Originally posted by NJ Pete I went from the K5 iis to the KP a few years ago when there was a deal that included the battery grip. I'm happy with the camera except that I find the ergonomics are not as good as K5 iis when it comes to heavier lenses {even with the grip attached). The K3 iii has features that I consider nice to have but not necessary for my intended uses. I don't shoot a lot of sports or BIF so the improved auto focus is nice but not necessary. A larger view finder is something I would like but don't need. Is the dynamic range better? Can you shoot at higher ISO? Better metering? What has made it a worth while upgrade from the KP for you?
Also, I heard in a review that the K3 iii can process pixel shift images in camera and save the combined image as a raw file. Is that true? The KP only saves them as a JPG. Thanks.
Okay, I did just such an upgrade, despite the fact that I (at 78) thought I had just bought my "camera for life" camera when I bought the KP. (Which, by the way, I loved, especially with the larger handgrip and battery grip).
So why?
Well, yes - as you have noted, like probably many others, I (being first a bird photographer) wanted better BIF shots (And I like to think I have got them!)
I love the little joystick for easy moving around of the focal point within the frame - great for ensuring you get ALL the bird in the frame when shooting larger birds close-up.
i believe the autofocus is better (especially in low light), and I think (am I deluding myself?) that I get more shake reduction assist on the K3 III when shooting with "the
MONSTER" (the 150-450mm zoom!) hand-held.
The on-top LCD screen gets a look at, sometimes!!!
The standard grip (without battery grip) on the K3 III is great!
Better battery life without needing a battery grip on the K3 III.
I probably don't use the fastest burst mode much, but I do use medium burst on the K3 III (again, mostly when "BIF-fing").
Have I noticed the much-touted better view-finder experience? To be honest, I am not sure I have. (But then, maybe my 78 year old eyes are to blame there?)
I have been prepared to chance higher-ISO shots (to maintain higher shutter speeds when hand-holding the
Monster, but would be dishonest if I said I have done a fair comparison on comparative high ISO performance between the KP and the K3 III.
On long day outings, I take the KP along as a second camera (the
Monster on the K3 III, and either the 100mm Macro or the 16-85mm zoom on the KP) but to be honest, the poor old KP has spent a large amount of time staying neglected in my backpack most of the time since I bought the K3 III. (Although the KP's pull-out screen does come in handy for shooting low-lying mushrooms and the like!)
I am not a "technical" photographer - which is to say I am probably guilty of not even having an awareness of many of the K3 III's many "in depth, hidden features" - but that would probably also be true of my use of the KP before I bought the K3 III.
Which is not to say I would not jump at the chance of spending a day of learning with an "expert" on all the technical aids and wonders hidden inside the K3 III !!! Even though I most probably wouldn't even know which questions I need to ask!!!
I will be fascinated to see what replies you get from others. Hopefully, the replies of others might bring to light many of the "hidden" goodies I would use if only my technical savvy was more up to scratch!
So, I think you have might have started an interesting thread!
PS - this thread may become more enlightening for everyone if you revealed your own "intended uses".