Pentax K-3 Officially Announced (See our detailed preview here!)

konraDarnok · 10-07-2013, 03:36 PM

Originally posted by Adam

..

DP review says " we were hoping that the new AF system would be faster. " What's your assessment? Better yet, when is a comprehensive review coming?

RockvilleBob · 10-07-2013, 03:42 PM

Just pre-ordered the silver special

Adam · 10-07-2013, 03:44 PM

Originally posted by konraDarnok

DP review says " we were hoping that the new AF system would be faster. " What's your assessment? Better yet, when is a comprehensive review coming?

The in-depth review will have to wait until we get a production unit. The pre-production one was unfortunately missing some of its AF menus.

I would say that the improvements made to the AF system are nowhere near as significant as the other new & improved features, such as the movie mode or burst framerate. Adding more AF points is a start, though. Too bad they don't cover a larger area.

Kunzite · 10-07-2013, 03:52 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Parallax

Do you have any information about this, or it's just a supposition?

Yes; DXOMark, DPReview, Imaging Resource tests for example. The Toshiba sensor from the D7100 can't match the 16MP Sony sensor's ability to bring up shadow information, and even when scaled, it has "only" 13.7 EV compared to 14.1.

However, what I was asking was if you have information about the K-3's sensor being a Toshiba as well, since it's not clear from the preview; there was no need for the aggressive response.
But, I guess it was just a supposition.

**jpzk** · 10-07-2013, 03:55 PM - **1 Like**

This K3 will be awsome for birders !

For my type of photography (80-90 % birding), these specs below, until proven otherwise through reviews, will likely make me buy it in the near future:
(aside from the video improvement - which is good for those who need it though)

1. 24 MP: from 16 MP .... is this better for cropping? I would imagine it would be.
2. 27 points AF ... I would assume that this will be a plus for "tracking"
3. 8.3 fps ... good for me ! (read: BIF)
4. 200,000 clicks shutter life: again a great piece of news. Also good for resale value.
5. 86K- pixel metering: more likely to improve on "tracking" ... no idea why but I am guessing !
6. dual SD cards .... yeah !! I wonder of one will be able to use this new "FLU" card in one slot and a "normal" card in the other.
7. larger/brighter viewfinder .... another "Yeah!"
8. Great buffer (RAW). With BIF ... a good buffer sure comes in handy. The bigger, the better.

All in all, this is all great news and I am sure it will also attract newcomers to the Pentax family. Might even see more people switching from "other brands".

Can't wait to see the performance from users with telephoto lenses in the "higher" ranges: 300, 400, 500mm .... etc.

Cheers!

JP

D1N0 · 10-07-2013, 04:04 PM

Originally posted by Kunzite

Yes; DXOMark, DPReview, Imaging Resource tests for example. The Toshiba sensor from the D7100 can't match the 16MP Sony sensor's ability to bring up shadow information, and even when scaled, it has "only" 13.7 EV compared to 14.1.

However, what I was asking was if you have information about the K-3's sensor being a Toshiba as well, since it's not clear from the preview; there was no need for the aggressive response.
But, I guess it was just a supposition.

It's likely to be the Toshiba since the only alternative would be a 2 year old sony (nex-7 a77). Samsung is still behind. Aptina doesn't have one. Kodak is dead, there are more players but none are able to do a better job.

F-Stop · 10-07-2013, 04:09 PM

A great overview, Adam. A lot of new and neat features and a few nagging ones not addressed as you pointed out. The buffer capacity is impressive though I'd like to know how long after full it takes to wake up and start working again after it writes to the card. Long exposure recovery and general write/preview times, even on my current K-5, are lackluster which is a main reason I upgraded. That said, going back to my K100D in comparison now feels dreadfully slow and feature lacking.

While I'd buy a K-3 or more likely a K-3II I don't see this camera appealing to the average consumer based on screen resolution, additional cost for wifi-gps or lack of touch screen. Features that are mostly insignificant but will take people's money even if they have to pay more. The sync speed may deter portrait/wedding photogs. Overall, a solid camera at a fantastic price.

Buschmaster · 10-07-2013, 04:13 PM

VERY impressed by the specs here! Seems like they're really paying attention to the feedback they receive and to the current market offerings.

So AF may or may not be improved, not 100% sure on that, yet?

Definitely interested in this guy, even though my K30 is still a beast!!

Kunzite · 10-07-2013, 04:13 PM

Originally posted by D1N0

It's likely to be the Toshiba since the only alternative would be a 2 year old sony (nex-7 a77). Samsung is still behind. Aptina doesn't have one. Kodak is dead, there are more players but none are able to do a better job.

Sony had over 2 years to make a new sensor.
I'm not saying it isn't Toshiba, I was just asking if that's a guess or information.

**sholtzma** · 10-07-2013, 04:18 PM

I don't know how the confidentiality agreements work, but can anyone who tried a K-3 now tell us what it was like and post photos of their pre-production units for us to ponder?

**G_Money** · 10-07-2013, 04:23 PM

What's a luminance flux sensor? It has three of them, so that must be good, right?

**Immortal.Eternal** · 10-07-2013, 04:23 PM

Originally posted by K David

K-3 with 18-135 ordered. I'll have it by 10:00 AM on 16 November.

I don't know why I cannot order through B&H. It said I have problem with my card but that is not true. So I come up with Adorama with $19.99+ to get additional 2 year warranty

. Hope to get it soon

mgbirder · 10-07-2013, 04:34 PM

Here is a hand on video from C-net:

You Tube

I don’t like some of her appreciations but at least you get to see the camera body and screen - I for one LOVE it! Let’s see how Focus tracking and Flu-Card Tethering work out.

**Aristophanes** · 10-07-2013, 04:44 PM

Originally posted by Rondec

Looks pretty amazing to me. I really like the launch price of 1299 -- previous flagship APS-C cameras have launched at 1500. I will definitely replace one of my K5s with one of these before too long.

Gotta make space.....

Parallax · 10-07-2013, 04:46 PM

Originally posted by Kunzite

Yes; DXOMark, DPReview, Imaging Resource tests for example. The Toshiba sensor from the D7100 can't match the 16MP Sony sensor's ability to bring up shadow information, and even when scaled, it has "only" 13.7 EV compared to 14.1.

However, what I was asking was if you have information about the K-3's sensor being a Toshiba as well, since it's not clear from the preview; there was no need for the aggressive response.
But, I guess it was just a supposition.

So let me see if I understand. When you quote someone's post and ask "Do you have any information about this, or it's just a supposition?" It's just asking for information, but when someone quotes your post and asks "Do you have any information about this, or it's just a supposition?" it's an aggressive response. Hm..... interesting.

10-07-2013, 03:44 PM	#18
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,593 Original Poster	Originally posted by konraDarnok DP review says " we were hoping that the new AF system would be faster. " What's your assessment? Better yet, when is a comprehensive review coming? The in-depth review will have to wait until we get a production unit. The pre-production one was unfortunately missing some of its AF menus. I would say that the improvements made to the AF system are nowhere near as significant as the other new & improved features, such as the movie mode or burst framerate. Adding more AF points is a start, though. Too bad they don't cover a larger area. 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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10-07-2013, 03:36 PM	#16
konraDarnok Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Photos: Albums Posts: 969	Originally posted by Adam .. DP review says " we were hoping that the new AF system would be faster. " What's your assessment? Better yet, when is a comprehensive review coming?

10-07-2013, 03:42 PM	#17
RockvilleBob Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Lewes DE USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,780	Just pre-ordered the silver special

10-07-2013, 03:52 PM - 1 Like	#19
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by Parallax Do you have any information about this, or it's just a supposition? Yes; DXOMark, DPReview, Imaging Resource tests for example. The Toshiba sensor from the D7100 can't match the 16MP Sony sensor's ability to bring up shadow information, and even when scaled, it has "only" 13.7 EV compared to 14.1. However, what I was asking was if you have information about the K-3's sensor being a Toshiba as well, since it's not clear from the preview; there was no need for the aggressive response. But, I guess it was just a supposition.

10-07-2013, 03:55 PM - 1 Like	#20
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	This K3 will be awsome for birders ! For my type of photography (80-90 % birding), these specs below, until proven otherwise through reviews, will likely make me buy it in the near future: (aside from the video improvement - which is good for those who need it though) 1. 24 MP: from 16 MP .... is this better for cropping? I would imagine it would be. 2. 27 points AF ... I would assume that this will be a plus for "tracking" 3. 8.3 fps ... good for me ! (read: BIF) 4. 200,000 clicks shutter life: again a great piece of news. Also good for resale value. 5. 86K- pixel metering: more likely to improve on "tracking" ... no idea why but I am guessing ! 6. dual SD cards .... yeah !! I wonder of one will be able to use this new "FLU" card in one slot and a "normal" card in the other. 7. larger/brighter viewfinder .... another "Yeah!" 8. Great buffer (RAW). With BIF ... a good buffer sure comes in handy. The bigger, the better. All in all, this is all great news and I am sure it will also attract newcomers to the Pentax family. Might even see more people switching from "other brands". Can't wait to see the performance from users with telephoto lenses in the "higher" ranges: 300, 400, 500mm .... etc. Cheers! JP

10-07-2013, 04:04 PM	#21
D1N0 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Location: --- Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,802	Originally posted by Kunzite Yes; DXOMark, DPReview, Imaging Resource tests for example. The Toshiba sensor from the D7100 can't match the 16MP Sony sensor's ability to bring up shadow information, and even when scaled, it has "only" 13.7 EV compared to 14.1. However, what I was asking was if you have information about the K-3's sensor being a Toshiba as well, since it's not clear from the preview; there was no need for the aggressive response. But, I guess it was just a supposition. It's likely to be the Toshiba since the only alternative would be a 2 year old sony (nex-7 a77). Samsung is still behind. Aptina doesn't have one. Kodak is dead, there are more players but none are able to do a better job.

10-07-2013, 04:09 PM	#22
F-Stop Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Paradise, Newfoundland, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 303	A great overview, Adam. A lot of new and neat features and a few nagging ones not addressed as you pointed out. The buffer capacity is impressive though I'd like to know how long after full it takes to wake up and start working again after it writes to the card. Long exposure recovery and general write/preview times, even on my current K-5, are lackluster which is a main reason I upgraded. That said, going back to my K100D in comparison now feels dreadfully slow and feature lacking. While I'd buy a K-3 or more likely a K-3II I don't see this camera appealing to the average consumer based on screen resolution, additional cost for wifi-gps or lack of touch screen. Features that are mostly insignificant but will take people's money even if they have to pay more. The sync speed may deter portrait/wedding photogs. Overall, a solid camera at a fantastic price.

10-07-2013, 04:13 PM	#23
Buschmaster Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 806	VERY impressed by the specs here! Seems like they're really paying attention to the feedback they receive and to the current market offerings. So AF may or may not be improved, not 100% sure on that, yet? Definitely interested in this guy, even though my K30 is still a beast!!

10-07-2013, 04:13 PM	#24
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	Originally posted by D1N0 It's likely to be the Toshiba since the only alternative would be a 2 year old sony (nex-7 a77). Samsung is still behind. Aptina doesn't have one. Kodak is dead, there are more players but none are able to do a better job. Sony had over 2 years to make a new sensor. I'm not saying it isn't Toshiba, I was just asking if that's a guess or information.

10-07-2013, 04:18 PM	#25
sholtzma Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Salisbury, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,043	I don't know how the confidentiality agreements work, but can anyone who tried a K-3 now tell us what it was like and post photos of their pre-production units for us to ponder?

10-07-2013, 04:23 PM	#26
G_Money Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 598	What's a luminance flux sensor? It has three of them, so that must be good, right?

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10-07-2013, 04:23 PM	#27
Immortal.Eternal Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Malden, MA Photos: Albums Posts: 270	Originally posted by K David K-3 with 18-135 ordered. I'll have it by 10:00 AM on 16 November. I don't know why I cannot order through B&H. It said I have problem with my card but that is not true. So I come up with Adorama with $19.99+ to get additional 2 year warranty . Hope to get it soon

10-07-2013, 04:44 PM	#29
Aristophanes Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Rankin Inlet, Nunavut Photos: Albums Posts: 3,948	Originally posted by Rondec Looks pretty amazing to me. I really like the launch price of 1299 -- previous flagship APS-C cameras have launched at 1500. I will definitely replace one of my K5s with one of these before too long. Gotta make space.....

10-07-2013, 04:46 PM	#30
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,332	Originally posted by Kunzite Yes; DXOMark, DPReview, Imaging Resource tests for example. The Toshiba sensor from the D7100 can't match the 16MP Sony sensor's ability to bring up shadow information, and even when scaled, it has "only" 13.7 EV compared to 14.1. However, what I was asking was if you have information about the K-3's sensor being a Toshiba as well, since it's not clear from the preview; there was no need for the aggressive response. But, I guess it was just a supposition. So let me see if I understand. When you quote someone's post and ask "Do you have any information about this, or it's just a supposition?" It's just asking for information, but when someone quotes your post and asks "Do you have any information about this, or it's just a supposition?" it's an aggressive response. Hm..... interesting.