Should I upgrade my K20D to a K3?

**lynnslenses** · 11-03-2015, 01:22 PM

As my interest and knowledge in photography has increased substantially since I got my first DSLR, a K20D, I'm finding a few limitations with this camera in certain situations and wondering if it's time to consider upgrading to the K3 or K3II. I'd appreciate thoughts and comments from anyone who has gone through this dilemma. Thanks.

bertwert · 11-03-2015, 01:23 PM

I haven't done it, but the K-3 would be a step up.

Also Welcome to the forum!

**david94903** · 11-03-2015, 01:27 PM - **1 Like**

Yes, absolutely. I used my K20d and upgraded to the K5IIs and recently the K3. Huge jump in quality from the K20d to the K3.

**Just1MoreDave** · 11-03-2015, 02:00 PM

Usually it is better to resist upgrading for the next camera that comes along. It'll be better but not enough better to extend your photography. The top-tier cameras are good enough to last a few cycles, and unless something is broken, still take photos just as well as they ever did. It would have not been a good idea to upgrade a K20D to a K7.

However, upgrading to the K3 means upgrading every significant element of the camera - sensor, viewfinder, shutter, rear screen, metering, AF system, electronics and more. Everything works better.

**blackcloudbrew** · 11-03-2015, 02:02 PM

Yes, just do it.

ChristianRock · 11-03-2015, 02:08 PM - **1 Like**

Sure, if you can, do it. I haven't done it because at this point, I can't. We have other financial priorities...

I think within the next year I'll upgrade, but it will be to a K-5 or K-5 II. For just taking pictures of our family, I can't justify the expense - at least until I live in a house that is paid off

soti · 11-03-2015, 02:14 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by lynnslenses

As my interest and knowledge in photography has increased substantially since I got my first DSLR, a K20D, I'm finding a few limitations with this camera in certain situations and wondering if it's time to consider upgrading to the K3 or K3II. I'd appreciate thoughts and comments from anyone who has gone through this dilemma. Thanks.

Let me suggest you the opposite: don't. Well, depending on how much limited you feel by the K20D. I have one, and my opinion is that it's usually me who is the limiting factor, and not the camera. My photos are dull because I don't try hard to make them interesting, I always go to the same places so I can't photograph anything new, etc. Sure, you'll get usable high iso, higher resolution, etc. But the upgrade only solves one part of the equation

Adam · 11-03-2015, 02:23 PM

Originally posted by lynnslenses

As my interest and knowledge in photography has increased substantially since I got my first DSLR, a K20D, I'm finding a few limitations with this camera in certain situations and wondering if it's time to consider upgrading to the K3 or K3II. I'd appreciate thoughts and comments from anyone who has gone through this dilemma. Thanks.

It would be a pretty big step up. A lot of people still love their K10D's and K20D's but modern cameras just allow you to work faster and more effectively in the field. I'd recommend going for the K-3.

slip · 11-03-2015, 02:44 PM

I had a K10 and upgraded to the K5iis and now a K3.
I would upgrade just for the auto focus alone. I think as far as bang for the buck goes, one model from current is the best way to go. Unless of course you can't do without the new flag ship

there is always going to be a better camera around the corner so sooner or later you have to stop chasing the rainbow and take a dive!

Good luck, you won't be sorry if you go for a K3.

Randy

**jpzk** · 11-03-2015, 02:44 PM

Originally posted by lynnslenses

As my interest and knowledge in photography has increased substantially since I got my first DSLR, a K20D, I'm finding a few limitations with this camera in certain situations and wondering if it's time to consider upgrading to the K3 or K3II. I'd appreciate thoughts and comments from anyone who has gone through this dilemma. Thanks.

Originally posted by soti

Let me suggest you the opposite: don't. Well, depending on how much limited you feel by the K20D. I have one, and my opinion is that it's usually me who is the limiting factor, and not the camera. My photos are dull because I don't try hard to make them interesting, I always go to the same places so I can't photograph anything new, etc. Sure, you'll get usable high iso, higher resolution, etc. But the upgrade only solves one part of the equation

Indeed the K3 would be a huge step from the K20D but, as Soti mentioned above, it is "one part of the equation" only.
That said, and as you further mentioned, if your "knowledge in photography has increased substantially", it could be the right time for a move upward with the K3.
You can continue increasing your photographic skills with the K20D but if you know that you are now missing what the K3 is offering and that it will make a difference ...
The decision remains yours.

JP

**Kerrowdown** · 11-03-2015, 02:48 PM

I'm holding on to my K20Ds now until the FF gets here... still only four months away, or so it seems.

bertwert · 11-03-2015, 03:03 PM

Originally posted by Kerrowdown

I'm holding on to my K20Ds now until the FF gets here... still only four months away, or so it seems.

Didn't they say that years ago...

**Kerrowdown** · 11-03-2015, 03:06 PM

Originally posted by bertwert

Didn't they say that years ago...

Exactly... the only four months away rule.

Mayo · 11-03-2015, 03:26 PM

Respectfully, I advise to follow Soti's suggestion.

Only my opinion, of course, but I got into digital photgraphy through K20, used it for three years (also bought and used a K10 for its CCD, using for the last year and a half a K5, know about K3) and I still think that it is a camera good enough for anyone and for everything. APS-C is APS-C, and digital FF is better but no so much that one has to buy it or quitting photography. Buy better lens, if you want to buy, or other stuff like flashes, tripods, reflectors ,etc. that can help you handle some particular photo enviroments. But K20 is a camera for a lifetime, really, and will not hamper you from being an accomplished, good or even great photographer.

Francesco

KDD · 11-03-2015, 03:59 PM

645z???? Lol

11-03-2015, 01:22 PM	#1
lynnslenses Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Priddis, Alberta Photos: Gallery Posts: 57	Should I upgrade my K20D to a K3? As my interest and knowledge in photography has increased substantially since I got my first DSLR, a K20D, I'm finding a few limitations with this camera in certain situations and wondering if it's time to consider upgrading to the K3 or K3II. I'd appreciate thoughts and comments from anyone who has gone through this dilemma. Thanks.

11-03-2015, 02:23 PM	#8
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	Originally posted by lynnslenses As my interest and knowledge in photography has increased substantially since I got my first DSLR, a K20D, I'm finding a few limitations with this camera in certain situations and wondering if it's time to consider upgrading to the K3 or K3II. I'd appreciate thoughts and comments from anyone who has gone through this dilemma. Thanks. It would be a pretty big step up. A lot of people still love their K10D's and K20D's but modern cameras just allow you to work faster and more effectively in the field. I'd recommend going for the K-3. 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:

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11-03-2015, 01:23 PM	#2
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,172	I haven't done it, but the K-3 would be a step up. Also Welcome to the forum!

11-03-2015, 01:27 PM - 1 Like	#3
david94903 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: San Rafael, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 806	Yes, absolutely. I used my K20d and upgraded to the K5IIs and recently the K3. Huge jump in quality from the K20d to the K3.

11-03-2015, 02:00 PM	#4
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Usually it is better to resist upgrading for the next camera that comes along. It'll be better but not enough better to extend your photography. The top-tier cameras are good enough to last a few cycles, and unless something is broken, still take photos just as well as they ever did. It would have not been a good idea to upgrade a K20D to a K7. However, upgrading to the K3 means upgrading every significant element of the camera - sensor, viewfinder, shutter, rear screen, metering, AF system, electronics and more. Everything works better.

11-03-2015, 02:02 PM	#5
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,461	Yes, just do it.

11-03-2015, 02:08 PM - 1 Like	#6
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	Sure, if you can, do it. I haven't done it because at this point, I can't. We have other financial priorities... I think within the next year I'll upgrade, but it will be to a K-5 or K-5 II. For just taking pictures of our family, I can't justify the expense - at least until I live in a house that is paid off

11-03-2015, 02:14 PM - 1 Like	#7
soti Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Leuven Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 65	Originally posted by lynnslenses As my interest and knowledge in photography has increased substantially since I got my first DSLR, a K20D, I'm finding a few limitations with this camera in certain situations and wondering if it's time to consider upgrading to the K3 or K3II. I'd appreciate thoughts and comments from anyone who has gone through this dilemma. Thanks. Let me suggest you the opposite: don't. Well, depending on how much limited you feel by the K20D. I have one, and my opinion is that it's usually me who is the limiting factor, and not the camera. My photos are dull because I don't try hard to make them interesting, I always go to the same places so I can't photograph anything new, etc. Sure, you'll get usable high iso, higher resolution, etc. But the upgrade only solves one part of the equation

11-03-2015, 02:44 PM	#9
slip Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 2 hours north of toronto ontario canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,535	I had a K10 and upgraded to the K5iis and now a K3. I would upgrade just for the auto focus alone. I think as far as bang for the buck goes, one model from current is the best way to go. Unless of course you can't do without the new flag ship there is always going to be a better camera around the corner so sooner or later you have to stop chasing the rainbow and take a dive! Good luck, you won't be sorry if you go for a K3. Randy

11-03-2015, 02:44 PM	#10
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	Originally posted by lynnslenses As my interest and knowledge in photography has increased substantially since I got my first DSLR, a K20D, I'm finding a few limitations with this camera in certain situations and wondering if it's time to consider upgrading to the K3 or K3II. I'd appreciate thoughts and comments from anyone who has gone through this dilemma. Thanks. Originally posted by soti Let me suggest you the opposite: don't. Well, depending on how much limited you feel by the K20D. I have one, and my opinion is that it's usually me who is the limiting factor, and not the camera. My photos are dull because I don't try hard to make them interesting, I always go to the same places so I can't photograph anything new, etc. Sure, you'll get usable high iso, higher resolution, etc. But the upgrade only solves one part of the equation Indeed the K3 would be a huge step from the K20D but, as Soti mentioned above, it is "one part of the equation" only. That said, and as you further mentioned, if your "knowledge in photography has increased substantially", it could be the right time for a move upward with the K3. You can continue increasing your photographic skills with the K20D but if you know that you are now missing what the K3 is offering and that it will make a difference ... The decision remains yours. JP

11-03-2015, 02:48 PM	#11
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,835	I'm holding on to my K20Ds now until the FF gets here... still only four months away, or so it seems.

11-03-2015, 03:03 PM	#12
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,172	Originally posted by Kerrowdown I'm holding on to my K20Ds now until the FF gets here... still only four months away, or so it seems. Didn't they say that years ago...

11-03-2015, 03:06 PM	#13
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,835	Originally posted by bertwert Didn't they say that years ago... Exactly... the only four months away rule.

11-03-2015, 03:26 PM	#14
Mayo New Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 4	Respectfully, I advise to follow Soti's suggestion. Only my opinion, of course, but I got into digital photgraphy through K20, used it for three years (also bought and used a K10 for its CCD, using for the last year and a half a K5, know about K3) and I still think that it is a camera good enough for anyone and for everything. APS-C is APS-C, and digital FF is better but no so much that one has to buy it or quitting photography. Buy better lens, if you want to buy, or other stuff like flashes, tripods, reflectors ,etc. that can help you handle some particular photo enviroments. But K20 is a camera for a lifetime, really, and will not hamper you from being an accomplished, good or even great photographer. Francesco

11-03-2015, 03:59 PM	#15
KDD Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 403	645z???? Lol