so I have added some additional guidelines to features on the inside of the 18-135. Those features are not on the same plane as the green ring that I used to align with, and focal length differences might be revealed therein. At the size and resolutions that we have available, I'm not seeing much in it.

Granted, the K-3 is not appreciably smaller than the K-5 as I've depicted. It's about a 6% difference or so (I need to scale the K-3 by 106% to approximate the size of the K-5).

So could that 6% difference be explained away by a different focal length? Perhaps. But after all of this I think at least one thing is for certain - the K-3 ain't bigger than the K-5.

The size of the shutter buttons and Mode Dial gives away that there is some perspective distortion at work here. I think you'll find that if you re-sized the K-3 so that the buttons & mode-dial matched the body size (width) will probably end up being the same. The lens is an add-on and as such we have no real proof that it is a fake or otherwise and as such should not be used for comparison.

[bossa]

All right. Here's the solution.

If you don't use a lens as a measure, but shutter release button and size of the logo, and align one picture above another, the bodies match in width.
So I believe the grip will fit too. But, the K-3 is a bit taller. Just a little. A bit bigger / different pentaprism / magnification? Don't know.

However, as said above, K3 has gained a bit in volume here and there, has more stuff in it.

I agree with this assessment.

[devorama]

Just a quick demonstration on what some perspective distortion can do. This is two separate shots of my K-5 with 18-135mm lens. One taken close with a 50mm and one taken far at 148mm.

[bossa]

Just a quick demonstration on what some perspective distortion can do. This is two separate shots of my K-5 with 18-135mm lens. One taken close with a 50mm and one taken far at 148mm.

Thanks, that demonstrates what we've been saying admirably.

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Last edited by bossa; 09-26-2013 at 10:11 PM.

[johnmflores]

The size of the shutter buttons and Mode Dial gives away that there is some perspective distortion at work here. I think you'll find that if you re-sized the K-3 so that the buttons & mode-dial matched the body size (width) will probably end up being the same. The lens is an add-on and as such we have no real proof that it is a fake or otherwise and as such should not be used for comparison.

Yes, I get the whole perspective distortion argument, and I know that we can try to size based on dials, buttons, and logos. But that's also based on the assumption that the sizes of those objects have not changed, and remember that we're working at low resolutions here so that trying to scale based on smaller objects leaves a lot of room for error.

In either case, I can see arguments for making the K-3 smaller than the K-5 (more competitive with the size of mirrorless offerings, leaves more room for a camera one level up (FF?) that's still smaller than competition, sell more grips, etc...). Likewise, I can see arguments for making the K-3 essentially the same size as the K-5 (it works, need the space for more stuff, etc...). Until the real K-3 comes out, choose the one you prefer!

[p38arover]

Thanks, that demonstrates what we've been saying admirably.

I don't think we've been saying anything admirably but it may admirably demonstrate the discussion.....

[repaap]

For me it already looks great. I wan't one.

[gazonk]

Just a quick demonstration on what some perspective distortion can do. This is two separate shots of my K-5 with 18-135mm lens. One taken close with a 50mm and one taken far at 148mm.

Thanks!
Here's one with the DA15

[bossa]

I don't think we've been saying anything admirally but it may admirally demonstrate the discussion.....

hehe, I thought that was his name.. sorry

[Parry]

I'm bored of the K-3 already. When's the K-3 II coming out?

I am impressed. You folks go to staggering technical lengths. I'm far too lazy. I'll just wait a few days.

[Kunzite]

It makes no difference, some people would complain anyway.

The next minute:

It's KZ in Cyrillic.

I would/will be very surprised if they are putting the K-5/II/APS-C successor in the same body as the mythical FF that is supposed to come next year.

Doing so would not make sense in that a different FF body will give Ricoh the ability to sell several different FF cameras, based on the same body.
No one puts their FF innards in the same body they share with their APS-C cameras.

I wouldn't. Sharing as many components as possible with a larger volume camera is the best way to reduce cost, and they need that in order to make it work. And they did exactly that with the 645D; except they couldn't use the body. Now, they can.
We're not talking about making "several different FF cameras", but being able to make one, which is difficult enough.

[drypenn]

I'm bored of the K-3 already. When's the K-3 II coming out?

S

It will be re-branded Ricoh by then. And it still will be APS-C.

Counting down as to when we start the K-3 II and K-3 IIs rumors, whining, (Pentax is doomed... Ricoh is killing Pentax) threads begin...

/S

[Clavius]

I'm bored of the K-3 already. When's the K-3 II coming out?

For me it all depends on if it really has that rumored sensor-shift gimmick or not. Personally, it will make the difference between pre-ordering asap or buying it in the used market next year or so. Without it, it seems like such a tiny upgrade from K-5/K-5II/K-5IIs to the K-3.

I'm far too lazy. I'll just wait a few days.

It's fun to follow all the bickering though.

S
It will be re-branded Ricoh by then. And it still will be APS-C.

Counting down as to when we start the K-3 II and K-3 IIs rumors, whining, (Pentax is doomed... Ricoh is killing Pentax) threads begin...

/S

Haven't you heard? They've started a campain: "Pentax is Ricoh now." So, Pentax is not doomed, apparently it's dead and burried.

[delyant]

While everyone is talking about look and other specs, sadly there's no talk about whether or not Ricoh/Pentax will release an SDK for its cameras. They used to have long time ago, but stopped.
The value and application range for every Pentax user will increase significantly if third-party developers can integrate Pentax cameras. Don't know really what stops Ricoh/Pentax from making this step.

[Parry]

For me it all depends on if it really has that rumored sensor-shift gimmick or not. Personally, it will make the difference between pre-ordering asap or buying it in the used market next year or so. Without it, it seems like such a tiny upgrade from K-5/K-5II/K-5IIs to the K-3.



It's fun to follow all the bickering though.



Haven't you heard? They've started a campain: "Pentax is Ricoh now." So, Pentax is not doomed, apparently it's dead and burried.

I had breakfast on the beach this morning with my K-5 IIs and 15mm Limited. Years ago it used to be with the wife, but since she's gone off with another bloke I make light conversation with my APS-C and the local stray beach dog. Yes, it's far more pleasant now although the K-5 wouldn't eat her eggs.



See what you guys could be doing to pass the time waiting for the great announcement?