Difference between K3 and K3ii?

Moropo · 02-13-2016, 03:54 PM

I'm about to buy a K3 (body only) and I saw the price difference with the K3ii was only around $100.

Are there any other differences besides what I know:

- K3ii has GPS instead of flash
- K3ii has Pixel Shift

?

Adam · 02-13-2016, 03:58 PM

Originally posted by Moropo

I'm about to buy a K3 (body only) and I saw the price difference with the K3ii was only around $100.

Are there any other differences besides what I know:

- K3ii has GPS instead of flash
- K3ii has Pixel Shift

?

The remaining differences are minor.

The K-3 II has gotten some enhancements to the AF-C algorithm that apply to subjects moving toward the camera.

Finally, though were were not able to observe any difference in our review, the K-3 II specs claim that the camera compensates for up to 1 additional stop of camera shake with its updated SR.

LeDave · 02-13-2016, 04:00 PM

Honestly, the on-board flash on the K-3 is useless (Some may disagree), I'd rather have the built-in GPS on the K-3ii any day and buy a separate flash such as the 360 or 540.

Sure the K-3ii has better AF, but it's not substantial enough to be a deal breaker.

Moropo · 02-13-2016, 05:23 PM

I have a Metz 50 AF-1 so the lack of on-board flash doesn't mean anything for me. However, it's not like its replacement (the GPS) is a big deal for me.

The K3ii's Pixel Shift is something I wouldn't use.

So when I created the thread I was asking to see if there was something else because what I knew wasn't justifying the $100.

The improvement in autofocus is only in AF-C?

pathdoc · 02-13-2016, 05:23 PM

The onboard flash on any Pentax DSLR is actually pretty good in terms of providing illumination when apertures are wide and ISOs are high. No, it is no replacement for something on the hotshoe. But if the choice is between using onboard or not getting the shot, I would rather have it than not.

Of course I use my DSLR for a lot of casual family shooting as well as for work, so I'm biased toward situations where onboard flash is in high demand. Others' circumstances may differ, and I happily concede that the ability to provide sufficient illumination does not always equate to providing optimal illumination. But sometimes the best is the enemy of good enough, and only the individual photographer can decide where they draw the line.

Butch5 · 02-13-2016, 07:06 PM

I have the K3ii and find the pixel shift to be useful. I love the color that pixel shift gives.

**jpzk** · 02-13-2016, 08:47 PM

I recently (3 days ago) acquired a K3 after debating whether to go with the K3II instead.
After reading the reviews and the fact that I will likely never use the GPS, I chose the K3.
Better AF ? Not sure according to what I am seeing on the reviews and sample shots.
Better ?

JP

zmohie · 02-13-2016, 11:19 PM

i have both k3 and k3ii.
k3ii is better in every respect.
i got blury pics from my k3 2 from 5 but k3ii gives me sharp and clarity pics.
af may be similar!!!

Moropo · 02-15-2016, 09:38 AM

I just received the trade-in credit at Amazon for my K50 and decided to go ahead and buy the K3ii. For ~$115 difference I decided to buy the latest model. I didnt want to be wishing later on that I had bought the K3ii instead of the K3 etc.

By the way I saw on the Amazon reviews/questions some people mentioning some type of recall on the K3ii depending on serial numbers? I didnt place much credence in that since I am sure it would have been mentioning here in this website.

Ventzy · 02-16-2016, 12:39 AM

Confirm, Pentax K3-II stabilisation is way better than K-3...

ScooterMaxi Jim · 02-16-2016, 12:05 PM

Originally posted by LeDave

Honestly, the on-board flash on the K-3 is useless (Some may disagree), I'd rather have the built-in GPS on the K-3ii any day and buy a separate flash such as the 360 or 540.

Sure the K-3ii has better AF, but it's not substantial enough to be a deal breaker.

Actually, many of us would disagree because the K-3 flash broke new ground that was particularly useful for multi-flash photography, especially when working around the limits of pTTL, and for emergency fill-in needs when unexpected shadows interfere with important moments (rare but essential when needed).

I'm yet to find a situation when GPS would have improved a photograph, but it is a matter of personal preferences. What has been evident is that the K-3ii became much more deeply discounted sooner than the K-3 and given the pricing trend-line we might see the K-3ii priced the same or slightly less than the K-3 used after these models are retired.

Butch5 · 02-18-2016, 08:14 PM

I don't know about the K3 as I don't have one. However, I am very impressed with the autofocus of the K3ii. I've been photographing waterfalls with 10 stops of Nd filters and polarizers and the K3ii has autofocused through the 10 stops.

02-13-2016, 03:54 PM	#1
Moropo Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 131	Difference between K3 and K3ii? I'm about to buy a K3 (body only) and I saw the price difference with the K3ii was only around $100. Are there any other differences besides what I know: - K3ii has GPS instead of flash - K3ii has Pixel Shift ?

02-13-2016, 03:58 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by Moropo I'm about to buy a K3 (body only) and I saw the price difference with the K3ii was only around $100. Are there any other differences besides what I know: - K3ii has GPS instead of flash - K3ii has Pixel Shift ? The remaining differences are minor. The K-3 II has gotten some enhancements to the AF-C algorithm that apply to subjects moving toward the camera. Finally, though were were not able to observe any difference in our review, the K-3 II specs claim that the camera compensates for up to 1 additional stop of camera shake with its updated SR. 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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02-13-2016, 04:00 PM	#3
LeDave Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Minneapolis - St. Paul Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,067	Honestly, the on-board flash on the K-3 is useless (Some may disagree), I'd rather have the built-in GPS on the K-3ii any day and buy a separate flash such as the 360 or 540. Sure the K-3ii has better AF, but it's not substantial enough to be a deal breaker.

02-13-2016, 05:23 PM	#4
Moropo Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 131 Original Poster	I have a Metz 50 AF-1 so the lack of on-board flash doesn't mean anything for me. However, it's not like its replacement (the GPS) is a big deal for me. The K3ii's Pixel Shift is something I wouldn't use. So when I created the thread I was asking to see if there was something else because what I knew wasn't justifying the $100. The improvement in autofocus is only in AF-C?

02-13-2016, 05:23 PM	#5
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	The onboard flash on any Pentax DSLR is actually pretty good in terms of providing illumination when apertures are wide and ISOs are high. No, it is no replacement for something on the hotshoe. But if the choice is between using onboard or not getting the shot, I would rather have it than not. Of course I use my DSLR for a lot of casual family shooting as well as for work, so I'm biased toward situations where onboard flash is in high demand. Others' circumstances may differ, and I happily concede that the ability to provide sufficient illumination does not always equate to providing optimal illumination. But sometimes the best is the enemy of good enough, and only the individual photographer can decide where they draw the line.

02-13-2016, 07:06 PM	#6
Butch5 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Georgia Posts: 69	I have the K3ii and find the pixel shift to be useful. I love the color that pixel shift gives.

02-13-2016, 08:47 PM	#7
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	I recently (3 days ago) acquired a K3 after debating whether to go with the K3II instead. After reading the reviews and the fact that I will likely never use the GPS, I chose the K3. Better AF ? Not sure according to what I am seeing on the reviews and sample shots. Better ? JP

02-13-2016, 11:19 PM	#8
zmohie Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: egypt Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 435	i have both k3 and k3ii. k3ii is better in every respect. i got blury pics from my k3 2 from 5 but k3ii gives me sharp and clarity pics. af may be similar!!!

02-15-2016, 09:38 AM	#9
Moropo Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 131 Original Poster	I just received the trade-in credit at Amazon for my K50 and decided to go ahead and buy the K3ii. For ~$115 difference I decided to buy the latest model. I didnt want to be wishing later on that I had bought the K3ii instead of the K3 etc. By the way I saw on the Amazon reviews/questions some people mentioning some type of recall on the K3ii depending on serial numbers? I didnt place much credence in that since I am sure it would have been mentioning here in this website.

02-16-2016, 12:39 AM	#10
Ventzy Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Sofia Posts: 62	Confirm, Pentax K3-II stabilisation is way better than K-3...

02-16-2016, 12:05 PM	#11
ScooterMaxi Jim Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,520	Originally posted by LeDave Honestly, the on-board flash on the K-3 is useless (Some may disagree), I'd rather have the built-in GPS on the K-3ii any day and buy a separate flash such as the 360 or 540. Sure the K-3ii has better AF, but it's not substantial enough to be a deal breaker. Actually, many of us would disagree because the K-3 flash broke new ground that was particularly useful for multi-flash photography, especially when working around the limits of pTTL, and for emergency fill-in needs when unexpected shadows interfere with important moments (rare but essential when needed). I'm yet to find a situation when GPS would have improved a photograph, but it is a matter of personal preferences. What has been evident is that the K-3ii became much more deeply discounted sooner than the K-3 and given the pricing trend-line we might see the K-3ii priced the same or slightly less than the K-3 used after these models are retired.

02-18-2016, 08:14 PM	#12
Butch5 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Georgia Posts: 69	I don't know about the K3 as I don't have one. However, I am very impressed with the autofocus of the K3ii. I've been photographing waterfalls with 10 stops of Nd filters and polarizers and the K3ii has autofocused through the 10 stops.