learning curve on the K3

I've got the K3 and something that hasn't been touched on for camera users is that of learning curve.

In this particular context what I mean is, is the control layout.

My path of progression has been Canon Powershot superzoom, Pentax K-x, Pentax K30 and now a K3.

The common feature here is that all of them have all the settings information on the rear screen. the K3, K5 and K5ii on the other hand do as well, but they also have it on the shoulder LCD screen on the right. so there I am noodling with the K3 and its taking me time to remember that I don't have to keep looking at the back of the screen, but I can also look at the top LCD instead.

but my god, what a camera. The K30 was good, employing as it does the K3 sensor with improved focus, but the K3 is very good indeed. I've altered the NR settings to custom and the low light performance is excellent.

The k30 has a different sensor mate...
But your in for a nice little ride with the K3. The top lcd is something I've always had, but your right its really handy isn't it!

The top (shoulder)screen has never had as much significance to me - I find that the viewfinder information is more important (when shooting through the viewfinder obviously) - there's a great deal of stuff shown here as well.

Its funny, but I think I've developed habits of checking certain things in one place and other things in another, even though the info may be available in both places. EG: I tend to set the camera up with key things like aperture / ISO etc using the rear screen - but for remaining frame count and battery level I find I always look to the top display. But I never refer to aperture or shutter speed from there. No idea why.

I rarely use the top screen too.

Different folks! I use the top screen quite often to check settings at a glance in advance of an anticipated shot. Viewfinder info used a lot, with the rear LCD usually off unless reviewing images. I can easily manage without a top LCD - it's not a deal-breaker, but I think it is nice to have.

Rear lcd is only for image view really here, and the info screen obviously. As you say Jon, I find it easier to glance down at the top screen to get things ready for an upcoming shot.

I suspect the top screen carried over from electric film cameras that didn't have a rear screen anyway.
I thought I'd miss it on the K-30 but honestly it's not a biggy. Either look down on a top screen or look down on a bigger rear screen with the camera tilted forward.

I use the rear screen on my K5 for setting everything up initially, then it's top screen for everything else but then I've never had a DSLR without one.

What I find hard to get used to is that there's nothing for your left thumb to do, the screen being so large. I like the rear-plate layout of the K100 and K10 much more.

I'm glad you're enjoying the learning process.

The left thumb is around the lens, supporting the camera. Now there's no aperture to change it can help the forefinger to operate the QuickShift mechanism. Not that doing that is difficult!

Agree - right hand grips the camera whilst left hand supports the lens (and most of my lenses do still have an aperture ring and compulsory "quick shift"....just no autofocus!).

Forgive my ignorance but what is "Quick Shift" and where is it? On the lens ?

Hi- Most of Pentax's DA lenses, aside from the DA-L budget lenses, have this feature. It means that you can keep the camera in autofocus mode but can over-ride that or tweak it by using the manual focus ring. For most other autofocus lenses, you need to put the camera in manual focus mode before you can use the focussing ring. It's really quite useful, especially with longer lenses that can hunt a bit in autofocus mode. For example, it can help to use MF to get the lens in generally the right place, and then allow AF to tweak it to perfection - I used this feature with the 55-300 quite frequently.

Hope this helps,

Jon

I've had mine for just over a week now and am not finding it strange or difficult coming from a K-r. The large amount of options available, some of which I'll never use like the filters will take time to get round but then the K-r had much the same.

The top lcd is very useful when Tripod mounted shooting low down and for sky shots where it saves getting a cricked neck trying to see the main screen.

From looking through the specs the K3 introduces a number of new control complexities over and above earlier models. The obvious one is the 'aa filter simulator', but then there's also additional fine controls for AF point selections and 'AF point arrays' to set up, AF tracking priorities, and some new button / lever arrangements.

So yes, there's a new learning curve. How are new users finding the switch from an older camera, and are they taking advantage of these new control complexities I have listed?

Can only assume this should read "employing the K5 sensor"...

Nice to hear your thoughts as your previous Pentax product path is similar to my own. Thanks.