k-3 First Impressions

DanGleabols · 12-03-2015, 11:10 AM

I've been a bit naughty and given in to my urge to buy new gear and rejigging my equipment (currently k-30, X100 and X-A1). They all have different uses as such, but I've been wanting to move towards a k-3 + micro four thirds (gx-7) set up.

Why did I feel a need to upgrade my k-30? I do like the idea of a bit more resolution, but what really drove me to get a k-3 is more to do with the controls (independant af-l and ae-l), faster screwdrive motor, smaller focus points and better low light focusing....

Well, I've just received my "new" pre owned k-3. Holy smoke does it feel fast. I'm really impressed with the camer. I was expecting it to be a bit bigger than my k-30 but the size difference isn't noticeable. I will say it doesn't quite feel as comfy in hand, but that might be just cos it's different. It's a little crazy, but I'm super excited with the focus point selection button (didn't realise it had one) and the depth of field check on the power button (I never used this on my k-30 as the raw/fx button was set for focus point selection). There are a few niggles: I kind of like how the k-30 handles selecting ISO (i.e. takes you to a menu where you can quickly select iso, or switch to auto iso and rapidly select iso range). But other than that I so far pretty blown away. The shutter sounds so much nicer too....

aleonx3 · 12-03-2015, 11:19 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by DanGleabols

... (i.e. takes you to a menu where you can quickly select iso, or switch to auto iso and rapidly select iso range). ...

Glad you like the k-3, I don't have the k-30 so I can't tell the difference... but in the k-3, just two finger controls (thumb on rear dial and index finger in ISO button) allow you to change ISO while looking through the viewfinder is far better than going through the menu. Enjoy your new toy...

Cerique · 12-03-2015, 11:23 AM

It feels good doesn't it?! I've just gone from a reliable old K-7 of many years to a K3ii and the 16-85 - so I'm a similar boat to you. The autofocus is a huge upgrade for me, although I suppose I could say that about pretty much every aspect to the camera... The low light performance (focus, image quality) is what swayed me in the end. Fantastic first impressions.

**frogoutofwater** · 12-03-2015, 12:07 PM

Make sure you have some fast memory cards to work with your faster camera. When I upgraded to a K-3, I gave all my 30 mb/s Sandisk cards to my husband (who has a k-30 and K-5iis) and got 80s and 90s for myself. It made a big difference.

**macman24054** · 12-03-2015, 12:25 PM

One feature that does not get much attention is the mixed light white balance setting. Shooting mostly weddings this has save me so much post time that the camera has paid for itself. K30 is a great camera. K3 is even better.

cali92rs · 12-03-2015, 12:27 PM

Moving back to a DSLR after having the Fuji X-T1 was a revelation. I loved the EVF of the X-T1, but i never liked the button placement and the way they implemented AE-L and AF-L was a travesty.
Glad you like the camera

My K-3II feels like an extension of my hand.

normhead · 12-03-2015, 12:30 PM

It seems like a couple of years ago now, I pre-ordered mine, but I still remember the day it arrived, clear as a bell. I'd been in a store a few days earlier trying out a D610 with an 80mm 1.4 on it. The speed of AF on the D610 impressed me. SO I put the Tammy 90mm on the K-3 to try out the AF, and it was every bit as speedy. I was so totally impressed.

Last edited by normhead; 12-03-2015 at 01:08 PM.

iss2012 · 12-03-2015, 01:01 PM

I personnaly own the K-30 and I agree with you, one of the reasons pushing me to upgrade is the low light AF. The last summer I was the photographer of my cousin's wedding and the low light focusing was really annoying ! With the k-3, is the focusing very fast in low light, or just struggling less than the k30 ?

DanGleabols · 12-03-2015, 01:23 PM

Originally posted by iss2012

I personnaly own the K-30 and I agree with you, one of the reasons pushing me to upgrade is the low light AF. The last summer I was the photographer of my cousin's wedding and the low light focusing was really annoying ! With the k-3, is the focusing very fast in low light, or just struggling less than the k30 ?

I'd like to start off by saying I don't believe the k30 is terrible in low light- it's far better than a lot of cameras I've used, but good technique is needed. The k-3 is much faster in low light and acquires focus where the k-30 would just hunt.

---------- Post added 3rd Dec 2015 at 20:34 ----------

Originally posted by aleonx3

Glad you like the k-3, I don't have the k-30 so I can't tell the difference... but in the k-3, just two finger controls (thumb on rear dial and index finger in ISO button) allow you to change ISO while looking through the viewfinder is far better than going through the menu. Enjoy your new toy...

I can see the whole holding a button and spinning a dial to change certain settings will be swifter when I'm used to it, but at the moment it feels a bit unatural!

MRCDH · 12-03-2015, 03:20 PM

Originally posted by DanGleabols

I've been a bit naughty and given in to my urge to buy new gear and rejigging my equipment (currently k-30, X100 and X-A1). They all have different uses as such, but I've been wanting to move towards a k-3 + micro four thirds (gx-7) set up.

Why did I feel a need to upgrade my k-30? I do like the idea of a bit more resolution, but what really drove me to get a k-3 is more to do with the controls (independant af-l and ae-l), faster screwdrive motor, smaller focus points and better low light focusing....

Well, I've just received my "new" pre owned k-3. Holy smoke does it feel fast. I'm really impressed with the camer. I was expecting it to be a bit bigger than my k-30 but the size difference isn't noticeable. I will say it doesn't quite feel as comfy in hand, but that might be just cos it's different. It's a little crazy, but I'm super excited with the focus point selection button (didn't realise it had one) and the depth of field check on the power button (I never used this on my k-30 as the raw/fx button was set for focus point selection). There are a few niggles: I kind of like how the k-30 handles selecting ISO (i.e. takes you to a menu where you can quickly select iso, or switch to auto iso and rapidly select iso range). But other than that I so far pretty blown away. The shutter sounds so much nicer too....

The K-3 is really a wonderful camera system. I just received mine less than 2 week ago, so I am still in the get acquainted mode versus my previous K-10D, which has served me well over the last few years. The ISO difference is significant, focus is fast, motion picture capability, 2 card slots, plus a host of other improvements make the camera more than competitive with Canon and Nikon. Along with the camera I also treated myself to a new Sigma 18-250mm DC Macro lens, which I am going to experiment with this weekend at Butterfly Wonderland here in Scottsdale, AZ. Have fun with your new K-3!!!

assa1 · 12-04-2015, 01:23 AM

I received mine K3 Prestige Edition 10 days ago and still learning the system. I have to say that K3 is probably the most satisfying camera I have ever had (except Minolta dynax 600si I had many yers ago) but I have a feeling that pictures are slightly overexposed (noticable during nightime photoshooting sessions).
Generally speaking great camera producing great pictures.

**Rondec** · 12-04-2015, 03:24 AM

Originally posted by DanGleabols

I'd like to start off by saying I don't believe the k30 is terrible in low light- it's far better than a lot of cameras I've used, but good technique is needed. The k-3 is much faster in low light and acquires focus where the k-30 would just hunt.

---------- Post added 3rd Dec 2015 at 20:34 ----------

I can see the whole holding a button and spinning a dial to change certain settings will be swifter when I'm used to it, but at the moment it feels a bit unatural!

Just so you know, you don't have to hold the button. Tap the iso button, spin the dial and tap the iso button again. If you want to return to auto iso, hit the iso and green button together.

aurele · 12-04-2015, 03:27 AM

Originally posted by DanGleabols

The shutter sounds so much nicer too....

Is it noticeably quieter than the K30 ?

DanGleabols · 12-04-2015, 05:32 AM

Originally posted by aurele

Is it noticeably quieter than the K30 ?

Hrmmm, firing them off side by side; yes definitely. It's also more of a refined "thud" than the k30's more jarring "crack". I've never had the pleasure of using any of the k-5 series, but I believe they are quieter still.

I was surprised about how little difference there is in size. Technically it is bigger, but putting them side by side you wouldn't notice. I do notice the added weight though. I'm still finding the k-30 more comfortable, but I strongly suspect the fact I've been playing with it for the past 2 years and only had the k-3 for a day maybe responsible for that.

totsmuyco · 12-04-2015, 05:53 AM

The K-5II and the K-3II have quiet shutters and both produce great images. I've held a k-30 years back and I think it's a little smaller than the K-5II and the K-3II. But yes, I think it's much lighter considering the K-3/II are magnesium alloy bodies.

12-03-2015, 11:10 AM	#1
DanGleabols Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Halifax, UK Posts: 120	k-3 First Impressions I've been a bit naughty and given in to my urge to buy new gear and rejigging my equipment (currently k-30, X100 and X-A1). They all have different uses as such, but I've been wanting to move towards a k-3 + micro four thirds (gx-7) set up. Why did I feel a need to upgrade my k-30? I do like the idea of a bit more resolution, but what really drove me to get a k-3 is more to do with the controls (independant af-l and ae-l), faster screwdrive motor, smaller focus points and better low light focusing.... Well, I've just received my "new" pre owned k-3. Holy smoke does it feel fast. I'm really impressed with the camer. I was expecting it to be a bit bigger than my k-30 but the size difference isn't noticeable. I will say it doesn't quite feel as comfy in hand, but that might be just cos it's different. It's a little crazy, but I'm super excited with the focus point selection button (didn't realise it had one) and the depth of field check on the power button (I never used this on my k-30 as the raw/fx button was set for focus point selection). There are a few niggles: I kind of like how the k-30 handles selecting ISO (i.e. takes you to a menu where you can quickly select iso, or switch to auto iso and rapidly select iso range). But other than that I so far pretty blown away. The shutter sounds so much nicer too....

12-03-2015, 12:25 PM	#5
macman24054 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Axton, VA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 461	White balance One feature that does not get much attention is the mixed light white balance setting. Shooting mostly weddings this has save me so much post time that the camera has paid for itself. K30 is a great camera. K3 is even better.

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12-03-2015, 11:19 AM - 3 Likes	#2
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Originally posted by DanGleabols ... (i.e. takes you to a menu where you can quickly select iso, or switch to auto iso and rapidly select iso range). ... Glad you like the k-3, I don't have the k-30 so I can't tell the difference... but in the k-3, just two finger controls (thumb on rear dial and index finger in ISO button) allow you to change ISO while looking through the viewfinder is far better than going through the menu. Enjoy your new toy...

12-03-2015, 11:23 AM	#3
Cerique New Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 10	It feels good doesn't it?! I've just gone from a reliable old K-7 of many years to a K3ii and the 16-85 - so I'm a similar boat to you. The autofocus is a huge upgrade for me, although I suppose I could say that about pretty much every aspect to the camera... The low light performance (focus, image quality) is what swayed me in the end. Fantastic first impressions.

12-03-2015, 12:07 PM	#4
frogoutofwater Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 674	Make sure you have some fast memory cards to work with your faster camera. When I upgraded to a K-3, I gave all my 30 mb/s Sandisk cards to my husband (who has a k-30 and K-5iis) and got 80s and 90s for myself. It made a big difference.

12-03-2015, 12:27 PM	#6
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,354	Moving back to a DSLR after having the Fuji X-T1 was a revelation. I loved the EVF of the X-T1, but i never liked the button placement and the way they implemented AE-L and AF-L was a travesty. Glad you like the camera My K-3II feels like an extension of my hand.

12-03-2015, 12:30 PM	#7
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	It seems like a couple of years ago now, I pre-ordered mine, but I still remember the day it arrived, clear as a bell. I'd been in a store a few days earlier trying out a D610 with an 80mm 1.4 on it. The speed of AF on the D610 impressed me. SO I put the Tammy 90mm on the K-3 to try out the AF, and it was every bit as speedy. I was so totally impressed. Last edited by normhead; 12-03-2015 at 01:08 PM.

12-03-2015, 01:01 PM	#8
iss2012 Junior Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Paris Photos: Albums Posts: 49	I personnaly own the K-30 and I agree with you, one of the reasons pushing me to upgrade is the low light AF. The last summer I was the photographer of my cousin's wedding and the low light focusing was really annoying ! With the k-3, is the focusing very fast in low light, or just struggling less than the k30 ?

12-03-2015, 01:23 PM	#9
DanGleabols Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Halifax, UK Posts: 120 Original Poster	Originally posted by iss2012 I personnaly own the K-30 and I agree with you, one of the reasons pushing me to upgrade is the low light AF. The last summer I was the photographer of my cousin's wedding and the low light focusing was really annoying ! With the k-3, is the focusing very fast in low light, or just struggling less than the k30 ? I'd like to start off by saying I don't believe the k30 is terrible in low light- it's far better than a lot of cameras I've used, but good technique is needed. The k-3 is much faster in low light and acquires focus where the k-30 would just hunt. ---------- Post added 3rd Dec 2015 at 20:34 ---------- Originally posted by aleonx3 Glad you like the k-3, I don't have the k-30 so I can't tell the difference... but in the k-3, just two finger controls (thumb on rear dial and index finger in ISO button) allow you to change ISO while looking through the viewfinder is far better than going through the menu. Enjoy your new toy... I can see the whole holding a button and spinning a dial to change certain settings will be swifter when I'm used to it, but at the moment it feels a bit unatural!

12-03-2015, 03:20 PM	#10
MRCDH Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 76	Originally posted by DanGleabols I've been a bit naughty and given in to my urge to buy new gear and rejigging my equipment (currently k-30, X100 and X-A1). They all have different uses as such, but I've been wanting to move towards a k-3 + micro four thirds (gx-7) set up. Why did I feel a need to upgrade my k-30? I do like the idea of a bit more resolution, but what really drove me to get a k-3 is more to do with the controls (independant af-l and ae-l), faster screwdrive motor, smaller focus points and better low light focusing.... Well, I've just received my "new" pre owned k-3. Holy smoke does it feel fast. I'm really impressed with the camer. I was expecting it to be a bit bigger than my k-30 but the size difference isn't noticeable. I will say it doesn't quite feel as comfy in hand, but that might be just cos it's different. It's a little crazy, but I'm super excited with the focus point selection button (didn't realise it had one) and the depth of field check on the power button (I never used this on my k-30 as the raw/fx button was set for focus point selection). There are a few niggles: I kind of like how the k-30 handles selecting ISO (i.e. takes you to a menu where you can quickly select iso, or switch to auto iso and rapidly select iso range). But other than that I so far pretty blown away. The shutter sounds so much nicer too.... The K-3 is really a wonderful camera system. I just received mine less than 2 week ago, so I am still in the get acquainted mode versus my previous K-10D, which has served me well over the last few years. The ISO difference is significant, focus is fast, motion picture capability, 2 card slots, plus a host of other improvements make the camera more than competitive with Canon and Nikon. Along with the camera I also treated myself to a new Sigma 18-250mm DC Macro lens, which I am going to experiment with this weekend at Butterfly Wonderland here in Scottsdale, AZ. Have fun with your new K-3!!!

12-04-2015, 01:23 AM	#11
assa1 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 140	I received mine K3 Prestige Edition 10 days ago and still learning the system. I have to say that K3 is probably the most satisfying camera I have ever had (except Minolta dynax 600si I had many yers ago) but I have a feeling that pictures are slightly overexposed (noticable during nightime photoshooting sessions). Generally speaking great camera producing great pictures.

12-04-2015, 03:24 AM	#12
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,652	Originally posted by DanGleabols I'd like to start off by saying I don't believe the k30 is terrible in low light- it's far better than a lot of cameras I've used, but good technique is needed. The k-3 is much faster in low light and acquires focus where the k-30 would just hunt. ---------- Post added 3rd Dec 2015 at 20:34 ---------- I can see the whole holding a button and spinning a dial to change certain settings will be swifter when I'm used to it, but at the moment it feels a bit unatural! Just so you know, you don't have to hold the button. Tap the iso button, spin the dial and tap the iso button again. If you want to return to auto iso, hit the iso and green button together.

12-04-2015, 03:27 AM	#13
aurele Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Paris, France Photos: Albums Posts: 3,217	Originally posted by DanGleabols The shutter sounds so much nicer too.... Is it noticeably quieter than the K30 ?

12-04-2015, 05:32 AM	#14
DanGleabols Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Halifax, UK Posts: 120 Original Poster	Originally posted by aurele Is it noticeably quieter than the K30 ? Hrmmm, firing them off side by side; yes definitely. It's also more of a refined "thud" than the k30's more jarring "crack". I've never had the pleasure of using any of the k-5 series, but I believe they are quieter still. I was surprised about how little difference there is in size. Technically it is bigger, but putting them side by side you wouldn't notice. I do notice the added weight though. I'm still finding the k-30 more comfortable, but I strongly suspect the fact I've been playing with it for the past 2 years and only had the k-3 for a day maybe responsible for that.

12-04-2015, 05:53 AM	#15
totsmuyco Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Iloilo City Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,276	The K-5II and the K-3II have quiet shutters and both produce great images. I've held a k-30 years back and I think it's a little smaller than the K-5II and the K-3II. But yes, I think it's much lighter considering the K-3/II are magnesium alloy bodies.