First impressions are worth reading because we notice things that are different. After using the camera for a while we don't notice those things anymore.
Now, after using the K-3 for a while in different circumstances, what are your impressions?
I'll throw mine in.
The autofocus is very nice. Not omniscient, but reliable and predictable. I'm getting shots I wouldn't have attempted with my K-5.
The pentax lens stable needs updating, they are slow to focus even on a quick accurate body. The bottleneck has moved.
IQ is quite nice. I'm noticing colors in my shots that didn't stand out on my K-5.
Handling is good. The impression of speed isn't there anymore, but I never have to wait. Once I figured out how to shut off the lights and noise, the experience is very nice. The camera doesn't demand your attention, it just does what I want quietly and quickly. The shutter action is very pleasant to listen to.
Metering is consistent, but the spot metering is very sharp and can give you unexpected results.
Noise is about the same as the K-5. I set the top limit to 3200 as I did previously. It cleans up nice post.
There are the odd instabilities. Not repeatable, but out of a couple thousand shots two or three odd exposures. I had it lock once the second day, not since. Probably obscure bugs that will disappear after a firmware update or two.
Batteries don't last as long as on the K-5.
My DA*300 has more reach than on the K-5.
Something I forgot. The AF button has moved. I have used it maybe once or twice. I used it all the time on the K-5. I don't need to cancel focus very often.
Nothing annoying, in fact, the things that I had to fight with on the K-5 just work now. A very pleasant camera to use and shoot with. I haven't probed the limits of the thing yet, in fact am just getting past the point where I'm paying attention to the equipment not the shot. I look forward to taking lots of shots and improving my skills. It has opened up opportunities for learning and developing skills that will keep me occupied for a few years at least.
I am beginning to resent Ricoh/Pentax releasing stuff every month that I really want to buy. I have a feeling it will get worse next year.
Last edited by derekkite; 11-16-2013 at 05:03 PM.