How has the K3 worked out for you?

johnmflores · 08-27-2014, 07:12 PM

Originally posted by Bob from Aus

Mine keeps getting better. At first I thought it was on par with the K5. But as I get use to the camera I keep getting more incredible photos. I thought I would mostly like the autofocus improvements. Even the subtle changes to the grip make it even better to hold.

My sentiments as well. And the grip! I thought the K-5 grip was nigh perfect but then the K-3 grip came along and feels even better! I even notice that they didn't incorporate the same ergonomic tweaks to the detachable battery grip; it still feels like the K-5 so whenever I take a portrait photo my hand is a little sad.

I skipped the K-5ii/s because I needed improvements in AF and camera operation. I'm glad that I waited. And a FF camera won't make me a better photographer or get me more work, but it would be nice to have.

hilda4sea · 08-28-2014, 04:12 AM

Originally posted by johnmflores

My sentiments as well. And the grip! I thought the K-5 grip was nigh perfect but then the K-3 grip came along and feels even better! I even notice that they didn't incorporate the same ergonomic tweaks to the detachable battery grip; it still feels like the K-5 so whenever I take a portrait photo my hand is a little sad.

I skipped the K-5ii/s because I needed improvements in AF and camera operation. I'm glad that I waited. And a FF camera won't make me a better photographer or get me more work, but it would be nice to have.

Moved up from a K-5 to K-5IIs and I´m very happy. The camera is perfect and AF improvements is big. I think, that K-5IIs have better IQ and focus accurancy than K-3.

Sandy Hancock · 08-28-2014, 04:27 AM

The K-3 is better in just about every respect than my K-5 IIs, but the trump card is the ergonomics. The button placement, the AF and metering settings, the grip, the weight, the size are just perfect for me. I love the increased headroom for cropping telephoto shots, I might find the FluCard tethering useful one day, the shutter sound is lovely and the burst rate is useful, but they are all secondary to the ergonomics. The AF is pretty impressive too

GeneV · 08-28-2014, 05:51 AM

I love the IQ, and I am glad I have the K3. I am amazed at how well-lit group photos of tens of a subjects render each person in quality which many would accept as a portrait. I shot with a friend who uses the Canon 5D III, and the only place where the FF Canon shone was at high ISO, where his 1600 could be my 400. Most of the time, that was more than offset by not having a massive FF lens attached.

Thankfully, I have not had the mirror flap yet, but I agree the P-TTL shutter lag is still annoyance. I reach for the K5II, or even the K20d for a P-TTL shot.

Ilovemypentax · 08-28-2014, 06:02 AM

Originally posted by GeneV

I love the IQ, and I am glad I have the K3. I am amazed at how well-lit group photos of tens of a subjects render each person in quality which many would accept as a portrait. I shot with a friend who uses the Canon 5D III, and the only place where the FF Canon shone was at high ISO, where his 1600 could be my 400. Most of the time, that was more than offset by not having a massive FF lens attached.

Thankfully, I have not had the mirror flap yet, but I agree the P-TTL shutter lag is still annoyance. I reach for the K5II, or even the K20d for a P-TTL shot.

My main interest in the K3 is for sports photos. I hate shutter lag. Is it going to be an issue?

IchabodCrane · 08-28-2014, 06:12 AM

Originally posted by Ilovemypentax

My main interest in the K3 is for sports photos. I hate shutter lag. Is it going to be an issue?

Not at all if you don't use a flash in P-TTL mode.

asp1880 · 08-28-2014, 06:58 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Sandy Hancock

The K-3 is better in just about every respect than my K-5 IIs, but the trump card is the ergonomics. The button placement, the AF and metering settings, the grip, the weight, the size are just perfect for me.

So far, I feel the opposite way about the K-3 ergonomics. I love the results from the camera, but I really miss the metering switch and the two AF switches on the K-5.
I understand why the changes in operation were necessary because of the more complex AF system. It's just a step backwards for me.

I also don't like the increased weight and bulk. I have small hands and skinny arms, you see.

Other disappointments:
The P-TTL shutter lag makes me miss more "decisive moment" shots with flash. You need to press the shutter well in advance of the anticipated action.
The "early shutter penalty" thing (can't fire rapidly in succession in single shot mode). Workaround: burst mode on medium speed.
You can't crop down to less than 3MP in camera. The K-5 let you crop way more.
Battery life is also worse than the K-5 but that's no surprise. I knew and expected that.

AF is improved in all ways, IQ is improved (really sharp shots!), processing speed is improved, P-TTL flash is improved.

All in all the positives outweigh the negatives, but there are definitely some negatives for me.

Regards,
--Anders.

nomadkng · 08-28-2014, 01:24 PM

Originally posted by Ilovemypentax

Which cameras offer 11fps? I didn't even know that was possible. The last I left off was with film Nikons and a motor drive. Back then we had to lock up the mirror for far less than 8fps

in Dx mode a couple Nikons can get to 11fps

Ilovemypentax · 08-28-2014, 03:15 PM

Originally posted by nomadkng

in Dx mode a couple Nikons can get to 11fps

I looked it up. (At least for the D610) It looks like DX mode reduces the mp to 10.

Does the K3 do 8fps at a full 24mp?

Unregistered User · 08-28-2014, 03:47 PM

Originally posted by Ilovemypentax

I looked it up. (At least for the D610) It looks like DX mode reduces the mp to 10.

Does the K3 do 8fps at a full 24mp?

Yes it does.

Ilovemypentax · 08-28-2014, 05:31 PM

I heard it mentioned here about using a crop sensor to get closer to the subject and not have to crop the FF. There may be something to that. I had the chance to test 3 cams. A FF 24mp Leica M240, Fuji X 16mp and Pentax K01. I used 200mm lenses on them. The Fuji and K01 were pretty close in IQ. The M240 didn't look as good when the image was blown up to match the scale of the crop sensor cams. The Leica FF 24mp sensor outdid the Fuji and K01 when I moved 50% closer to the subject to make the subject in the viewfinder match the size the crop camera normally gives. Maybe I should have used a 300mm on the Leica to match the 200mm on the crop cams?

I don't know what this all means exactly as far as comparing apples to apples. But on the surface if you plan to crop a FF to match a crop sensor it seems that it may lose something in translation. Now, Leica is not the best sensor in the world. Maybe the king Nikon does better. But then you are talking a lot more mp. And I don't want to carry around that monster anyway.

I saw some bird pix here under the K3 thread. They were super sharp. Very, very impressive. The only thing I wish the K3 had was a shutter dial with an A setting. I prefer old school manual controls.

robjmitchell · 08-29-2014, 12:11 AM

I went from K7 to K3 so I'm enjoying the improvements!
I could see the value in a pentax FF for the wide end and using my 43ltd, But I would probably be happy enough with a 2nd K3 and HD 16-50/2.8 if one came out.

FreeSpirit9 · 08-29-2014, 03:47 PM

I Love my K5 and am not looking at an upgrade for quite some time.

My advice echos what Adam said. Go for the K3.

raider · 08-29-2014, 04:16 PM

Like my k3. Not moving away or to ff anytime soon.

Poit · 08-29-2014, 04:41 PM

The K-3 is a great tool and I'm more than happy with mine.

I would love a Pentax FF as well (with same features as the K-3), but I'm not moving to another maker yet. Too much money involved in running two systems (or selling up and moving totally).

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08-27-2014, 07:12 PM	#31
johnmflores Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somerville, NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,361	Originally posted by Bob from Aus Mine keeps getting better. At first I thought it was on par with the K5. But as I get use to the camera I keep getting more incredible photos. I thought I would mostly like the autofocus improvements. Even the subtle changes to the grip make it even better to hold. My sentiments as well. And the grip! I thought the K-5 grip was nigh perfect but then the K-3 grip came along and feels even better! I even notice that they didn't incorporate the same ergonomic tweaks to the detachable battery grip; it still feels like the K-5 so whenever I take a portrait photo my hand is a little sad. I skipped the K-5ii/s because I needed improvements in AF and camera operation. I'm glad that I waited. And a FF camera won't make me a better photographer or get me more work, but it would be nice to have.

08-28-2014, 04:12 AM	#32
hilda4sea Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 11	Originally posted by johnmflores My sentiments as well. And the grip! I thought the K-5 grip was nigh perfect but then the K-3 grip came along and feels even better! I even notice that they didn't incorporate the same ergonomic tweaks to the detachable battery grip; it still feels like the K-5 so whenever I take a portrait photo my hand is a little sad. I skipped the K-5ii/s because I needed improvements in AF and camera operation. I'm glad that I waited. And a FF camera won't make me a better photographer or get me more work, but it would be nice to have. Moved up from a K-5 to K-5IIs and I´m very happy. The camera is perfect and AF improvements is big. I think, that K-5IIs have better IQ and focus accurancy than K-3.

08-28-2014, 04:27 AM	#33
Sandy Hancock Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,275	The K-3 is better in just about every respect than my K-5 IIs, but the trump card is the ergonomics. The button placement, the AF and metering settings, the grip, the weight, the size are just perfect for me. I love the increased headroom for cropping telephoto shots, I might find the FluCard tethering useful one day, the shutter sound is lovely and the burst rate is useful, but they are all secondary to the ergonomics. The AF is pretty impressive too

08-28-2014, 05:51 AM	#34
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	I love the IQ, and I am glad I have the K3. I am amazed at how well-lit group photos of tens of a subjects render each person in quality which many would accept as a portrait. I shot with a friend who uses the Canon 5D III, and the only place where the FF Canon shone was at high ISO, where his 1600 could be my 400. Most of the time, that was more than offset by not having a massive FF lens attached. Thankfully, I have not had the mirror flap yet, but I agree the P-TTL shutter lag is still annoyance. I reach for the K5II, or even the K20d for a P-TTL shot.

08-28-2014, 06:02 AM	#35
Ilovemypentax Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 121 Original Poster	Originally posted by GeneV I love the IQ, and I am glad I have the K3. I am amazed at how well-lit group photos of tens of a subjects render each person in quality which many would accept as a portrait. I shot with a friend who uses the Canon 5D III, and the only place where the FF Canon shone was at high ISO, where his 1600 could be my 400. Most of the time, that was more than offset by not having a massive FF lens attached. Thankfully, I have not had the mirror flap yet, but I agree the P-TTL shutter lag is still annoyance. I reach for the K5II, or even the K20d for a P-TTL shot. My main interest in the K3 is for sports photos. I hate shutter lag. Is it going to be an issue?

08-28-2014, 06:12 AM	#36
IchabodCrane Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,728	Originally posted by Ilovemypentax My main interest in the K3 is for sports photos. I hate shutter lag. Is it going to be an issue? Not at all if you don't use a flash in P-TTL mode.

08-28-2014, 06:58 AM - 1 Like	#37
asp1880 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Lyngby, Copenhagen Photos: Albums Posts: 742	Originally posted by Sandy Hancock The K-3 is better in just about every respect than my K-5 IIs, but the trump card is the ergonomics. The button placement, the AF and metering settings, the grip, the weight, the size are just perfect for me. So far, I feel the opposite way about the K-3 ergonomics. I love the results from the camera, but I really miss the metering switch and the two AF switches on the K-5. I understand why the changes in operation were necessary because of the more complex AF system. It's just a step backwards for me. I also don't like the increased weight and bulk. I have small hands and skinny arms, you see. Other disappointments: The P-TTL shutter lag makes me miss more "decisive moment" shots with flash. You need to press the shutter well in advance of the anticipated action. The "early shutter penalty" thing (can't fire rapidly in succession in single shot mode). Workaround: burst mode on medium speed. You can't crop down to less than 3MP in camera. The K-5 let you crop way more. Battery life is also worse than the K-5 but that's no surprise. I knew and expected that. AF is improved in all ways, IQ is improved (really sharp shots!), processing speed is improved, P-TTL flash is improved. All in all the positives outweigh the negatives, but there are definitely some negatives for me. Regards, --Anders.

08-28-2014, 01:24 PM	#38
nomadkng Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,448	Originally posted by Ilovemypentax Which cameras offer 11fps? I didn't even know that was possible. The last I left off was with film Nikons and a motor drive. Back then we had to lock up the mirror for far less than 8fps in Dx mode a couple Nikons can get to 11fps

08-28-2014, 03:15 PM	#39
Ilovemypentax Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 121 Original Poster	Originally posted by nomadkng in Dx mode a couple Nikons can get to 11fps I looked it up. (At least for the D610) It looks like DX mode reduces the mp to 10. Does the K3 do 8fps at a full 24mp?

08-28-2014, 03:47 PM	#40
Unregistered User Guest	Originally posted by Ilovemypentax I looked it up. (At least for the D610) It looks like DX mode reduces the mp to 10. Does the K3 do 8fps at a full 24mp? Yes it does.

08-28-2014, 05:31 PM	#41
Ilovemypentax Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 121 Original Poster	I heard it mentioned here about using a crop sensor to get closer to the subject and not have to crop the FF. There may be something to that. I had the chance to test 3 cams. A FF 24mp Leica M240, Fuji X 16mp and Pentax K01. I used 200mm lenses on them. The Fuji and K01 were pretty close in IQ. The M240 didn't look as good when the image was blown up to match the scale of the crop sensor cams. The Leica FF 24mp sensor outdid the Fuji and K01 when I moved 50% closer to the subject to make the subject in the viewfinder match the size the crop camera normally gives. Maybe I should have used a 300mm on the Leica to match the 200mm on the crop cams? I don't know what this all means exactly as far as comparing apples to apples. But on the surface if you plan to crop a FF to match a crop sensor it seems that it may lose something in translation. Now, Leica is not the best sensor in the world. Maybe the king Nikon does better. But then you are talking a lot more mp. And I don't want to carry around that monster anyway. I saw some bird pix here under the K3 thread. They were super sharp. Very, very impressive. The only thing I wish the K3 had was a shutter dial with an A setting. I prefer old school manual controls.

08-29-2014, 12:11 AM	#42
robjmitchell Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne Aus Posts: 1,776	I went from K7 to K3 so I'm enjoying the improvements! I could see the value in a pentax FF for the wide end and using my 43ltd, But I would probably be happy enough with a 2nd K3 and HD 16-50/2.8 if one came out.

08-29-2014, 03:47 PM	#43
FreeSpirit9 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Queensland, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 557	I Love my K5 and am not looking at an upgrade for quite some time. My advice echos what Adam said. Go for the K3.

08-29-2014, 04:16 PM	#44
raider Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Perth, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,989	Like my k3. Not moving away or to ff anytime soon.

08-29-2014, 04:41 PM	#45
Poit Banned Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Canberra, Australia Posts: 423	The K-3 is a great tool and I'm more than happy with mine. I would love a Pentax FF as well (with same features as the K-3), but I'm not moving to another maker yet. Too much money involved in running two systems (or selling up and moving totally).