Biggest difference really if you go mirrorless is the on sensor auto focus points (just like the Pentax K-70 has?) which then feeds a processor with the real world image continuously (instead of only when the mirror is up). This allows for tracking autofocus, both of objects and people and even eyes or pets etc (depending on the power of the computer processor in use). This functionality is extremely powerful and extended across the whole frame too. No real reason why DSLRs couldn’t do this too in love view/mirrorless mode, other than cost.

Could be the sensor stabilisation in use creating the sound?

It makes for an interesting discussion. I know of dslr cameras that are predominantly used for video production work. Going by traditional shutter count metrics you’d expect them to be almost brand new, despite years of use.

Is there really no inbuilt gps?

Yeah that’s a hot shoe to standard 1/4” male tripod thread. Onto which you can mount anything, and in that case it’s a GoPro mount and then onto a cell phone holder.

Funny thing is once you go tripod then there’s much less need for an optical viewfinder. Personally anything tripod (at night or landscapes for example) is instantly live view with digital zoom and focus peaking manual focus.
If you’re doing anything where a rear screen or cellphone display is involved, then you’re in mirrorless mode anyway.

The KP with its accelerator chip upped the useable iso quite a bit. Assume we’ll just see that ported to the K3-3

Lack of a floppy screen does seem an odd choice, especially how all in the went with the K-1 screen mechanism. The camera has to be in mirrorless mode to use a rear screen though so I assume they’re doubling down on the ‘Pentax does DSLR only’ theme. Touch screen is a welcome addition and I hope it works when reviewing shots as well as just the menus.

Tracking AF is what’s needed, though this has improved a lot for me with the PLM lens, so I do wonder how much of that is limited by the internal screw drive approach. A faster electronics processor is going to be needed for this, and I don’t think the original K-3 / K-1 cameras have the grunt required for this sort of tracking. (Just a hunch based on feedback findings from those looking into custom Pentax camera firmwares).

If they have returned mechanical stabilisation during video, plus upped the resolution (and hopefully bit rate) then this camera feels exactly what I’ve been after and hoping would come via firmware update to the original K-3.

All reports look very positive to me.

Have you checked the viewfinder diopter adjustment dial hasn’t been moved?

Hi Gwyn,

Kinda feel bad commenting on this thread. Christmas here in New Zealand will be just as normal all going to plan. Not a lot of snow, but hopefully some swimming in the beach.

All the best to everyone, stay safe and all the best.

To hear of aperture mechanism failings in newer cameras is really disappointing. Pentax should have been all over this after the K-30 issues.

If all else fails, you can still use the camera with (typically older) lens which have mechanical aperture selection dials.

There are fixes for this, but not sure on price if it's no longer under warranty.

Assuming money is not an issue, I'd wait and see what this new Pentax camera brings.

With regards to portraits/children etc, I'm not sure DSLRs are ever going to match the focusing/tracking power of mirrorless now.
The ability to detect faces and even track eyes to keep them in focus is stunning but will only work on a DSLR in mirrorless live view mode.

The new Pentax apparently has many more focusing points, so maybe they've provided something like this.

The KP is nice when paired with a smaller lens, very compact and powerful, but it's not the same market category type of camera as the K-5 / K-3 range, so there are real differences around shutter speeds/card slots/burst rates and ergonomics etc that may or may not be important to you.

Merry Christmas Peter and to all.