I quickly compared the button layout of the K-3 with the new FF model and think that all changes are very good improvements.
- The image review (play) button is now on the right hand side and can hence be reached without taking the left hand off the lens.
- The video/still switch moved up the top, making prime space available at the back.
- The card/control switch button moved up and left and can be more easily accessed accordingly.
- As there is no need for a flash control button anymore, the bottom button of the four-button controller is now available for a new function. Some people speculate its logo references super resolution. Perhaps the logo is meant to represent a dial and the button invokes some dial customisation control.
- There is a new Fx2 button (probably a double use of a previously existing button).
- The live view button moved to the left. Good call as it cannot be pressed accidentally anymore and never needed to be in the prime area on the right hand side.
- The pop-up flash button on the front left has been replaced with a "lock" button. Not sure what it does, hence difficult to comment.
- There is a dedicated illumination button on the top right (most likely for the top LCD backlight). Very nice.
- There does not seem to be any dedicated "start video" button anymore. Not a loss at all, AFAIC. I believe using the shutter release button is better (e.g., one can thus start video with a remote radio trigger) but DPReview may use that to downgrade the camera.
I hope the top LCD will focus on the most important parameters (aperture, shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation), the number of remaining shots and the battery status. All the rest (currently shown by K-5, K-3, etc.) are distraction to me and should only be shown dynamically, i.e., only when the respective choice (e.g. metering mode) is changed or requested.
Here's to hoping that the corresponding battery grip will exactly mimic the button layout at the back of the camera, instead of shuffling up the layout (as, oh horror, the D-BG5 does with respect to the K-3).
Last edited by Class A; 10-24-2015 at 10:05 AM.