[repaap]

I don't quite follow this, unless it is the size factor you refer to, which I don't think you do. Why would an updated K-1 III with the improvements (mutatis mutandis) be less fun? The OVF, the AF, the legacy lenses, it would all be there. What wouldn't be there is what was in your wallet...

Well, it will remain to be seen. But one of those things is actually the size, what I’m referring to. One is fast framerates, and another one is a bit smaller lenses DA and DA*.

Next K-1 will be bigger, even if OVF would look similar on each cameras, smaller size of K-3III does make it feel different. So in that way it does appeal differently.

Even if AF would be similar/better, overal size is bigger and approach will propably be different too with bigger file size. That is size too.

It is hard to point just one thing. It is overal experience. I’m not saying that I would not be interested of new FF.

Also there is still a lot of ’new cool thing’ factor in what I’m writing about. As I’m sure that next K-1 will have many cool things what is inside of this K-new, as it should. And it will be cool in other ways, And it will be hard to resist

[kiwi_jono]

K-3 III, look great.
If I hadn't gone to a K-1, I would have considered it or perhaps I will if I start shooting more wildlife at some stage. The K-1 has spoiled me a bit now as I now like having 36MP to work with (yet I was happy with 16MP before the K-1) and the tilting display (I honestly didn't think I would use it but he opposite is true).

[RobA_Oz]

K-3 III, look great.
If I hadn't gone to a K-1, I would have considered it or perhaps I will if I start shooting more wildlife at some stage. The K-1 has spoiled me a bit now as I now like having 36MP to work with (yet I was happy with 16MP before the K-1) and the tilting display (I honestly didn't think I would use it but he opposite is true).

The K-3iii with the D FA70-210/4 is a good option for some wildlife photography, possibly with the DA 1.4x (which I don’t have) and hopefully with the A-FA 1.7x (which I do, but haven’t tried yet).

However, the K-3iii with the DA*16-50/2.8 and the DA*50-135/2.8 also makes for a good travel kit (820+565+765=2150g), much lighter than the K-1 with the D FA24-70/2.8 and the D FA*70-200/2.8 (1010+787+1835=3632g), and still noticeably less than the K-1 with the D FA28-105/3.5-5.6 and the D FA70-210/4 (1010+464+859=2433g).

The images from the K-3iii are, as you’d expect, a step up from the K-3 in my initial estimation, and for many purposes will be judged to be as good as those from a K-1, so the next iteration of the K-1 should really be something, even if the resolution doesn’t change much.

[reh321]

The K-3iii with the D FA70-210/4 is a good option for some wildlife photography, possibly with the DA 1.4x (which I don’t have) and hopefully with the A-FA 1.7x (which I do, but haven’t tried yet).

However, the K-3iii with the DA*16-50/2.8 and the DA*50-135/2.8 also makes for a good travel kit (820+565+765=2150g), much lighter than the K-1 with the D FA24-70/2.8 and the D FA*70-200/2.8 (1010+787+1835=3632g), and still noticeably less than the K-1 with the D FA28-105/3.5-5.6 and the D FA70-210/4 (1010+464+859=2433g).

The images from the K-3iii are, as you’d expect, a step up from the K-3 in my initial estimation, and for many purposes will be judged to be as good as those from a K-1, so the next iteration of the K-1 should really be something, even if the resolution doesn’t change much.

If I were willing to spend $2000 on a camera body, I would use it with the “77-420mm PLM” {55-300mm PLM + 1.4X TC},
just as I use that lens with my KP to catch small birds in flight …. except that it would get more photographs in focus.

[ramseybuckeye]

The magazines have all gone digital. I refuse to read magazines on line, so my subscriptions are all finished. Glad to see they are reviewing Pentax, though!!

Outdoor Photographer still prints, they still keep sending it although it gets smaller and smaller, and less frequently.

[troika]

A few years back when we still had a news stand, I used to enjoy and prefer UK photography mags. They seemed less focused on gear and more on taking pictures than the US ones. Does anyone know if they are still being printed?

[gatorguy]

K-3 III, look great.
If I hadn't gone to a K-1, I would have considered it or perhaps I will if I start shooting more wildlife at some stage. The K-1 has spoiled me a bit now as I now like having 36MP to work with (yet I was happy with 16MP before the K-1) and the tilting display (I honestly didn't think I would use it but he opposite is true).

I have both and enjoy using them for different reasons and sometimes at the same photo event where each excels at different tasks.

[kiwi_jono]

The K-3iii with the D FA70-210/4 is a good option for some wildlife photography, possibly with the DA 1.4x (which I don’t have) and hopefully with the A-FA 1.7x (which I do, but haven’t tried yet).

However, the K-3iii with the DA*16-50/2.8 and the DA*50-135/2.8 also makes for a good travel kit (820+565+765=2150g), much lighter than the K-1 with the D FA24-70/2.8 and the D FA*70-200/2.8 (1010+787+1835=3632g), and still noticeably less than the K-1 with the D FA28-105/3.5-5.6 and the D FA70-210/4 (1010+464+859=2433g).

The images from the K-3iii are, as you’d expect, a step up from the K-3 in my initial estimation, and for many purposes will be judged to be as good as those from a K-1, so the next iteration of the K-1 should really be something, even if the resolution doesn’t change much.

Cameras just keep getting better for sure and will be great to see what they do with FF next.
That said, I'm surprised how happy I am still with the K-1 (normally I crave something new by now).

As far as lens weight that is certainly a factor for me, and most of the time I shoot with FA limiteds (which paired with the K-1 are very manageable to carry around).

---------- Post added 06-15-2021 at 04:12 PM ----------

I have both and enjoy using them for different reasons and sometimes at the same photo event where each excels at different tasks.

No question. I'm sure both have strengths.

[troika]

The K1 is a marvelous camera. I don't own one, but the feel and viewfinder and that magnificent shutter are all inspiring. I'm hoping the K3iii strikes me the same way.

[thibs]

The K1 is a marvelous camera. I don't own one, but the feel and viewfinder and that magnificent shutter are all inspiring. I'm hoping the K3iii strikes me the same way.

it IS very nice.
I can't wait for an updated K1 (not that I'd be able to get one...)

[RobA_Oz]

If I were willing to spend $2000 on a camera body, I would use it with the “77-420mm PLM” {55-300mm PLM + 1.4X TC},
just as I use that lens with my KP to catch small birds in flight …. except that it would get more photographs in focus.

I have tried the 55-300 (on my K-1) and it looks like a very good lens. Having recently laid out a fair amount of money for several lenses plus the K-3iii, I might wait a while before considering the purchase of a copy. Of course, if a good-value late-model variant comes up for sale in the Marketplace, the wait may well be not that long. After all, when you get to our age (we probably should start a 1948 club here) you can leave these things too long.

From my tests thus far, I’d say you’d probably get quite a few more in-focus photos, although I couldn’t say for sure because I don’t have a KP to compare it with, only a K-3. The AF on the K-3iii is very quick and accurate, even using the older screw-drive lenses (including my converted DA*16-50, which is now quicker than ever and surprisingly quiet, considering).

[lsimpkins]

After all, when you get to our age (we probably should start a 1948 club here) you can leave these things too long.

Off topic, but born before 1950 might be a good club.


I think Ricoh/Pentax "nailed it" on the Knew. At 74, I am very fortunate to be able to get what I want and stop wondering what I am missing by not having something. Will be ordering the K-3iii soon and would like to get the new 16-50 when available.

[hongman]

Nice review.. thanks for sharing... !!

[Medic]

I'm certainly excited. My K3 is a little beat up these days

[GlassJunkie]

With K-3III, All Metz 58AF2 functions, All 26AF2, All 360FGZ and All 540 FGZ work. AF160Ring seems fine as well (with usual limiting parameters).


I'm still "lost" in all of the touch screen customization, took days to set it up...

Only complaint so far... The "Named" u1-u5 functions the names don't show up on the monitor, LCD, or Viewfinder, hence I still have to remember each one. Old age sucks. Time for Ginko root... If I've missed something on this, please feel free to give me a nudge...


Lenses: Marco 100 WR is incredible, 11-18 is great, 16-85 will hold on till 16-50 comes out, 300F4 is outstanding. Bosses' Siggy 150-500 DGOS is AOK (prior idiosyncrasies aside), Her 18-270 walk-around is AOK (convenient, but it is what it is )

Hand Strap lug in the battery grip lakes herringbone easier, no plate until tripod needed.


I really wanted to find a few more irritants, so far? Nada...