Convince me to buy a K-3

ronniemac · 12-25-2017, 05:15 PM - **2 Likes**

Wait.

If the K-3/3ii replacement is released next year you will have more options, and then lower prices for the K-3 and K-3ii.

Until then, you have an excellent camera with the K-5.

**aslyfox** · 12-25-2017, 05:29 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ronniemac

Wait.

If the K-3/3ii replacement is released next year you will have more options, and then lower prices for the K-3 and K-3ii.

Until then, you have an excellent camera with the K-5.

join the crowd who have been waiting for the anticipated new model since at least 2016

Adam · 12-25-2017, 06:33 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ShaunW

Currently I have a K-5. I would like to purchase a new camera. I would mainly purchase a K-3 for the increased resolution. I am looking at a used one for around $500. Would this be a significant upgrade? Would the K-3 II be a better deal if I am paying $200-$300 more for a new one? Also rumors for the "K-3 III" have resurfaced. Would it be wiser to wait for its release? If the K-3 is a worthy upgrade with noticeable improvements in performance, it should be good enough.

The increase is image quality is substantial; you can check our review for comparisons with the K-5:

Pentax K-3 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

I wouldn't spend extra on the K-3 II, nor would I give any specific rumors any credibility at this time. Surely a replacement is on its way, but it won't be in this price range.

MrB1 · 12-25-2017, 06:39 PM - **1 Like**

If you have the available funds, go and get the K-3 now. For reasons others have stated above, you will not be disappointed. More importantly, think laterally - there are all sorts of possible reasons why tomorrow might never come.

Philip

Alnjpn · 12-25-2017, 08:40 PM

Have you considered the K70? I am not sure of the prices in your area but here in Japan a new k70 is cheaper than a secondhand k3ii. If resolution is what you are after this could be the way to go.

**twilhelm** · 12-25-2017, 09:39 PM

Before I bought the K3 I looked at the K70 and KP. One of the deciding factors for me was being able to utilize the 3 batteries I already had for my K5. The combination of the K5 and K3 work great together. I would still like a KP, but will probably add a K3II or K1 for pixel shift and still being able to keep the same battery.

It’s another aspect to consider.

bm75 · 12-26-2017, 01:07 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by ShaunW

Currently I have a K-5. I would like to purchase a new camera. I would mainly purchase a K-3 for the increased resolution.

Don't do that just for the mpx count. Purchase the k3 because it's a newer camera with better operating performance, better AF, better SR,same level of tropicalization. But for what I understand 16 mpx generation of sensor is sooooo good that you'll find a lowering in DR and Iso performance from k5 to k3. So consider that if you're not Printing BIG and I mean BIG (!!) the difference in resolution is visible just 100% at pixel level at a monitor. What's visible is the improvement in the operating performace,as AF.
My 2 cents.

jeallen01 · 12-26-2017, 02:11 PM

Originally posted by dadipentak

Yes! But I wouldn't recommend the K-3II over the K-3 unless you will make serious use of pixel-shift.

&/OR you need the better AF algorithm because it the K-3 II certainly locks on quicker (like a "rocket" with the Sigma 100-300 F4!) but, of course, the follow-on tracking "ain't so good" if the target is moving towards/away from you (

).

PS: it should also be remembered that the K-3 & K-3 II have a much stronger & faster screwdrive motor than the K-5/K-30 (and thus presumably the K50 /K-70 and maybe the K-P).

**aslyfox** · 12-26-2017, 02:17 PM - **1 Like**

an option available to the OP since he lives in the US

rent either the K 3 or K 3 II ( or both ) and he could do his own testing and have his own experiences

I have had good results with LensRental.com and there are other rental companies

true, this will cost some $$ but

it is an option

rjm · 12-26-2017, 10:38 PM - **1 Like**

To affirm what bm75 said, the last reason to move to a K-3 is the increase in resolution.

Normally you change cameras when you become dissatisfied with the old one, but the K-5 is good enough that you may not see the flaws unless you shoot with multiple dSLRs and can easily compare.

The basic problem with the K-5 is it is dog slow. It is the opposite of "responsive" as defined by 2017 standards. The autofocus and the camera menus and, critically, the buffer throughput and image review. If your K-5 does not seem slow to you, you can live blissfully ignorant and save your money, or you can go buy the K-3 on blind trust and have that "ah ha" moment the first time you take it out.

I also think the colors of the K-3 are more realistic, and the K-3ii better still, but this is subjective.

Also, the grip has improved. This is not subjective.

The K-3 is not a fast camera, the AF is still Pentax-level, but it is far better camera overall than the K-5.

12-25-2017, 06:33 PM - 1 Like	#18
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by ShaunW Currently I have a K-5. I would like to purchase a new camera. I would mainly purchase a K-3 for the increased resolution. I am looking at a used one for around $500. Would this be a significant upgrade? Would the K-3 II be a better deal if I am paying $200-$300 more for a new one? Also rumors for the "K-3 III" have resurfaced. Would it be wiser to wait for its release? If the K-3 is a worthy upgrade with noticeable improvements in performance, it should be good enough. The increase is image quality is substantial; you can check our review for comparisons with the K-5: Pentax K-3 Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews I wouldn't spend extra on the K-3 II, nor would I give any specific rumors any credibility at this time. Surely a replacement is on its way, but it won't be in this price range. 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:

12-26-2017, 02:11 PM	#23
jeallen01 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2008 Location: London, UK Posts: 1,697	Originally posted by dadipentak Yes! But I wouldn't recommend the K-3II over the K-3 unless you will make serious use of pixel-shift. &/OR you need the better AF algorithm because it the K-3 II certainly locks on quicker (like a "rocket" with the Sigma 100-300 F4!) but, of course, the follow-on tracking "ain't so good" if the target is moving towards/away from you ( ). PS: it should also be remembered that the K-3 & K-3 II have a much stronger & faster screwdrive motor than the K-5/K-30 (and thus presumably the K50 /K-70 and maybe the K-P). Last edited by jeallen01; 12-26-2017 at 02:47 PM.

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12-25-2017, 05:15 PM - 2 Likes	#16
ronniemac Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Oxford Photos: Albums Posts: 244	Wait. If the K-3/3ii replacement is released next year you will have more options, and then lower prices for the K-3 and K-3ii. Until then, you have an excellent camera with the K-5.

12-25-2017, 05:29 PM - 1 Like	#17
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by ronniemac Wait. If the K-3/3ii replacement is released next year you will have more options, and then lower prices for the K-3 and K-3ii. Until then, you have an excellent camera with the K-5. join the crowd who have been waiting for the anticipated new model since at least 2016

12-25-2017, 06:39 PM - 1 Like	#19
MrB1 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2013 Location: Hertfordshire, England Posts: 845	If you have the available funds, go and get the K-3 now. For reasons others have stated above, you will not be disappointed. More importantly, think laterally - there are all sorts of possible reasons why tomorrow might never come. Philip

12-25-2017, 08:40 PM	#20
Alnjpn Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Osaka Posts: 158	Have you considered the K70? I am not sure of the prices in your area but here in Japan a new k70 is cheaper than a secondhand k3ii. If resolution is what you are after this could be the way to go.

12-25-2017, 09:39 PM	#21
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	Before I bought the K3 I looked at the K70 and KP. One of the deciding factors for me was being able to utilize the 3 batteries I already had for my K5. The combination of the K5 and K3 work great together. I would still like a KP, but will probably add a K3II or K1 for pixel shift and still being able to keep the same battery. It’s another aspect to consider.

12-26-2017, 01:07 AM - 2 Likes	#22
bm75 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Italia Photos: Albums Posts: 354	Originally posted by ShaunW Currently I have a K-5. I would like to purchase a new camera. I would mainly purchase a K-3 for the increased resolution. Don't do that just for the mpx count. Purchase the k3 because it's a newer camera with better operating performance, better AF, better SR,same level of tropicalization. But for what I understand 16 mpx generation of sensor is sooooo good that you'll find a lowering in DR and Iso performance from k5 to k3. So consider that if you're not Printing BIG and I mean BIG (!!) the difference in resolution is visible just 100% at pixel level at a monitor. What's visible is the improvement in the operating performace,as AF. My 2 cents.

12-26-2017, 02:17 PM - 1 Like	#24
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	an option available to the OP since he lives in the US rent either the K 3 or K 3 II ( or both ) and he could do his own testing and have his own experiences I have had good results with LensRental.com and there are other rental companies true, this will cost some $$ but it is an option

12-26-2017, 10:38 PM - 1 Like	#25
rjm Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kyoto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 72	To affirm what bm75 said, the last reason to move to a K-3 is the increase in resolution. Normally you change cameras when you become dissatisfied with the old one, but the K-5 is good enough that you may not see the flaws unless you shoot with multiple dSLRs and can easily compare. The basic problem with the K-5 is it is dog slow. It is the opposite of "responsive" as defined by 2017 standards. The autofocus and the camera menus and, critically, the buffer throughput and image review. If your K-5 does not seem slow to you, you can live blissfully ignorant and save your money, or you can go buy the K-3 on blind trust and have that "ah ha" moment the first time you take it out. I also think the colors of the K-3 are more realistic, and the K-3ii better still, but this is subjective. Also, the grip has improved. This is not subjective. The K-3 is not a fast camera, the AF is still Pentax-level, but it is far better camera overall than the K-5.