I have a K-5 ii, K-3 ii, and K-1 ii but the Pentax that "set the bar" for ergonomics was the k-7. I got hooked on Pentax after holding a K-7 in a camera store many years ago. It laid the foundation (ergonomics wise) for all flagship Pentax DSLRs that have followed. I agree with your comment that it's OK to own and use more than one camera.... especially after your glowing review of the K-3 iii because now I want of those too!
Yes, K7 and ergonomically same K5 was great. It took me some time to get used to K3 after using K5 for 10 years. Especially that live view button on K5 is on much better spot. On the other hand AF and resolution difference is undeniable. K3III is way too overpriced for what it is.
I can see where your coming from, I do love my K5 too! I've never had the chance to shoot the K7 but from looking at that body it does look very nice. I just prefer my K3 layout over my K5 & then the K3iii is better again, and when I say that I'm not taking anything away from the other Pentax bodies because they are leagues above anything else I've picked up so far, at least in terms of the ergonomics.
I bought my K3-3 used for $1250.00 from a reputable retailer I have had it for close to a year with no problems at the price I paid I feel the camera was worth the price as I photograph birds in flight and I need the autofocus upgrade if I was doing general photography I like my K3-11 as it has great build quality and equivalent picture quality on stationary and slow moving subjects as the K3-3. And I agree it is a expensive camera if you don't need the enhanced Autofocus system
That's right, the K-7 / K-5 / K-3 line have great ergonomics and fit nicely in the hand. I own one of them and like it. But K20D with battery grip is not bad either. And looks gorgeous 🤩
Thank you for your video. I have used Pentax my whole photography life, since graduating from college. I have used Pentax digital since 2009. Since 2015, I have been a professional sports photographer and have used both the K-3 and the K-5 extensively and effectively. Pentax makes great cameras and lenses.That being said, the K-3, Mark III has been a game changer. Such a good camera and as you have indicated, light years better in fast photography! I look forward to more of your videos!
Nice to hear from another Pentax Sports Photographer! Yeah, while the original K3 can still get the job done, the K3iii AF is a real game changer when it comes to shooting fast moving subjects.
I was telling people from day one that just looking at the specs doesn't do the Mark III any justice. Once you've used the camera, it will all make sense. I can't wait for your Canon 7d II vs K-3 III opinion vid.
Yeah, totally agree. Sometimes, small things like upgrades in processing, how the sensor handles noise, or even things like upgrade in viewfinder size and clarity can seem next to useless on a spec sheet. Then you've started capturing photos, working with them; you start feeling some of the detail that a spec sheet can't really show.
Yeah the K3iii is so much camera, I hadn't banked on just how much they had packed into this thing! And I'm looking forward to putting that video together for sure!
@@GODSPEEDseven Pentax did state that they're doing things that can't be measured by numbers. People laughed at that. But the K-3 III is a showcase of what Pentax was saying.
@@KobieMC I tend to agree. I see a certain strength in Pentax not releasing new bodies, new mounts, new line-ups every few years. At the same time, there is so little happening, and I think, as a tech/camera/photography enthusiast, I'd like to see more communication, updates to what's going on, what's the gameplan. Doesn't need to be big things. New Custom Image Modes for example. Lens roadmaps. Something to keep my mouth from going too dry in a way. But you know.. it's Pentax and I guess we deal with the pace.
I agree with your conclusion. It’s not the specs but the combination of different aspects - specs, ergonomic, build quality, etc… that make this an impressive camera worth every penny. You are right about another issue. One can shoot all sort of scenes and situations with Pentax, it just requires more effort and knowledge.
I'm extremely happy with the autofocus on the K3 iii. It manages to track my hyperactive sprocker spaniel, even when he's running towards the camera and that's no mean feat.
I need to get out with the K3iii over Autumn to capture some dogs in action! I got pretty good at setting up shots with my K3 & K-70 for that stuff but I really want to see how the AF of the K3iii preforms with the erratic movements of dogs running towards the camera!
Ive been waiting on this one from you Lee , and boy was it worth the wait. The video breakdown was incredible and honest between the two models , and not an easy task by any means , but the way you handled it was top notch. I have the KP and the Kiii mkiii I wouldn’t give a jot if they had eyelash detection on auto focus which they don’t . The cameras from all the major manufacturers are so incredible with AI technology now that you cant go wrong. That being said someone like yourself who is a professional photographer is having all the fun and guess work taken out of the joy of photography that you have previously achieved yourself. In closing no one makes better built cameras than a PENTAX , and they have come on in leaps and bounds with their autofocus system and amazing view finders. I personally would let you keep the mk iii for the great job you have done with it mate.
Good content (as usual). Dont do much for me hankering for a K3 or K3MkII though to supplement the K7 and K5 though. No K3MkIII on the books for me, as its a secondary or possibly even a tertiary system for me. Primary and to some extent secondary system(s) is to be found in M43 systems from both Oly and Lumix. 🙂
Glad you like it! I felt the same way going from the K-3 to K-3iii, it is better in every way. Of course it could be better still... an articulating screen would be welcome for macro photography. I have my eye out for a good deal on a KP or K70 for that.
I thought I'd miss the flip screen more than I actually did. I suppose it depends on what you shoot most often, for me shooting lots of action I tend to only use the viewfinder.
@@LeeIveson It's mostly when I'm trying to shoot macro, or get really low for shots of my toddlers. I'm looking through that glorious OVF every chance I get, though.
AFAIK, setting the standard kinda went like this: k7 ergonomics, k5 sensor, k3 good auto focus except motion, k3iii finally auto focus which can do everything
You're becoming quite adept at using cliffhangers in your video storytelling, Lee. 😅As you know, I've been on the fence about picking up a K-3 III for quite a while now, but like you, I spend too much time on eBay, and every time I'm getting more serious about picking up the Mk. III, some nice minty piece of Pentax glass seems to find its way into my shopping cart. As I suspected, your experience would seem to confirm that the third iteration of the K-3 is a totally different animal from the original on so many levels that it becomes truly desirable. What is kind of sobering, though, is that I would have guessed the second image set with critically sharper images to be from the Mk. III, when I should have sensed it was a trap. With carefully selected glass (often obtained at bargain prices), a little skill and patience, and a bit of DxO magic worked on those DNG files from the original K-3, I'm still getting images that make me perfectly happy while I'm waiting for the day when I will finally get my hands on the Mk. III. Definitely enjoyed your video, as I knew I would, mate.
Haha is my storytelling improving? That's actually something I'm trying to work on as well as feeling more natural on camera in confined spaces which I seem to struggle with for some reason. eBay is my achilles heel! Although I'll admit that recently I've not acquired any new lenses so I'm probably due some haha. Yeah I tried to choose similar sorts of images from each of the cameras, it shows that the K3 original is by no means a push over, even 10 years after release!
GREAT video Lee, perhaps your best IMO? As usual a great in-depth explanation of both cameras and 'real world' based conclusions. As you know I am still chipping along with the GREAT K5, but after this I may need to save my Xmas and Bday money up for a K3iii Ebay session!!
Thanks Mark! To be fair I still love shooting my K5 too, I don't think I'll ever get rid of that camera. Yeah I'm in the same boat, I'll most likely end up impulsively buying something before then on another eBay binge session 😅
❤❤❤ My K3! Looking to upgrade even though I got phenomenal images with my K3 after setting it up properly. Thanks for the video Lee new subscriber as of today, looking forward to watching your content. Aloha from the Great Lakes USA Timothy
Hey Lee! You read my mind there with that question at the end. I'm honestly curious to get your opinion on a comparison with the Canon. Regardless which camera would come out better or worse. I don't have the K-3iii, instead I went with the K-1ii. But, I'm aware of the very big upgrade in the viewfinder on the K-3iii, which is something I think is very important for DSLR shooters. The bigger the viewfinder, the easier and more comfortable it is to use. It's often said it's nearly the size of a FF viewfinder. And if I compare my K-1ii with the K-3/K-70, I MUCH prefer shooting with the K-1 for that alone. Awesome video! I totally agree with you about having multiple cameras. Sometimes it's just fun to shoot with a different camera. You reminded me.. my K-7 has been getting a little dusty!
Yeah I'm really looking forward to that video! Im holding out to see if I can get my hands on the 70-210 f4 or maybe even the 70-200 f2.8 to use with the K3iii, to make it a fair comparison. I love my 55-300PLM but it's not fair to compare it against the EF 70-200 on the 7Dii. I totally understand the big fuss over the viewfinder now! It just makes the shooting experience! I love it. Yep I'm probably going to have a few walks out with my old friend (K5) this Autumn, that 16mp sensor still does the business for sure!
@@LeeIveson Fair point about the lens. I'd actually be kind of curious about the 70-210 f4. My favorite all-around lens is the DA* 60-250, but I won't hide, it's not real quick. It's also on the heavier side.
One thing they the original k3 has over the mark 3 is the light up focus points. I know the mark 3 has a transparent screen that is supposed to make the viewfinder 10 or 15 percent brighter, but in my use with the newer camera, in dark situations or darker backgrounds, you can’t see the focus points at times. I am not sure it was a good trade off for a slightly brighter viewfinder. But I am just starting to use this newer camera for now, perhaps that is something you get used to over time?
@@johncantrell614 Initially this was also something that I noticed, not so much anymore. You pretty much nailed it in saying the more you use the K3iii you just end up adjusting to the camera. In saying that I think it would have been nice to have a firmware update to increase the brightness of the focus points, not sure if that's possible?
K3 will be nice backup anyway. Also having two cameras with +/- same image output for any serious shooting is a must in case something fails or breaks. Btw. even 2010 K-5 is able to get sport photos and also birds in flight, althoug not in easy AF-C, but it needs a bit of skill :) Wel.. people were shooting birds even with fully manual film cameras back then. Just now many guys are spoiled and want just to observe bird and push the button.
I made a video using the K5 to shoot some Motocross, and it pulled through like a champ. I also got some really nice shots using the old SMC 70-210 f4 manual lens, it's all about timing your shots!
@@LeeIveson Yep. I was shooting on couple airshows using K20D and SMC DA55-300/4-5.8 which everybody hates for being "slow focusing". But I had minimum waste like 10-15 slightly misfocused photos from about 1200 pics taken during every such event and only memory card capacity back then was show stopper because even that 8GB card was super expensive. Recently I bought two 128GB very fast SDXC cards for the same money :D (and both that K20D and 55-300 from 2008 are still in my cabinet, fully functional in near perfect condition, just the rubber is not as black as it used to be. Time to time I take them out for a photowalk too ;) On good ligt that camera is still OK. What a beast back in that stone age era of digital DSLRs.
Great video, thanks! Espcially when you say that you took pictures with the K-3 that you normally can`t with Pentax Cameras: fast moving objects, hahaha!
Yes, I'm absolutely sure the K3 III is very much ahead, but I found it always funny when people said: "Pentax? It's only for landscape!", when people like You proved for years that this is not true. And I still remember fotos of F1 cars absolutely sharp when there wasn't even auto-focus around 🙂
@@rullrichwebde Oh 100%. I would say there's a case to be made that the overall skill level of photographers is not as high as it used to be. Purely down to the camera tech we have access to these days.
I would probably get next 3iii over 1ii if it had a flip out screen like k70 (and now kf)...its of course better for what I do now then the k70 (that is mostly wildlife) but I'd rather have flexibility with full frame taking advantage of some old lens quirks for portraits and such...and of course k1 has the moonlander and with the k 70 i use the articulating screen practically any time im not shooting wildlife...the tilting screen on MX-1 is probably one of the main (irrational of course) reasons i took liking Pentax over Sony (I've got the extremely cheap a3000 for my first non compact and I like the camera but for its fixed screen)
Yeah I think that the flip out screen would come in useful for some circumstances, I've gotten pretty used to having no flip out screen since selling my K-70 & shooting on the K5, K3 Canon 7Dii & now the K3iii. That said I think it would be nice to see on the K1iii whenever that is due.
It's a better camera in every way. The revamped AF system with much more points is nice, the separate joystick to control AF points is nice. The issue is...Pentax lenses. This system only shines with a few lenses, the ones with PLM motor and infernal focusing (small moving mass). With all other lenses, especially with the old screwdrive system, the upgrade is basically a waste and I see no improvement with respect to older bodies because the limiting factor is the speed, and most importantly the accuracy, at which the lens can move. With the 55-300PLM, in good light because it's a slow lens, the AF is lighting fast and decisive, not unlike my other (mirrorless) system (micro 4/3, all internal focusing lenses, plenty fast and accurate). With screwdrive AF or the slow 20-40 Ltd with moving front element....I still feel taken a decade back in time whenever I pick up the camera. And it's a shame because the potential is there. They should really release a few more super fast PLM lenses !
I have the K3 now for 10 years and still use it with 5 ltd. prime lenses occasionally. I also use Leica, Samsung and Nikon systems. The Pentax K3 III never appealed to me in terms of image quality and price. For fast shooting situations I would never use a Pentax camera anyway. There is not much between the K3III and the original K3 in terms of image quality, so 'upgrading' does not make sense to me. The old K3 was $970 ! The image quality of my even older K5IIs easily rivals that of the K3III with my lenses.
🎉😂Lee The K70 ,K3-11 and the K3mark 111 all have equivalent sensors it's the Autofocus system that makes the difference on the K3-III As non of the cameras can compete. On stationary subjects all three cameras are equal in daylight after dark the k-3 useable ISO is 6400 the K70 8400 and the K3-3 12800 all around the the K3-3 is a superior camera to the other two cameras. I like the flip screen on the K70 the build quality on the K3-11 and the autofocus on the K3-3 and the higher ISO
I think if anything it shows just how underrated those Pentax bodies are! I agree that the AF in the K3iii is far superior, and for me the layout of the camera fits my style very well. I wanted to see a flip screen but now that I've used the camera I'm not as bothered about that anymore. And yes I definitely agree that the K-70, KP & K3/K3ii have stellar image quality 👌
I wonder how K5 compares to K70 regarding AutoFocus. K5 AF is older than K70 type. I also own K-r which has version of AF that K5 has. I can't directly compare to K5ii since it is slower camera, but K5ii AF is quite better in any artificial light than K-r. Accuracy and low light. But in good light, the difference is not THAT big. It is funny also that K5ii is much slower in LV AF than K-r. Than again I own K3ii and it is funny than AF is more reliable regarding center point and work much better in low light than K5ii, but with new 11-18 lens I have nothing but trouble on K3ii. All AF points other than middle one is useless. I cleaned mirrors and AF sensor on both cameras and K5ii improved and is almost good with outer AF points, but K3ii is still not reliable at all. So in essence for lenses greater than F5.6 only center points are OK.
I haven't got the K-70 anymore but from what I remember, there's not a great deal of difference between the K-70 & K5 in terms of AF in daylight conditions at least.
Im use often manual focus lenses , K-3 III is worse than K-70 , missing flip screen , image quality is comparable...AF is good if You use modern Pentax lenses.
Interesting comparison Lee and I have to hang my head in shame and say I picked the wrong set of images. What I can say though is that the image quality difference from the K70 that I part exchanged for the Mk3 was astronomical using the 55-300 PLM for comparison. So are you going to raid the piggy bank and buy a Mk3?
@@barryhiggott9458 I wouldn't be too upset, I purposley picked out similar sorts of images from both cameras 😅 Well I've just had to upgrade my video equipment so probably not anytime soon 😪
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I have a K-5 ii, K-3 ii, and K-1 ii but the Pentax that "set the bar" for ergonomics was the k-7. I got hooked on Pentax after holding a K-7 in a camera store many years ago. It laid the foundation (ergonomics wise) for all flagship Pentax DSLRs that have followed. I agree with your comment that it's OK to own and use more than one camera.... especially after your glowing review of the K-3 iii because now I want of those too!
Yes, K7 and ergonomically same K5 was great. It took me some time to get used to K3 after using K5 for 10 years. Especially that live view button on K5 is on much better spot. On the other hand AF and resolution difference is undeniable.
K3III is way too overpriced for what it is.
I can see where your coming from, I do love my K5 too! I've never had the chance to shoot the K7 but from looking at that body it does look very nice. I just prefer my K3 layout over my K5 & then the K3iii is better again, and when I say that I'm not taking anything away from the other Pentax bodies because they are leagues above anything else I've picked up so far, at least in terms of the ergonomics.
I bought my K3-3 used for $1250.00 from a reputable retailer I have had it for close to a year with no problems at the price I paid I feel the camera was worth the price as I photograph birds in flight and I need the autofocus upgrade if I was doing general photography I like my K3-11 as it has great build quality and equivalent picture quality on stationary and slow moving subjects as the K3-3. And I agree it is a expensive camera if you don't need the enhanced Autofocus system
Same, K-7 was my return to photography. I still think it's the most comfortable of the bunch. A tiny bit less bulky than K-3 (never had the K-5).
That's right, the K-7 / K-5 / K-3 line have great ergonomics and fit nicely in the hand. I own one of them and like it. But K20D with battery grip is not bad either. And looks gorgeous 🤩
Hii!!!, just to say that i received my new K3 iii TODAY!!! 🇵🇹 Portugal
Awesome 👌 There's a lot to learn with this camera, so much fun! Enjoy
Thank you for your video. I have used Pentax my whole photography life, since graduating from college. I have used Pentax digital since 2009. Since 2015, I have been a professional sports photographer and have used both the K-3 and the K-5 extensively and effectively. Pentax makes great cameras and lenses.That being said, the K-3, Mark III has been a game changer. Such a good camera and as you have indicated, light years better in fast photography! I look forward to more of your videos!
Nice to hear from another Pentax Sports Photographer! Yeah, while the original K3 can still get the job done, the K3iii AF is a real game changer when it comes to shooting fast moving subjects.
I was telling people from day one that just looking at the specs doesn't do the Mark III any justice. Once you've used the camera, it will all make sense. I can't wait for your Canon 7d II vs K-3 III opinion vid.
Yeah, totally agree.
Sometimes, small things like upgrades in processing, how the sensor handles noise, or even things like upgrade in viewfinder size and clarity can seem next to useless on a spec sheet.
Then you've started capturing photos, working with them; you start feeling some of the detail that a spec sheet can't really show.
Yeah the K3iii is so much camera, I hadn't banked on just how much they had packed into this thing! And I'm looking forward to putting that video together for sure!
@@GODSPEEDseven Pentax did state that they're doing things that can't be measured by numbers. People laughed at that. But the K-3 III is a showcase of what Pentax was saying.
@@KobieMC I tend to agree.
I see a certain strength in Pentax not releasing new bodies, new mounts, new line-ups every few years.
At the same time, there is so little happening, and I think, as a tech/camera/photography enthusiast, I'd like to see more communication, updates to what's going on, what's the gameplan. Doesn't need to be big things. New Custom Image Modes for example. Lens roadmaps.
Something to keep my mouth from going too dry in a way. But you know.. it's Pentax and I guess we deal with the pace.
I agree with your conclusion. It’s not the specs but the combination of different aspects - specs, ergonomic, build quality, etc… that make this an impressive camera worth every penny. You are right about another issue. One can shoot all sort of scenes and situations with Pentax, it just requires more effort and knowledge.
I'm extremely happy with the autofocus on the K3 iii. It manages to track my hyperactive sprocker spaniel, even when he's running towards the camera and that's no mean feat.
I need to get out with the K3iii over Autumn to capture some dogs in action! I got pretty good at setting up shots with my K3 & K-70 for that stuff but I really want to see how the AF of the K3iii preforms with the erratic movements of dogs running towards the camera!
Ive been waiting on this one from you Lee , and boy was it worth the wait. The video breakdown was incredible and honest between the two models , and not an easy task by any means , but the way you handled it was top notch. I have the KP and the Kiii mkiii I wouldn’t give a jot if they had eyelash detection on auto focus which they don’t . The cameras from all the major manufacturers are so incredible with AI technology now that you cant go wrong. That being said someone like yourself who is a professional photographer is having all the fun and guess work taken out of the joy of photography that you have previously achieved yourself. In closing no one makes better built cameras than a PENTAX , and they have come on in leaps and bounds with their autofocus system and amazing view finders. I personally would let you keep the mk iii for the great job you have done with it mate.
Thanks mate 👍 you had me laughing with "eyelash detection" 🤣 (and yeah I'd happily accept the K3iii 😍)
Good content (as usual). Dont do much for me hankering for a K3 or K3MkII though to supplement the K7 and K5 though. No K3MkIII on the books for me, as its a secondary or possibly even a tertiary system for me. Primary and to some extent secondary system(s) is to be found in M43 systems from both Oly and Lumix. 🙂
Thanks mate. Yeah for sure the K3iii is not going to be the camera for everyone.
Glad you like it! I felt the same way going from the K-3 to K-3iii, it is better in every way. Of course it could be better still... an articulating screen would be welcome for macro photography. I have my eye out for a good deal on a KP or K70 for that.
I thought I'd miss the flip screen more than I actually did. I suppose it depends on what you shoot most often, for me shooting lots of action I tend to only use the viewfinder.
@@LeeIveson It's mostly when I'm trying to shoot macro, or get really low for shots of my toddlers. I'm looking through that glorious OVF every chance I get, though.
AFAIK, setting the standard kinda went like this: k7 ergonomics, k5 sensor, k3 good auto focus except motion, k3iii finally auto focus which can do everything
You're becoming quite adept at using cliffhangers in your video storytelling, Lee. 😅As you know, I've been on the fence about picking up a K-3 III for quite a while now, but like you, I spend too much time on eBay, and every time I'm getting more serious about picking up the Mk. III, some nice minty piece of Pentax glass seems to find its way into my shopping cart. As I suspected, your experience would seem to confirm that the third iteration of the K-3 is a totally different animal from the original on so many levels that it becomes truly desirable. What is kind of sobering, though, is that I would have guessed the second image set with critically sharper images to be from the Mk. III, when I should have sensed it was a trap. With carefully selected glass (often obtained at bargain prices), a little skill and patience, and a bit of DxO magic worked on those DNG files from the original K-3, I'm still getting images that make me perfectly happy while I'm waiting for the day when I will finally get my hands on the Mk. III. Definitely enjoyed your video, as I knew I would, mate.
Haha is my storytelling improving? That's actually something I'm trying to work on as well as feeling more natural on camera in confined spaces which I seem to struggle with for some reason.
eBay is my achilles heel! Although I'll admit that recently I've not acquired any new lenses so I'm probably due some haha.
Yeah I tried to choose similar sorts of images from each of the cameras, it shows that the K3 original is by no means a push over, even 10 years after release!
GREAT video Lee, perhaps your best IMO? As usual a great in-depth explanation of both cameras and 'real world' based conclusions. As you know I am still chipping along with the GREAT K5, but after this I may need to save my Xmas and Bday money up for a K3iii Ebay session!!
Thanks Mark! To be fair I still love shooting my K5 too, I don't think I'll ever get rid of that camera. Yeah I'm in the same boat, I'll most likely end up impulsively buying something before then on another eBay binge session 😅
❤❤❤ My K3!
Looking to upgrade even though I got phenomenal images with my K3 after setting it up properly.
Thanks for the video Lee new subscriber as of today, looking forward to watching your content.
Aloha from the Great Lakes USA Timothy
There's alot to be said for setting up the camera for how you shoot, helps out massively! Thanks for the sub very much appreciated 👌
Hey Lee!
You read my mind there with that question at the end. I'm honestly curious to get your opinion on a comparison with the Canon. Regardless which camera would come out better or worse.
I don't have the K-3iii, instead I went with the K-1ii. But, I'm aware of the very big upgrade in the viewfinder on the K-3iii, which is something I think is very important for DSLR shooters. The bigger the viewfinder, the easier and more comfortable it is to use. It's often said it's nearly the size of a FF viewfinder. And if I compare my K-1ii with the K-3/K-70, I MUCH prefer shooting with the K-1 for that alone.
Awesome video! I totally agree with you about having multiple cameras. Sometimes it's just fun to shoot with a different camera. You reminded me.. my K-7 has been getting a little dusty!
Yeah I'm really looking forward to that video! Im holding out to see if I can get my hands on the 70-210 f4 or maybe even the 70-200 f2.8 to use with the K3iii, to make it a fair comparison. I love my 55-300PLM but it's not fair to compare it against the EF 70-200 on the 7Dii.
I totally understand the big fuss over the viewfinder now! It just makes the shooting experience! I love it.
Yep I'm probably going to have a few walks out with my old friend (K5) this Autumn, that 16mp sensor still does the business for sure!
@@LeeIveson Fair point about the lens.
I'd actually be kind of curious about the 70-210 f4.
My favorite all-around lens is the DA* 60-250, but I won't hide, it's not real quick. It's also on the heavier side.
One thing they the original k3 has over the mark 3 is the light up focus points. I know the mark 3 has a transparent screen that is supposed to make the viewfinder 10 or 15 percent brighter, but in my use with the newer camera, in dark situations or darker backgrounds, you can’t see the focus points at times. I am not sure it was a good trade off for a slightly brighter viewfinder.
But I am just starting to use this newer camera for now, perhaps that is something you get used to over time?
@@johncantrell614 Initially this was also something that I noticed, not so much anymore. You pretty much nailed it in saying the more you use the K3iii you just end up adjusting to the camera. In saying that I think it would have been nice to have a firmware update to increase the brightness of the focus points, not sure if that's possible?
K3 will be nice backup anyway. Also having two cameras with +/- same image output for any serious shooting is a must in case something fails or breaks.
Btw. even 2010 K-5 is able to get sport photos and also birds in flight, althoug not in easy AF-C, but it needs a bit of skill :) Wel.. people were shooting birds even with fully manual film cameras back then. Just now many guys are spoiled and want just to observe bird and push the button.
I made a video using the K5 to shoot some Motocross, and it pulled through like a champ. I also got some really nice shots using the old SMC 70-210 f4 manual lens, it's all about timing your shots!
@@LeeIveson Yep. I was shooting on couple airshows using K20D and SMC DA55-300/4-5.8 which everybody hates for being "slow focusing". But I had minimum waste like 10-15 slightly misfocused photos from about 1200 pics taken during every such event and only memory card capacity back then was show stopper because even that 8GB card was super expensive.
Recently I bought two 128GB very fast SDXC cards for the same money :D (and both that K20D and 55-300 from 2008 are still in my cabinet, fully functional in near perfect condition, just the rubber is not as black as it used to be. Time to time I take them out for a photowalk too ;) On good ligt that camera is still OK. What a beast back in that stone age era of digital DSLRs.
Great video, thanks! Espcially when you say that you took pictures with the K-3 that you normally can`t with Pentax Cameras: fast moving objects, hahaha!
I love my original K3 but the latest edition K3iii is definitely leagues ahead, certainly in the AF department!
Yes, I'm absolutely sure the K3 III is very much ahead, but I found it always funny when people said: "Pentax? It's only for landscape!", when people like You proved for years that this is not true. And I still remember fotos of F1 cars absolutely sharp when there wasn't even auto-focus around 🙂
@@rullrichwebde Oh 100%. I would say there's a case to be made that the overall skill level of photographers is not as high as it used to be. Purely down to the camera tech we have access to these days.
I would probably get next 3iii over 1ii if it had a flip out screen like k70 (and now kf)...its of course better for what I do now then the k70 (that is mostly wildlife) but I'd rather have flexibility with full frame taking advantage of some old lens quirks for portraits and such...and of course k1 has the moonlander and with the k 70 i use the articulating screen practically any time im not shooting wildlife...the tilting screen on MX-1 is probably one of the main (irrational of course) reasons i took liking Pentax over Sony (I've got the extremely cheap a3000 for my first non compact and I like the camera but for its fixed screen)
Yeah I think that the flip out screen would come in useful for some circumstances, I've gotten pretty used to having no flip out screen since selling my K-70 & shooting on the K5, K3 Canon 7Dii & now the K3iii. That said I think it would be nice to see on the K1iii whenever that is due.
It's a better camera in every way. The revamped AF system with much more points is nice, the separate joystick to control AF points is nice. The issue is...Pentax lenses. This system only shines with a few lenses, the ones with PLM motor and infernal focusing (small moving mass). With all other lenses, especially with the old screwdrive system, the upgrade is basically a waste and I see no improvement with respect to older bodies because the limiting factor is the speed, and most importantly the accuracy, at which the lens can move. With the 55-300PLM, in good light because it's a slow lens, the AF is lighting fast and decisive, not unlike my other (mirrorless) system (micro 4/3, all internal focusing lenses, plenty fast and accurate). With screwdrive AF or the slow 20-40 Ltd with moving front element....I still feel taken a decade back in time whenever I pick up the camera. And it's a shame because the potential is there. They should really release a few more super fast PLM lenses !
I'm very much an advocate for more PLM lenses!
I have the K3 now for 10 years and still use it with 5 ltd. prime lenses occasionally. I also use Leica, Samsung and Nikon systems. The Pentax K3 III never appealed to me in terms of image quality and price. For fast shooting situations I would never use a Pentax camera anyway. There is not much between the K3III and the original K3 in terms of image quality, so 'upgrading' does not make sense to me. The old K3 was $970 ! The image quality of my even older K5IIs easily rivals that of the K3III with my lenses.
Hmm the K5 is a great camera, I love mine but I'd have to disagree that the image quality is on par with the K3iii.
🎉😂Lee
The K70 ,K3-11 and the K3mark 111 all have equivalent sensors it's the Autofocus system that makes the difference on the K3-III As non of the cameras can compete. On stationary subjects all three cameras are equal in daylight after dark the k-3 useable ISO is 6400 the K70 8400 and the K3-3 12800 all around the the K3-3 is a superior camera to the other two cameras. I like the flip screen on the K70 the build quality on the K3-11 and the autofocus on the K3-3 and the higher ISO
I think if anything it shows just how underrated those Pentax bodies are! I agree that the AF in the K3iii is far superior, and for me the layout of the camera fits my style very well. I wanted to see a flip screen but now that I've used the camera I'm not as bothered about that anymore.
And yes I definitely agree that the K-70, KP & K3/K3ii have stellar image quality 👌
Looking to get my 1st Pentax K3 mki. Wanting to adapt the vintage Pentax smc lenses. Do I need any adapters? Any experience using older Pentax lenses?
As long as they are K-mount lenses your all good to go, no adaptors needed.
Does the k3 have focus peaking for manual lenses?
Yes I believe it does in live view.
I wonder how K5 compares to K70 regarding AutoFocus. K5 AF is older than K70 type. I also own K-r which has version of AF that K5 has. I can't directly compare to K5ii since it is slower camera, but K5ii AF is quite better in any artificial light than K-r. Accuracy and low light. But in good light, the difference is not THAT big. It is funny also that K5ii is much slower in LV AF than K-r.
Than again I own K3ii and it is funny than AF is more reliable regarding center point and work much better in low light than K5ii, but with new 11-18 lens I have nothing but trouble on K3ii. All AF points other than middle one is useless. I cleaned mirrors and AF sensor on both cameras and K5ii improved and is almost good with outer AF points, but K3ii is still not reliable at all. So in essence for lenses greater than F5.6 only center points are OK.
I haven't got the K-70 anymore but from what I remember, there's not a great deal of difference between the K-70 & K5 in terms of AF in daylight conditions at least.
Im use often manual focus lenses , K-3 III is worse than K-70 , missing flip screen , image quality is comparable...AF is good if You use modern Pentax lenses.
The K-70 is a great camera, the flip screen is useful in certain situations for sure. But the K3iii is by far the better camera for me.
Interesting comparison Lee and I have to hang my head in shame and say I picked the wrong set of images. What I can say though is that the image quality difference from the K70 that I part exchanged for the Mk3 was astronomical using the 55-300 PLM for comparison. So are you going to raid the piggy bank and buy a Mk3?
@@barryhiggott9458 I wouldn't be too upset, I purposley picked out similar sorts of images from both cameras 😅 Well I've just had to upgrade my video equipment so probably not anytime soon 😪