[morenjavi]

Hello.

So I finally got a Z6 II. After the K3-III announcement I was seriously looking for an upgrade of my Pentax equipment. K3-III was really expensive, K1 route was not clear for me, I was considering to just upgrade lenses... But finally decided that a 24Mpx modern mirrorless FF will be a good upgrade. I commented about my considerations in another thread, so I'm not going to repeat it again. Just a Z6/Z6II was the best bang for my buck.
A couple of days ago, I just receive my new Z6II. Well, just the camera, because the 24-120 S was not in stock, so I'll have to wait one or two weeks to get it.

I just wanted to share my impressions, as a long time Pentax DSLR user (I owned a *ist DS, K10D, K7, and I still have a K5 and a K3-II).

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
So after opening the case and get the Z, I noticed first that size is more o less equal than my Pentax: same width, same heigh, a bit less depth. Obvioulsy the Z has not mirror, and the viewfinder is located higher on the body, so it lets more space on the back for the LCD panel and control buttons.
The second you notice is the weight, it's noticiable lighter, so you have a camera that is FF, with the same size and less weight than my APSC cameras.
General body quality seems good. Being so light it may seem less robust, but I know that it is made of magnesium alloy, etc.
Handling is comfortable, grip is a little shallower. Maybe Pentax grip is better, or maybe I'm so used to it...
Back monitor is larger, has more resolution and is semi-articulated, and this is new for me. I like it.
Upper panel is more modern, compared to the LCD panel of Pentax cameras. I prefer it, but I really don't dislike the old one.

BUTTONS AND CONTROLS
In general, Pentax buttons are 'hard', I mean that they have a 'hard feeling' (does such thing exist?) when you press it, you can feel and hear a 'click', I like it. The buttons protrude quite a bit from the body, they are easy to locate and press.
On the Z, I don't hear any click when I press the buttons, that include the shutter button, they are 'soft'. You just press but there is not any 'hardware' indication that you have press enough. I could get used to.
But there is a control that I don't like: the multiselector. It's small and in the center there is a Ok button, but this button is difficult to press with the thumb finger, you need to use your nail. In the Pentax cameras, you have a selector with four individual buttons, easy to locate, the OK button is separated and it's easy to press. I find the selector buttons on Pentax cameras super useful, with access to some common configurations.

Front and back dials are different on the Z, I think that in the Pentax are easier to dial, but I think they are nicer on the Z, bigger and more elegant.
About mode dial, I prefer the Pentax, but the Z have a metal feeling that I like.

Functions buttons are easy to press with middle and ring finger. Also you in some lenses you have extra function buttons, like in Z 24-120.

VIEWFINDER
It's muy firs electronic viewfinder. As I still don't have any lens, I can olny see the menu, but I'm getting used to it. It's bigger, not too uncomfortable if you use glasses. But I need to put a lens and use it. I have a bit of astigmatism on my right eye, and the EVF vision in general, is worst compared to the Pentax OVF. I think the optics in Pentax viewfinder are better. Nikon uses small, white and bright symbols on the monitor/viewfinder that I don´t like, and you can't change anything about that. I also have noticed that the diopter dial doens't correct all the viewfinder equaly, If I correct to see the focus points clearly (central), the symbols (border) are a bit out, and if I correct to see the symbols clearly, the focus point (red box) is a bit out... I need a lens to evaluate and find the best diopter adjustment.

Related to viewfinder and back monitor, let's talk about what you see on the monitor. There is a miriad of really small icons, most of them in bright white color. I prefer the symbols on the Pentax viewfinder, you see just the important parameters for the photo, and they are not so bright. Also I prefer the Pentax information in Live View mode, bigger symbols, softer colors. Also in Pentax you can change the colors that you see on the display, the mood. In general, I think that the display interface is better on Pentax. The viewfinder is made of better optics, more confortable for people with not perfect vision, and the projection of the image is better, good in the center and good in the borders.

Fortunatelly, you can use the back monitor, and the image here is good, really good. I understood, before buying the Z, that the viewfinder could be a so-so experience so I'm still not worried.

SHUTTER
I have to confess... I have only taken a pic, just to see the shutter count. And the shutter count was ONE, so it's a real new camera
I'm blown away by the shutter sound. Not only is it quieter, it's totally different, and hardly noticeable.

HANDLING
Let's admit it, I have only play with the camera chaning settings and adjusting viewfinder, but the handling is good, the grip is good, maybe a bit less depth compared to Petax. but it's good.
It weights less, and this is a really good point. I don't get my Pentax frecuently when I go out for a walk, because it's a bit bulky, I admit that take pics with the mobile ().
But let's talk about weight.

• Pentax - 800g
• Z6 II - 615g!

Near 200g less. now compare standard quality lens (that I have or I'm planning to use)

• Sigma 17-50 - 565g
• Nikkor 24-70/4 - 500g

So total weight is 1365g for Pentax and 1115 for Nikon. 250 grams less, that's a lot, considering the Nikon is FF and the Pentax is APCS. I was considering the weight before buying the Z. If I choose the 24-120 instead of the 24-70, then both cameras weight the same, but on Nikon side I have a FF chip and a lens with longer reach.

PENDING
I didn't test the most important points for me: image quality and focusing system. The Z also has video, and it seems very good. I don't use video a lot, but maybe this is going to change.

So really it's an incomplete experience because... I just have a camera and no lens. So what am I going to do while the 24-120 is unavailable?
I ordered the 40mm f2. I have read a lot of reviews and it seems a nice and affordable lens. It's not a premium S lens but have good quality, it will be useful for me as a general-walk about-low light lens, and it only weights 170 grams! So I will have a small and light photo 'pack', less than 800g, more confortable to take it for a walk.

And that's all for now. If you want to share your experiences here as a Pentax user that changed or plan to change to a Z system, you are welcome.
Also I have to thank to forum members that shared information about the Z system, It was useful for me.
Regards.

[ramseybuckeye]

Good luck, sound like a pretty good camera, I do think video would be much easier with a EVF, because it's difficult using live view on a DSLR for video. I would probably be more apt to shoot video with an EVF. I am puzzled how the K-3III was too expensive but the Z6 II is not, especially with buying new lenses too, you must have got a great deal. What other lenses do you plan for?

[The Squirrel Mafia]

Nice. The Z6II is a camera that I have on my radar. I also have a K-3II & I'll be curious about your autofocus findings between them. Same with handling & all that jazz compared to Pentax.

[zapp]

K3iii is much lighter than K1. 600g is the weight of a good old film SLR. This is where mirrorless wins, bu5 is is really hard to find one with a prism finder. Life is good either way.

[biz-engineer]

Nice pros-cons report. I'm also trying other cameras.

With the Z6 Nikon, you get full frame in the size of an APSC DSLR, it's compact.

Pentax wins on camera ergonomics (not because we're used to Pentax), Pentax cameras are better designed, easier to use, optical VF is more comfortable, better battery life. Mirrorless reduces size/weight and wide AF area. So, you gain some benefits and lose on other things.

BUT , in my opinion, the "elephant in the room" that few people see, with Nikon, Canon and Sony, you win big on the choice of lenses: Nikon S 24-120 f4 is an excellent choice, cover a wide range of photographic case, not too big, not too heavy, and not to compromised optically. Get a 100-400 f5.6 later and the S 20 1.8 and you pretty much do everything with 3 lenses. The Pentax K1 system strength and weakness is about the lenses, there is no mid-range lens except the D-FA 70-210 f4. Every modern (non FA) Pentax K FF lens is either fast and large (f2.8 zooms, f1.4 primes) or slow (f5.6), so it nice for the performance but not so nice for the total bulk and cost. Having f/4 zooms and f/1.8 primes is a great set point for full frame, not too slow, not too heavy, not too expensive. Yet, Nikon doesn't have a z 70-200 f4, only Canon and Sony offer that.

---------- Post added 25-02-22 at 07:55 ----------

K3iii is much lighter than K1

Weight difference of 200gr isn't so big of an issue with the lenses attached. Lenses, especially long lenses make the 200gr camera weight difference irrelevant IMO. There is a right size for cameras, not to small, not too large, so I think Pentax DSLR size is just right. Most Pentax FF lenses however are heavy (or small but old FA). Where the Nikon Z shine is the size/weight balance with f4 glass, you get full frame IQ in APSC DSLR package, and if you want low light shots or bokeh shots , you get a bunch of moderately prices f1.8 primes from 20mm to 85, not bad.

[jersey]

But there is no reason to use FA lenses on DA body is there? Pentax has DA covered pretty well so if one chooses K-3 Mk III there is little reason to get FA lenses for it.

Anyway - nice read and nice summary of cons and pros. Nikon Z6 is very nice camera, it has its pluses certainly and it was pretty nice to use when I had it borrowed for few days. Make lots of nice photos with it

[morenjavi]

Good luck, sound like a pretty good camera, I do think video would be much easier with a EVF, because it's difficult using live view on a DSLR for video. I would probably be more apt to shoot video with an EVF. I am puzzled how the K-3III was too expensive but the Z6 II is not, especially with buying new lenses too, you must have got a great deal. What other lenses do you plan for?

Thanks.

When the K3-III was released, of course it got my immediate attention. Also, the release of the DFA 50mm and DFA 85mm got my attention too. I would love to have a good portrait lens, but with fast and accurate autofocus. I had the Rokinon 85mm but I barely used it.
But this was the harsh reality: K3-III is near 2k€, DFA 50mm is near 1k€, and DFA 85mm is around 2k€.

Time to upgrade was drawing near and I started to ask 'what could I buy with 2k€?', is the K3-III my only option? After looking here and there I found that I could get a Z6 (I) + 24-70 kit lens (that is a really good 'S' lens), for less than 2k€. This is where I started to mature the idea of buying another main camera, sell my less used gear and see what to do next.

After a second though, and after sell a good amount of gear I decided to get the mkII version. The Z6II cost me 1.88k€, that I consider a good deal, Z6II+24-70 costs 2.25k€, but I got the camera alone.
I ordered a cheap 40mm f/2 that have good reputation, and I'm waiting for the 24-120 f4 that will be my main workhorse. I'll cover all my needs for my paid works with just one camera and one lens.
Apart from this main lens, my idea is to add a good portrait lens like the 50mm f.8 or 85mm f1.8, that are also excellent, and not very expensive (540€ and 700€).
Next monday I will receive the 40mm, so then I'll start to test the camera and I will find out if I made the right purchase or not .

---------- Post added 25-02-22 at 05:55 PM ----------

Nice pros-cons report. I'm also trying other cameras.

With the Z6 Nikon, you get full frame in the size of an APSC DSLR, it's compact.

Pentax wins on camera ergonomics (not because we're used to Pentax), Pentax cameras are better designed, easier to use, optical VF is more comfortable, better battery life. Mirrorless reduces size/weight and wide AF area. So, you gain some benefits and lose on other things.

BUT , in my opinion, the "elephant in the room" that few people see, with Nikon, Canon and Sony, you win big on the choice of lenses: Nikon S 24-120 f4 is an excellent choice, cover a wide range of photographic case, not too big, not too heavy, and not to compromised optically. Get a 100-400 f5.6 later and the S 20 1.8 and you pretty much do everything with 3 lenses. The Pentax K1 system strength and weakness is about the lenses, there is no mid-range lens except the D-FA 70-210 f4. Every modern (non FA) Pentax K FF lens is either fast and large (f2.8 zooms, f1.4 primes) or slow (f5.6), so it nice for the performance but not so nice for the total bulk and cost. Having f/4 zooms and f/1.8 primes is a great set point for full frame, not too slow, not too heavy, not too expensive. Yet, Nikon doesn't have a z 70-200 f4, only Canon and Sony offer that.

I generally agree with you. Nikon have several and excellent f/4 zooms and f/1.8 primes, very high quality but not too big or expensive.

---------- Post added 25-02-22 at 05:56 PM ----------

Nice. The Z6II is a camera that I have on my radar. I also have a K-3II & I'll be curious about your autofocus findings between them. Same with handling & all that jazz compared to Pentax.

I'll keep you informed .

[gatorguy]

Nice pros-cons report. I'm also trying other cameras.

With the Z6 Nikon, you get full frame in the size of an APSC DSLR, it's compact.

Pentax wins on camera ergonomics (not because we're used to Pentax), Pentax cameras are better designed, easier to use, optical VF is more comfortable, better battery life. Mirrorless reduces size/weight and wide AF area. So, you gain some benefits and lose on other things.

BUT , in my opinion, the "elephant in the room" that few people see, with Nikon, Canon and Sony, you win big on the choice of lenses: Nikon S 24-120 f4 is an excellent choice, cover a wide range of photographic case, not too big, not too heavy, and not to compromised optically. Get a 100-400 f5.6 later and the S 20 1.8 and you pretty much do everything with 3 lenses. The Pentax K1 system strength and weakness is about the lenses, there is no mid-range lens except the D-FA 70-210 f4. Every modern (non FA) Pentax K FF lens is either fast and large (f2.8 zooms, f1.4 primes) or slow (f5.6), so it nice for the performance but not so nice for the total bulk and cost.[COLOR=Silver]

Pentax HDFA 28-105 neither large nor heavy, and seems highly regarded. Why ignore that one? No mention of the Limited's either? Pretty sure they're also full-frame. You might also want to check PentaxForums list of full-frame compatible Pentax glass since I'm not sure you're aware of all the options Pentax themselves offer.
Full Frame Lenses | PentaxForums.com

[surfar]

So I finally got a Z6 II.

It can be a mind boggling decision to buy into another system.

Ive done it a few times now but dont regret it.

Z system offers plenty of positives, the fun "Fuji copycat" ZFC and cheap basic(very good) Z5 .Top end Z9 at a reasonable price for what it offers.Then the Z6/7 middish range bodies.The glass is good and expanding all the time,some third party glass lessens the cost.

[morenjavi]

UPDATE I. MORE ABOUT BUTTONS AND OTHER CONTROLS
Hi again, while mi 40mm f/2 is beeing delivered, I have been reviewing the controls on the Z camera and comparing with my K3-II.
In summary, Z6 II has 23 controls, that include:

• power switch (2 positions)
• shutter, 2 positions
• front and rear dials
• mode dial. Only PASM, auto and 3 user modes
• DISPLAY, i-menu and viewfinder/monitor selector
• multiselector
• focus point joystick selector, that can be considered an extra control (AE-Lock)
• two funtion buttons located in front
• others like back focus button, playback, etc

Up to 6 buttons are configurable.
Lenses can have up to 4 configurable controls. This is a new feature for me (I'm not referring to focus selector or M/AF switches):

• focus ring, that can be reversed and used to control exposure compesation, ISO or lens aperture
• control ring, with same configuration
• up to two function buttons

Pentax K3-II (similar to other Pentax cameras) has 26 controls. It doesn't seem a lot more. One of the buttons is just for the GPS, and there is only one programmable button (although front and rear dials have a lot of customization too, and you can configure the 3rd position of the power switch).
So at first look it may seem that the Z6 is more customizable and you get better controls for everything, but appearances can be deceptives.
Buttons in Pentax, use to have two different functions depending on whether you are in photo or playback mode. Functions in playback mode have a printed blue symbol, while a white symbol is used for photo mode. Z6 have everything printed in white.
Let's compare controls in more detail:

• Power switch on Z has only ON/OFF position, while in Pentax have an extra position for optical or digital preview
• Near the power switch and shutter button you have ISO and exposure compensation button, I think there are better located on the Pentax and are easier to press. Z have an extra button (record button, more on that later). I'm not convinced by how that [+/-] button is placed on the Z.
• An extra level on Pentax allows two modes for operating the mode dial. Pentax have a X mode for flash sync, Sv mode (that I don't use) and TAv mode, that can be get on the Z by selecting M mode and auto ISO. I prefer Pentax.
• Front and rear dials are easier to operate in Pentax, but I'm loving the dials on Nikon. A like the rear dial on the Z, although I admit that Pentax rear dial is better located.
• DISPlay button, i-menu button and record button. With these three buttons you can: select what info is shown on the display, use a quick menu or remove display info (let only the image in live view). You can do the same in Pentax with just the INFO button, and better. The quick menu on Pentax is better, nicer, and have more options available. This seems like a common thing in Nikon: several buttons to make similar things, while in Pentax you have one button with have several functions. Why do you need a button only to remove the dislay info in your image? So, what is the DISP button for?
• Multiselector. In Pentax the multiselector is not a dial, but four buttons with 4 different functions: flash, drive, WB, picture mode. In the Z, you only have a direct button for drive mode. OK button is also easier to locate and press
• Zoom buttons (+) and (-). These buttons are for zooming in and zooming out. In my opinion is a waste of a button. In playback mode you don't need buttons to zoom in/out, just rear or front dial. While in photo mode, I understand that you can need to check focus, but I think that just a button is neccesary, maybe to select no zoom - 50% -100%, something like that. In Pentax cameras with live view, you can zoom without dedicated buttons.
• Delecte pic button. C'mon Nikon, this button does nothing in Photo mode, in Pentax you have two funcions for this button: mettering in photo mode and delete pic in playback mode.
• AE lock button. I think a lot of cameras have a dedicated AE-L button located on upper right corner. In the Z6II, by default, you activate it by pushing the joystick, something strange, but Ok, you have the button.
• Focus modes. OK, here maybe Nikon has a little advantage, only one button and the front and read dials to select M/S/C and all the different focus modes. Pentax is very similar
• sub-selector, a small joystick to select focus points, better on Nikon (K3-II doesn't have a joystick)

Rear monitor is touch sensitive and semi-articulated, and this is of course a great advantage over to the K3-II.
Depending on the lens, you can have some extra controls. The 24-120 have a control dial and a funcion button. I think this is very convenient, because you can push this button with your left hand.

My conclusion is that Pentax has better distribution and use of buttons and controls. Nikon camera have less space to place buttons, so why not make an effor to get the most of this space ? Nikon have more configurable buttons (but some of them only accept limited options). I think this is not a net advantage, but it compensates the shortcomings I have mentioned. I think that, in the end, you can configure the Z camera more or less to your taste.

I'm still reading the manual, and starting to use the Z, so I may discover some other advantages in setting up the Nikon.
Regards.

[morenjavi]

UPDATE II. FINAL BUTTONS CONFIGURATION. TETHERING. A 'Z' LENS ARRIVED. FOCUSING AND OTHERS
Hello again.
Another chapter of the 'Z' series
Things started to change after receiveing a Z lens last monday.

I've been using the camera and adjusting configurable buttons and other settings. I have classified the configuration in three levels:

1. Direct access buttons, for accesing drive mode, metering mode, AE-L and two focusing modes.
2. Items in 'i' menu, like white balance, picture profile (mood), monitor brightness... some useful setting for quick access
3. 'MY MENU', this is a kind of menu that you build getting options from the main menu. Here I put other frecuently accessed items like picture size, RAW compression, flight mode, etc.

I see that nikon users set U1 U2 U3 modes for different configurations for Portraits, Landscapes, studio work, etc. So I 'll make three set of configurations and will store in user modes.
I still found that the 'Z' is not as comfortable to use as the Pentax, and I think I'll buy an accesory to improve grip handling. But as I use it now every day, I'm getting used to it.

TETHERING
The Z camera have several options for remote control/tethering. This is not a new thing for Pentax cameras, but it's new to me.
Until now, for tethering with my K3II I used a USB 3 cable, then the PKtriggercord application, then Capture One with 'Hot Folder' configuration, and more or less I got tethering.
But now, Capture One recognised my camera, tethering is fully integrated. I even can set the white balance from Capture one.
The Z can communicate with an android device by using Bluetooth or wifi. I tested bluetooth, I can set time and location from my android, and download pics taken with the camera to my phone. Of course my Pentax has GPS integrated and autotracer, but at least I have an option for the Z without getting any extra GPS device. While in Bluetooth mode I can download pics to my phone, but resized to 2Mpx, that it's perfect for sharing.
With my dear K3II, to share a pic I have to:

• take the pic
• back to home
• use the PC to read the pics from SD card
• edit the pics and export in smaller size
• publish the exported pics to some media platform or to my phone

Now I just take the pic, wait for the pic to appear on my phone, share.
In wifi mode I can control the camera remotely, so I don't need a remote trigger. A disadvantage is that wifi eats battery.

40MM F2 LENS
This lens is fantastic, it's a cheap lens, not 'S' line, but it's super sharp at f2. Focusing is so FAST, SILENT and ACCURATE (better than my sigma hsm 17-50). I'm still getting used to it, to relying on this focusing system. No more AF tunning, no more focus and recompose. You can barely hear the lens focusing. At first I was not sure if the lens was working. I've set the focusing ring to control exposure compensation.

IA FOCUSING MODES
The focusing IA modes work really great. If you mostly take portraits this system it's perfect. The camera has several face-detect modes, it can detect head and eyes, and you can choose the eye to focus on. If there are more people in the frame, you can move the focusing box to other person (I still need to test behaviour with groups of people). Even if the person is in profile it detects the eye. So you don't need to focus and recompose, you just need to compose. Once your subject is detected, the camera tracks it.
In case the IA mode doesn' detect a person, or you need to focus on an object, you can change the focusing mode and select another smaller 'box', or the typical central focusing point. Also you can change to tracking mode, half-press and the camera will follow your subject. Again, you don´t need to focus-and-recompose.

SHOOTING EXPERIENCE AND SECOND THOUGHTS ON EVF
The shooting experience is being very good. This camera is so fast, shutter is very silent, you don't hear a 'clack-clock', but a sound as if you were scratching something, similar to the cleaning sound of a sensor when the camera turns on, not loud at all. If you set the camera in silent mode, then you hear... nothing. Compared to my K3II, my feeling is that I can take pictures faster, the Z needs less time to be ready and focused, waiting for you to press the shutter button.

About the EVF, the expience is beeing good, the image is good, big and clear, maybe not so fine-detailed as an optical one, but it's near, really near. I'm surprised but I'm geting used to the EVF or the back monitor. One of the advantages of the EVF is that you can preview the image, so you don't need to take the pic and then look to the back display, you know that the pic is well exposed when you take it. Also you have a live histogram. I think it'll help me in situations where I have to mix flash an ambient, to get quicly ambient exposure.

Yesterday my younger son was playing near me, in a room pooly iluminated, so I took a quick pic: I set the face detect mode-full area, and the camera immediatelly detected his left eye (my son was in profile), I just had to compose the shot, press lightly the shutter button and done, focus spot on. I couldn't do it so quickly and precisely with my K3-II and my sigma 17-50.

I don't have a dedicated Nikon flash. I set a Godox V1 (Pentax) on the hotshoe and these are my impressions:

• the flash is really big compared with the camera, I can use the flash as a handle
• the camera's hot shoe seems really strong, so it will support heavy flashes
• I'm thinking of buying a small flash, like the V350N or TT350N, for portability

Next chapters: use of flash. Image quality .

[gatorguy]

I initially misread your posts and thought you comparing your Z6II and a K3III since that's the camera you first mentioned as wanting. I noticed you've not yet tried the new Pentax apparently? It shares many of the same features as your Z6II, which itself is a fine camera. One of my best friends shoots that model for portraiture, and quite happily. I can ask him which lenses he finds best for that. I know the first one he got for the camera, the Z50 1.8, wasn't great for his intended use and he's since bought two others for "people" work.

[normhead]

My lord, another dude comparing a camera released in 2015 with a 2020 camera. Does it never end? For me, it's simple, the camera is the same price as the K-3iii, the K-3iii has more MP and probably equal lw/ph in it's photos.

It's actually slower than the K-3iii, 10 FPS for 14 bit lossless raw, although 12 bit ir 14 FPS, and I've never been convinced 12 bit was any different.

Battery life 340 shots.... with my K-3 I get 800.

Just picking out a few pro-Pentax points here. K_3 and Sigma 17-50, which is way older than his K-3ii. SO it's hard to pull much of value out of this "old stuff vs newer stuff comparison.

His exuberance with the purchase of his new camera is very sweet. But bottom line for me is, no useful information is presented. He's not comparing to anything I'd buy. In what world do you compare a 7 year old camera with a lens designed 10 years ago, to a camera 2 years old with modern glass?

Now if it was compared to a K-3iii I might pay more attention. After all, I'm interested in what I might buy next. Not with what I bought 7 years ago.

[morenjavi]

I initially misread your posts and thought you comparing your Z6II and a K3III since that's the camera you first mentioned as wanting. I noticed you've not yet tried the new Pentax apparently? It shares many of the same features as your Z6II, which itself is a fine camera. One of my best friends shoots that model for portraiture, and quite happily. I can ask him which lenses he finds best for that. I know the first one he got for the camera, the Z50 1.8, wasn't great for his intended use and he's since bought two others for "people" work.

Thanks. No, I have not tested the K3-III, but I was considering it seriously. If the initial launch price were around 1.200-1.300€, maybe I could bought it, but it was near 2.000€.That's when I started looking for another solution to update my current system, considering K1-II, mirrorless, etc.
It would be good to know what lens are using your friend for portraiture. I was considering the 50mm 1.8, that it's a kind of 'do-it-all lens', or the 85mm 1.8, that's well regarded, and not too expensive. At present I only have a 40mm f2, that it's a surprisingly good lens. My next lens on the radar is the 24-120 as a main workhorse, and then maybe a good portrait lens, like the 85mm 1.8.
Regards.

[LeeRunge]

Thanks. No, I have not tested the K3-III, but I was considering it seriously. If the initial launch price were around 1.200-1.300€, maybe I could bought it, but it was near 2.000€.That's when I started looking for another solution to update my current system, considering K1-II, mirrorless, etc.
It would be good to know what lens are using your friend for portraiture. I was considering the 50mm 1.8, that it's a kind of 'do-it-all lens', or the 85mm 1.8, that's well regarded, and not too expensive. At present I only have a 40mm f2, that it's a surprisingly good lens. My next lens on the radar is the 24-120 as a main workhorse, and then maybe a good portrait lens, like the 85mm 1.8.
Regards.

I have the 85 1.8 and it’s a great lens imo. I’m using it with the Z5.

The biggest difference between the K-3 and the Z-5 for me (I can get the same basic results from either after dealing with the DR/ISO difference, would be the same with the K-3iii) is the EVF experience.

I find you just get it right up front and no more chimping, way less post processing. It’s just a more efficient shooting process as you described.

That to me would be the biggest difference for anyone looking at the K-3iii and a Z6ii. The megapixels difference is nearly nothing. Both have modern sensors that are going to produce basically the same result with a small difference in DR/ISO, to the point of who cares. AF is great on both. A 1 fps difference or whatever, who cares.

It’s the EVF experience, it’s just more efficiency in the end. Way less time in front of a computer later and much faster sharing, instant if you want as mentioned with the app. Where many things these days move at a pace of instant, EVF makes sense in some situations, OVF for others like wildlife or a slower pace.

The AF systems and frame rates on all these things aren’t holding anyone back at this point. Sensors are all so similar that it’s a non issue. Who cares about 1 fps differences or 1 megapixel on the sensor. Really the only difference is one uses EVF and the other OVF. One has more modern lens lineup while the other has a mix of old and new.

Everyone growing up is used to EVF as well, it’s the same live view experience as a cell phone. I think OVF makes sense for those who learned with it, but it’ll fade to vintage in time if for that alone.

A quick point on battery life too, The Z’s are often rated at 3-400 shots but that is one of the most underrated specs I’ve ever seen. I easily get double that on the Z5, it’s about the same as my K-3 for battery life. My D750 does better than both at 1200 or so and the D500 would also be better than both around that number, if anyone needs longer battery life. Plus you can charge it with USB-C on the go which means less chargers an wires to carry.

Also when I was researching the K-3 iii the shot buffer is tiny, so 11 FPS but only for a couple seconds, vs the 124/139/200 or so in 14/12 bit raw or JPEG on the Z6ii. That would be a major issue for action IMO and probably the biggest sports weakness on that camera. The D500 which is many years older has a 200 shot buffer. K-3 iii is rated @ 30 shots.

The biggest weakness for EVF (other than the super high end ones like the Z9 etc currently) is the EVF frame rate gets problematic at the highest frame rates of 12/14 on the Z6ii line, I’d love to hear your impression of that at max frames. Is it a slideshow at all? That’s probably my largest gripe on the Z5, but that’s not an action camera by any means.