K-3 replacement?

Simen1 · 03-16-2015, 05:08 AM

Everybody is talking about the new FF. In the meanwhile the K-3 is getting older and nobody speaks of a replacement. Is there no need and no demand for a refresh? Because K-3 is perfect or because everybody will buy the FF?

What could be improved on the top APS-C camera? In my opinion I think BSI could improve full well depth and readout rates. Faster readout could enable downsized video in stead of lineskipped video. Improving noise by a lot, reduce shutter roll and enable slow motion Full HD. I also would like 1,0x viewfinder magnification and built in WiFi features with Android/iOS app for remote live view shooting, H.265 compression and built in O-GPS1. Is it possible to make the built in flash tiltable and turnable? What more could we wish for? Battery charging in camera by USB?

bavd · 03-16-2015, 06:08 AM

K3 old? Mine is brand new! But as long as we are asking ; Better/faster AF especially in CF mode (it can never be fast and accurate enough!)
I really would like the AA battery's back!
And I would like something like focus bracketing. I don't even know if it exists, but that woud be helpfull for close up, macro or even astrophotography.

derekkite · 03-16-2015, 07:26 AM

The full frame development effort will probably be the focus for a whole. I'm interested in what shows up in the coming firmware upgrade. There will be one that supports the new dfa lenses and it is rumored to be more than that.

The D7200 upgrade is a bit of a yawner essentially fixing flaws in the D7100.

Winder · 03-16-2015, 07:41 AM

The K-3 is still one of the top 3 APS-C cameras on the market. I doubt we see an update until after the FF body has been on the market for 6 months ore more.

Stone G. · 03-16-2015, 07:44 AM

There are several pages on the same topic here:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/172-pentax-k-3/288644-funny-no-mention-k3-successor.html

LFLee · 03-16-2015, 07:52 AM

LOL..... K3 is not old. Price is pretty good now though.

**boriscleto** · 03-16-2015, 08:10 AM - **3 Likes**

So are K-3 replacement threads the new FF threads?

rburgoss · 03-16-2015, 09:05 AM - **2 Likes**

My K3 is pretty new and even if I would find some features to be added like WIFI, better AF or such already mentioned, I would find this two features to be extremely useful for this already very capable body:

1) Higher sync speed. I can't understand while cameras (full frame-film) like the PZ1P had sync speeds up to 1/250. The APS-C shutter curtain needs to travel (vertically) slightly more than half of the travel move from a full frame body. That means that if using the same mechanism, they could achieve sync speeds higher than 1/250 sec. or not?

2) I have big hands. I bought my K3 with the extra battery grip. Sometimes, it has happened that I left the grip's on/of switch turned on because I am shooting both vertical and horizontal at the same subjects. Sometimes, my big hands inadvertently press the grips shutter button (with my pinky finger) causing the AF to go crazy and sometimes even bursting a few shots. This is annoying, but more annoying is having to turn on and off the grip's switch on demand. So it would be nice if the grip could be fitted with some kind of "position sensor" (such as a mercury switch), that will automatically disable the shutter button (grip's) when camera is at horizontal position. To make it "democratic", have this position sensor the possibility to turn on and off.

**jatrax** · 03-16-2015, 09:34 AM

I am sure there will be a k-3 replacement. The question is will it be a k-3II or a completely new camera. If k-3II I doubt we will see a lot of changes beyond incremental improvements in existing technology. Any changes to image quality will depend on improvements to the sensor itself.

If it is a completely new camera then I suspect it will get a lot of the FF technology pushed down.

The k-3 was available in November 2013 if I remember right so a replacement would not really be expected until summer / fall of 2015. But with the FF taking all attention at Ricoh, that might get pushed to 2016. After all, k-3 is still extremely competitive with other high end APS-C cameras. D7200 just announced really does not show anything new except to fix glaring issues with D7100. From the specs the D7200 looks to be very competitive with the k-3.

bobell69 · 03-16-2015, 10:13 AM

Originally posted by jatrax

I am sure there will be a k-3 replacement. The question is will it be a k-3II or a completely new camera. If k-3II I doubt we will see a lot of changes beyond incremental improvements in existing technology. Any changes to image quality will depend on improvements to the sensor itself.

If it is a completely new camera then I suspect it will get a lot of the FF technology pushed down.

The k-3 was available in November 2013 if I remember right so a replacement would not really be expected until summer / fall of 2015. But with the FF taking all attention at Ricoh, that might get pushed to 2016. After all, k-3 is still extremely competitive with other high end APS-C cameras. D7200 just announced really does not show anything new except to fix glaring issues with D7100. From the specs the D7200 looks to be very competitive with the k-3.

They may choose to come out with an update to counter the features in the Canon D70 II which have currently moved it into a higher score in recent reviews., but I wouldn't expect anything until they have at least nailed down the design and the functionality of the new FF first.

Smeggypants · 03-16-2015, 10:31 AM

Originally posted by rburgoss

My K3 is pretty new and even if I would find some features to be added like WIFI, better AF or such already mentioned, I would find this two features to be extremely useful for this already very capable body:

1) Higher sync speed. I can't understand while cameras (full frame-film) like the PZ1P had sync speeds up to 1/250. The APS-C shutter curtain needs to travel (vertically) slightly more than half of the travel move from a full frame body. That means that if using the same mechanism, they could achieve sync speeds higher than 1/250 sec. or not?

2) I have big hands. I bought my K3 with the extra battery grip. Sometimes, it has happened that I left the grip's on/of switch turned on because I am shooting both vertical and horizontal at the same subjects. Sometimes, my big hands inadvertently press the grips shutter button (with my pinky finger) causing the AF to go crazy and sometimes even bursting a few shots. This is annoying, but more annoying is having to turn on and off the grip's switch on demand. So it would be nice if the grip could be fitted with some kind of "position sensor" (such as a mercury switch), that will automatically disable the shutter button (grip's) when camera is at horizontal position. To make it "democratic", have this position sensor the possibility to turn on and off.

There's already a position sensor in the camera

rburgoss · 03-16-2015, 11:10 AM

Originally posted by Smeggypants

There's already a position sensor in the camera

I already thought about it and I guess it wont be that difficult to set up a custom function to "disable" shutter button in grip when in horizontal position, but that will mean going through several steps to change this CF, making the operation more complicated than just turning off grip via main switch.

A simple toggle switch will do it.

**filoxophy** · 03-16-2015, 11:32 AM

The K-3 still seems fresh to me. Seems like just yesterday some on PF were seeing the "mystery hump" on the leaked images and insisting that it would accommodate a full-size jack.

rburgoss · 03-16-2015, 01:46 PM

Originally posted by filoxophy

The K-3 still seems fresh to me. Seems like just yesterday some on PF were seeing the "mystery hump" on the leaked images and insisting that it would accommodate a full-size jack.

mystery hump which really was.........???????

**filoxophy** · 03-16-2015, 02:19 PM

Originally posted by rburgoss

mystery hump which really was.........???????

The smaller size mic input. As the above pic shows, it was a ridiculous idea.

I guess what I was trying to say is that speculation runs wild around here, and while fun to indulge in at times, is often way off the mark.

03-16-2015, 05:08 AM	#1
Simen1 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Tromsø, Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 1,031	K-3 replacement? Everybody is talking about the new FF. In the meanwhile the K-3 is getting older and nobody speaks of a replacement. Is there no need and no demand for a refresh? Because K-3 is perfect or because everybody will buy the FF? What could be improved on the top APS-C camera? In my opinion I think BSI could improve full well depth and readout rates. Faster readout could enable downsized video in stead of lineskipped video. Improving noise by a lot, reduce shutter roll and enable slow motion Full HD. I also would like 1,0x viewfinder magnification and built in WiFi features with Android/iOS app for remote live view shooting, H.265 compression and built in O-GPS1. Is it possible to make the built in flash tiltable and turnable? What more could we wish for? Battery charging in camera by USB?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Lost K-3 Grip Plug - Ricoh useless in getting replacement	Wolfeye	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	31	12-17-2014 04:17 AM
K-x replacement?	moshepupkin	Pentax DSLR Discussion	26	12-31-2013 03:58 AM
Why so long to send out a replacement K-3?	DogLover	Ask B&H Photo!	0	11-12-2013 09:07 PM
3-year extended warranty+repair/replacement for $300 for K-5	Eric Seavey	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	23	11-26-2010 02:06 PM
Replacement for Pentax SMC DA 18-250mm 3,5-6,3 ED AL 18-250 mm ??	Ivo_Spohr	Pentax News and Rumors	14	04-26-2010 10:15 AM

03-16-2015, 06:08 AM	#2
bavd Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Almere (NL) Posts: 96	K3 old? Mine is brand new! But as long as we are asking ; Better/faster AF especially in CF mode (it can never be fast and accurate enough!) I really would like the AA battery's back! And I would like something like focus bracketing. I don't even know if it exists, but that woud be helpfull for close up, macro or even astrophotography.

03-16-2015, 07:26 AM	#3
derekkite Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,782	The full frame development effort will probably be the focus for a whole. I'm interested in what shows up in the coming firmware upgrade. There will be one that supports the new dfa lenses and it is rumored to be more than that. The D7200 upgrade is a bit of a yawner essentially fixing flaws in the D7100.

03-16-2015, 07:41 AM	#4
Winder Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 6,617	The K-3 is still one of the top 3 APS-C cameras on the market. I doubt we see an update until after the FF body has been on the market for 6 months ore more.

03-16-2015, 07:44 AM	#5
Stone G. Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: North Zealand, Denmark Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,516	There are several pages on the same topic here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/172-pentax-k-3/288644-funny-no-mention-k3-successor.html

03-16-2015, 07:52 AM	#6
LFLee Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,292	LOL..... K3 is not old. Price is pretty good now though.

03-16-2015, 08:10 AM - 3 Likes	#7
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,473	So are K-3 replacement threads the new FF threads?

03-16-2015, 09:05 AM - 2 Likes	#8
rburgoss Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose, Costa Rica Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 972	My K3 is pretty new and even if I would find some features to be added like WIFI, better AF or such already mentioned, I would find this two features to be extremely useful for this already very capable body: 1) Higher sync speed. I can't understand while cameras (full frame-film) like the PZ1P had sync speeds up to 1/250. The APS-C shutter curtain needs to travel (vertically) slightly more than half of the travel move from a full frame body. That means that if using the same mechanism, they could achieve sync speeds higher than 1/250 sec. or not? 2) I have big hands. I bought my K3 with the extra battery grip. Sometimes, it has happened that I left the grip's on/of switch turned on because I am shooting both vertical and horizontal at the same subjects. Sometimes, my big hands inadvertently press the grips shutter button (with my pinky finger) causing the AF to go crazy and sometimes even bursting a few shots. This is annoying, but more annoying is having to turn on and off the grip's switch on demand. So it would be nice if the grip could be fitted with some kind of "position sensor" (such as a mercury switch), that will automatically disable the shutter button (grip's) when camera is at horizontal position. To make it "democratic", have this position sensor the possibility to turn on and off.

03-16-2015, 09:34 AM	#9
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	I am sure there will be a k-3 replacement. The question is will it be a k-3II or a completely new camera. If k-3II I doubt we will see a lot of changes beyond incremental improvements in existing technology. Any changes to image quality will depend on improvements to the sensor itself. If it is a completely new camera then I suspect it will get a lot of the FF technology pushed down. The k-3 was available in November 2013 if I remember right so a replacement would not really be expected until summer / fall of 2015. But with the FF taking all attention at Ricoh, that might get pushed to 2016. After all, k-3 is still extremely competitive with other high end APS-C cameras. D7200 just announced really does not show anything new except to fix glaring issues with D7100. From the specs the D7200 looks to be very competitive with the k-3.

03-16-2015, 10:13 AM	#10
bobell69 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Courtenay BC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 498	Originally posted by jatrax I am sure there will be a k-3 replacement. The question is will it be a k-3II or a completely new camera. If k-3II I doubt we will see a lot of changes beyond incremental improvements in existing technology. Any changes to image quality will depend on improvements to the sensor itself. If it is a completely new camera then I suspect it will get a lot of the FF technology pushed down. The k-3 was available in November 2013 if I remember right so a replacement would not really be expected until summer / fall of 2015. But with the FF taking all attention at Ricoh, that might get pushed to 2016. After all, k-3 is still extremely competitive with other high end APS-C cameras. D7200 just announced really does not show anything new except to fix glaring issues with D7100. From the specs the D7200 looks to be very competitive with the k-3. They may choose to come out with an update to counter the features in the Canon D70 II which have currently moved it into a higher score in recent reviews., but I wouldn't expect anything until they have at least nailed down the design and the functionality of the new FF first.

03-16-2015, 10:31 AM	#11
Smeggypants Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,536	Originally posted by rburgoss My K3 is pretty new and even if I would find some features to be added like WIFI, better AF or such already mentioned, I would find this two features to be extremely useful for this already very capable body: 1) Higher sync speed. I can't understand while cameras (full frame-film) like the PZ1P had sync speeds up to 1/250. The APS-C shutter curtain needs to travel (vertically) slightly more than half of the travel move from a full frame body. That means that if using the same mechanism, they could achieve sync speeds higher than 1/250 sec. or not? 2) I have big hands. I bought my K3 with the extra battery grip. Sometimes, it has happened that I left the grip's on/of switch turned on because I am shooting both vertical and horizontal at the same subjects. Sometimes, my big hands inadvertently press the grips shutter button (with my pinky finger) causing the AF to go crazy and sometimes even bursting a few shots. This is annoying, but more annoying is having to turn on and off the grip's switch on demand. So it would be nice if the grip could be fitted with some kind of "position sensor" (such as a mercury switch), that will automatically disable the shutter button (grip's) when camera is at horizontal position. To make it "democratic", have this position sensor the possibility to turn on and off. There's already a position sensor in the camera

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

03-16-2015, 11:10 AM	#12
rburgoss Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose, Costa Rica Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 972	Originally posted by Smeggypants There's already a position sensor in the camera I already thought about it and I guess it wont be that difficult to set up a custom function to "disable" shutter button in grip when in horizontal position, but that will mean going through several steps to change this CF, making the operation more complicated than just turning off grip via main switch. A simple toggle switch will do it.

03-16-2015, 11:32 AM	#13
filoxophy Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,132	The K-3 still seems fresh to me. Seems like just yesterday some on PF were seeing the "mystery hump" on the leaked images and insisting that it would accommodate a full-size jack.

03-16-2015, 01:46 PM	#14
rburgoss Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose, Costa Rica Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 972	Originally posted by filoxophy The K-3 still seems fresh to me. Seems like just yesterday some on PF were seeing the "mystery hump" on the leaked images and insisting that it would accommodate a full-size jack. mystery hump which really was.........???????

03-16-2015, 02:19 PM	#15
filoxophy Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,132	Originally posted by rburgoss mystery hump which really was.........??????? The smaller size mic input. As the above pic shows, it was a ridiculous idea. I guess what I was trying to say is that speculation runs wild around here, and while fun to indulge in at times, is often way off the mark.