[Chillen51]

Hi, I'm new to this forum, have been working over the last year with a Pentax k-500 to get used to digital photography. Joined a camera club to get experience. Like to take the camera with me on travel to shoot landscapes, birds and just about anything I find interesting. Always looking down the road to another camera or lens but budget is tight. Recently reading about the Pentax k-3 or k-70, trying to figure out the better fit. Would be interested in hearing what current owners think of these 2 cameras or if they should be avoided. Attached are some recent photos

Attached Images

       

[Adam]

Welcome aboard, and great pics!

Both cameras are a massive upgrade over the K-500, in just about every way. The K-3 was the flagship model launched in 2013, while the K-70 is a mid-range model launched in 2016. The latter has a newer sensor with lower noise at higher ISO settings as well as a more customizable UI, pixel shift, continuous video autofocus with DC/PLM lenses, and built-in Wi-Fi for smartphone remote control. It uses the same battery as your K-500 (unless you're on AAs of course).

The K-3, on the other hand, is built to be much more durable, has a higher shutter longevity rating, better ergonomics, longer battery life, dual SD slots, and slightly better viewfinder AF.

So, I would consider whether or not you value features or durability more, and base your decision on that. In everyday shooting the image quality of the two is very close, with the K-70 carrying a slight edge in low light thanks to the newer sensor and enhanced noise reduction processing.

Pentax K-3 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews
Pentax K-70 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

[Chillen51]

Appreciate the advice, Adam. The durability sounds like what I am looking for because this camera may have to last a while. Thanks for your comments!

[Saltwater Images]

I upgraded from an entry segment K-100D Super to a K-5II a few years ago. At the time the K-3 had been out for a short while and the K-5II was available at a reduced price. Once you move up the the durable APS-C flagship level you'll appreciate the feature set that allows these cameras to punch above their weight class. Add a HD DA Ltd prime or two and you will be truly be blown away by the image quality!

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Last edited by Saltwater Images; 04-13-2017 at 05:29 PM. Reason: Typo

[WazA]

I had exactly the same dilemma and eventually chose the K3 over the K70 purely because of the durability perspective.

[Kozlok]

One huge thing in the K70's favor, the flip-out screen. I love low angle, close up shots, this feature has saved me from getting holes in the knees of my pants, and dirt all over my belly.

You may be able to find the KS2 for a significantly lower price than the K70, and it will give you almost all of the K70 upgrades in a more budget-friendly package. I have the KS2, and really love it. The K70 will have a grip more like the K500, while the KS2 does have a trimmer grip better for smaller hands, in practice I haven't had a problem with it, even with my XL Men's hands. If they are similar in price, get the K70 absolutely over the KS2.

Take a look at this page from the K70 review for a summary of the pluses and minuses for the K70 vs both the KS2 and K3II.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/pentax-k-70-review/versus-other-bodies.html

[UncleVanya]

I started with the K100D Super, went to the K-50, and then the K-3. The K-50 to K-3 step wasn't massive in terms of image quality - it was subtle. The body ergonomics are a nice step up, and the overall feel of the camera is superb. I know nothing first hand about the K-70.

[Unregistered User 8]

Hi from Australia Chillen51. Welcome to the Pentax forums. Great advice already given, so I will just say Hi and good to have you here.

[Kerrowdown]

Lots of good advice already given, I'll just say welcome.

[clking61]

So I am going the same dilemma, I'm getting ready to a upgrade and found this info, currently shooting the old k10D, was leaning towards the k3 until someone told me the k70 had a slight edge,especially at night so I am confused at which way I want to go because I do like to do night shots and long exposure shots.

[NS_Sailor]

Welcome to the group

I recently made the jump from a K500 and in doing so I had to decide between the K70 and the K3II (K3 no longer in production and may be difficult to find new). I decided to go with the K70 and have been pleased with the decision. I too belong to a local camera club and members of the group who own either a Pentax K3 or K3II (along with some Canon & Nikon Owners) are impressed with the performance of the K70, especially with older Pentax and 3rd party Lenses.

The only issue I've had is that the Auto focus is off slightly on one of my 3rd party lenses at the macro level and so far I haven't figured out how to compensate for that on the K70 as I could with my Kr & K500. The K70 can however be set to auto correct any issues with almost all DA and most FA Pentax lenses and will work with the next generation KAF4 Lenses

One other consideration if you are unable to obtain a K3 is if you want a built in flash as the K3II comes with the GPS rather than the built in Flash

I also found being able to control the K70 through WIFI with a smartphone a neat option. Now if when Ricoh decides to upgrade the App so the cameras controlled by the App can read and use GPS Data from smartphone for Geo-tagging and maybe even astrotracing that would make the K70 the ideal choice

[Chillen51]

Thank you all for your advice. I took the plunge and purchased a K-3, used from a forum member and a used Sigma 18-200mm 3.5-6.3 DC from another member. Have had some fun trying them out on a trip to the Finger Lakes, NY. Used this lens exclusively and feel very comfortable with it and the K-3. Shoot several hundred pictures but have a few to share here: (Thanks all for the welcome and advice)

[pakinjapan]

Thank you all for your advice. I took the plunge and purchased a K-3, ...

Nice photos, the first image looks like it is a huge gorilla face (rock formation) looking at the waterfall to me