Pentax K-3 CLASSIC: Hands on and why I still love the original
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ส.ค. 2024
- I thought for this weeks Camera Classics, we would take a look back at the original Pentax K-3, since they recently released its newest version. The classic can be found for a fraction of the price that its younger brother goes for, and for me, it still packs a heavy punch for its age.
Sure, it doesn't have a back illuminated sensor, one extra megapixel, or 4k, but it doesn't go without the old Pentax charm. Beyond that, the K-3 has an impregnable weather sealing, high continuous shooting rate at 8.3 fps, dual SD card slots, and a 24 megapixel sensor.
All things considered, this is still one competitive DSLR in todays market. Thanks for watching, and leave your comments/thoughts below!
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mattsnotes
trapiechan
Thanks for the great video. After getting an analog Pentax K-x (thanks again Grandma) i got semi hooked 30 years ago. Buying a K-5 10 yrs and a K-5 II 2yrs ago (and losing this camera recently, my stupid). My friend told me to get a full frame Pentax, but the idea of starting over with so many lenses I own and the pricetag of a full-frame made this a no go. Discovering a K-3 silver (your model I guess) I couldn't believe my luck. After putting my old Tamron 28-300 (35mm) on it, I'm discovering new functions every day, what a great camera.
Very good photos man. Congrats! I own K3 and K3ii using them professionally
I envy your setup lol! I've been itching to get back to Pentax
@@MattsNotes You will, eventually :) Again, I have to say that your photos are very good and inspiring. Cheers!
The k5iis still is a beast in 2022. Huge dynamic range, low noise, still among the best sensors tested by dxo. And the k1 is becoming a cheap way into full frame high mp photography, perfect for landscape. I found an smc f28 and an smc fa 20 to put on it for cheap. Great results.
I'm loving k3! The K1 is a dream camera for me; the new mark ii body colors are pretty cool too. I'd love to try out one of their digital Medium Format bodies as well!
I bought K3 from Japan to India.Its just fantastic machine for every situation of photography.K3 is Honestly build and rock solid feel in my hand.and ideal for our moist coastal country like west bengal.it's decent performer and perfect enthusiast camera.👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽unmatched quality.I give honour of pentax K3.🙏🙏🙏🙏❤.
I agree and thanks for sharing!
The weather sealing has to be one of the best in class even today!
I bought the K3-11 from KEH in December a great camera that works great. I 've had Pentax DSLR'S since 2005 I still have my 6 megapixel * istDL I bought new and all my lenses work on both camera bodies
Both great cameras! I'm really liking the lens quality of Pentax so far!
Great Video! I have had the K3 since 2014...I have had it out kayaking, in the pouring rain and it works wonderful. Dropped it on blacktop once when I slipped on the ice, thought it was a gonner but just had a couple scratches. Great dynamic range! Going to get the Mark III next year. Keep putting these out!
I'd love the mark iii as well! I think that backlit sensor and 4k ability would make it a top choice for both photo/video work. My dream photography setup would be a Pentax 645z, and a silver k1. One day!
Thanks for your comment Dan! I have a handful of Pentax videos coming this summer!
Just a small tip if you are ever at a wedding and the groomsmen have on gray suits turn on the IBIS with the feature to shake the sensor. If you don't you can remove moire with DXO very easy or stupid Lightroom with the brush.
Best suits for groomsmen are black and blue. Just stay away from gray unless you have some kind of super megapixel camera and test it before you photograph gray suits. Gray suits are the worst for moire.
Thanks Matt. I really enjoyed your video, review and results. Nice to hear your commonsense approach. Using a whole selection of Pentax (P50, AF35, SFXn, Z-50 etc.) since 1981. I deliberately chose a Mk1 K-3 as my retirement treat, even though the K-3ii had just come out at the time. I paid about double what you did for a new one.
I was shocked that, despite studying the manual and researching the K-3, I really did not get on with it !
More recently I picked up a used K-5ii for $140 (lighter, takes same accessories, single slot and lower resolution)!
I can't figure out why I have found the K5ii so much easier to use.
Nevertheless, I am now greatly inspired by you, to give my neglected K-3 some more careful attention.
Thanks for posting and I do hope you have repaired that battery door yourself.
Nice shots of the ship entering the harbour, especially the B&W straight into the sun. This shot really shows the dynamic range of this camera. It might be an older camera, but very good in capable hands.....
I appreciate this! I'm always on the fence about including shots taking into direct sunlight, especially this one in particular. The K3 really surprised me with its ability. Thanks for your comment!
I liked this one too. It was unique and memorable enough that it stuck with me later on in the day.
Love my Pentax K3! Great value and a solid build.
That it is! The image quality is remarkable too! I think it matches that of a ton of full frames
I had a K-3 with O-GPS1 (Astrotracer) for astrophotography. The combination is a super easy setup for catching some stars. Later Pentax cameras have built in GPS making it even better.
Sounds like an enticing setup! I might have to try that out; I haven't done much astrophotography but I might give this a shot next time we have the "northern lights" in my neck of the woods!
For serious work I use the K-1; but for casual shooting and street photography I dare not go out without my K-10D (10mp, APS-C, and CCD sensor). At 21 years old, the camera is just getting broken-in.
Hang on to it. You got a classic. I've no intention of trading up from mine. It's going to be "more than enough" for a while yet.
I agree 100 percent! I'm loving the camera. It's a very powerful camera and it'll age like fine wine. Thanks for your comment!
I bought my first Pentax - a ME Super, back in '82. Replaced it with the *istDS in 2005. Replaced that with the K-5 in 2010 and part-exchanged it for the K-3 Prestige (Gunmetal) in 2014. Kept the Mk 1 and pre-ordered the K-3 II as soon as I could. I tried the K-1 but didn't like it. I shoot predominantly architecture and mechanical transport with a smattering of flowers here and there. The two versions of the K-3 which I own are presumably supremely good copies because I cannot fault them for what I do and it's unlikely that I'll replace them. I always take both of them with me and each has a specific lens for a specific purpose. I love them both but I might just rent a Mk 3 to try it out.
Pentax loyalty! This is awesome to hear. If you end up trying out the k3 mark iii, please let me know!
I've been interested in getting my hands on either the 645d, or the 645z if given the chance. The ability to have a "digital medium format" without having to piece together both a body and digital back would be nice.
Thanks for your comment!
Unless you’re interested in video and/or action photography, where most of the meaningful advances have been the last few “upgrades”, most shooters like myself don’t need the latest cameras. I, for example, happily shoot with multi generation backwards cameras 10 years old, Fujifilm X-T1 & X-E2, $350 each body, and no want or need to go any farther “up” the chain any time in the foreseeable future 👌
This video really helped in solidifying my decision to order an original K3. USPS has been babysitting it all weekend lol, hopefully I can get my hands on it tomorrow. I'm a SMC fan girl, so I already have several K mount lenses. I think I'm most excited to try the 35mm f/2.4 DA lens. Probably cause I haven't been able to use it yet, since this is my first Pentax body. But I'm also excited to be able to use my SEARS brand 135mm f/2.8 in the wild. I've never had a camera that was stabilized . I'm going to use it for portrait, real estate, and events work. I'm thrilled to be a Pentaxian, it's been a long time coming! Thanks for the great content my guy!
I've been wanting to try out that 35mm too but I haven't pulled the trigger on one yet lol. If you end up using this for working gigs (real estate in particular) please let me know how you like it and what your setup is. I'm considering rigging my system out for work as well. Thank you for your comment!
Ps. Usps is an absolute nightmare right now. I've lost four packages in two weeks and they've flopped two cameras I've sold by sending them to the wrong house (don't be discouraged by this but I thought I'd share haha)
I just picked one up with 6 nice autofocus lenses for $700. Pretty stoked.
WOW! Crazy good deal. Any notable lenses?
@@MattsNotes Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6, DA AL 35mm f2.4, kit 18-55WR, SMC Pentax F 50mm 2.8 macro, SMC Pentax F 85mm Soft, and Tamron AF macro/tele 70-300mm f4-5.6
Great lenses indeed. You'll have to let me know how you like that 35mm f2.4. I've been interested in that, and it can be found pretty reasonably priced!
I love the k3. It’s a great piece of kit especially when matched with the da* lenses.
I chose Pentax because:
1. Anti-shake is in the body
2. I can use Pentax lenses from the 1960's on up.
Good video, nice looking camera too. I agree it's a nice body. I only own 1 pentax digital and it's the k-01, the only mirrorless pentax released with a large sensor (q series is mirrorless too but much smaller sensors). I also got Limited series glass.
I've always admired their body style direction with that K-01; very different and distinguishable! I'd like one of those in a banana yellow haha
@@MattsNotes Bruh! I think if you did a K-01 review in the future it would be legendary with your given style. I have the all black one and I caught it on sale in 2013 *new* because at the time people thought it was an ugly looking camera. It was designed by Marc Newson and the camera has an 1980's looking box body. Also, you've taken great photos with the K-3.
@@0zaree100 I truly appreciate your comment! Thanks for that design backstory too as it's telling of the unique design. Who knows, maybe it'll receive a ridiculous spike in price because of its unique stylings. That said, I'll scrounge around this summer and try and grab one for a video :)
Thanks for your support!
Hi I have both the K3 and the K-01, my ko1 has the 40mm biscuit lens and I find it is great to use in manual focus mode otherwise all gets scared off with the noise.😂
Nice video! I own that camera and it is truly a great camera.
I agree! I would never guess it was nearly 8 years old when first using it. It really aged well!
300 for dual card slots not a bad deal. If you are doing any kind of pro work dual cards can be a life saver like weddings. You never want to tell a bride sorry my SD card $%^$ the bed.
Nice one 👌 looks like a solid body
Nice views. The missing battery door gave me OCD, though. 😁
I agree haha! I broke the battery door by accident while dropping the camera on my toe. I really should've put the battery grip on
Whether to buy original k-3 as the first camera ?
This is a great choice for both first camera owners and professionals as well! Thanks for the comment friend :)
@@MattsNotes Please. Great video and super b&w photos. Good luck
Great for stills but terrible for video footage unless locked off on a tripod.
I hate the current menus of the Pentax K3 Mark III, would have preferred the old menus, it doesn't feel like a Pentax anymore.
Duluth the sanfran of Minnesota.
What lens would you recommend? I like the Pentax body’s however a little confused on their lens line?
What kind of photography are you into?
For me, just the kit 18-55 is a great walk around lens. I also like using their old Pentax manual focus lenses (50mm f2 is super cheap and good quality for portraits).
In essence, I'd personally look at any of the "Pentax K mount lenses" which could range from being as old as 1960s to today!
What is that eyecup? Looks fantastic
Honestly I think it's just a JJC eyecup from Amazon lol. It is great for the price point however!
Your battery door seems to be destroyed .)
Yes hahaha that was a complete accident (I dropped the camera with the battery door open directly onto my foot); good eye.
I do have the nice silver battery grip however! Thanks for your view and comment!