K1 or K3ii

Bit of a quandary at the moment. I need to replace a K3 body that didn`t really like a dip in the ocean. I see that the K3ii is probably up for replacement fairly soon but can`t find anything about the K1. So, the question is, is it worth pushing out on the K1 or not?

Where have you looked?

Pentax rumours, Pentax user. Always checking on Flipboard Photography.

As to whether its worth getting one really only you can decide that. If you want a full frame digital Pentax its Hobson's choice so far. At the end of the day it depends on what you want to use it for. If you've used film SLRs and hanker for a digital equivalent I'm surprised you haven't got one already. If you're happy with APS-C then replace the one you've dipped while they're still around or get a KP. Is it an insurance replacement? If so you may have to get one the same.

Insurance company a bit of a joke. I use mainly on wildlife so being able to crop with the DA*300 or Sigma 150-500 is a plus for the K1 I guess.

The K-1 sensor pixel density is more in line with a K-5 than a K-3. The K-3's have a 24.3 mp sensor (6016x4000 pixels), whereas the K-1 is 36mp (7360x4912 pixels) for full frame, but only 4800x3200 pixels for APS-C, so in actual fact for telephoto shots the APS-C K-3's would win out for cropping purposes.
However, the K-1's lower pixel density means the exposures will have a lower noise level for a given ISO and if you can fill the full frame you're going to have a superior image to that on APS-C. Your choice!
Both those lenses would be fine with a K-1in full frame mode.

Maybe, but if you use continuous shooting a lot the frame rate is higher on the K3. Also my (fairly old) Sigma 150-500 APO HSM does not work at all on the K1 but does on the K3 - the K1 locks up when I attach the Sigma. I imagine it could be made to work if I sent it off to Sigma for an update but it is something to be aware of.

Its fine on mine, not even the body scratching is a real issue. smudge, why not send it off to Sigma to get the mount replaced and ask them to update the firmware while they're at it? You could run it up the A1 to them quite easily from East London to Welwyn Garden City. A stone's throw!

Insurance wise, can you get paid out as vouchers instead of needing to replace with a camera right now?

The K-3ii is a refresh model, and of a K-3 that came out 3 years ago now, so one would hope that something new is coming along soon. Pentax don't usually have multiple models underway at the same time, with the K-1, K-70 and then the KP all coming along after each other. I'd say the K-3 replacement is due next, but I'm not Pentax.

The DA*300 has full frame coverage so no need to use crop mode. I can't speak for the Sigma.

But remember that in crop mode on the K1 you are only using a 15mp portion of the sensor. Whether images from this will be equal to the 24mp sensor of the K3, you will have to do some research. I would imagine that for most practical purposes they will be, but perhaps it will depend how close you get to your subject.

The only lens I have that scratches the K1 body is the Sigma 70-200, the others are fine. I have not bothered to update the 150-500 because it's a lens I very rarely use (and it does work on the K3). When I get around to getting the 70-200 done I will get the 150-500 fixed at the same time.

Trust me, the Sigma 150-500 will leave a tiny scratch, as I suspect all Sigmas do; it is to do with the width of the mount which I imagine is the same on all their lenses. Put a standard Pentax rear lens cap on the mount and see how much is left exposed, but they will replace it for free so why not get it done? I had excellent sharp images from mine on the K1 so if you send it away presumably it will get whatever upgrade is needed.

From smudge's home area it would take less than an hour to drive the lens to Sigma's HQ. A no brainer!

the k3ii is not being replaced yet for at least 18 months or even longer

My local LCE handled everything for no charge even though I didn't buy the lens from them.

Going back to the original question, there is a special K1 section on the Ricoh website. A major consideration in your body choice is your lens collection; if you have lenses only compatible with APS-C sensors then they will work on the K1 but cropped. This is ok as a stopgap but be prepared to swop for FF compatible lenses, some of which are more expensive and heavier than their APS-C equivalents but make the most of the larger and more noise-tolerant sensor.

I should also add that a typical RAW file is around 42mb which my computer can cope with ok but struggles with processing files up to around 150mb which you get with sensor shift. I have no idea what happens when you merge up to 2000 images for a multiple exposure!