Full Frame teaser - Spring 2016!

Can you imagine a full frame version of the K3mk2? What a superb piece of kit that would be - well worth waiting for if you ask me!

There is a rumour somewhere it will have the Sony 42 megapixel sensor. A Nikon rep at Birdfair told me that anything above 24 mp gives problems with buffering and gobbles up memory. The 50 mp Canon only achieves its stated frame-per-second rate with reduced size files, so it's not all about 'mine's bigger than yours' if there isn't the stamina to cope!

The same could be said for the EOS mount but the 100D is the smallest DSLR ever made, while Canon's smallest FF is probably the 6D. I found this comparison of the 100D & 5D MIII

http://www.cameraegg.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/100d-vs-5d-mark-iii.jpg

I think the Pentax FF will be much smaller, but it will be much bigger and heavier than a K3.

I highly doubt it.
As Richard says, the sensor is bigger but that doesn't mean everything else has to become bigger.
It may be slightly taller and perhaps a more pronounced hand grip to accommodate a larger battery but that's about it.
Those who thought it was due for release in October I ask why? It was never said.
What was said by a couple of Euro' reps was that there'd be some announcement before November. Well, it came early - here we have it.

Considering Canon introduced the EOS-1Ds in 2002, full-frame is hardly ground breaking technology. Ricoh/Pentax really have no excuses for further delays.

Not excuses - Reasons....
Never understood why so many ppl think Pentax are 'late' for something.

do you think that if pentax make you reduntant they tell you a year later

What..?

It's not being fooled by the images. DOZENS of people have already personally handled it at a type of trade show in North america many months ago, earlier this year. As somewhat selectively shown (by lighting) and also inferred by these released photographs, but more so as witnessed by those dozens of people... The lenses did come on and off the prototype Pentax full-frame body. There was a full mirror box assembly located within, one could also see into where the sensor should have been located. The dials and levels on the camera were as functional as a non battery version basically almost completely similar to an existing Pentax K3, but without the color correcting flash.

There are much better images of this prototype camera already out there from most every angle one could possibly imagine.

Such as: Base of camera showing tripod connection, battery lid (fully functional), including but not fully showing some of the connections for what appears to be a different battery grip.


As I've clearly stated well before this announcement came out. The world will not see a sales floor ready model Pentax full-frame camera body until at least February 25th next year. At that exact time everyone will have already been shown each and every spec for the camera body. As for the EXACT release date, it would also depend upon which sensor they elect to use.

As for sensor... Sure I've heard the statements (actually literally nothing more than rumors) that a Sony full-frame sensor will be used. IF Pentax remains on that path, the price point would be quite reasonable. But also noting more recent developments in sensor technology... That Pentax could very well be considering a 50+ mp sensor, much like what is out for (presently) at least two Canon model full-frame cameras, and also quite similar to what will soon be released Nikon flagship models.

If it's a 50 megapixel beastie ten I'm out as the dragons say!

Whatever it eventually is, it won't be for everyone. Some want superior low-light performance while some want massive resolving power for landscape detail. Personally I'm more interested in understanding why people are interested in a FF in the first place. But of course, I'm also curious about the camera when it eventually appears.

I'd go along with that Steve. I'm not sure if I want it either. But it certain;y will be interesting, and if it should convince me then I'll go for it.

Different people have been asking for different things, and if they are suddenly on offer then some will buy and some won't. Let's hope that enough of those asking for FF are actually serious and make it worthwhile for Pentax, but then again the buyers who are not on Pentax sites will far outnumber those who are, so all will not be lost!

There's a world of Pentax Users out there ... They just don't want to talk about it!

Here's a link: http://thenewcamera.com/category/pentax-rumors/
According to this latest rumour it will cost around 2000 euro, which is about £1460. Sounds about right, around the same as the top Sony.

Evolution will lead me to buying an FF but as I have said many times since recently, buying a K3 II so as to permanetly mount dedicated body on my HD150-450 I won't be breaking my kneck (and my wallet) to get one on Day 1.

Given the performance of the K3 II and the big HD zoom I am not expecting the FF to do too much for me as a predominantly Wildlife and sports photographer.

I bought the K3 II when the delay was first announced, which was not in my plan, having went out to buy big zoom ahead of the "then published release date" of Autumn 2015, because of a very low purchase price opportunity.

Trying the big lens on a K3 II at the shop and comparing this set up with the lens mounted on my own K3 , which I had taken along, I was more than sufficiently impressed to buy the big zoom with the K3 II too.

I have not moaned about BIF since as I have done often over recent years, , and am daily more impressed because, as I mentioned in another post, it knocks the stuffing out of the Nikon D810 FF I comprehensively feild tested recently, combined with an assortment of Sigma, Nikon and Tamron superzoo ( also along with some Canon gear),

NB. That trial was driven by misplaced frustration with Pentax when I learned they were about to formally announce a delay in the FF launch and a somewhat over enthusiastic desire to get an FF and big Superzoom: glad I went through that trialprocess now as it demonstrated the need to field test the opposition before assuming the published HYPE is beleivable and the "grass is greener".

I recently posted the link again to the article "is the K3 II the new superhero" that says it all

However I am sure the FF low light performance and extra cropability will be an advantage but really, the K3 II seems to be pretty much as good as it gets for my needs, given the printed enlargments sizes I make and the up to 100% cropabilty.

I did remove the K3 II from the 150 - 450 to inquisitively see how it performed on the Sigma 35mm ART DG (FF) - result wow!

I don't normally get too overwhealmed by upgrades and frankly wondered why Pentax brought out a K3 variant with what seemed like two add-on gimmicks I didn't need and two marginal improvements to AF and SR.

Well I was wrong and the combination of those imprivement to K3 IIs AF and SR, complimented by the focussing and optical performance of the DC motored HD150-450 is definately a game changer for my needs.

I am of the firm opinion the combination of these improvements are very understated.

However the FF is bound to be a big bonus to wedding and studio Pros but I won't race out and get one as I originally intended.