1. New AF with genuine AF tracking.
Not just the
focus, take a shot, re-focus, take a shot... AF-C action my K10D, K-7 and K-5 used to do.
Still have to see if the reality lives up to the promises, but a 27-AF point system is a big improvement over the 11-AF point system used previously, especially if the subject leaves the initial AF point and that the other AF points are used to keep it in focus by means of tracking the subjecy.
2. Better, 14-bit RAW files.
About time. Sure, 12-bit RAW is nice, but 14-bit allows for more color gradients, which helps pulling the most out of your digital image file.
3. Dual memory card slot.
As a pro photographer, I can't stress the importance of backup, and while it's possible to do that on a computer, there are times when it's not. Having a dual memory card slot is a good way to have my RAW files doubled for safety. Or to shoot RAW and JPEG without having to sort the pictures out in the end, in case my client wants a quick JPEG for press release after the event I shot.
The rest of the K-3's features are pretty much a case of "very good, but not a game-changer for me".
For instance, the wi-fi tethered support is a nice feature to have, but it only works with some mobile phones and tablets, not with computers. I'm still waiting for an USB tethered shooting feature from Pentax for studio use, but it's not like I can't live without this feature.
However, the "simulated AA filter" is a clever way to go around having two separate cameras, one that's AA filterless and the other that has an AA filter. Which one to choose? Hmm... Now you can have both in one camera. Kudos to the Pentax/Ricoh design team.
I'm a little bit disappointed with the new 24 Mpix (bigger files, ugh...), as I would've preferred something around 18-20 Mpix, but I was expecting this 24 Mpix sensor to make it in the K-3 anyway, so it's not like it's gonna be much of an issue. And I'm sure a lot of people will be happy to have more resolution, so the Mpix jump isn't bad at all.
As long as the image quality is at least as good as with the 16 Mpix sensor from the K-5, I won't mind much buying new hard drives, LoL.
Overall, my feelings are that the K-3, while not groundbreaking, is a solid camera that's loaded with great features, and most important, that finally addresses Pentax's main issue with its DSLRs, which is their AF performance, especially on moving subjects. Now if Pentax can just offer improved controls on their video mode, their products will be as good as any Canon or Nikon products, while being smaller, more rugged and offering an extensive line of APS-C lenses.
Yeah, I know. It's not full-frame. I remember a few years ago, I wrote in the Pentax SLR talk dpreview forums that a Pentax FF camera wouldn't be available before 2013-2015. Looks like 2014-2015 might be the time when a FF Pentax camera finally hits the shelves. Even if Pentax releases a K-1 FF DSLR, I'm sure the K-3 will remain the most popular among enthusiast photographers, and some will even prefer it to its FF brother, thanks to its 1.5x crop ratio, very useful for wildlife shooters.
Looks like Ricoh is quite serious about its DSLR products. This new camera is an excellent step in the good direction, and most important, Ricoh/Pentax have been listening to Pentax users who asked for improved AF, 14-bit RAW files and dual card slot, features a flagship DSLR should and must have IMHO.
But for now, I'm okay with my K-5, so I'll wait a bit for the K-3's price to drop before committing to buying this new DSLR, which will require a new battery grip, and possibly some new HDD for those 24 Mpix 14-bit RAW files. That will give me plenty of time to see if the K-3 lives up to its promises as well.
Last edited by tigrebleu; 10-08-2013 at 01:42 AM.