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**loveisageless** · 03-02-2016, 09:18 PM

I would keep both for now and wait and to see the actual performance of the K-1 (in general and in crop mode). Then go for the combination of bodies that will provide the best image quality for your needs You have a window of time to wait to sell the K-3 since Ricoh has not released a new APS-C body yet. The K-3 will probably still hold its value anyway due to the on-board flash which the K-3II lacks. I have a K-3 and have had a K-5IIS in the past. I prefer the K-5IIS. Not as many bells and whistles as the K-3/K-3II, but I love the image quality. Just my 2 cents...

ScooterMaxi Jim · 03-02-2016, 10:26 PM

As a K-3 owner who has also owned two of the 16mp cameras (and still has the K-01), my recommendation would be counter to what most others have offered. The K-5iis has wider dynamic range than the K-3, and the shutter appears to have greater stability. I'm somewhat disappointed with the vibration issue that slightly degrades many K-3 images shot in the important 1/60-1/180 range. That complaint does not seem to exist regarding the K-5 series.

Don't get me wrong. The K-3 is a superior overall camera based on the much better AF, and the high quality Live View and focus peaking for manual focusing; as a main camera it is superior. However, those attributes (AF/manual focusing) assuredly will be even better on the K-1. Bottom line, you will fetch more cash for the K-3 - and that will ease the pain of paying full price for the K-1. It could be a full year before we see much of a break on the K-1 pricing.

Sudhakar · 03-03-2016, 05:10 AM

Buy K-1. Use it for couple of weeks and see what is overlapping among K5-II and K3. Sell the piece whose maximum features you "inherited" into K-1. At the end you will have two cameras and all the features you liked it. [ Do you hear Cube Gooding Jr shouting "Show me the Money" ] :-)

TropicalMonkey · 03-03-2016, 05:35 AM

Originally posted by ScooterMaxi Jim

As a K-3 owner who has also owned two of the 16mp cameras (and still has the K-01), my recommendation would be counter to what most others have offered. The K-5iis has wider dynamic range than the K-3, and the shutter appears to have greater stability. I'm somewhat disappointed with the vibration issue that slightly degrades many K-3 images shot in the important 1/60-1/180 range. That complaint does not seem to exist regarding the K-5 series.

Don't get me wrong. The K-3 is a superior overall camera based on the much better AF, and the high quality Live View and focus peaking for manual focusing; as a main camera it is superior. However, those attributes (AF/manual focusing) assuredly will be even better on the K-1. Bottom line, you will fetch more cash for the K-3 - and that will ease the pain of paying full price for the K-1. It could be a full year before we see much of a break on the K-1 pricing.

Dynamic range difference is negligible to minimal as per DxO.

What is the vibration issue that you mentioned? I am eager to read more about that.

foto guy · 03-03-2016, 06:20 AM

Keep the K-5 IIs.

ScooterMaxi Jim · 03-03-2016, 08:46 AM

Originally posted by TropicalMonkey

Dynamic range difference is negligible to minimal as per DxO.

What is the vibration issue that you mentioned? I am eager to read more about that.

Most of the dynamic range difference is based on the ability of the K-5 series to reach down to 80 ISO, allowing for 14.1 stops vs. 13.4 on the K-3; at matching ISO starting at 100 on up there is no meaningful difference. Still, we are talking about 2/3rds of a stop, according to DxO, so fairly minor given that ISO 80 is the main reason - but real.

Others have reported very slight blur issues on the K-3, as well, so I'm not imaging it. Not at all sure if it is shutter or mirror slap related, but it is real. I'd say most pronounced at around 1/80th. Believe me, you have to pixel peep to see it, and then only in shots taken with sharper lenses and low ISO that exhibit very fine elements such as hair or animal fur. I saw a bit of it on the K-30, more on the K-3, and none AFAIK from the K-01 (no mirror, obviously).

TropicalMonkey · 03-03-2016, 09:48 AM

Originally posted by ScooterMaxi Jim

Most of the dynamic range difference is based on the ability of the K-5 series to reach down to 80 ISO, allowing for 14.1 stops vs. 13.4 on the K-3; at matching ISO starting at 100 on up there is no meaningful difference. Still, we are talking about 2/3rds of a stop, according to DxO, so fairly minor given that ISO 80 is the main reason - but real.

Others have reported very slight blur issues on the K-3, as well, so I'm not imaging it. Not at all sure if it is shutter or mirror slap related, but it is real. I'd say most pronounced at around 1/80th. Believe me, you have to pixel peep to see it, and then only in shots taken with sharper lenses and low ISO that exhibit very fine elements such as hair or animal fur. I saw a bit of it on the K-30, more on the K-3, and none AFAIK from the K-01 (no mirror, obviously).

Aaha! I see. I was always concerned about the potential for image blur caused by mirror flop vibration on a floating sensor! I noticed that the K3 mirror flop sound is very very slightly louder than that of K5 and K5-IIs.But the difference is hard to notice though. It is more of a shutter actuation sound than mirror flop.

I know K-01 is mirror less, but does K-01 also use electronic shutter?

I almost always pixel peep

Quicksand · 03-03-2016, 10:53 AM

Originally posted by TropicalMonkey

I know K-01 is mirror less, but does K-01 also use electronic shutter?

Nope -- mechanical shutter. It clicks.

And regarding the topic of the thread -- I currently have a K-01 and a K-3 II. If/when I upgrade to the K-1, I'm pretty sure I'll sell the K-3 II and continue to keep the K-01 for backup. And it's also small and light for travel!

ScooterMaxi Jim · 03-03-2016, 11:16 AM

Originally posted by TropicalMonkey

Aaha! I see. I was always concerned about the potential for image blur caused by mirror flop vibration on a floating sensor! I noticed that the K3 mirror flop sound is very very slightly louder than that of K5 and K5-IIs.But the difference is hard to notice though. It is more of a shutter actuation sound than mirror flop.

I know K-01 is mirror less, but does K-01 also use electronic shutter?

I almost always pixel peep

No, the K-01 isn't an electronic shutter, but it is extremely quiet and has an amazingly smooth feel. The camera has its obvious faults, but pure image quality surely isn't among them.

As for the vibration issue, I want to emphasize that it is not consistent but it clearly isn't the kind you see with an unsteady hand because it is a straight-line blur and not rotational. It is so little that it would be harder to see when pixel peeping on a 16 mp sensor. I really didn't notice the situation much until I started shooting primes more often, especially so with the DA 50mm.

normhead · 03-03-2016, 11:33 AM - **1 Like**

There is absolutely no reason to keep the K5IIS, the K-1 is almost identical in crop mode.
The K-3 gives you an advantage in reach for wildlife, magnification for macro, and burst speed for action. The K5IIs gives you nothing, you can't do with a K-1 in crop mode.

If i said something before my apologies. I hate posting more than once a thread that is essentially a poll, but sometimes I lose track of where I've posted.

Since you have a whole K-5II built into your K-1, it would be better to sell them both, rather than just the K-3. If you have a K-1 why would you even need a K-5II?

Rupert · 03-03-2016, 11:48 AM

Originally posted by erikro

I have a K-5lls and a K-3ll, if I had to sell one of them, it would be the K-3ll. I am so pleased with my K-5lls a stunning camera.

Keep both!

I will not part with my K5IIs. Best Pentax camera I have ever owned. I shoot mostly at or above 1600 and it is marvelous. Can't knock the K3.....I see excellent results from it but I don't need the extra features or the larger files.
I may be wanting the K1...there are a few things about it that I find very attractive, but my K5IIs will not be going anywhere.

Regards!

TropicalMonkey · 03-03-2016, 12:15 PM

I am also thinking of keeping K5 IIs partly because it is cheaper of the two! K5-IIs was bought from another forum member.
K3 was bought brand new with non-transferable extended warranty! May be I should keep both and wait for a few months before replacing one!

K57XR · 03-03-2016, 12:54 PM

Originally posted by TropicalMonkey

May be I should keep both and wait for a few months

...and how much dust they will collect once you get the K-1

(Sorry - couldn't resist..)

**ffking** · 03-03-2016, 01:06 PM

I agree with several previous posts -the photographic logic is entirely with keeping the K-3 IF you do macro or wildlife -the pixel density is higher for fine detail and the reach of telephotos will be further than the K-1. The K5ii doesn't (I don't think - I don't own one) do anything that the K-1 can't do -probably better. If it's about the money, you'd obvioiusly get more for the K-3 - but if you're going to sell that, you might as well sell both, unless the payout on the K-5 is too low to be worth selling.

normhead · 03-03-2016, 01:16 PM

Originally posted by Rupert

I will not part with my K5IIs. Best Pentax camera I have ever owned. I shoot mostly at or above 1600 and it is marvelous. Can't knock the K3.....I see excellent results from it but I don't need the extra features or the larger files.
I may be wanting the K1...there are a few things about it that I find very attractive, but my K5IIs will not be going anywhere.

Regards!

Rupert, the K-1 sounds like it's going to be better above 1600, looks good to 6400 with preliminary results. So, even that's gone.

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03-02-2016, 09:18 PM	#31
loveisageless Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Oakland, California Photos: Albums Posts: 1,250	I would keep both for now and wait and to see the actual performance of the K-1 (in general and in crop mode). Then go for the combination of bodies that will provide the best image quality for your needs You have a window of time to wait to sell the K-3 since Ricoh has not released a new APS-C body yet. The K-3 will probably still hold its value anyway due to the on-board flash which the K-3II lacks. I have a K-3 and have had a K-5IIS in the past. I prefer the K-5IIS. Not as many bells and whistles as the K-3/K-3II, but I love the image quality. Just my 2 cents...

03-02-2016, 10:26 PM	#32
ScooterMaxi Jim Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,520	As a K-3 owner who has also owned two of the 16mp cameras (and still has the K-01), my recommendation would be counter to what most others have offered. The K-5iis has wider dynamic range than the K-3, and the shutter appears to have greater stability. I'm somewhat disappointed with the vibration issue that slightly degrades many K-3 images shot in the important 1/60-1/180 range. That complaint does not seem to exist regarding the K-5 series. Don't get me wrong. The K-3 is a superior overall camera based on the much better AF, and the high quality Live View and focus peaking for manual focusing; as a main camera it is superior. However, those attributes (AF/manual focusing) assuredly will be even better on the K-1. Bottom line, you will fetch more cash for the K-3 - and that will ease the pain of paying full price for the K-1. It could be a full year before we see much of a break on the K-1 pricing.

03-03-2016, 05:10 AM	#33
Sudhakar Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Hyderabad Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 236	Buy K-1. Use it for couple of weeks and see what is overlapping among K5-II and K3. Sell the piece whose maximum features you "inherited" into K-1. At the end you will have two cameras and all the features you liked it. [ Do you hear Cube Gooding Jr shouting "Show me the Money" ] :-)

03-03-2016, 05:35 AM	#34
TropicalMonkey Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Saint Paul Posts: 304 Original Poster	Originally posted by ScooterMaxi Jim As a K-3 owner who has also owned two of the 16mp cameras (and still has the K-01), my recommendation would be counter to what most others have offered. The K-5iis has wider dynamic range than the K-3, and the shutter appears to have greater stability. I'm somewhat disappointed with the vibration issue that slightly degrades many K-3 images shot in the important 1/60-1/180 range. That complaint does not seem to exist regarding the K-5 series. Don't get me wrong. The K-3 is a superior overall camera based on the much better AF, and the high quality Live View and focus peaking for manual focusing; as a main camera it is superior. However, those attributes (AF/manual focusing) assuredly will be even better on the K-1. Bottom line, you will fetch more cash for the K-3 - and that will ease the pain of paying full price for the K-1. It could be a full year before we see much of a break on the K-1 pricing. Dynamic range difference is negligible to minimal as per DxO. What is the vibration issue that you mentioned? I am eager to read more about that.

03-03-2016, 06:20 AM	#35
foto guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vernon, Connecticut Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 292	Keep the K-5 IIs.

03-03-2016, 08:46 AM	#36
ScooterMaxi Jim Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,520	Originally posted by TropicalMonkey Dynamic range difference is negligible to minimal as per DxO. What is the vibration issue that you mentioned? I am eager to read more about that. Most of the dynamic range difference is based on the ability of the K-5 series to reach down to 80 ISO, allowing for 14.1 stops vs. 13.4 on the K-3; at matching ISO starting at 100 on up there is no meaningful difference. Still, we are talking about 2/3rds of a stop, according to DxO, so fairly minor given that ISO 80 is the main reason - but real. Others have reported very slight blur issues on the K-3, as well, so I'm not imaging it. Not at all sure if it is shutter or mirror slap related, but it is real. I'd say most pronounced at around 1/80th. Believe me, you have to pixel peep to see it, and then only in shots taken with sharper lenses and low ISO that exhibit very fine elements such as hair or animal fur. I saw a bit of it on the K-30, more on the K-3, and none AFAIK from the K-01 (no mirror, obviously).

03-03-2016, 09:48 AM	#37
TropicalMonkey Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Saint Paul Posts: 304 Original Poster	Originally posted by ScooterMaxi Jim Most of the dynamic range difference is based on the ability of the K-5 series to reach down to 80 ISO, allowing for 14.1 stops vs. 13.4 on the K-3; at matching ISO starting at 100 on up there is no meaningful difference. Still, we are talking about 2/3rds of a stop, according to DxO, so fairly minor given that ISO 80 is the main reason - but real. Others have reported very slight blur issues on the K-3, as well, so I'm not imaging it. Not at all sure if it is shutter or mirror slap related, but it is real. I'd say most pronounced at around 1/80th. Believe me, you have to pixel peep to see it, and then only in shots taken with sharper lenses and low ISO that exhibit very fine elements such as hair or animal fur. I saw a bit of it on the K-30, more on the K-3, and none AFAIK from the K-01 (no mirror, obviously). Aaha! I see. I was always concerned about the potential for image blur caused by mirror flop vibration on a floating sensor! I noticed that the K3 mirror flop sound is very very slightly louder than that of K5 and K5-IIs.But the difference is hard to notice though. It is more of a shutter actuation sound than mirror flop. I know K-01 is mirror less, but does K-01 also use electronic shutter? I almost always pixel peep

03-03-2016, 10:53 AM	#38
Quicksand Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Central Ohio (formerly SF Bay Area) Posts: 1,519	Originally posted by TropicalMonkey I know K-01 is mirror less, but does K-01 also use electronic shutter? Nope -- mechanical shutter. It clicks. And regarding the topic of the thread -- I currently have a K-01 and a K-3 II. If/when I upgrade to the K-1, I'm pretty sure I'll sell the K-3 II and continue to keep the K-01 for backup. And it's also small and light for travel!

03-03-2016, 11:16 AM	#39
ScooterMaxi Jim Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,520	Originally posted by TropicalMonkey Aaha! I see. I was always concerned about the potential for image blur caused by mirror flop vibration on a floating sensor! I noticed that the K3 mirror flop sound is very very slightly louder than that of K5 and K5-IIs.But the difference is hard to notice though. It is more of a shutter actuation sound than mirror flop. I know K-01 is mirror less, but does K-01 also use electronic shutter? I almost always pixel peep No, the K-01 isn't an electronic shutter, but it is extremely quiet and has an amazingly smooth feel. The camera has its obvious faults, but pure image quality surely isn't among them. As for the vibration issue, I want to emphasize that it is not consistent but it clearly isn't the kind you see with an unsteady hand because it is a straight-line blur and not rotational. It is so little that it would be harder to see when pixel peeping on a 16 mp sensor. I really didn't notice the situation much until I started shooting primes more often, especially so with the DA 50mm.

03-03-2016, 11:33 AM - 1 Like	#40
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	There is absolutely no reason to keep the K5IIS, the K-1 is almost identical in crop mode. The K-3 gives you an advantage in reach for wildlife, magnification for macro, and burst speed for action. The K5IIs gives you nothing, you can't do with a K-1 in crop mode. If i said something before my apologies. I hate posting more than once a thread that is essentially a poll, but sometimes I lose track of where I've posted. Since you have a whole K-5II built into your K-1, it would be better to sell them both, rather than just the K-3. If you have a K-1 why would you even need a K-5II?

03-03-2016, 11:48 AM	#41
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123	Originally posted by erikro I have a K-5lls and a K-3ll, if I had to sell one of them, it would be the K-3ll. I am so pleased with my K-5lls a stunning camera. Keep both! I will not part with my K5IIs. Best Pentax camera I have ever owned. I shoot mostly at or above 1600 and it is marvelous. Can't knock the K3.....I see excellent results from it but I don't need the extra features or the larger files. I may be wanting the K1...there are a few things about it that I find very attractive, but my K5IIs will not be going anywhere. Regards!

03-03-2016, 12:15 PM	#42
TropicalMonkey Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Saint Paul Posts: 304 Original Poster	I am also thinking of keeping K5 IIs partly because it is cheaper of the two! K5-IIs was bought from another forum member. K3 was bought brand new with non-transferable extended warranty! May be I should keep both and wait for a few months before replacing one!

03-03-2016, 12:54 PM	#43
K57XR Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 830	Originally posted by TropicalMonkey May be I should keep both and wait for a few months ...and how much dust they will collect once you get the K-1 (Sorry - couldn't resist..)

03-03-2016, 01:06 PM	#44
ffking Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Old South Wales Posts: 6,039	I agree with several previous posts -the photographic logic is entirely with keeping the K-3 IF you do macro or wildlife -the pixel density is higher for fine detail and the reach of telephotos will be further than the K-1. The K5ii doesn't (I don't think - I don't own one) do anything that the K-1 can't do -probably better. If it's about the money, you'd obvioiusly get more for the K-3 - but if you're going to sell that, you might as well sell both, unless the payout on the K-5 is too low to be worth selling.

03-03-2016, 01:16 PM	#45
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by Rupert I will not part with my K5IIs. Best Pentax camera I have ever owned. I shoot mostly at or above 1600 and it is marvelous. Can't knock the K3.....I see excellent results from it but I don't need the extra features or the larger files. I may be wanting the K1...there are a few things about it that I find very attractive, but my K5IIs will not be going anywhere. Regards! Rupert, the K-1 sounds like it's going to be better above 1600, looks good to 6400 with preliminary results. So, even that's gone.

Which camera to sell (K5-IIs or K3)?

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