Having been a keen user of the K-5, K-5 IIs and, for the past six weeks, the K-3 my very subjective opinion is that for 1) Landscapes (with quoted settings) the K-3 is the better camera. IQ is noticeably improved when printed large, colours are spot-on and punchy and contrast is good.

For 2) BIF the K-3 advantage lessens. As someone who very often shoots at ISO 3200 and 6400 there is no doubt in my mind that the K-3's images are a little noisier compared to the K-5/K-5 IIs. I've also not seen a significant improvement in AF.C but that might be due to my own limitations.

Many years ago an older and much wiser man told me to remember that for everything gained there is always something lost. Over the years I've seen that dictum proved time and again. The K-3 is no exception but overall it is a better specified camera. It comes down to budget: I had the available cash so I bought the K-3 and have no regrets. If I had not had the cash I would have been quite happy to stay with the K-5 IIs.

Regards
Jim

A lot of interesting comments there. Particularly that most find the ergonomics and handling of the K3 an improvement on the K7/K5, the only small issue being placement of the AF button. It must be my 'Kenny Everett' hands that make the K3 a little uncomfortable for me Hopefully the new D-BG5 grip will help me with the heavier lenses.

The AA simulator can be accessed in the menu system as mentioned by John Riley but it is perhaps just a little easier to get to it by going to Control Panel via the Info button and selecting the bottom-right icon. That then gives the choice of OFF, Type 1 and Type 2 simulation. It's probably easy enough access for most users.

As regards AF performance, in the Chris Niccolls YouTube review he found the lens to be hunting when quickly focussed on near and far objects. I carried out a similar test on a very dull day using the Pentax 17-70 and 50-135 lenses and experienced no hunting at all. It locked on to near and far targets instantly. The only hunting I have experienced so far is when trying to focus indoors on objects with very little contrast in very poor light. Otherwise focussing on static objects is superb. I've not yet had an opportunity to test continuous focus in any meaningful way.

Jim

Now that there are quite a few forum members using the K3 I wonder what their thoughts are on the handling?

Having come to the K3 via K5 and K5 IIs I have to reluctantly say that I don't find the K3 particularly comfortable to use. Specifically, I find the cut-out in the grip places my middle finger about 4mm too high, resulting in the front e-dial feeling too low for the index finger and my thumb riding too high on the rear pad (quite remote from the 4-way controller). Also, holding down the AF mode button while turning the front e-dial feels quite awkward to me. These issues are rather more pronounced with heavier lenses than with the lightweight LTDs so perhaps the D-BG5 will help when it arrives?

I appreciate that this is very much subjective due to different hand sizes, etc, but what are the feelings of other owners so far?

I have to say that in most other respects this is so far proving to be quite an amazing camera.

Jim

Have now heard back from Metz. Unsurprisingly their development department has not yet had a chance to check the K-3. For the moment they are supposing that there will be no function compatibility issues but will verify this once they have checked out a K-3. They'll only then issue a firware update if found necessary.

Probably the answer that might be expected at this stage and Fletcher8's report of using Metz flash with K-3 in Auto-mode (not TTL) is encouraging.

Many thanks for that report Fletcher8. It's very helpful and also encouraging for those of us who await K-3s whilst being perhaps a little concerned by some reports in another thread of compromised high-ISO performance. Yours is quite an endorsement.

That's useful info too Smeggy, thanks.

I've contacted Metz to ask whether a firmware upgrade for the K-3 is forthcoming (or necessary). The last firmware version 4.0 took care of the K-5 II.

There are a number of knock-on costs arising from the new K-3. Mine is due to arrive on Tuesday and I am already facing up to a new battery grip (didn't fancy trying to modify my D-BG4 so I sold that). Also it's likely I will have to upgrade my Lightroom 4 and Elements 10. I'm also not yet sure if my Metz AF50 flash will fully function with the K-3 - perhaps with a firmware update?

The larger PEF/DNG file sizes of the K-3 will also put pressure on hard-drive storage/backup. I have plenty of spare capacity at present but others may not have.

Anyone thinking of buying the K-3 needs to factor in these potential extra costs but hopefully it will be worth every penny.

The K-5 IIs is NOW SOLD to forum member Malcombe. Many thanks Malcombe. It was a pleasure meeting you and I wish you every success with your photographic venture.

That was a very nice camera to own. I just hope the K-3 proves to be a worthy successor.

That's nice to hear Kevin. Many thanks for the purchase.

Jim

b]The D-BG4 grip has now been sold[/b] to member 'tuliptree' who made the first enquiry yesterday. The number of enquiries caught me by surprise so I'm sorry if I was a little slow in responding to all.

The K-5 IIs DSLR is still for sale and I have a couple of serious enquiries. Just to deal with a few queries: This is the IIs model, the 's' denoting no low-pass filter for more detailed images. Shutter actuations are 6,015. There is just over two months of the warranty period remaining. Reason for sale is K-3 on order.

If anyone has any other queries please post or PM.

I'm offering my Pentax K-5 IIs (body only) for sale. It is in perfect condition cosmetically and full working order. I've not experienced any problems with it whatsover and it has been an excellent camera to own and use. It comes with the original packaging and all the original supplied accessories including Pentax D-LI90 battery. Price is £565 to include RMSD.

Also offered is my D-BG4 grip which is in mint condition, full working order and includes original packaging, etc. Price is £125 to include RMSD.