K-3 In-Depth Review: November 12th

**gaweidert** · 11-12-2013, 05:22 AM

Very good review. I like to read the cons whenever I read a review. Every product has pros and cons. Not only that what one person sees as a con, may be an "I can live with that" to another. Just as a pro to one person my not be important to another. Thanks for well balance review.

There was one sentence that really struck hard to and old timer like me:

"This camera delivers numerous enhancements over the aging Pentax K-5 family of DSLRs, which was originally introduced more than three years ago, in September 2010."

**LaurenOE** · 11-12-2013, 05:34 AM

Great review.
Yes, I agree with the dynamic range.
It seems like my K5 has a slight edge on recovering detail from shadows over the K3.
I noticed this early, and because it's so slight, I'm happy to overlook it.

All the features of the K3, taken as a whole are why I own one (and probably a few more soon).

With that said, the K5IIs is an amazing camera that I think Pentax should discount more and keep around.

I don't think the K5IIs is anywhere near "retirement".

falconeye · 11-12-2013, 06:32 AM

Originally posted by mille19

AF.C Tracking test
Is 60-250mm F4 v 70-200mm F2.8 a fair comparison ?

Originally posted by RockvilleBob

A good point. Why not compare AF using a common lens say Sigma 70-200 2.8

I think it is a fair comparison, except like I said that a DX Nikon should have been used.

I know that Nikon AF is optimzed to perform well with the 70-200/2.8G (and $3000+ lenses), the major workhorses for professional AF.C work.

The 60-250mm may be the closest match assuming Pentax used this lens to validate their AF.C too. Provided both are used equivalently (e.g. at 135mm F4 vs. 200mm F5.6; or with a Nikon DX body, both at 200mm F4).

If the Sigma 70-200 2.8 performs faster on the Pentax then by all means, use it! But one wouldn't want to cripple the Nikon by using the Sigma lens. AF.C tests are system tests combining both, best body and lens, for either system.

BTW, a few screw drive lenses like the FA* 300/4.5 which I own already are blazingly fast on the K-5. With the K-3, it should be faster even. It could be a stunning performer in an AF.C test. Maybe worth to give it a try.

lightbulb · 11-12-2013, 07:46 AM

I love your pentax gear reviews. Because you don't harp on things I already know about pentax. But what about those that are not familiar with pentax advantages? Example: best in class for compactness, ibsr, etc? Anyhow After reading your k3 review I know I don't need a k3 at the moment, although I might want one. Maybe hold up for k3ii... let's see. .. and thanks again. ...

Originally posted by Adam

We do our best to keep the reviews fair and unbiased. I would agree with monochrome and say that at times we are very critical of Pentax gear, even as Pentax users, but by reading our reviews you should get a very good idea of the pros and cons of each product and how it fares alongside the competition. Most of our writers (myself included) are familiar with competing products and have hands-on experience with them.

Apapukas · 11-12-2013, 08:27 AM

Another awesome Pentax K-3 review. Should help someone who is still not sure about getting it

You Tube

souless · 11-12-2013, 08:28 AM

Great review well done!
Thank you all the staff and Adam for the hard work to put this review together in such short period of time frame!
A small request if I may:
Is there a significant difference(brightness, coverage) between the viewfinders of K-3 and K-5iis when you look through them?
THX in advance!

souless · 11-12-2013, 08:30 AM

Originally posted by falconeye

BTW, a few screw drive lenses like the FA* 300/4.5 which I own already are blazingly fast on the K-5. With the K-3, it should be faster even. It could be a stunning performer in an AF.C test. Maybe worth to give it a try.

FA80-200mm f/2.8 might be another ideal candidate?
or a modded screw drive version of DA*50-135 XD

Last edited by souless; 11-12-2013 at 08:36 AM.

**Belnan** · 11-12-2013, 08:40 AM

Originally posted by falconeye

I think it is a fair comparison, except like I said that a DX Nikon should have been used.

I know that Nikon AF is optimzed to perform well with the 70-200/2.8G (and $3000+ lenses), the major workhorses for professional AF.C work.

The 60-250mm may be the closest match assuming Pentax used this lens to validate their AF.C too. Provided both are used equivalently (e.g. at 135mm F4 vs. 200mm F5.6; or with a Nikon DX body, both at 200mm F4).

If the Sigma 70-200 2.8 performs faster on the Pentax then by all means, use it! But one wouldn't want to cripple the Nikon by using the Sigma lens. AF.C tests are system tests combining both, best body and lens, for either system.

BTW, a few screw drive lenses like the FA* 300/4.5 which I own already are blazingly fast on the K-5. With the K-3, it should be faster even. It could be a stunning performer in an AF.C test. Maybe worth to give it a try.

I have to disagree, this isn't a lens/camera combined test this is a test of the new autofocus module. This should have been tested against it peers the 70D and the d7100 a well as the k-5 II all using the same lens. Pentax may come out with a new lens in the future which equals the nikkor 70-200/2.8G but by then the conclusion will have already been made. The K-3 still lags the competition in autofocus which may not be the case. In addition more tests should have been done with regards to the low light focus speed and tracking ability of the K-3 where it may possibly lead the competition.

Pentax Forums should re-due the autofocus tests.

Otherwise well done.

audiobomber · 11-12-2013, 08:45 AM

I believe this is the best PF camera review ever, which is appropriate for the greatest Pentax camera ever. My only complaint, and it's a big one, is that you've severely underappreciated the K-3's AF-C capabilities. The results clearly show that it easily outperformed the K-5 IIs, with 57 shots in focus vs. 36. What's worse, the text of the review makes it sound like the K-3 AF is about the same as the K-5 IIs, despite nailing 60% more shots. Keeper rate is weighted to a slower camera, should not even be mentioned. What about BIF with a busy background? I bet the K-3 will distance itself further from the K-5 IIs.

I am looking forward to the FNAC Lab tests. Their previous tests showed the K-5 AF-C equalled the D7000 and 60D, all of which were soundly spanked by the D300S and 7D.

RockvilleBob · 11-12-2013, 08:51 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by falconeye

I think it is a fair comparison, except like I said that a DX Nikon should have been used.

I know that Nikon AF is optimzed to perform well with the 70-200/2.8G (and $3000+ lenses), the major workhorses for professional AF.C work.

The 60-250mm may be the closest match assuming Pentax used this lens to validate their AF.C too. Provided both are used equivalently (e.g. at 135mm F4 vs. 200mm F5.6; or with a Nikon DX body, both at 200mm F4).

If the Sigma 70-200 2.8 performs faster on the Pentax then by all means, use it! But one wouldn't want to cripple the Nikon by using the Sigma lens. AF.C tests are system tests combining both, best body and lens, for either system.

BTW, a few screw drive lenses like the FA* 300/4.5 which I own already are blazingly fast on the K-5. With the K-3, it should be faster even. It could be a stunning performer in an AF.C test. Maybe worth to give it a try.

I do not feel this is correct. The review focuses on the new Pentax AF system and compares it to the Nikon 3D system. I feel that using the same lens on both cameras compares apples to apples. Yes the lens may "cripple" the Nikon AF performance but then the Pentax slow lens focus performance cripples the K-3.
Remove the lens variable and then you are comparing apples to apples, especially if you use a Nikon cropped sensor. But seeing how it compares to the full frame Nikon may be interesting.
Bottom line how does the camera's AF system compare - to me this means remove the lens performance from the comparison.

audiobomber · 11-12-2013, 09:09 AM

Every DSLR manufacturer has a 300mm f/4, all are sharp, premium quality lenses, with similar prices. That would be a good test

bobmaxja · 11-12-2013, 10:02 AM

I still stand about what I saisd above regarding bias for Nikon . The proof is is the test

6BQ5 · 11-12-2013, 10:13 AM

Nice review! One of the things I really like is the explanation of the camera's menu screens. They are done from a Pentax user's perspective which offers some insight. We're all kind of familiar with the layout and the authors leverage that fact. Other sites present the same info but it doesn't affect me the same way. I think I know the menu system better than them in that case!

I liked the comparison with the K-5 IIs. It makes me wonder how my lowly K-30 compares!

Adam · 11-12-2013, 10:14 AM

Originally posted by souless

Is there a significant difference(brightness, coverage) between the viewfinders of K-3 and K-5iis when you look through them?

They both have 100% coverage. The K-3's finder is slightly larger, but personally I don't think it bears any practical significance as the difference is hardly discernible side by side. Regardless, it's still best in class.

Brazeal · 11-12-2013, 10:18 AM

Great review, and the AF performance results agree with what I see with my D610. The difference in keepers is like night and day, regardless of which lens that I use. I use the predictive tracking with 9pt AF-C instead of the 3D tracking, which has been known to loose focus if the color/contrast of the background is similar to the subject. The 3D tracking obviously worked well in the test though.

If I'm going hiking and want a light rig, I'll take my K-5. If I'm shooting fast action or high ISOs, I'll be using the D610. I don't have silly brand loyalty, and I pick the best tool for the job (for me). The K-3 looks like a nice improvement over the K-5, but I think I will keep my K-5. Congrats to those who are happy with their new K-3s.

11-12-2013, 08:28 AM	#36
souless Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Taipei Posts: 110	Great review well done! Thank you all the staff and Adam for the hard work to put this review together in such short period of time frame! A small request if I may: Is there a significant difference(brightness, coverage) between the viewfinders of K-3 and K-5iis when you look through them? THX in advance! Last edited by souless; 11-12-2013 at 08:35 AM.

11-12-2013, 10:14 AM	#44
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594 Original Poster	Originally posted by souless Is there a significant difference(brightness, coverage) between the viewfinders of K-3 and K-5iis when you look through them? They both have 100% coverage. The K-3's finder is slightly larger, but personally I don't think it bears any practical significance as the difference is hardly discernible side by side. Regardless, it's still best in class. 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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11-12-2013, 05:22 AM	#31
gaweidert Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Rochester, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,325	Very good review. I like to read the cons whenever I read a review. Every product has pros and cons. Not only that what one person sees as a con, may be an "I can live with that" to another. Just as a pro to one person my not be important to another. Thanks for well balance review. There was one sentence that really struck hard to and old timer like me: "This camera delivers numerous enhancements over the aging Pentax K-5 family of DSLRs, which was originally introduced more than three years ago, in September 2010."

11-12-2013, 05:34 AM	#32
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690	Great review. Yes, I agree with the dynamic range. It seems like my K5 has a slight edge on recovering detail from shadows over the K3. I noticed this early, and because it's so slight, I'm happy to overlook it. All the features of the K3, taken as a whole are why I own one (and probably a few more soon). With that said, the K5IIs is an amazing camera that I think Pentax should discount more and keep around. I don't think the K5IIs is anywhere near "retirement".

11-12-2013, 06:32 AM	#33
falconeye Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Munich, Alps, Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,871	Originally posted by mille19 AF.C Tracking test Is 60-250mm F4 v 70-200mm F2.8 a fair comparison ? Originally posted by RockvilleBob A good point. Why not compare AF using a common lens say Sigma 70-200 2.8 I think it is a fair comparison, except like I said that a DX Nikon should have been used. I know that Nikon AF is optimzed to perform well with the 70-200/2.8G (and $3000+ lenses), the major workhorses for professional AF.C work. The 60-250mm may be the closest match assuming Pentax used this lens to validate their AF.C too. Provided both are used equivalently (e.g. at 135mm F4 vs. 200mm F5.6; or with a Nikon DX body, both at 200mm F4). If the Sigma 70-200 2.8 performs faster on the Pentax then by all means, use it! But one wouldn't want to cripple the Nikon by using the Sigma lens. AF.C tests are system tests combining both, best body and lens, for either system. BTW, a few screw drive lenses like the FA* 300/4.5 which I own already are blazingly fast on the K-5. With the K-3, it should be faster even. It could be a stunning performer in an AF.C test. Maybe worth to give it a try.

11-12-2013, 07:46 AM	#34
lightbulb Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 691	I love your pentax gear reviews. Because you don't harp on things I already know about pentax. But what about those that are not familiar with pentax advantages? Example: best in class for compactness, ibsr, etc? Anyhow After reading your k3 review I know I don't need a k3 at the moment, although I might want one. Maybe hold up for k3ii... let's see. .. and thanks again. ... Originally posted by Adam We do our best to keep the reviews fair and unbiased. I would agree with monochrome and say that at times we are very critical of Pentax gear, even as Pentax users, but by reading our reviews you should get a very good idea of the pros and cons of each product and how it fares alongside the competition. Most of our writers (myself included) are familiar with competing products and have hands-on experience with them.

11-12-2013, 08:30 AM	#37
souless Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Taipei Posts: 110	Originally posted by falconeye BTW, a few screw drive lenses like the FA* 300/4.5 which I own already are blazingly fast on the K-5. With the K-3, it should be faster even. It could be a stunning performer in an AF.C test. Maybe worth to give it a try. FA80-200mm f/2.8 might be another ideal candidate? or a modded screw drive version of DA50-135 XD Last edited by souless; 11-12-2013 at 08:36 AM.*

11-12-2013, 08:40 AM	#38
Belnan Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Nova Scotia Photos: Albums Posts: 1,090	Originally posted by falconeye I think it is a fair comparison, except like I said that a DX Nikon should have been used. I know that Nikon AF is optimzed to perform well with the 70-200/2.8G (and $3000+ lenses), the major workhorses for professional AF.C work. The 60-250mm may be the closest match assuming Pentax used this lens to validate their AF.C too. Provided both are used equivalently (e.g. at 135mm F4 vs. 200mm F5.6; or with a Nikon DX body, both at 200mm F4). If the Sigma 70-200 2.8 performs faster on the Pentax then by all means, use it! But one wouldn't want to cripple the Nikon by using the Sigma lens. AF.C tests are system tests combining both, best body and lens, for either system. BTW, a few screw drive lenses like the FA* 300/4.5 which I own already are blazingly fast on the K-5. With the K-3, it should be faster even. It could be a stunning performer in an AF.C test. Maybe worth to give it a try. I have to disagree, this isn't a lens/camera combined test this is a test of the new autofocus module. This should have been tested against it peers the 70D and the d7100 a well as the k-5 II all using the same lens. Pentax may come out with a new lens in the future which equals the nikkor 70-200/2.8G but by then the conclusion will have already been made. The K-3 still lags the competition in autofocus which may not be the case. In addition more tests should have been done with regards to the low light focus speed and tracking ability of the K-3 where it may possibly lead the competition. Pentax Forums should re-due the autofocus tests. Otherwise well done.

11-12-2013, 08:45 AM	#39
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	I believe this is the best PF camera review ever, which is appropriate for the greatest Pentax camera ever. My only complaint, and it's a big one, is that you've severely underappreciated the K-3's AF-C capabilities. The results clearly show that it easily outperformed the K-5 IIs, with 57 shots in focus vs. 36. What's worse, the text of the review makes it sound like the K-3 AF is about the same as the K-5 IIs, despite nailing 60% more shots. Keeper rate is weighted to a slower camera, should not even be mentioned. What about BIF with a busy background? I bet the K-3 will distance itself further from the K-5 IIs. I am looking forward to the FNAC Lab tests. Their previous tests showed the K-5 AF-C equalled the D7000 and 60D, all of which were soundly spanked by the D300S and 7D.

11-12-2013, 08:51 AM - 1 Like	#40
RockvilleBob Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Lewes DE USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,780	Originally posted by falconeye I think it is a fair comparison, except like I said that a DX Nikon should have been used. I know that Nikon AF is optimzed to perform well with the 70-200/2.8G (and $3000+ lenses), the major workhorses for professional AF.C work. The 60-250mm may be the closest match assuming Pentax used this lens to validate their AF.C too. Provided both are used equivalently (e.g. at 135mm F4 vs. 200mm F5.6; or with a Nikon DX body, both at 200mm F4). If the Sigma 70-200 2.8 performs faster on the Pentax then by all means, use it! But one wouldn't want to cripple the Nikon by using the Sigma lens. AF.C tests are system tests combining both, best body and lens, for either system. BTW, a few screw drive lenses like the FA* 300/4.5 which I own already are blazingly fast on the K-5. With the K-3, it should be faster even. It could be a stunning performer in an AF.C test. Maybe worth to give it a try. I do not feel this is correct. The review focuses on the new Pentax AF system and compares it to the Nikon 3D system. I feel that using the same lens on both cameras compares apples to apples. Yes the lens may "cripple" the Nikon AF performance but then the Pentax slow lens focus performance cripples the K-3. Remove the lens variable and then you are comparing apples to apples, especially if you use a Nikon cropped sensor. But seeing how it compares to the full frame Nikon may be interesting. Bottom line how does the camera's AF system compare - to me this means remove the lens performance from the comparison.

11-12-2013, 09:09 AM	#41
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Every DSLR manufacturer has a 300mm f/4, all are sharp, premium quality lenses, with similar prices. That would be a good test

11-12-2013, 10:02 AM	#42
bobmaxja Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Laval, Quebec Canada Posts: 2,171	I still stand about what I saisd above regarding bias for Nikon . The proof is is the test

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11-12-2013, 10:13 AM	#43
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348	Nice review! One of the things I really like is the explanation of the camera's menu screens. They are done from a Pentax user's perspective which offers some insight. We're all kind of familiar with the layout and the authors leverage that fact. Other sites present the same info but it doesn't affect me the same way. I think I know the menu system better than them in that case! I liked the comparison with the K-5 IIs. It makes me wonder how my lowly K-30 compares!

11-12-2013, 10:18 AM	#45
Brazeal Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Forney, TX Posts: 277	Great review, and the AF performance results agree with what I see with my D610. The difference in keepers is like night and day, regardless of which lens that I use. I use the predictive tracking with 9pt AF-C instead of the 3D tracking, which has been known to loose focus if the color/contrast of the background is similar to the subject. The 3D tracking obviously worked well in the test though. If I'm going hiking and want a light rig, I'll take my K-5. If I'm shooting fast action or high ISOs, I'll be using the D610. I don't have silly brand loyalty, and I pick the best tool for the job (for me). The K-3 looks like a nice improvement over the K-5, but I think I will keep my K-5. Congrats to those who are happy with their new K-3s.