[cdw2000]

I took advantage of the current sale and purchased the K-3 III. It arrived last Friday. Here are my 1st impressions as a K-70 owner/user who was looking to upgrade (just using the camera in my back yard over the weekend):

1. The viewfinder - WOW! Noticeably brighter and I like the slight magnification. I like the configurable overlays and the amount of information available. It makes the K-70 viewfinder look primitive by comparison. No cons whatsoever.

2. Focusing - Also WOW! Noticeably faster and more precise when using either my HD DA 16-85mm DC lens or my HD DA 55-300mm PLM lens. This is with mostly static targets. I need to do more testing with moving subjects.

3. Menu system - Different, but not noticeably difficult to adapt to. The Pentax support site provides a downloadable K-70 to K3 III menu translation reference sheet.

4. Shutter/Mirror action - seems quieter and better damped with less vibration from mirror slap. This might also be a side-effect of the more robust feeling, heavier body.

5. Weight - it definitely feels heavier than the K-70, but feels more balanced with the two lens I used.

6. Rear display - Lots of information available. Live View focusing seems a little better. Live View manual focus is about the same as the K-70. Alas, still no ability to change the highlight color for the Focus Peaking function.

Some room for improvement:

1. As mentioned above, provide for user selectable highlight color for Focus Peaking function.

2. Sp. Function Button - make a menu option where the button can be configured to toggle through all the Sp. Function menus instead of using the rear dial. This was how I initially though it would work and had to go back to the user manual to see that it didn't work this way.

3. Display the user assigned name to user settings U1-U5 when selected. I see this has been mentioned in other threads.

All in all, I'm happy with the new camera and do not regret my purchase.

[gatorguy]

Congrats and welcome to the flock.
Lots of info on your camera in the K3III subforum in case you hadn't noted it.

[BryantCP]

I took advantage of the current sale and purchased the K-3 III. It arrived last Friday. Here are my 1st impressions as a K-70 owner/user who was looking to upgrade (just using the camera in my back yard over the weekend):

1. The viewfinder - WOW! Noticeably brighter and I like the slight magnification. I like the configurable overlays and the amount of information available. It makes the K-70 viewfinder look primitive by comparison. No cons whatsoever.

2. Focusing - Also WOW! Noticeably faster and more precise when using either my HD DA 16-85mm DC lens or my HD DA 55-300mm PLM lens. This is with mostly static targets. I need to do more testing with moving subjects.

3. Menu system - Different, but not noticeably difficult to adapt to. The Pentax support site provides a downloadable K-70 to K3 III menu translation reference sheet.

4. Shutter/Mirror action - seems quieter and better damped with less vibration from mirror slap. This might also be a side-effect of the more robust feeling, heavier body.

5. Weight - it definitely feels heavier than the K-70, but feels more balanced with the two lens I used.

6. Rear display - Lots of information available. Live View focusing seems a little better. Live View manual focus is about the same as the K-70. Alas, still no ability to change the highlight color for the Focus Peaking function.

Some room for improvement:

1. As mentioned above, provide for user selectable highlight color for Focus Peaking function.

2. Sp. Function Button - make a menu option where the button can be configured to toggle through all the Sp. Function menus instead of using the rear dial. This was how I initially though it would work and had to go back to the user manual to see that it didn't work this way.

3. Display the user assigned name to user settings U1-U5 when selected. I see this has been mentioned in other threads.

All in all, I'm happy with the new camera and do not regret my purchase.

I also ordered one at the new sale price. I pretty much agree with your assessment, though I haven't delved into the various menu options & settings sufficiently to draw any conclusions yet as to concerns or criticisms. As much as I like my K5 & K3, this camera feels much more refined & premium. Even at default settings the output form this camera is stunning. Auto focus with lens such as the DA 18-135 is noticeably improved. Its very likely that the K3 Mk III will become my favorite camera yet, regardless of brand!

[bhbrake]

Just got My new K-3iii yesterday as well along with the DA* 11-18mm 2.8. I have been shooting with the K-3 for years this is definitely a more refined camera. Great viewfinder and great screen, but still has the familiar K-3 feel. Have only had time to tool around the neighborhood after work so far, but will be doing a mountain trip this weekend to break it in.

[kshapero]

Looking to get with new discount price.