This is the Pentax K-3 Mark III

One3rdEV · 04-01-2021, 08:12 AM - **2 Likes**

Just look at that nice view of a K-3 III in the hand of a 3rd party (non-ambassador)... sure wish it could have been someone who would have done something actually meaningful with it !

**boriscleto** · 04-01-2021, 08:14 AM

The K-1 II is back to $1999.95 on the US Ricoh site. Not a "monthly special" anymore...

reh321 · 04-01-2021, 08:16 AM

Originally posted by boriscleto

Not a "monthly special" anymore...

New month.
Yesterday's price was truly a "monthly special".

repaap · 04-01-2021, 10:44 AM

Originally posted by One3rdEV

Just look at that nice view of a K-3 III in the hand of a 3rd party (non-ambassador)... sure wish it could have been someone who would have done something actually meaningful with it !

I did look at that and I was happy to see quite honest handling from that. As you said, too bad it was little a bit flimsy take on it. To my eyes actually 4K looked quite good considered that it focused to his sleeve. It was not blotchy like FDH on other pentax cameras. But for sure, it is not as good as in better cameras for video.

I suppose this is his style and due restrictions it is what it is, still fun to see.

**luftfluss** · 04-01-2021, 11:27 AM

Originally posted by The Squirrel Mafia

Kai got a hold of one.

Pentax K3 III - DSLRs Aren't Dead Yet! (First Impressions) - YouTube

"Pentax always packs in more features than Boris (Johnson) has kids." Daaaaaaaaaam(n)!

ZombieArmy · 04-01-2021, 11:38 AM

Originally posted by The Squirrel Mafia

Kai got a hold of one.

Pentax K3 III - DSLRs Aren't Dead Yet! (First Impressions) - YouTube

Hope he does a full review on it. Also hope he can get his hands on something like the 11-18.

Gerard_Dirks · 04-01-2021, 11:50 AM

Inflation ?!?

Pentax K-3 (2014), US$ 1299
Pentax K-3 ii (2015), US$ 1099.95
Pentax K-3 iii (2021), US$ 1999

For US$ 1999 you get also an K-1 ii ?!?

I will continue use my K-3 und K-1 (without Mark).

**Mikesul** · 04-01-2021, 11:57 AM - **1 Like**

I am normally fond of Kai's reviews but this one was very weak. I think he was using the 11-18.

**FozzFoster** · 04-01-2021, 12:01 PM

I'm not seeing too much talk about the AF besides statements of 'it's fast' and 'it's improved' but I haven't seen many real good examples - and there have been a lot of videos released!
I know there was a rumour about eye-af firmware being released.
Perhaps Ricoh told to keep non-specific about AF until they could get the full featured firmware released...
maybe? or have others seen good examples of the AF in practice?

**Serkevan** · 04-01-2021, 12:03 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by FozzFoster

I'm not seeing too much talk about the AF besides statements of 'it's fast' and 'it's improved' but I haven't seen many real good examples and talk - and there have been a lot of videos released!
I know there was a rumour about eye-af firmware being released.
Perhaps Ricoh told to keep non-specific about AF until they could get the full featured firmware released...
maybe? or have others seen good examples of the AF in practice?

People probably had a pre-production firmware version and were asked to not review the AF. DPR said they also haven't "tested it enough to be comfortable posting a judgment", Kai barely mentions it... it sounds like they aren't supposed to talk about it.

By the way, a bunch of people did get cameras, huh... it really looks like Ricoh Imaging ramped up marketing a LOT for this camera.

Mike.P® · 04-01-2021, 12:08 PM

Originally posted by Mikesul

I am normally fond of Kai's reviews but this one was very weak.

Probably because it was pretty obvious he wasn't in the least bit interested in the camera.

MMVIII · 04-01-2021, 12:08 PM

Originally posted by Serkevan

People probably had a pre-production firmware version and were asked to not review the AF. DPR said they also haven't "tested it enough to be comfortable posting a judgment", Kai barely mentions it... it sounds like they aren't supposed to talk about it.

By the way, a bunch of people did get cameras, huh... it really looks like Ricoh Imaging ramped up marketing a LOT for this camera.

They had a fair time to prepare this

No, I agree. They really put a lot of effort in a coordinated start with very decent marketing and I like the results so far.

The Squirrel Mafia · 04-01-2021, 12:20 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by FozzFoster

I'm not seeing too much talk about the AF besides statements of 'it's fast' and 'it's improved' but I haven't seen many real good examples - and there have been a lot of videos released!
I know there was a rumour about eye-af firmware being released.
Perhaps Ricoh told to keep non-specific about AF until they could get the full featured firmware released...
maybe? or have others seen good examples of the AF in practice?

I'm just waiting to see how good the AF really is in the hands of 3rd party reviewers & Pentax users. I want to see more video & photo samples of it in action as well. It seems like the camera can pick out subjects, then faces, & then pupils, but it seems to be automatic for now. There isn't a direct Eye-AF option........ yet? Maybe an eventual firmware update could add that feature is possible? Who knows.

I know that the only way this camera will achieve the most optimal AF performance is to attach a fast focusing lens like the like the DA 55-300mm PLM & the upcoming DA* 16-50mm PLM, but how well will it drive screw drive lenses? Will screw drive lenses focus faster with the K-3III than they did with the K-3II & KP? All the DA Limiteds are screw driven, so that's why I'm wondering. It's not a deal breaker for me since I usually take it way slower when I put on a prime & they usually tend to be screw driven, but I am curious about screw driven lenses in general on the K-3III.

I'm also hoping that they update all the DA* lenses with faster & more reliable AF motors. I really want the whole set. I'll be getting the updated DA* 16-50mm & the recent DA* 11-18mm lenses for starters.

**FozzFoster** · 04-01-2021, 12:23 PM

Originally posted by The Squirrel Mafia

I'm also hoping that they update all the DA* lenses with faster & more reliable AF motors. I really want the whole set. I'll be getting the updated DA* 16-50mm & the recent DA* 11-18mm lenses for starters.

The DA* 16-50 PLM is the next on my 'must have' and will complete my APS-C Holy Trinity (I already have the DA* 11-18 and the DA* 50-135).
But as you mentioned the PLM in a new 50-135 would be a real boon, the SDM is sluggish to say the least in comparison to PLM.

Smolk · 04-01-2021, 01:13 PM - **1 Like**

Just ordered my premium silver kit - and had already bought a 21mm Limited for € 200. Have the 40 and 43 Ltds, and with a few other primes I'm all set, at least for starters.

04-01-2021, 08:16 AM	#243
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	Originally posted by boriscleto Not a "monthly special" anymore... New month. Yesterday's price was truly a "monthly special". Last edited by reh321; 04-01-2021 at 08:21 AM.

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04-01-2021, 08:12 AM - 2 Likes	#241
One3rdEV Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: So-central, MI Posts: 285	Just look at that nice view of a K-3 III in the hand of a 3rd party (non-ambassador)... sure wish it could have been someone who would have done something actually meaningful with it !

04-01-2021, 08:14 AM	#242
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	The K-1 II is back to $1999.95 on the US Ricoh site. Not a "monthly special" anymore...

04-01-2021, 10:44 AM	#244
repaap Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,242	Originally posted by One3rdEV Just look at that nice view of a K-3 III in the hand of a 3rd party (non-ambassador)... sure wish it could have been someone who would have done something actually meaningful with it ! I did look at that and I was happy to see quite honest handling from that. As you said, too bad it was little a bit flimsy take on it. To my eyes actually 4K looked quite good considered that it focused to his sleeve. It was not blotchy like FDH on other pentax cameras. But for sure, it is not as good as in better cameras for video. I suppose this is his style and due restrictions it is what it is, still fun to see.

04-01-2021, 11:27 AM	#245
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,618	Originally posted by The Squirrel Mafia Kai got a hold of one. Pentax K3 III - DSLRs Aren't Dead Yet! (First Impressions) - YouTube "Pentax always packs in more features than Boris (Johnson) has kids." Daaaaaaaaaam(n)!

04-01-2021, 11:38 AM	#246
ZombieArmy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 3,210	Originally posted by The Squirrel Mafia Kai got a hold of one. Pentax K3 III - DSLRs Aren't Dead Yet! (First Impressions) - YouTube Hope he does a full review on it. Also hope he can get his hands on something like the 11-18.

04-01-2021, 11:50 AM	#247
Gerard_Dirks Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: St. Gallen Posts: 149	Inflation ?!? Pentax K-3 (2014), US$ 1299 Pentax K-3 ii (2015), US$ 1099.95 Pentax K-3 iii (2021), US$ 1999 For US$ 1999 you get also an K-1 ii ?!? I will continue use my K-3 und K-1 (without Mark).

04-01-2021, 11:57 AM - 1 Like	#248
Mikesul Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,594	I am normally fond of Kai's reviews but this one was very weak. I think he was using the 11-18.

04-01-2021, 12:01 PM	#249
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	I'm not seeing too much talk about the AF besides statements of 'it's fast' and 'it's improved' but I haven't seen many real good examples - and there have been a lot of videos released! I know there was a rumour about eye-af firmware being released. Perhaps Ricoh told to keep non-specific about AF until they could get the full featured firmware released... maybe? or have others seen good examples of the AF in practice?

04-01-2021, 12:03 PM - 1 Like	#250
Serkevan Site Supporter Join Date: May 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,976	Originally posted by FozzFoster I'm not seeing too much talk about the AF besides statements of 'it's fast' and 'it's improved' but I haven't seen many real good examples and talk - and there have been a lot of videos released! I know there was a rumour about eye-af firmware being released. Perhaps Ricoh told to keep non-specific about AF until they could get the full featured firmware released... maybe? or have others seen good examples of the AF in practice? People probably had a pre-production firmware version and were asked to not review the AF. DPR said they also haven't "tested it enough to be comfortable posting a judgment", Kai barely mentions it... it sounds like they aren't supposed to talk about it. By the way, a bunch of people did get cameras, huh... it really looks like Ricoh Imaging ramped up marketing a LOT for this camera.

04-01-2021, 12:08 PM	#251
Mike.P® Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Milton, Hampshire, UK Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,154	Originally posted by Mikesul I am normally fond of Kai's reviews but this one was very weak. Probably because it was pretty obvious he wasn't in the least bit interested in the camera.

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04-01-2021, 12:08 PM	#252
MMVIII Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: EU Posts: 1,121	Originally posted by Serkevan People probably had a pre-production firmware version and were asked to not review the AF. DPR said they also haven't "tested it enough to be comfortable posting a judgment", Kai barely mentions it... it sounds like they aren't supposed to talk about it. By the way, a bunch of people did get cameras, huh... it really looks like Ricoh Imaging ramped up marketing a LOT for this camera. They had a fair time to prepare this No, I agree. They really put a lot of effort in a coordinated start with very decent marketing and I like the results so far.

04-01-2021, 12:20 PM - 2 Likes	#253
The Squirrel Mafia Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 3,053	Originally posted by FozzFoster I'm not seeing too much talk about the AF besides statements of 'it's fast' and 'it's improved' but I haven't seen many real good examples - and there have been a lot of videos released! I know there was a rumour about eye-af firmware being released. Perhaps Ricoh told to keep non-specific about AF until they could get the full featured firmware released... maybe? or have others seen good examples of the AF in practice? I'm just waiting to see how good the AF really is in the hands of 3rd party reviewers & Pentax users. I want to see more video & photo samples of it in action as well. It seems like the camera can pick out subjects, then faces, & then pupils, but it seems to be automatic for now. There isn't a direct Eye-AF option........ yet? Maybe an eventual firmware update could add that feature is possible? Who knows. I know that the only way this camera will achieve the most optimal AF performance is to attach a fast focusing lens like the like the DA 55-300mm PLM & the upcoming DA* 16-50mm PLM, but how well will it drive screw drive lenses? Will screw drive lenses focus faster with the K-3III than they did with the K-3II & KP? All the DA Limiteds are screw driven, so that's why I'm wondering. It's not a deal breaker for me since I usually take it way slower when I put on a prime & they usually tend to be screw driven, but I am curious about screw driven lenses in general on the K-3III. I'm also hoping that they update all the DA* lenses with faster & more reliable AF motors. I really want the whole set. I'll be getting the updated DA* 16-50mm & the recent DA* 11-18mm lenses for starters.

04-01-2021, 12:23 PM	#254
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by The Squirrel Mafia I'm also hoping that they update all the DA* lenses with faster & more reliable AF motors. I really want the whole set. I'll be getting the updated DA* 16-50mm & the recent DA* 11-18mm lenses for starters. The DA* 16-50 PLM is the next on my 'must have' and will complete my APS-C Holy Trinity (I already have the DA* 11-18 and the DA* 50-135). But as you mentioned the PLM in a new 50-135 would be a real boon, the SDM is sluggish to say the least in comparison to PLM.

04-01-2021, 01:13 PM - 1 Like	#255
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	Just ordered my premium silver kit - and had already bought a 21mm Limited for € 200. Have the 40 and 43 Ltds, and with a few other primes I'm all set, at least for starters.