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

BryantCP · 03-02-2016, 01:39 PM

Originally posted by TropicalMonkey

I have a K5-IIs and a K3 but I am thinking of selling one of them to justify the purchase of a K1. Which camera should I sell?
I like the image quality of K5-IIs and features of K3! :-)

I'd keep the K-3, since the K-1 in crop mode will be essentially the same resolution as the K-5 IIs. That said I have a K-5 & a K-3 and would probably keep both if I eventually get a K-1.

**WillWeaverRVA** · 03-02-2016, 01:46 PM

Sell the K-5 IIs. The K-3 is a very slight step backward in terms of IQ, but the features and better overall performance make up for it, and the backward step in IQ is not really noticeable in most situations. Also, if you're getting a K-1, it basically becomes a better K-5 IIs in crop mode anyway.

stillshot2 · 03-02-2016, 01:57 PM

Originally posted by BryantCP

I'd keep the K-3, since the K-1 in crop mode will be essentially the same resolution as the K-5 IIs.

My thoughts exactly. Sell K5 and keep K3.

Adam · 03-02-2016, 01:58 PM

Originally posted by TropicalMonkey

I have a K5-IIs and a K3 but I am thinking of selling one of them to justify the purchase of a K1. Which camera should I sell?
I like the image quality of K5-IIs and features of K3! :-)

I would keep the K-3 just because it has a higher resolution, which would be the most beneficial for your tele shots. The K-1 (in crop mode) should more or less match the image quality of the K-5.

Adam
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Adam · 03-02-2016, 01:59 PM

Originally posted by WillWeaverRVA

Sell the K-5 IIs. The K-3 is a very slight step backward in terms of IQ, but the features and better overall performance make up for it, and the backward step in IQ is not really noticeable in most situations. Also, if you're getting a K-1, it basically becomes a better K-5 IIs in crop mode anyway.

I would consider it a step forward in most situations (i.e. at low ISOs, or at night in difficult lighting), but a small step back at high ISOs just because of sensor noise.

TropicalMonkey · 03-02-2016, 02:16 PM

Originally posted by BryantCP

I'd keep the K-3, since the K-1 in crop mode will be essentially the same resolution as the K-5 IIs. That said I have a K-5 & a K-3 and would probably keep both if I eventually get a K-1.

That is a valid point. K1 sensor has the same pixel density as that of K5.

---------- Post added 03-02-16 at 03:22 PM ----------

Originally posted by Adam

I would consider it a step forward in most situations (i.e. at low ISOs, or at night in difficult lighting), but a small step back at high ISOs just because of sensor noise.

If we enable high ISO noise reduction in K3 via the custom settings, will it match the IQ of K5 IIs?
That is something I never tried while comparing these two.

Edit:

I tried that test in low light and found no difference in IQ between the two. The slight difference I noticed was in favor of K3.

**jpzk** · 03-02-2016, 04:11 PM

Late to the party: I'd keep the K5II AND the K3 !!
I have both and I am not going to sell either.

C_Jones · 03-02-2016, 05:47 PM

I have the K-3II and K-5IIS. I have never lacked image quality in large prints from the K-5IIS. Images I have gotten with it are brilliant. The K-3II has excellent detail also, along with resolution and AF that is superior. I have seen the K-3 get nice compliments also, and I can see the reasoning behind K-3 users finding the resolution to be valuable, though I do not have one. I do not want to be offensive, but the K-5IIS really stood out for me in performance, and has hard to beat results/performance. When I first got my K-3II, I thought "Is this going to give me results comparable or better than my K-5IIS?", and after I used it I was amazed. The resolution, detail, AF, and low light performance, plus the GPS, Astrotracer, and Pixel Shift resolution were all there. So, not that I know that much about the K-3, keeping the K-5IIS would not be a foolish move. They actually sell for approximately 120 dollars more than the K-3 presently. If you had the K-1 and K-5IIS in your kit, you would be in quite a stable position for performance and the K-1 would give you all of the newest Pentax features/technology. I know there are probably a lot of K-3 users that prize the performance/features, and I can understand that, but the K-5IIS is a solid performer also.

stillshot2 · 03-02-2016, 06:00 PM

Originally posted by C_Jones

They actually sell for approximately 120 dollars more than the K-3 presently.

If true this is more of a reason to sell the K5 as it will better fund the K1

C_Jones · 03-02-2016, 06:11 PM

K-5IIS or K-3, it is a choice.

maltfalc · 03-02-2016, 07:52 PM

one of the main advantages of having two bodies is using one to compensate for the shortcomings of the other. the k-3 has higher pixel density and higher fps than both the k-1 and k-5iis, the k-5iis doesn't have any features i can think of off the top of my head that surpass both the k-3 and k-1. sell the k-5iis.

**hjoseph7** · 03-02-2016, 07:57 PM

You might need to sell both to afford the K-1, because you wont get much for either...

noelpolar · 03-02-2016, 08:02 PM

Keep the K3..... the rear AF button is in the right place....

Personally, I'd just save for a few months more and sell neither...

TropicalMonkey · 03-02-2016, 09:12 PM

After reading complaints about K3's noise, I tested both the cameras in low light (FA50mm/1.4 @2.8 and 1/15 sec, ISO6400) with in-body noise reduction for K3 set at medium. The resulting picture at 100% zoomed-in was of the same IQ for both or slightly better in K3. When K3's image was resized to be of the same width as that of K5IIs, K3 was the clear winner. I will try to do this in a more controlled fashion and post the results.

*** Those who find K3 to be noisier please do this experiment, so that we can take this misconception out of our minds, if all agree. ***

Don't get me wrong K5 IIs is a fine camera. I can't let either of them go.

**dms** · 03-02-2016, 09:16 PM

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. You cannot count on being pleased w/ the K-1, or in ways you may think now, so keep the camera you like better.

If there is no difference I would think sell the K-3, the camera that gets more money towards the K-1, is the one to sell.

03-02-2016, 01:59 PM	#20
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Originally posted by WillWeaverRVA Sell the K-5 IIs. The K-3 is a very slight step backward in terms of IQ, but the features and better overall performance make up for it, and the backward step in IQ is not really noticeable in most situations. Also, if you're getting a K-1, it basically becomes a better K-5 IIs in crop mode anyway. I would consider it a step forward in most situations (i.e. at low ISOs, or at night in difficult lighting), but a small step back at high ISOs just because of sensor noise. 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:

03-02-2016, 02:16 PM	#21
TropicalMonkey Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Saint Paul Posts: 304 Original Poster	Originally posted by BryantCP I'd keep the K-3, since the K-1 in crop mode will be essentially the same resolution as the K-5 IIs. That said I have a K-5 & a K-3 and would probably keep both if I eventually get a K-1. That is a valid point. K1 sensor has the same pixel density as that of K5. ---------- Post added 03-02-16 at 03:22 PM ---------- Originally posted by Adam I would consider it a step forward in most situations (i.e. at low ISOs, or at night in difficult lighting), but a small step back at high ISOs just because of sensor noise. If we enable high ISO noise reduction in K3 via the custom settings, will it match the IQ of K5 IIs? That is something I never tried while comparing these two. Edit: I tried that test in low light and found no difference in IQ between the two. The slight difference I noticed was in favor of K3. Last edited by TropicalMonkey; 03-02-2016 at 09:15 PM.

03-02-2016, 09:12 PM	#29
TropicalMonkey Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Saint Paul Posts: 304 Original Poster	After reading complaints about K3's noise, I tested both the cameras in low light (FA50mm/1.4 @2.8 and 1/15 sec, ISO6400) with in-body noise reduction for K3 set at medium. The resulting picture at 100% zoomed-in was of the same IQ for both or slightly better in K3. When K3's image was resized to be of the same width as that of K5IIs, K3 was the clear winner. I will try to do this in a more controlled fashion and post the results. * Those who find K3 to be noisier please do this experiment, so that we can take this misconception out of our minds, if all agree. * Don't get me wrong K5 IIs is a fine camera. I can't let either of them go. Last edited by TropicalMonkey; 03-02-2016 at 09:20 PM.

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03-02-2016, 01:39 PM	#16
BryantCP Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Indianapolis, IN USA Posts: 134	Originally posted by TropicalMonkey I have a K5-IIs and a K3 but I am thinking of selling one of them to justify the purchase of a K1. Which camera should I sell? I like the image quality of K5-IIs and features of K3! :-) I'd keep the K-3, since the K-1 in crop mode will be essentially the same resolution as the K-5 IIs. That said I have a K-5 & a K-3 and would probably keep both if I eventually get a K-1.

03-02-2016, 01:46 PM	#17
WillWeaverRVA Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Richmond, VA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,071	Sell the K-5 IIs. The K-3 is a very slight step backward in terms of IQ, but the features and better overall performance make up for it, and the backward step in IQ is not really noticeable in most situations. Also, if you're getting a K-1, it basically becomes a better K-5 IIs in crop mode anyway.

03-02-2016, 01:57 PM	#18
stillshot2 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Phoenix, AZ Photos: Albums Posts: 1,070	Originally posted by BryantCP I'd keep the K-3, since the K-1 in crop mode will be essentially the same resolution as the K-5 IIs. My thoughts exactly. Sell K5 and keep K3.

03-02-2016, 01:58 PM	#19
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Originally posted by TropicalMonkey I have a K5-IIs and a K3 but I am thinking of selling one of them to justify the purchase of a K1. Which camera should I sell? I like the image quality of K5-IIs and features of K3! :-) I would keep the K-3 just because it has a higher resolution, which would be the most beneficial for your tele shots. The K-1 (in crop mode) should more or less match the image quality of the K-5. 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:

03-02-2016, 04:11 PM	#22
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	Late to the party: I'd keep the K5II AND the K3 !! I have both and I am not going to sell either.

03-02-2016, 05:47 PM	#23
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084	I have the K-3II and K-5IIS. I have never lacked image quality in large prints from the K-5IIS. Images I have gotten with it are brilliant. The K-3II has excellent detail also, along with resolution and AF that is superior. I have seen the K-3 get nice compliments also, and I can see the reasoning behind K-3 users finding the resolution to be valuable, though I do not have one. I do not want to be offensive, but the K-5IIS really stood out for me in performance, and has hard to beat results/performance. When I first got my K-3II, I thought "Is this going to give me results comparable or better than my K-5IIS?", and after I used it I was amazed. The resolution, detail, AF, and low light performance, plus the GPS, Astrotracer, and Pixel Shift resolution were all there. So, not that I know that much about the K-3, keeping the K-5IIS would not be a foolish move. They actually sell for approximately 120 dollars more than the K-3 presently. If you had the K-1 and K-5IIS in your kit, you would be in quite a stable position for performance and the K-1 would give you all of the newest Pentax features/technology. I know there are probably a lot of K-3 users that prize the performance/features, and I can understand that, but the K-5IIS is a solid performer also.

03-02-2016, 06:00 PM	#24
stillshot2 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Phoenix, AZ Photos: Albums Posts: 1,070	Originally posted by C_Jones They actually sell for approximately 120 dollars more than the K-3 presently. If true this is more of a reason to sell the K5 as it will better fund the K1

03-02-2016, 06:11 PM	#25
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,084	K-5IIS or K-3, it is a choice.

03-02-2016, 07:52 PM	#26
maltfalc Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Winnipeg Photos: Albums Posts: 396	one of the main advantages of having two bodies is using one to compensate for the shortcomings of the other. the k-3 has higher pixel density and higher fps than both the k-1 and k-5iis, the k-5iis doesn't have any features i can think of off the top of my head that surpass both the k-3 and k-1. sell the k-5iis.

03-02-2016, 07:57 PM	#27
hjoseph7 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,046	You might need to sell both to afford the K-1, because you wont get much for either...

03-02-2016, 08:02 PM	#28
noelpolar Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Goolwa, SA Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,310	Keep the K3..... the rear AF button is in the right place.... Personally, I'd just save for a few months more and sell neither...

03-02-2016, 09:16 PM	#30
dms Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New York, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,192	A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. You cannot count on being pleased w/ the K-1, or in ways you may think now, so keep the camera you like better. If there is no difference I would think sell the K-3, the camera that gets more money towards the K-1, is the one to sell.