Pentax K3 Mark III In The Mirrorless Era - Long Term Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2024
- Thank you to @CRKennedyPhoto for re-uniting me with an old friend and letting me be able to catch up on how exactly they have been coming along in the field.
I was able to test the Pentax K3 Mark III over several months in a myriad of situations, doing both photo and video. Hopefully with that experience I can help you come to a conclusion on this camera if you were looking to buy one or like me. Just curious to see how Pentax is coming along in the market.
There is a more in depth review on my blog if you want to check that out.
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This video was shot on the @Sonyaustralia ZV-E10 with the 16-70mm Zeiss F4 Lens and audio provided by the @DJI Mic.
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I wish more people would showcase the capabilities of this camera. It is really good.
I realise i had definitely been missing out. Hopefully this goes some way to rectifying that issue.
Nice video. Pentax won't make a mirrorless but will make film cameras as well as dslr's, and we can enjoy our K-mount lenses on both film and digital, which you can't really do with on mirrorless unless you've got a Leica M system or some older film bodies and lenses adapted to mirrorless.
There is no reason they couldn't do what Sony, Nikon, Canon etc have done by providing adapters with their first generation mirrorless cameras and then slowly transition for those who want and can afford to make the full transition later on. Again these are just my opinions and hope for their future. People can agree or disagree and I have no problem with either. I did suggest a path forward in my blog post about it, saying they should join the L mount alliance and instantly have access to a myriad of great lenses.
Thank you for watching anyway. I appreciate it very much.
I grew up with a Pentax spotmatic. Good memories.
It’s nice to see Pentax around that’s for sure as one of the OG film camera makers still around!
Pentax k3 iii Jet Black Edition, Nikon D780 and Lumix S5 owner here. They all have their plus and minus points, the Pentax definitely has beautiful image quality and colour science. Remember, having a mirror or not will not necessarily get you a better picture.
Absolutely not but that is not where i see the benefits of mirrorless. The ability to design smaller, lightweight bodies and implement phase detection for the wildlife photography so many Pentax shooters love.
@ZakariKha Good points. I can see that size and removal of mirror slap could be a boon for some people and situations.
@@RJW998 it will be interesting to see what the future holds
I’ve never really became fond of any mirrorless camera with the same joy as my Pentax ones I have had. You can take a photo or make/create a photo. There is just something about those Pentax colors straight of camera.
I completely get it. Some cameras have this intangible quality that make them so much more than a gadget. It's what initally got me to move to Fuji when they released the original X100 and Xpro1. They were such a job to use.
The biggest issue is the lack of a tilt-flip screen. I'd buy a K3iii with a flip screen in a heartbeat. They will never go mirrorless - the K3iii Mono is a clear message - they are the Leica of SLRs, and I love that.
For a mirrorless Pentax/Ricoh, the GR is enormously successful.
FYI - the Pentax K-70 & Kf have a tilt-flip screen and PDAF
during video mode.
It’s funny you should say that as i think that is one of the most contentious issues with cameras. I love the tilty flippy screen but my German mate refers to it as the “wrong screen” whenever he sees a new camera released with it. Never is a big call seeing as that is the one the wind is blowing.
I would love to get my hands on one to play around with. I got a K50 to play a bit with.
@@ZakariKha Even Nikon with their most recent generation have conceded the usefulness of a flip screen. Just because it's their doesn't mean you have to use it so I've always found it very odd when people feel strongly against it.
Oh man I am exactly the same. I think it is a far more versatile design. He likes the kind that tilts for like waist level shooting or from above. Apparently having to flip it out is too much extra work. Thank you for checking out my video all the same. I appreciate anyone who takes time to watch me ramble.
You got a great video style there with that meditative music and stuff! Really good!
Love my K5 IIs btw. Yeah, the Industrial design of this gen of cameras is just top notch.
Oh thank you! I like to thoroughly use a camera before i give an opinion on it and i am glad to hear people have found it useful. Its definitely impressive where they have taken the humble dslr.
As many others have said Pentax will most likely never (never say never) make a major mirrorless camera due to the high cost of the technology. So be it. I find the ergonomics of the K3iii with it's OVF, focusing screen information and options , especially the joystick to move the point of focus to be better than anything I've used before. There is something about a good OVF that I love. I understand the issue of weight/size, as I hike also, which is why I don't use my FF K1 and a lot of the FA lenses. Too big and heavy for my tastes unless I've driving to where I need to go and use a tripod.. Fundamentally, if you like the mirrorless cameras, stick with them. Still, as you've shown, Pentax produces great images. Thanks for the video.
Thank you for watching man. This has gotten far more attention than I expected. I get the love for the Pentax cameras, trust me I do. My concern is for the long term viability of the brand as I think the more competition in the market the better. If they can stay competitive as they are then by all means continue. My fear is much like Nikon and Canon realised after initially treating mirrorless cameras as a joke and letting Sony take huge chunks of their market share and now becoming the leader in camera brands, it might have to happen.
@@ZakariKha Pentax has made the correct decision. As they have stated, they can't compete in mirrorless due to the high development costs. Mirrorless is more about fast chips and software than lenses or sensors, which seem to have topped out. Pentax has to become more of a boutique camera maker. They are making money on monochrome APS-C and half frame film cameras. Pentax is playing to its strengths. They will survive in the near term due to older shooters who own a lot of great glass. Long term they need to bring in new blood. Film with k-mount lenses may be the answer. If they can make the photographer fall in love with the process/experience they'll do fine. As you've shown. You can make some damn fine images with Pentax. Even video, which nobody has shown up till now. Thanks.
Look I am happy to be wrong Doughlas. So long as it means Pentax is around for years to come. Arguably though if Ricoh had not stepped in they might not be around at all at the moment. I do hope the future is bright for them as I do appreciate what they bring to the market.
@@ZakariKha Not a matter of being wrong as either future is possible. The story of Pentax is a good representation of the camera business/industry. Started as an optics company and branched out into cameras, which at the time was like engineering a watch, (gears and levers). The company made some strategic mistakes and the overall camera business changed/slumped. Digital cameras started up and the business changed again (compact digital cameras), changed again (smartphones) and changed again, (Chinese lens manufacturers)., The days of having Japanese workers/artisans designing and especially manufacturing cameras and lenses by hand are long gone. The reasons are the same that manufacturing will not to any degree return to the heartland of America. So be it. To stay in business Pentax joined with Samsung in 2004, sold itself to Hoya in 2007 and was acquired by Ricoh in 2011. The only reason Pentax is in business today is because top people in Ricoh like the experience/emotion of shooting photographs and appreciate what Pentax is/was. A significant problem is it has a large base of budget shooters that do not want to spend money for equipment. Finally, while I wouldn't write them off quite yet, Yes, it will be a true loss to the art and soul of photography if they go away.
It is this very rich history that is why i want to see them survive and continue on to the future. This whole experience has reminded me of how fond a connection i have to the brand and how invested i am in seeing them succeed.
If Pentax went to mirrorless, they could be in the top 4 of camera makers.
I think with all manufacturers taking it more serious now. There is some tough competition but nothing is impossible with the right set of specs
I have the K3 Mark111 as well as the Pentax K100D which I bought new and still use . I find Pentax meets all my photographic needs. I recently put new light Seals in a Pentax Spotamatic SP11 that i acquired mainly for the Takumar lenses that came with it ( 35mm3.5 ,50mm1.4, 1355mm3.5 and 100 - 300 mm 4.5- 5.6 ) all the lenses have the orgional metal lens hoods and end caps with a full set of filters and extension tubes
That is great place to be. Having gear that suits exactly what you need. I unfortunately just have a general curiosity for technology and it doesn't just apply to camera gear. I blame my background in industrial design. I feel a need to keep a finger on the pulse of upcoming gear and I enjoy guessing at the future of it.
my dad collected Pentax for as long as I can remember, so Pentax is always been in my life. being 78 he wanted to sell all his gear, I thought it was a bit sad because I liked the senses a lot. so he gave all his lenses to me and I bought a K1 markII and I really love the camera. specially the compatibility with the old lenses. I only have one modern lens but I only take that one with me if it's raining.
With that much family significance i too would not be able to part with those lenses and i think pairing them to a modern K1 body is the perfect solution. I’d love to give the K1 a go some time.
@@ZakariKha it's a fun camera, and with Catch in focus it is really easy to focus with the old lenses, hold down the shutter button and focus, as soon as it is in focus the camera fires. Also the astro tracker and so many weird and great stuff the camera has to offer, and very good picture quality. the menu is a bit dated and would be great to have a touch screen for focus selection. don't want a mirrorless, I like to see the real world.
@ronbokje6213 yeah hearing this just reaffirms me wanting to give it a try. I think both systems have there benefits but the dslr is a more tactile sensory experience i think.
I currently have a KP as my succession Pentax from previous models drowned or busted whilst hiking over past 50 years. Friends all have Sony, Fuji, Canons and rave wildly about them - not sure why then they spend hours photo editing!! At the end of the day, light is the canvas and the camera the paint brush.. loved your style
I think whatever tool helps you enjoy photography so be it. It is so silly to tie your identity to a brand. Pick what you like and get out there and have fun. Life is too short.
Thank you so much for your kind words.
Things you never hear: I just bought myself a new Pentax camera.
You should get a pentax DSLR instead of this mirrorless Sony.
This Pentax is a very trendy camera.
I once bought a K10D as a cheap option, but couldn`t find decent lens options.
I went to Sony after a year and never looked back.
I am happy you found a brand you are pleased with using it. They all have their own appeal and I fault no one their choices. So long as you get out there and have a good time.
Doubt that mirrorless will happen anytime soon in Pentaxland, considering that making the best DSLRs Ricoh can is its niche, but other than that, it's great to hear you enjoyed using the camera so much and that it gave you such gorgeous-looking images. Shooting a K-3 Mark III myself, I think the weight is only to be expected with the quality materials used in its build, and it's mitigated by the fact that you needn't lug around heavy full-frame lenses with it and that the designers have used every bit of real estate to offer excellent ergonomics. Apart from Fujifilm, Pentax remains one of the few systems that treat their APS-C line-up seriously. Keep up your fun content, Zakari.
Thank you so much for watching and I appreciate it greatly! I do agree that they and Fuji are the only ones that seem to take crop cameras seriously which is a shame as i think it offers the best of both worlds from ff to m43. It definitely was a pleasure using the k3iii. So much so i am looking at used pentax cameras online now 😅 thank you so much for the kind words at the end. It’s hard to really know if you are doing good on here so the feedback is appreciated
Thanks for the video, see if they can let you loose with the 11-18mm next time, amazing quality and well suited to your landscape images.
I would love to have tried that lens. I had purchased my own older 12-24mm F4 to use for the review but also had the Sigma 30mm and 20-40mm.
How are you going? old school friend who hasn't seen or spoke to you in a while. Great vid man, keep it up. :)
Hahaha I am going as well as can be man how about you? Thanks so much man.
I borrowed a Cannon M3 from a friend to try mirrorless. Fitted my favourite 70-200 Zoom lems and hit the street. Gave up after about 10 minutes because the balance in the hand is horrible. I kept photographing the pavement in front of me. I won't be buying one.
In all fairness the Canon M3 is probably not the best example of what mirrorless cameras are capable of. I myself shoot primarily Lumix full frame cameras
Now take this tech and make something with a vintage inspired body and watch the rebirth of the DSLR.
It would definitely appeal to a certain demographic that’s for sure!
I havd mark k3-ii which is very slow on focus point. Slower than any leading brands. It take time to get on the point.. not ideal for fast moving shoots
I think you'll find the Mark III is vastly improved. I have used it on paid jobs and found it held up well against the EOS R and Lumix S5ii I was using
@@ZakariKha yes I would imagine so.. did you ever you K1 full frame
@@DrTd2632 no unfortunately not. It was one I had my eye on when it came out but never got a chance to put it through its paces
I got Olympus EM5III recently, added some lenses like excellent 12-100/4 or smaller versatile 14-150/4-5.6. Also some primes like 25/1.7 and 45/1.8 which are perfectly usable wide open and camera can focus on eye, which is far from Pentax can do. And now I'm barely using my K3 although I have plenty of K mount lenses from 8mm to 500mm.
I would like to see some K3 IV with articulating or at least tilting screen, much better AF in Live View at least comparable to that 2019 Olympus (which uses 2016 AF).
And it will be perfect if they put EVF connector for EVF module on top (like for example Olympus uses on EPL bodies), so who wants, will be able to use EVF too. For some tasks it is much better than Pentaprism. And yes there are some few situations, where I prefer pentaprism.
Or yes sure, just dump the DSLR, create a nice K mount adaptor with AF for all lenses. But the problem is, that Ricoh lags a lot behind competitors now while they have nothing special to offer. 10-15 years ago they had very nice APS-C portfolio, sealed bodies, IBIS... but now everybody has sealed bodies with IBIS and Fuji has MUCH better lens portfolio now in APS-C. And Pentax FF is just joke far from being anyhow competitve. In fact K1 was like suicidal project, because they lost tons of APS-C customers and burried Q system and 645 system. Lets hope that they are not going to repeat such mistake with some K1III, because that FF K mount lacks on all aspects. Lens portfolio backbone are three already discontinued Tamron OEM lenses 15-30, 24-70 and 70-210/4 which Ricoh now only has on stock and I doubt that Tamron is building them any more. So-so 21/2.4. Cheap but not cheap 28-105 kitlens. Then there are few modern lenses like DFA*50/1.4 and DFA*85/1.4, slow focusing large and heavy DFA*70-200/2.8 which actually is more like 80-170/3.5 when measured. Then severly overpriced 3x variable zom 150-450 and then only decades old lenses which struggle on any hi-res sensor. Completely missing ultrawide, fast wide like 20/1.4, any ultrazoom like 24-135 or 28-200 etc, not even own star DFA*24-70 till this day. We are waiting about 7 years to see some 70-300 and some 35/1.4. In the meantime they lost all the 3rd party support, so those nice options from Sigma are gone now too.
On the other hand during last few years Sony boosted what they started before, Nikon built completely new Z system, Canon built completely new R system, Fuji did what Pentax used to do in past and now conquers APS-C + medium format. And OM took over small rugged options with IBIS in M4/3 world.
That is a great kit you've put together and super portable which I love as someone who obviously spends most of his time outdoors. My problem with M43 is that as soon as the light goes and you need to push the ISO, image quality falls to pieces. APSC sensors are simply just better, especially the new BSI sensor in the K3 Mark III. I would hazard a guess it would be what goes in the next Ricoh GR. The colour science is top tier and low light ability is nothing short of impressive. So the K3 would be my choice out of the two if there is any need to crank iso.
An articulating screen would be great but as half the internet will complain some people do not like them. If you mean an evf on top of the pentaprism I don't think that would work too well ergonomically. If they implement something like what is in the X100 series I think it would be costly.
If you read my blog, I go much more in-depth there and suggest that they maybe join the L mount alliance and offer a K to L Adapter with the initial bodies. This gives them instant access to a plethora of amazing lenses which I believe is your main complaint about the FF system Pentax offers.
Liked until you brought up mirrorless.
Hey as I said this is just my opinion but it is where the industry has moved for a reason. I hike quite a bit so weight is always a consideration for me.
@@ZakariKha I hike a lot, too--every day, 1.5 hours or so. And I'm 65. Mind you, not endless alpine steepness... It's just that Pentax has decided to stand their pentaprism ground, and we hear plenty of mirrorless whispers, pleas, really, from Pentax users.
@fingling8 i think if your fear is the pentaprism dslr will go if they do make a mirrorless is unfounded with them. Seeing as they have just put out a film camera. They are quirky and that is something that is beautiful about Pentax. They can walk that line
@fingling8...mirrorles or not, photography also involves the man behind the camera. You can have the fastest f1 car but if you don't hit those corners with proper execution, you lose to a better driver.
@@user-sk5lm5zn5r I clearly state this at the start about the 30cm behind the camera and the benefits to mirrorless come in terms of weight and smaller lens design.