I've already posted my thoughts several times, but no harm in mentioning some again! I prefer the K-3, it's always the camera I pick up (my other body that gets 'outdoor' use is the K-5iis).

Funnily enough, the K-3 is the more reliable focusser with almost all lenses, but for some reason the K-5iis is better with the DA*50-135, so I tend to use the iis when the 50-135 is called for! Don't ask me why this is, I haven't a clue!

Regards IQ, I echo the comments re cropping. I tend to disagree a little on the high ISO stuff, I don't find the K-3 worse than the K-5iis in this regard. Yes it is different, but is it worse? I don't think so, but this is just a personal opinion.

I like the dual card slots, better rear screen (this is not often mentioned), better placement of the rear AF button, better WB. I also prefer the overall colour rendering of the K-3 over the K-5iis, mostly due to the images being inherently 'warmer' in tone. To me, it deals with skin tones much more successfully than the K-5iis does.

Having said all of the above, I love both cameras and I won't be selling either of them in a hurry.

Regards
David

Really like these Gareth, number 3 and number 8 especially are superb.

Regards
David

There are some images in my gallery portfolio and also on a recent thread on the Forum, see link:

link

The ones in that set are a mix of K-3 and K-5iis, both cameras performed well but the K-3 is slightly more reliable and quicker on AF, also it has better metering and White Balance performance which to me gives it a real edge over the K-5iis. My intention on this thread was not for an image comparison, but to understand what other K-3 users think about their cameras and why they like or dislike them.

Regards
David

Often I read threads on the Forum which are negative towards Pentax cameras, e.g. AF is poor, too much image noise, not good enough at high ISO's etc., so I wanted to post something positive and also generate some opinions and debate from K-3 / K-3ii owners.

In the past week I've taken a large number of images in testing conditions, with both my K-3 and my K-5iis, i.e. last weekend at T-fest with darkness, variable lighting, lots of movement and the need to use ISO's up to 3200, then last night with my K-3 only at a 'class of 1982' school reunion, most of which took place in semi darkness.

I have been very impressed with my K-3 which performed brilliantly at both events and last night demonstrated an ability to consistently nail autofocus in near darkness and in rapid time. Of 73 shots I took at the event there is not one out of focus, which amazes me. It also demonstrates the significant abilities of the Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4 HSM OS lens, which was used at both events to great effect.

The shots (at all ISO's up to 3200) are sharp with great colour balance (multi auto WB works brilliantly on the K-3) and noise levels are nothing to worry about, in fact I haven't felt the need to apply any noise reduction to most of them.

So, what do you think about your K-3 or K-3ii? What is great about these cameras?

After having owned a K-3 for almost 2 years and used it side by side with my K-5iis (also a great camera), I am convinced about its abilities and it is my 'go to' camera when I need reliable performance.

Lets have some positive debate, also I'm interested to know if anyone has less positive views on the K-3.

Regards
David

Thanks for the comments everyone, it was a great day, very tiring, but enjoyable and I think both Andrew and myself managed to get some creditable results.

Cheers
David

Great shots Drew, as mentioned above the BW high contrast one is the stand-out for me, but they are all good.

It's interesting to compare styles as we have got very different results from the same shoot. I'd also be interested to compare processing techniques, particularly around sharpening / noise handling, perhaps when we both get a minute we can compare notes?

Cheers
David

As some of you may know, I have been asked twice to photograph events at a local music festival (T-fest) in Tickhill, South Yorkshire. The first was in 2013, the latest last Saturday. Before I post some images I firstly wish to give my thanks to Andrew Allport (AndrewA) who was kind enough to assist me on the day.

Here is a selection of pics, some of performers and some atmosphere shots. I was impressed with the performance of my Pentax gear, both the K-5iis and the K-3 locked focus admirably in near darkness, with a selection of lenses. I'm also impressed with both at higher ISO's, the max I used was 3200. No flash here Nigel!! BTW, if you're wondering why Sheridan Smith was there, it's because her Brother Damian fronts one of the Bands that was playing (The Torn).














































Thanks for looking - comments welcome!

Regards
David

The only issue I've had with Win10 is that it intermittently knocks my Wi-Fi adaptor off which results in a 'no default gateway' error being found when I run the troubleshooter. Looking at the internet, it seems this is a known issue with Win10 and certain Wi-Fi adaptors, which I'm sure they will fix soon.

Regards
David

These are your true speciality Alistair and they are great. I cannot pick a favourite, the quality shines through all of them.

Sorry to hear you will be selling your DA*50-135, that is sad as you have produced some stunning shots with it.

Best wishes
David

Hi Mike

Really sorry, but there won't be 1,000 outside Magna on Sunday, nor even 1 come to that.

For various reasons, no-one else is coming, so I have to reluctantly cancel the day out

I would have posted before now, but only got final confirmation late last night and also from one other person during the course of today, so it's been a bit of a late decision. Hopefully I can organise something on a date that will be more convenient for people to come. I seem to recall that we didn't used to have any trouble setting up a meet with 10 or more people........how times have changed!

Regards
David