I got my K-3 in January of 2014. I sold my old K-5 to help pay for most of it. I immediately put a glass protector on the top LCD as well as the rear LCD. I took it all over the world throughout the years. It's been thru snow, extreme heat and the occasional drenching of sea and fresh water and I always gave it a decent wipe down every time it was exposed to the extreme elements. It's rugged and even though I was pretty careful with it, it did take a beating and still looked pristine. It worked flawlessly and I made thousands of beautiful photos with it. I finally sold it last week for $600. My buyer (a K20D user) marveled at its condition and "fancy" features" so to her the K-3 was a revelation. I'm glad it went to a person worthy of my old K-3. Two months ago, I got a great deal on a silver KP that included the battery grip and a fancy Pentax strap for just $749 at B&H. Though I miss my K-3, I'm having a blast with this new and smaller Pentax plus all its bells and whistles. Pentax really do make great cameras for people that just want to make photos.
Now that's how to review a camera! Great job. I think Pentax has a real winner here. Pentax just have a better "feel" to me than other cameras. Nice and solid, well built and excellent controls.
Pentax is already the king of apc-s since the k5. I got their d645 and it takes great pictures and cost a lot less than the others in its stage. Keep up Pentax.
Man, the K3 can take some nasty punishment like it's nothing! I've had mine for over a year and it has been through mud, color powder (HoLi festival), countless rainstorms, 5-feet drops (two times; in one of them the lens literally ripped in two pieces but the camera got only a few scratches), windy tropical dunes, dusty bedrooms and a -20C snowstorm in Eastern Russia. While you can say I am not very good at taking care of my camera, this bad boy is TOUGH.
I bought a Pentax K-30 2 years ago and loved it. Yesterday I emptied my bank account (living in a tent for now) and bought the K-3. All I can say is that is amazing. The amount of detail it picks up is incredible, even with that 18-135mm lens. This camera has made me very, very happy. Plus as you mentioned in the video, that shutter sound is so quiet, whereas the K-30's sound alerted everyone that a Pentax shooter was in the neighbourhood. Great camera, and it makes living in this tent bearable for the time being.
For a number of years I've been using a Pentax K-7 and K-5 with a Ricoh GRD III as my 1-2 punch at gigs. Last year I was an early adopter of the astounding new Ricoh GR.. the K-3 is on it's way and judging from reviews and my remarkable experience with the GR, I don't see myself upgrading for a VERY long time. Tons of options, wicked IQ in a compact and just plain pro level all around. I finally call myself a Pentaxian with scratch to spare to buy a round of drinks for all the Canon Nikon aficionados with severely depleted savings accounts. :)
I have just bought a K3 and I am very happy with it! yes the shutter IS very quiet and smooth quick auto focus to boot! Thank for the review top notch.
Any particular reason that this lovely hands-on review didn't make it to the Pentax section of your TH-cam channel? Bit of a shame really, given the quality of your work and the potential of that video to make people curious enough to actually give Pentax a try ...
The random shoot at 2:05 says it all, absolutely INCREDIBLE!!! K-3 has great default photo capabilities, that leave many people scratching their heads...this is a default photo...and from a Pentax? But I thought only a $10,000 Canon or Nikon with a high-end photo editor could take beautiful shots...lol. Scratch that theory...because for about $1100 you can get a K-3, add-on a $500-750 lens and for less than two grand, anybody can be taking breath-taking photographs. The Pentax K-3 is a game changer...and watching all the pros get uncomfortable about it is just about as much fun as taking pictures with this 'fancy-tank' of a camera.
Camera store, I am very pleased to see that you guys give a non popular brand like Pentax the attention it deserves. Pentax is very often overlooked by both buyers and reviewers. A company that makes such amazing and different products does not deserve that. Thanks for this proper review.
+Dakoolguy111 You shouldn't be disappointed. d5300 it's an amazing camera, also cheaper and cheaper lenses and accesories. I have the d5300 too, i really like this camera, but you can't deny nikon has made a great job with this one
Great review, I bought the K3 and after 12 mths I still feel like I'm cheating when taking photos, they just come out a bit too well for the effort you put in. I can't agree more about the handling and ease of use. I love it. For a longer zoom the 60-250 pentax lens it's amazing.
THANK YOU ,CHRIS & JORDAN..now i won't be wasting my time searching at the pentax forums where to find what i all wanted to know about the K-3....you are the greatest presenter of them all. TCSATV ,YOU ALWAYS HAVE THE BEST REVIEW! BRAVO!
Excellent video review. I love your presentation format (video and content). Appreciate you guys being fair and calling out the downsides as well. --Pentax K-30 owner
Had the K5 and i loved it but went mirrorless after that, Still have a soft spot for Pentax. I like their color output, the handling and feel so much. Too bad the lenses are incredibly expensive in Europe.
Do it. I have the K10d, K20d, K5 and the K3. The K3 is by far the best DSLR I own. I am going to sell my other cameras and buy another K3. I am a proud PENTAXIAN in a sea of CaNikon and love it.
+JohnReviewer112 I finally got the K3ii and yes, the Pixel shift is great for my advertising photography. It lacks the flash but I use studio strobes and speedlights anyway. Thank you for your reply!
+gnzvideos well i have a K3II, for me is amazing. I don't care for the flash. I am truly amazed by ASTROTRACER feature. you can do long exposures maybe up to 50-60seconds even at 300mm! And around 300secs at 27mm. A M A Z I N G! Focusing is fast and sharp, image stabilization works very nice. For me is truly amazing camera. Before it I had a K50 which i still own since i did not wanted to sell it.
+JohnReviewer112 As Federico says, the K3II is wonderful. The image quality is great. You have two options for the RAW format (PEF and DNG), Pixel Shift really makes a difference. It's been said that the AF is slow and not suitable for sports photography... well, my K3II has helped me to take wonderful sharp images of a rugby game a couple of weeks ago. Maybe dedicated sports photographers may feel a difference in AF performance between K3II and D600 or D7200 but for me, a casual sport photographer, the K3II is working great.
Excellent review, as always. Your enthusiasm about cameras and knowledge are far more valuable than the supposed entertainment value of "sniff tests" and pretending to accidentally drop equipment.
the performance of the ISO is exceptional, fantastic, great, amazing! Look at ISO 12800! GREAT! Look at 25600 ISO! It is a record-breaking performance. This Pentax K-3 is better than any Canon.
Great review Chris and the CS crew. Thanks again for another of your honest comprehensive reviews. My old Pentax MX was built like a tank and still works perfectly after 30+ years! I hope the K3 is too....
There are two cameras close to my heart at the moment, these are the pentax k-5 and my x100 limited. I'm glad to hear that pentax/ricoh is still doing a great job at making quality rugged weather proof crop dslrs!
From what I have heard on some comparisons on the AF of the Pentax vs Nikon (not sure if it is also true with the Canon) But one reason Nikon's is faster is that it adds a little more room -+ for error and with Pentax it takes a little more time but it gets it spot on. So I guess Nikon allows more error to gain more speed.
Very well done. You manage to retain a real-world perspective throughout all your reviews. I enjoyed your Ricoh GR review, too, and bought one. If I were in the market for a larger camera this K3 would be it, without question-even if I didn't already have a fondness for Pentax going back 43 years to the Spotmatic.
This video without a doubt can be called a test, it has everything I wanted to know in it. Chris, you're by far the best camera reviewer on YT (and Jordan the best cameraman :)). Keep doing well.
I've had my K-3 a bit over a year and love it. It is my daily beach companion in all weather. It been an amazing tool. I made the right choice. I shoot RAW 100% and really happy with my shots. In ultra low light or low contrast circumstances I use manual focus. The price has dropped considerably and is a great deal.
Amazing review guys. You all are my number 1 and only place for solid camera and camera gear reviews. I've purchased so much gear based on your professional opinions and knowledge. Keep it up! I thank you!
I've been looking to step up my photography game and I've watched most of Chris' reviews on other cameras (The D7100 and 70D). In watching this review, I don't hear any drawbacks to this camera. For someone (like me) who doesn't have the budget nor the need for professional gear but still wants the ability to tell a story through the lens... this seems like the best option. I think I'm going to help Pentax get back in the game! :) Thanks for the great review!
derrik tribble The thing is, this camera (and the K3II) is more than capable of being a professional camera. Pentax lenses are also fantastic. I think I'll be purchasing a K3II next week.
+derrik tribble The ONLY problem with Pentaxes(I have a K-3 and a K-5) is tracking focus. I shoot a lot of birds in flight. I get about 80% keepers. I have a Nikon D800E, also. I get virtually 100% keepers and I don't have to work at it as hard. But I am here to tell you those Pentaxes beat that Nikon to death ergonomically.
Another great review, even though I'm not in the market for this particular camera. Really like how you do the whole presentation. I'm not going to badmouth other channels, but this is by far my new favorite for camera reviews. I really like how you seem unbiased in the way you approach the different brands and models. You're simply interested in finding out if it is actually a good camera, instead of finding irrelevant flaws to pick on. Keep it up :)
If you enjoy using manual focus, a Pentax Camera is a no brainer. Their DSLRs use the classic Pentax K mount. This allows you to mount (without an adapter) an arsenal of great old lenses. Did I mention in-body image stabilization? Not only can you build a small library of lenses, but utilize modern (and very effective) image stabilization on every one. In the K-3 Pentax dedicated a servo to its image stabilization. here is the link to it in case anyone is interested:amzn.to/1r1RyNB
K-3 settles it! The K-3 is the best feature-for-feature camera on the market, and that's not opinion, that is fact! Somehow the Pentax K-3 is also pulling off miracle pictures, at times making even the full-frames cower! In addition, the "feel" or ergonomics of the K-3 are indescribably good. K-3 has many notable improvements over the K-5 including higher resolution (24mp vs 16mp), and faster and more accurate auto-focus (29 point vs 11 point); and an incredible out-of-the-box 80-51,200 ISO range; It also has dual SD cards for massive storage capacity, HD video with choice of formats, 8.3fps continuous shooting (well above any comparable APC), and one of my favorites...BUILT-IN stabilization (which is not available on any Nikon or Canon, therefore requiring each lens you purchase to include its own stabilization, which equates to more $$$ for lenses, and bulkier heavier lenses to lug around); There's also a 100% coverage optical viewfinder. The K-3 also has a BUILT-IN, on-demand lens filter. A filter is only needed on rare occasions, but during those times it is a must...if you forgot your lens filter, no problem, just use the K-3's built-in lens filter - a revolutionary technology, that will undoubtedly "save" the shot. Then there is the FULL BODY magnesium polycarb frame that is sealed and WEATHER-RESISTANT (unlike other cameras that boast about alloy-poly bodies, but yet only have a few exterior piece-meal parts containing the material and do not completely seal the camera from weather exposure). The conclusion is that the K-3 camera not only is great at taking pictures, but it is built to last through some serious, long-term use; Plain and simple, Pentax is doing something rarely heard of now-a-days, they are putting the customer first and giving them the best that they can offer at prices that no competitor would dare to match. K-3 has permanently silenced any of the K-5 critics. All one needs to do is look at the brilliant photos many have taken (with the K-3) and shared online to understand that the results speak for themselves. You will not find a better camera for the money, period!
I say old chap,I must commend you on your attempt at our English Accent! Well done old Bean! You are the only person who actually presents reviews with useful information! Some of the other reviews are purely for entertainment purposes! well Tally
hello guys, I just want to say thanks for the video, really good. I wish to have a Pentax k3 mark ii video's coming soon for us. Thanks a lot. Good work.
Wow, that DSLR looks incredibly small for a DSLR that IS NOT attempting to be small. Based on the spec sheets, it offers an IMMENSE load for results that will give a whole lot in hopes we are pleased with the results.
Thank you very much for the fair and informative review. This just makes it clear that Pentax gives more value for your money. I am about to leave the EOS system and is torn between Sony and Pentax. This review has convinced me to move to the Pentax side. I would say that this is the best all-around APS-C DSLR. In my opinion, the only thing that Canon's 7D has an edge over the K3 has is the better choice of lenses for Action/Wildlife. But setting that aside, I'd say it beats it in every other aspect.
Hi..I just switched from Nikon to Pentax. I shoot as a pro. Even its only aps-c, it is fantastic. Pentax are really getting in the right direction now.
I have been a Pentax user since I got my first SLR back in 1981. If you are looking at buying into the Pentax system, here is something to know. All the lenses that Pentax and aftermarket manufactures have made through the years will fit on todays Pentax DSLR cameras, including the screw mount ones with an adapter. Now there are a couple of exceptions to this, but with some minor modifications, you can get these lenses to work too.
Just shoot your video at the right shutter speed (Double your framerate: 30P = 1/60th Sec) and anyone can get great, smooth motion. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
Although it would have been nice to see maybe some AF-C tests with faster moving subjects like birds or even people running, the camera has sold me to be honest. It's an amazing camera so far.
A nice, fair review. The few complaints match up with the Pentax community's experience, but this is definitely Pentax's finest yet. Ricoh certainly gave it their all.
Great Review guys. This has helped me decide to purchase the excellent K3. This body along with the superb Pentax Limited lenses, are as good as it gets for the money
Pentax definitely seems like they are moving in the right direction. Really considering jumping ship from Canon. I also love that Pentax offers so many affordable weather resistant options for their DSLRs as well as lenes.
Great review, Chris. Hit all the points on the mark. Would have been nice to have the D4 AF, too, parallel to the D700/D3. But, that sensor is all I'll ever need. Make mine in black; I want a "digital FE", but it doesn't have to look like one.
Great review, great camera! Still hoping for an FF next year... if not, this will be my next upgrade. Thank you for a well done and to the point review!!!
awesome video, have been weighing up what camera to buy. my first dslr. a long time since i've even shot on old film slr cameras... options were D7200 or 80D but i think this is the winner :) very informative, thanks guys!
Any chance we could get Jordan to do reviews of the video capabilities, in the future, kinda like he did with the recent Sony cameras and the Nikon DF (which was very clever, btw)? I really liked getting a cameraman's perspective on the video features in addition to Chris' take on the photography side, as I use my cameras for both video and photos, so it would be nice to have that information when I am in the market for a new camera. Great job guys, as always. :)
good review, this K-3 looks to be the best APSC sensor camera out today, top image quality, best weather sealing, 8fps, great sensor, ISO looks amazing, the mode dial lock, quiet shutter, everything about this camera seems really nice, maybe I will trade in my 5Dlll, haha not really, but this K-3 is a really nice camera
Great video and nice British accent. :) Instantly subscribed. Although I'm pretty sure you were wrong about the K-5's video system, I can get 25p and 30p on mine, unless you were talking about just 1080p? Also it's a shame you still can't change the shutter speed in movie mode.
How did you find the handling without the battery grip? (Speaking of which it may be worth mentioning in future videos whether or not you're using a grip)
Another great review from you guys, especially Chris. you seem very positive about pentax. No doubt the best reviews on youtube. interesting, entertaining, informative and professional. Big thanks. however i'm still torn between Pentax and Sony mirrorless full frame.. would like pentax's ergonomics and intuitiveness combined with sony mirrorless full frame camera size and sensor. And many half priced lenses :)
Thumbs up for this, you guys really show than you can use Pentax for video... of course it’s still not what you wanna pick if you mostly shooting video but out there are others which say that pentax video is horrible
got this camera on Oct 31, and I haven't gone a day without clicking the shutter. I love the new drive mode select screen without having to menu dive. I love the "composition adjustment" feature (was there in K5) which uses the sensor to allow you to "tilt shift" with any lens. I love the high speed drive, the processing speeds, everything about this. I use this camera more than my D800. lk1-1photographics.blogspot.ca/2013/11/nikon-d800-and-pentax-k3-zeiss-50mm-f14.html
K-3 is definitely my next camera. I've been waiting for Pentax to come up with something after the K-5 that wasn't the K-5 II/IIs. I have the K-5 and the K-01, and the K-3 will make me sell one of them.. not sure which yet :P
I agree. more photos and videos with the actual camera would be a lot better too from them. This is what a review should look like. Although I would like to see the video being used a lot more with moving objects.
this camera has great features to be a good video camera, as it has magnesium alloy body, microphone and headphone jack, focus peaking etc. The downside is the low bit-rate and bad codec, and it looks like the footage isnt much different to what you could get off an iphone 4s. i saw video tests of this camera which looked great but they turned out to be fake. (i was going to get the K3 until i saw legitimate video footage and i was disappointed) i was then considering the panasonic GH3 but that has some firmware issues and a very small sensor. i wanted a camera that had all the features i needed without needing to hack it but it looks like i'll just get the canon 60D and install magic lantern :)
Great video review! I shoot in low-light and often need as much as f1.4 speed... shooting bands and concerts can be rough. I use a Pentax K7 @ 1600-3200ISO. I would love to see a review of this camera in low-light.... hint, hint! ;-) I'm thinking I'll probably be buying one of these though!
Great review, very tempted to upgrade my Pentax K-r to one of these, but am very tempted to jump ship for the Fuji X-Pro 1, especially with the great offer on at the moment... choices choices....
As Jordan had assured me elsewhere, this review was coming, and now that it's here, I won't hesitate to say that it was sure worth the wait. (Based on your reviews of the 645D and the K-30, I had expected no less.) And it kind of confirms the hunch I already had about this new K-3, that it would be one hell of a crop camera. The problem is how do I convince my partner that it's time to upgrade from my 2009-make K-7 when it still clicks away like on day one? Pentax cameras are just too well-made!
What's the music around 6:00? The beatsuites link doesn't work. That Kai voice about the video framerates was awesome. Thanks for the great review. Many users on Pentaxforums are saying that the AF is a huge step up from the k-5, and even the k-5II - what is your impression on that? Especially the tracking.
Hi Chris, I didn't hear anything about the missing auto-focus in video mode. I'm a current pentax owner and was disappointed that they would put out a camera where you have to keep pressing the AF button.
High ISO test is extremely incredible. Almost dare to say it is outperforming Nikon and Canon equivalents. I am not into video so that's not a draw back for me. I almost want to get one.
I got my K-3 in January of 2014. I sold my old K-5 to help pay for most of it. I immediately put a glass protector on the top LCD as well as the rear LCD. I took it all over the world throughout the years. It's been thru snow, extreme heat and the occasional drenching of sea and fresh water and I always gave it a decent wipe down every time it was exposed to the extreme elements. It's rugged and even though I was pretty careful with it, it did take a beating and still looked pristine. It worked flawlessly and I made thousands of beautiful photos with it. I finally sold it last week for $600. My buyer (a K20D user) marveled at its condition and "fancy" features" so to her the K-3 was a revelation. I'm glad it went to a person worthy of my old K-3. Two months ago, I got a great deal on a silver KP that included the battery grip and a fancy Pentax strap for just $749 at B&H. Though I miss my K-3, I'm having a blast with this new and smaller Pentax plus all its bells and whistles. Pentax really do make great cameras for people that just want to make photos.
Now that's how to review a camera! Great job. I think Pentax has a real winner here. Pentax just have a better "feel" to me than other cameras. Nice and solid, well built and excellent controls.
Pentax is already the king of apc-s since the k5. I got their d645 and it takes great pictures and cost a lot less than the others in its stage. Keep up Pentax.
Man, the K3 can take some nasty punishment like it's nothing! I've had mine for over a year and it has been through mud, color powder (HoLi festival), countless rainstorms, 5-feet drops (two times; in one of them the lens literally ripped in two pieces but the camera got only a few scratches), windy tropical dunes, dusty bedrooms and a -20C snowstorm in Eastern Russia. While you can say I am not very good at taking care of my camera, this bad boy is TOUGH.
Frank Japson Good to know. Thank you!
🙏Very good information.Pentax user's are allways happy also satisfied.👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I bought a Pentax K-30 2 years ago and loved it. Yesterday I emptied my bank account (living in a tent for now) and bought the K-3. All I can say is that is amazing. The amount of detail it picks up is incredible, even with that 18-135mm lens. This camera has made me very, very happy. Plus as you mentioned in the video, that shutter sound is so quiet, whereas the K-30's sound alerted everyone that a Pentax shooter was in the neighbourhood. Great camera, and it makes living in this tent bearable for the time being.
For a number of years I've been using a Pentax K-7 and K-5 with a Ricoh GRD III as my 1-2 punch at gigs. Last year I was an early adopter of the astounding new Ricoh GR.. the K-3 is on it's way and judging from reviews and my remarkable experience with the GR, I don't see myself upgrading for a VERY long time. Tons of options, wicked IQ in a compact and just plain pro level all around. I finally call myself a Pentaxian with scratch to spare to buy a round of drinks for all the Canon Nikon aficionados with severely depleted savings accounts. :)
I have just bought a K3 and I am very happy with it! yes the shutter IS very quiet and smooth quick auto focus to boot!
Thank for the review top notch.
Any particular reason that this lovely hands-on review didn't make it to the Pentax section of your TH-cam channel? Bit of a shame really, given the quality of your work and the potential of that video to make people curious enough to actually give Pentax a try ...
The random shoot at 2:05 says it all, absolutely INCREDIBLE!!! K-3 has great default photo capabilities, that leave many people scratching their heads...this is a default photo...and from a Pentax? But I thought only a $10,000 Canon or Nikon with a high-end photo editor could take beautiful shots...lol. Scratch that theory...because for about $1100 you can get a K-3, add-on a $500-750 lens and for less than two grand, anybody can be taking breath-taking photographs. The Pentax K-3 is a game changer...and watching all the pros get uncomfortable about it is just about as much fun as taking pictures with this 'fancy-tank' of a camera.
Camera store,
I am very pleased to see that you guys give a non popular brand like Pentax the attention it deserves. Pentax is very often overlooked by both buyers and reviewers.
A company that makes such amazing and different products does not deserve that.
Thanks for this proper review.
Best camera reviews/show on TH-cam.
Best K-3 review in TH-cam
Gosh I wish I would have seen this camera before getting the d5300 from Nikon, this is a much better package.
+Dakoolguy111 You shouldn't be disappointed. d5300 it's an amazing camera, also cheaper and cheaper lenses and accesories.
I have the d5300 too, i really like this camera, but you can't deny nikon has made a great job with this one
Jt Carter agree 100%
Great review, I bought the K3 and after 12 mths I still feel like I'm cheating when taking photos, they just come out a bit too well for the effort you put in. I can't agree more about the handling and ease of use. I love it. For a longer zoom the 60-250 pentax lens it's amazing.
THANK YOU ,CHRIS & JORDAN..now i won't be wasting my time searching at the pentax forums where to find what i all wanted to know about the K-3....you are the greatest presenter of them all. TCSATV ,YOU ALWAYS HAVE THE BEST REVIEW! BRAVO!
Excellent video review. I love your presentation format (video and content). Appreciate you guys being fair and calling out the downsides as well. --Pentax K-30 owner
Had the K5 and i loved it but went mirrorless after that, Still have a soft spot for Pentax. I like their color output, the handling and feel so much. Too bad the lenses are incredibly expensive in Europe.
Before seeing your review I was thinking to upgrade my two years old K5, but after this video I am totally convinced that K3 is the way to go.
Do it. I have the K10d, K20d, K5 and the K3. The K3 is by far the best DSLR I own. I am going to sell my other cameras and buy another K3. I am a proud PENTAXIAN in a sea of CaNikon and love it.
What about the K3 II? I think I will wait for the Pentax Full Frame, but want you to ask if you got it already and what is your opinion about it.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT K3-II? Pixel shift seems like a great feature and also the autofocus speed/system has been improved. Also the Shake Reduction.
+JohnReviewer112 I finally got the K3ii and yes, the Pixel shift is great for my advertising photography. It lacks the flash but I use studio strobes and speedlights anyway. Thank you for your reply!
+gnzvideos well i have a K3II, for me is amazing. I don't care for the flash. I am truly amazed by ASTROTRACER feature. you can do long exposures maybe up to 50-60seconds even at 300mm! And around 300secs at 27mm.
A M A Z I N G! Focusing is fast and sharp, image stabilization works very nice. For me is truly amazing camera. Before it I had a K50 which i still own since i did not wanted to sell it.
+JohnReviewer112 As Federico says, the K3II is wonderful. The image quality is great. You have two options for the RAW format (PEF and DNG), Pixel Shift really makes a difference.
It's been said that the AF is slow and not suitable for sports photography... well, my K3II has helped me to take wonderful sharp images of a rugby game a couple of weeks ago.
Maybe dedicated sports photographers may feel a difference in AF performance between K3II and D600 or D7200 but for me, a casual sport photographer, the K3II is working great.
Your reviews are hands down the most informative, professional and entertaining. Thanks for great job you guys are doing!!
Excellent review, as always. Your enthusiasm about cameras and knowledge are far more valuable than the supposed entertainment value of "sniff tests" and pretending to accidentally drop equipment.
Pentax is the Nintendo of camera manufacturers.
Ha! You're totally right about that.
I don't understand :((
So it will last forever.. Just like my Nintendo..
And sony is the sony of camera manufacturer
Pentax or fuji? what is the difference?
I see in my 54yrs life....pentax spotmatic to pentax k5 k3 k1 that's what models we used.pentax users are allways happy.👍🏼👍🏼🙏🙏🙏🙏
After watching this, I am switching my 70D to K-3. Great crop sensor camera. Love the sharp photos the sensor produces.
Gr8 job guys, TCS reviews are always informative and fun to watch. I look 4ward to your videos all the time.
the performance of the ISO is exceptional, fantastic, great, amazing! Look at ISO 12800! GREAT! Look at 25600 ISO! It is a record-breaking performance.
This Pentax K-3 is better than any Canon.
Better than any DSLR in existence IMO.
You make the best camera reviews. Informative with a touch of humor and great personality. Well balanced. Thank you.
Great review Chris and the CS crew. Thanks again for another of your honest comprehensive reviews. My old Pentax MX was built like a tank and still works perfectly after 30+ years! I hope the K3 is too....
Chris has a very balanced approach of demonstrating photo gear.
There are two cameras close to my heart at the moment, these are the pentax k-5 and my x100 limited. I'm glad to hear that pentax/ricoh is still doing a great job at making quality rugged weather proof crop dslrs!
Kris has a very sharp eye for composition!
From what I have heard on some comparisons on the AF of the Pentax vs Nikon (not sure if it is also true with the Canon) But one reason Nikon's is faster is that it adds a little more room -+ for error and with Pentax it takes a little more time but it gets it spot on. So I guess Nikon allows more error to gain more speed.
Very well done. You manage to retain a real-world perspective throughout all your reviews. I enjoyed your Ricoh GR review, too, and bought one.
If I were in the market for a larger camera this K3 would be it, without question-even if I didn't already have a fondness for Pentax going back 43 years to the Spotmatic.
This video without a doubt can be called a test, it has everything I wanted to know in it. Chris, you're by far the best camera reviewer on YT (and Jordan the best cameraman :)).
Keep doing well.
I've had my K-3 a bit over a year and love it. It is my daily beach companion in all weather. It been an amazing tool. I made the right choice. I shoot RAW 100% and really happy with my shots. In ultra low light or low contrast circumstances I use manual focus. The price has dropped considerably and is a great deal.
Thank you guys,
You're making the best reviews.
I love my K-3. Also, you're use of the word "ruggedized" at 1:00 was just awesome (as are all your videos).
Best camera reviews by FAR!
Amazing review guys. You all are my number 1 and only place for solid camera and camera gear reviews. I've purchased so much gear based on your professional opinions and knowledge. Keep it up! I thank you!
I've been looking to step up my photography game and I've watched most of Chris' reviews on other cameras (The D7100 and 70D). In watching this review, I don't hear any drawbacks to this camera. For someone (like me) who doesn't have the budget nor the need for professional gear but still wants the ability to tell a story through the lens... this seems like the best option. I think I'm going to help Pentax get back in the game! :) Thanks for the great review!
derrik tribble The thing is, this camera (and the K3II) is more than capable of being a professional camera. Pentax lenses are also fantastic. I think I'll be purchasing a K3II next week.
I like to hear that both of you think so. I'm looking forward to taking the plunge!
+derrik tribble this ia great camera. Pentax makes very sophisticated affordable kits
Thanks for the info! I've not heard great things about the K-3II when it comes to improving on the K-3 itself. Your information is appreciated! :)
+derrik tribble The ONLY problem with Pentaxes(I have a K-3 and a K-5) is tracking focus. I shoot a lot of birds in flight. I get about 80% keepers. I have a Nikon D800E, also. I get virtually 100% keepers and I don't have to work at it as hard. But I am here to tell you those Pentaxes beat that Nikon to death ergonomically.
I purchased a K-3 and I absolutely love it!
Another great review, even though I'm not in the market for this particular camera. Really like how you do the whole presentation. I'm not going to badmouth other channels, but this is by far my new favorite for camera reviews. I really like how you seem unbiased in the way you approach the different brands and models. You're simply interested in finding out if it is actually a good camera, instead of finding irrelevant flaws to pick on. Keep it up :)
Best serious reviews of pentax cameras in youtube.
If you enjoy using manual focus, a Pentax Camera is a no brainer. Their DSLRs use the classic Pentax K mount. This allows you to mount (without an adapter) an arsenal of great old lenses. Did I mention in-body image stabilization? Not only can you build a small library of lenses, but utilize modern (and very effective) image stabilization on every one. In the K-3 Pentax dedicated a servo to its image stabilization.
here is the link to it in case anyone is interested:amzn.to/1r1RyNB
K-3 settles it! The K-3 is the best feature-for-feature camera on the market, and that's not opinion, that is fact! Somehow the Pentax K-3 is also pulling off miracle pictures, at times making even the full-frames cower! In addition, the "feel" or ergonomics of the K-3 are indescribably good. K-3 has many notable improvements over the K-5 including higher resolution (24mp vs 16mp), and faster and more accurate auto-focus (29 point vs 11 point); and an incredible out-of-the-box 80-51,200 ISO range; It also has dual SD cards for massive storage capacity, HD video with choice of formats, 8.3fps continuous shooting (well above any comparable APC), and one of my favorites...BUILT-IN stabilization (which is not available on any Nikon or Canon, therefore requiring each lens you purchase to include its own stabilization, which equates to more $$$ for lenses, and bulkier heavier lenses to lug around); There's also a 100% coverage optical viewfinder. The K-3 also has a BUILT-IN, on-demand lens filter. A filter is only needed on rare occasions, but during those times it is a must...if you forgot your lens filter, no problem, just use the K-3's built-in lens filter - a revolutionary technology, that will undoubtedly "save" the shot. Then there is the FULL BODY magnesium polycarb frame that is sealed and WEATHER-RESISTANT (unlike other cameras that boast about alloy-poly bodies, but yet only have a few exterior piece-meal parts containing the material and do not completely seal the camera from weather exposure). The conclusion is that the K-3 camera not only is great at taking pictures, but it is built to last through some serious, long-term use; Plain and simple, Pentax is doing something rarely heard of now-a-days, they are putting the customer first and giving them the best that they can offer at prices that no competitor would dare to match. K-3 has permanently silenced any of the K-5 critics. All one needs to do is look at the brilliant photos many have taken (with the K-3) and shared online to understand that the results speak for themselves. You will not find a better camera for the money, period!
Always enjoy your well produced and informative videos....thumbs up from the UK!
Finally a great review out there! surely im gonna get this camera in the future. believe me
I say old chap,I must commend you on your attempt at our English Accent! Well done old Bean! You are the only person who actually presents reviews with useful information! Some of the other reviews are purely for entertainment purposes! well Tally
hello guys, I just want to say thanks for the video, really good. I wish to have a Pentax k3 mark ii video's coming soon for us. Thanks a lot. Good work.
Wow, that DSLR looks incredibly small for a DSLR that IS NOT attempting to be small. Based on the spec sheets, it offers an IMMENSE load for results that will give a whole lot in hopes we are pleased with the results.
Thank you very much for the fair and informative review. This just makes it clear that Pentax gives more value for your money. I am about to leave the EOS system and is torn between Sony and Pentax. This review has convinced me to move to the Pentax side. I would say that this is the best all-around APS-C DSLR. In my opinion, the only thing that Canon's 7D has an edge over the K3 has is the better choice of lenses for Action/Wildlife. But setting that aside, I'd say it beats it in every other aspect.
Hi..I just switched from Nikon to Pentax. I shoot as a pro. Even its only aps-c, it is fantastic. Pentax are really getting in the right direction now.
I have been a Pentax user since I got my first SLR back in 1981. If you are looking at buying into the Pentax system, here is something to know. All the lenses that Pentax and aftermarket manufactures have made through the years will fit on todays Pentax DSLR cameras, including the screw mount ones with an adapter. Now there are a couple of exceptions to this, but with some minor modifications, you can get these lenses to work too.
Just shoot your video at the right shutter speed (Double your framerate: 30P = 1/60th Sec) and anyone can get great, smooth motion.
Jordan @ The Camera Store TV
Although it would have been nice to see maybe some AF-C tests with faster moving subjects like birds or even people running, the camera has sold me to be honest. It's an amazing camera so far.
A nice, fair review. The few complaints match up with the Pentax community's experience, but this is definitely Pentax's finest yet. Ricoh certainly gave it their all.
you guys do the best reviews.
Great review! You are a natural in front of the camera. Nice work!
Great Review guys. This has helped me decide to purchase the excellent K3. This body along with the superb Pentax Limited lenses, are as good as it gets for the money
Nicely done! Buying one in a few months when the prices start to go down.
Pentax definitely seems like they are moving in the right direction. Really considering jumping ship from Canon. I also love that Pentax offers so many affordable weather resistant options for their DSLRs as well as lenes.
Really great job guys!
Have you seen moiré/aliasing in the video clips?
Great review, Chris. Hit all the points on the mark. Would have been nice to have the D4 AF, too, parallel to the D700/D3. But, that sensor is all I'll ever need. Make mine in black; I want a "digital FE", but it doesn't have to look like one.
Great review, great camera! Still hoping for an FF next year... if not, this will be my next upgrade.
Thank you for a well done and to the point review!!!
great review! Being called Pentax or Ricoh, I'll choose them as long they bring great cameras at a fair price
awesome video, have been weighing up what camera to buy. my first dslr. a long time since i've even shot on old film slr cameras... options were D7200 or 80D but i think this is the winner :) very informative, thanks guys!
am seriously thinking of upgrading from the K5 to the K3!!!
Thank you for such a great review of such a great camera!
A real camera review. Bravo!!!
Any chance we could get Jordan to do reviews of the video capabilities, in the future, kinda like he did with the recent Sony cameras and the Nikon DF (which was very clever, btw)? I really liked getting a cameraman's perspective on the video features in addition to Chris' take on the photography side, as I use my cameras for both video and photos, so it would be nice to have that information when I am in the market for a new camera.
Great job guys, as always. :)
good review, this K-3 looks to be the best APSC sensor camera out today, top image quality, best weather sealing, 8fps, great sensor, ISO looks amazing, the mode dial lock, quiet shutter, everything about this camera seems really nice, maybe I will trade in my 5Dlll, haha not really, but this K-3 is a really nice camera
Still have my K-3. Works great with the 16-85 WR and the 55-300 WR PLM.
Such a great camera. I shoot the Nikon D7100 but would be happy with K-3 as well. I am actually jealous of Pentax's weather sealing.
awesome review. You doin a great job!!!!
You nailed the British accent nicely haha. Gotta love this channel
the K-3 is an amazing camera
Great video and nice British accent. :) Instantly subscribed. Although I'm pretty sure you were wrong about the K-5's video system, I can get 25p and 30p on mine, unless you were talking about just 1080p? Also it's a shame you still can't change the shutter speed in movie mode.
How did you find the handling without the battery grip? (Speaking of which it may be worth mentioning in future videos whether or not you're using a grip)
Another great review from you guys, especially Chris. you seem very positive about pentax. No doubt the best reviews on youtube. interesting, entertaining, informative and professional. Big thanks. however i'm still torn between Pentax and Sony mirrorless full frame.. would like pentax's ergonomics and intuitiveness combined with sony mirrorless full frame camera size and sensor. And many half priced lenses :)
Thumbs up for this, you guys really show than you can use Pentax for video... of course it’s still not what you wanna pick if you mostly shooting video but out there are others which say that pentax video is horrible
It's sad this is the only quality Pentax K3 video review in the world. No other popular channel bothered. The K3 is a superb camera even today.
Have been using the K-3 for about 2 years now, absolutely awesome photo camera and solid as a tank! Not a good camera for video though.
got this camera on Oct 31, and I haven't gone a day without clicking the shutter. I love the new drive mode select screen without having to menu dive. I love the "composition adjustment" feature (was there in K5) which uses the sensor to allow you to "tilt shift" with any lens. I love the high speed drive, the processing speeds, everything about this. I use this camera more than my D800. lk1-1photographics.blogspot.ca/2013/11/nikon-d800-and-pentax-k3-zeiss-50mm-f14.html
I'm drooling just watching this...
really really great review, feel like ive tested the cam for myself
K-3 is definitely my next camera. I've been waiting for Pentax to come up with something after the K-5 that wasn't the K-5 II/IIs. I have the K-5 and the K-01, and the K-3 will make me sell one of them.. not sure which yet :P
I agree. more photos and videos with the actual camera would be a lot better too from them. This is what a review should look like. Although I would like to see the video being used a lot more with moving objects.
Excellent review!.....sounds like a great camera.
this camera has great features to be a good video camera, as it has magnesium alloy body, microphone and headphone jack, focus peaking etc. The downside is the low bit-rate and bad codec, and it looks like the footage isnt much different to what you could get off an iphone 4s. i saw video tests of this camera which looked great but they turned out to be fake. (i was going to get the K3 until i saw legitimate video footage and i was disappointed) i was then considering the panasonic GH3 but that has some firmware issues and a very small sensor. i wanted a camera that had all the features i needed without needing to hack it but it looks like i'll just get the canon 60D and install magic lantern :)
I really like that Pentax[Ricoh] K-3. If I was starting out I would grab it, but I'm not changing systems for it.
Really enjoy to watch your reviews! :)
Best reviews on TH-cam.....period. DR getting unwatchable and predictable. Thanks Chris and TCS
Great video review! I shoot in low-light and often need as much as f1.4 speed... shooting bands and concerts can be rough. I use a Pentax K7 @ 1600-3200ISO. I would love to see a review of this camera in low-light.... hint, hint! ;-) I'm thinking I'll probably be buying one of these though!
Great review, very tempted to upgrade my Pentax K-r to one of these, but am very tempted to jump ship for the Fuji X-Pro 1, especially with the great offer on at the moment... choices choices....
As Jordan had assured me elsewhere, this review was coming, and now that it's here, I won't hesitate to say that it was sure worth the wait. (Based on your reviews of the 645D and the K-30, I had expected no less.) And it kind of confirms the hunch I already had about this new K-3, that it would be one hell of a crop camera. The problem is how do I convince my partner that it's time to upgrade from my 2009-make K-7 when it still clicks away like on day one? Pentax cameras are just too well-made!
Excellent camera overview, thanks
Hey Chris great video as always, just wondering about the bag you use? Have done a review? Thanks
What's the music around 6:00? The beatsuites link doesn't work. That Kai voice about the video framerates was awesome.
Thanks for the great review. Many users on Pentaxforums are saying that the AF is a huge step up from the k-5, and even the k-5II - what is your impression on that? Especially the tracking.
Hi Chris, I didn't hear anything about the missing auto-focus in video mode. I'm a current pentax owner and was disappointed that they would put out a camera where you have to keep pressing the AF button.
Thank you for the review. I liked it! Your review as the K3 as well!
Best reviews on youtube.
High ISO test is extremely incredible. Almost dare to say it is outperforming Nikon and Canon equivalents. I am not into video so that's not a draw back for me. I almost want to get one.