New K-3 owner first time setup up advice

Stavri · 08-21-2014, 04:41 AM

I'm a K-5iis, and made the jump to the new K-3 which should be at my doorstep this afternoon. I'm looking forward to spending time with this camera to get to know it better. Since i'm a newbie I'd appreciate any advice from all the seasoned k-3 veterans on first time setup, tweaking and optimization. I'm shoot mostly RAW, and am a wildlife/birding enthusiast looking forward to the AF upgrades on the K-3 (specifically AF.C tracking functions)

pete-tarmigan · 08-21-2014, 06:11 AM

Originally posted by Stavri

I'm a K-5iis, and made the jump to the new K-3 which should be at my doorstep this afternoon. I'm looking forward to spending time with this camera to get to know it better. Since i'm a newbie I'd appreciate any advice from all the seasoned k-3 veterans on first time setup, tweaking and optimization. I'm shoot mostly RAW, and am a wildlife/birding enthusiast looking forward to the AF upgrades on the K-3 (specifically AF.C tracking functions)

These threads should be useful:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/172-pentax-k-3/251413-post-your-k3-af-settings-here.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/26-mini-challenges-games-photo-stories/65...otography.html

Stavri · 08-21-2014, 06:14 AM

Originally posted by pete-tarmigan

These threads should be useful:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/172-pentax-k-3/251413-post-your-k3-af-settings-here.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/26-mini-challenges-games-photo-stories/65...otography.html

-much obliged

**RobA_Oz** · 08-21-2014, 06:15 AM

Hi, Stavri. I've had my K-3 for about nine months, after having a K-5 for about three years. Much of the K-3 will be familiar after your K-5IIs, but the AF is probably the biggest change to get used to, with the greater number of focus points and improved response times. I'm sure you'll get better information from others about that, though, if you're looking to photograph moving subjects. Mine tend to be static or slow-moving.

noelpolar · 08-21-2014, 06:22 AM

Originally posted by Stavri

I'm a K-5iis, and made the jump to the new K-3 which should be at my doorstep this afternoon. I'm looking forward to spending time with this camera to get to know it better. Since i'm a newbie I'd appreciate any advice from all the seasoned k-3 veterans on first time setup, tweaking and optimization. I'm shoot mostly RAW, and am a wildlife/birding enthusiast looking forward to the AF upgrades on the K-3 (specifically AF.C tracking functions)

Snap......My K3 arrived ths afternoon as well.....upgrading from a K5II

Stavri · 08-21-2014, 06:29 AM

Originally posted by noelpolar

Snap......My K3 arrived ths afternoon as well.....upgrading from a K5II

I share you excitement today!!

audiobomber · 08-21-2014, 11:50 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Stavri

I'm shoot mostly RAW, and am a wildlife/birding enthusiast looking forward to the AF upgrades on the K-3 (specifically AF.C tracking functions)

Something that you will notice immediately is that the K-3 uses buttons for some important functions, where the K-5 IIs uses switches. I have a strong preference for buttons, because they can be controlled electronically.

For general shooting, I use:
- Program Shift, Low-speed continuous burst, AF-S, multi-point metering, center point AF, SR on.

I have a User mode dedicated to birds in flight, sports, action, etc.:
- TAv mode, Hi-speed burst, AF-C, center-point metering, expanded AF point, SR off

All I have to do to change from still shooting to action, is rotate the mode dial to USER1, and I'm ready to go.

I have USER2 set up for flash photography. I haven't set USER3 for anything permanent so far.

Last edited by audiobomber; 08-21-2014 at 12:02 PM.

Paul the Sunman · 08-21-2014, 01:41 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Stavri

I'm a K-5iis, and made the jump to the new K-3 which should be at my doorstep this afternoon. I'm looking forward to spending time with this camera to get to know it better. Since i'm a newbie I'd appreciate any advice from all the seasoned k-3 veterans on first time setup, tweaking and optimization. I'm shoot mostly RAW, and am a wildlife/birding enthusiast looking forward to the AF upgrades on the K-3 (specifically AF.C tracking functions)

Check out the "recommended settings" in the in-depth K3 review on these forums:

Review: Pentax K-3 - Recommended Settings | PentaxForums.com Reviews

08-21-2014, 04:41 AM	#1
Stavri Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: at a Bean & Leaf Photos: Albums Posts: 1,832	New K-3 owner first time setup up advice I'm a K-5iis, and made the jump to the new K-3 which should be at my doorstep this afternoon. I'm looking forward to spending time with this camera to get to know it better. Since i'm a newbie I'd appreciate any advice from all the seasoned k-3 veterans on first time setup, tweaking and optimization. I'm shoot mostly RAW, and am a wildlife/birding enthusiast looking forward to the AF upgrades on the K-3 (specifically AF.C tracking functions)

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08-21-2014, 06:11 AM	#2
pete-tarmigan Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Conception Bay South, New-fun-land Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,272	Originally posted by Stavri I'm a K-5iis, and made the jump to the new K-3 which should be at my doorstep this afternoon. I'm looking forward to spending time with this camera to get to know it better. Since i'm a newbie I'd appreciate any advice from all the seasoned k-3 veterans on first time setup, tweaking and optimization. I'm shoot mostly RAW, and am a wildlife/birding enthusiast looking forward to the AF upgrades on the K-3 (specifically AF.C tracking functions) These threads should be useful: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/172-pentax-k-3/251413-post-your-k3-af-settings-here.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/26-mini-challenges-games-photo-stories/65...otography.html

08-21-2014, 06:14 AM	#3
Stavri Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: at a Bean & Leaf Photos: Albums Posts: 1,832 Original Poster	Originally posted by pete-tarmigan These threads should be useful: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/172-pentax-k-3/251413-post-your-k3-af-settings-here.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/26-mini-challenges-games-photo-stories/65...otography.html -much obliged

08-21-2014, 06:15 AM	#4
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,209	Hi, Stavri. I've had my K-3 for about nine months, after having a K-5 for about three years. Much of the K-3 will be familiar after your K-5IIs, but the AF is probably the biggest change to get used to, with the greater number of focus points and improved response times. I'm sure you'll get better information from others about that, though, if you're looking to photograph moving subjects. Mine tend to be static or slow-moving.

08-21-2014, 06:22 AM	#5
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by Stavri I'm a K-5iis, and made the jump to the new K-3 which should be at my doorstep this afternoon. I'm looking forward to spending time with this camera to get to know it better. Since i'm a newbie I'd appreciate any advice from all the seasoned k-3 veterans on first time setup, tweaking and optimization. I'm shoot mostly RAW, and am a wildlife/birding enthusiast looking forward to the AF upgrades on the K-3 (specifically AF.C tracking functions) Snap......My K3 arrived ths afternoon as well.....upgrading from a K5II

08-21-2014, 06:29 AM	#6
Stavri Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: at a Bean & Leaf Photos: Albums Posts: 1,832 Original Poster	Originally posted by noelpolar Snap......My K3 arrived ths afternoon as well.....upgrading from a K5II I share you excitement today!!

08-21-2014, 11:50 AM - 1 Like	#7
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by Stavri I'm shoot mostly RAW, and am a wildlife/birding enthusiast looking forward to the AF upgrades on the K-3 (specifically AF.C tracking functions) Something that you will notice immediately is that the K-3 uses buttons for some important functions, where the K-5 IIs uses switches. I have a strong preference for buttons, because they can be controlled electronically. For general shooting, I use: - Program Shift, Low-speed continuous burst, AF-S, multi-point metering, center point AF, SR on. I have a User mode dedicated to birds in flight, sports, action, etc.: - TAv mode, Hi-speed burst, AF-C, center-point metering, expanded AF point, SR off All I have to do to change from still shooting to action, is rotate the mode dial to USER1, and I'm ready to go. I have USER2 set up for flash photography. I haven't set USER3 for anything permanent so far. Last edited by audiobomber; 08-21-2014 at 12:02 PM.

08-21-2014, 01:41 PM - 1 Like	#8
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,847	Originally posted by Stavri I'm a K-5iis, and made the jump to the new K-3 which should be at my doorstep this afternoon. I'm looking forward to spending time with this camera to get to know it better. Since i'm a newbie I'd appreciate any advice from all the seasoned k-3 veterans on first time setup, tweaking and optimization. I'm shoot mostly RAW, and am a wildlife/birding enthusiast looking forward to the AF upgrades on the K-3 (specifically AF.C tracking functions) Check out the "recommended settings" in the in-depth K3 review on these forums: Review: Pentax K-3 - Recommended Settings \| PentaxForums.com Reviews