My thoughts on the PENTAX K-3 Mark III six months later and using a DSLR in 2021

[@home.insiders]

I sold my mirror less system and wen back to DSLR last year. I love my Pentax K3 MKIII. Love the feel and viewfinder. So much faster than my Mirrorless I tried. Actually fits in my hands.

[@ShutterKnack]

Switched back to DSLRs last year too.

[@sdhute]

I started mirrorless and now shooting Pentax DSLR.

[@KobieMC]

Great opinion piece Albert! I agree and have been saying the same thing after using the camera daily for a month or 2. Each individual feature alone doesn't make the camera worth it. It's a sum of all parts camera. Once you add up ALL it has, it's absolutely worth it. Eye tracking in OVF, 5+ stop SR, 11-12 FPS, image quality across the entire ISO range, Dynamic range, user controls and customizability coupled with the build quality. The camera is fantastic! With the DA*16-50 PLM, video is actually very good regarding continuous AF. I'm one of the "I want to unplug" when I'm shooting since I already have to look at enough screens all the time. I need that immersive natural experience when I'm shooting. Great video!

[@rmgwheelsspokeslab.7767]

So right man. Some of us have enough digital screen to our eyes a day for another one more to have some fun.

[@ThomasEisl.Photography]

Great remarks - great video!

[@AlbertSiegel]

Thanks! I really appreciate it.

[@Needacreate]

While simply getting the shot in a technical sense certainly matters, I want more from a stills camera. I want something in my hands that compels me to hold it, set it, compose through it, and capture images with that mean something to me. I want to be able to enjoy the process of shooting and creating, and I'm like Albert in believing that it will ultimately show in the images if you do. That's why I'm sticking with my Pentax DSLR.

[@jbp6759]

Well said.

[@danvander-ark1309]

This video convinced me to buy it...I have been going back and forth for a few months on whether to get it or not but your video (and a couple others from like Kobie M-C and Lee Haze) have convinced me! Thanks!

[@quirkworks4076]

You'll love it. I have tons of Pentax bodies but got this anyway. Very happy.

[@ralfmuehl8340]

Thanks for your thoughts Albert! I actually pre-ordered the K3 mark III after having watched your first-impressions video in May. Yours was one of those I felt to be trustworthy, and sure enough I am really happy with my purchase (upgrade from the K5 IIs). The K3 mark III is a joy to hold and to use. Yes, I would have liked a tilting screen and built-in GPS, but the screen viewing angle is very good, and I was lucky to find the O-GPS1 on the second hand market, so I am now experimenting with astrophotography. I totally agree with both you and Kobie: it is the sum of all the details that makes this camera so great, and when you like your gear, it shows in the photos.

[@michaeloberholz5311]

I think the K-5IIs becomes a "Digital Classic". Last incarnation of 1.generation' Pentax's main model, no AA-filtering. K-3 and K-3II are second generation, K-3III now is the third.

[@matthewp7428]

Appreciate the 6 month thoughts. An OVF just makes it feel more like a camera as dumb as that sounds. I've played with mirrorless, and the EVF gives me that cell phone feeling. I'm waiting for the next K1. I hope they do it right.

[@MrBazReviews]

I agree the connection to the subject is vital and whilst I can use an EVF, honestly I find the optical viewfinder a superior experience all round! It does matter, the process is very important. Choice is good for everyone (choice of viewfinder and camera types)

[@artoriaslee]

17:55 I agree with you. some people will find any reason to hate. but thank you for a great video on the pentax system. i've always been curious. im currently deep in the m43 system with olympus and panasonic and been very interested in exploring what pentax offers!

[@bansheep1]

Agreed on all points!! I for one cannot stand EVF... to me EVF is for videos.

[@tonybelton345]

Nice review thanks Albert. I’ve had the camera a few months now after owning the previous K3’s and agree wholeheartedly with your comments. I will add too that although we didn’t get a tilt screen, it has a touch screen. Also there is the joystick! I’ve yet to use them to full advantage as I’m still tending to treat it like my K3/ 2. But given time I’ll use those features more! Also in the menu the camera offers so much more in every respect. It is a very advanced camera, without a doubt. The images it produces are superb!

[@8bittim]

Lots of good points. I think it basically comes down to a few things 1 Do you want to shoot through an optical viewfinder or a evf. 2 What is the tradeoff your willing to go for. For the Pentax you get a superb body, a beautiful ovf, and finally good enough af. The downside being a slightly heavier than most body and you don't get the advantage of an evf. The af still isn't as good (not that it isn't useable). 3 Ultimately if you're a new photographer is it worth it to invest in this system. For most it probably won't be. I do think Pentax is going to carve themselves a nice niche in the market for those that want a DSLR camera that has up to date features

[@highestsprings]

Thanks for a clear and honest review. It just shows that this camera has a place in the current technology. Its also reassuring that the optical view finder is still a selling point going forwards for those that like to see a natural view of the image. Some interesting points about Pentax build quality, image quality, APSC and Full frame. I hope that this camera gets the respect and attention it deserves.

[@richardhale9664]

Nice opinion and ramble. I enjoyed it. I was interested in the Mk iii as an upgrade or addition to my K3/KP system. I eventually got the chance to look at one in the flesh in early October before making any decision. I gave the camera a pass. Not because there was anything wrong with it (there was not, it is very nice indeed), but because it did not offer enough extra over my existing Pentax cameras for my usage at least to justify the cost. Which says a lot about the old K3 and KP and just how good they still are (if you are ok with the less than stellar AF, of course). Which also backs up your point about about the IQ of any camera made in the last 5 or 6 years. I am in almost complete agreement over your points about APSC sensors, especially concerning depth of field (my starting point aperture is f5.6). Where I differ is, having flirted with Nikon FF DSLRs in the past (horrible ergos IMO), that I can see a difference in IQ between APSC and FF even at normal print sizes. I am not talking about D of F or resolution, more the tonal range a FF sensor seems to capture irrespective of MP count. Because of this back in October I did add a K1 ii to my system because it did offer that bit extra to my photography that justified the cost. I was also able to get a used made in Japan 77mm included, all for a bit less than the cost of a K3 iii with battery grip. I wont be using it as a hand held camera though. It remains bolted to my tripod most of the time to get the most from the sensor. For handheld use I much prefer my K3/KP. If I did not already own both of these, I am sure the K3 ii would have been added to my harem.

[@l.nauwelaerts195]

Thank you. You got us hungry for that next video on the eye tracking! 👍🏼

[@stephenfoster7149]

excellent work Albert - appreciate you sharing your thoughts :)

[@ebreckpo6563]

Stumbled by accident on your channel and I agree regarding your thoughts using an optical viewfinder. Having gone back and forth between EVF and optical systems I went back to the optical viewfinder especially in high contrast situations as the current generation of EVF panels can not cope with these huge contrast differences. Some camera manufacturers remedied in the form of a "natural live view". There is still a small lag between what you see and what's happening (although vastly remedied in current generations). At this moment Ricoh-Pentax is the only company having R&D on making optical systems better as all investments halted on DSLR cameras by the big 2 several years ago. Finally a pro photographer on KZbin who admits he used his previous system for 9 years!!! Most photography oriented channels have the tendency to change camera systems at the same frequency as they are hopefully changing their underwear.... The only thing I am missing in some cases is the histogram overlay.

[@vincemokry2380]

I concur, Albert. It is a camera I will use for many years. It has also pushed me to get some better lenses to take advantage of its image quality.

[@ryanw1906]

Thanks for your thoughts!

[@tasteapiana]

On paper, a Bentley GT makes very little sense. It's slower than a Ferrari, even an Aston Martin. It's heavy, it's more expensive, trained repair personnel are hard to find. However, it's built like a tank, has over twice the oil capacity of anything except a Rolls, its cooling system is overkill and then some, it takes potholes like a '59 Cadillac, grease fittings are auto-filled by reservoir, it's a life-long car and if you go broke you can sleep in it because it's more comfortable than anything in the house that you just lost. Meanwhile, those Ferraris and Astons have way less than 1/2 the usable life span, break down every 3 to 5,000 miles, have to have their engines rebuilt every 30 to 60,000 miles (costing an easy $35,000 per episode) and, in the end, give a buyer 10 Xs the grief because that's what you get when all you want is the FASTEST, NEWEST, MOST CUTTING EDGE thing to brag about. I've heard of maybe 3 Pentax owners over the last 35 years who were down because of repairs from normal use, compare that to literally hundreds of Canon and Nikon owners' experiences that we've all heard in that same length of time. They can have their bling and all the headaches that come with that trendy cat toy chasing game. Reliability is 110% of what Pentax is about and it always has been.

[@hanfei6871]

Not the best analogy but ok… also why Pentax users feel such need to justify their choice? Just pay for the preference no explanation needed 💅🏻

[@tasteapiana]

​@@hanfei6871 It boils down to corporations across the spectrum world-wide making us all increasingly nervous as they cheapen products, while raising prices because of trendy unnecessary gimmicky ''features'', which ends up confusing and watering down the brands' offerings. In short, we Pentax users are the nervous types because we live day to day expecting the ax to fall on us and Pentax-Ricoh to do something irreparable, something stupid. That's why we console each other with cult-like accolades. We suffer with always being behind Canon and Nikon and Fujifilm in many ways because we don't need to chase the cutting edge and in return we get solid products that can take real world abuse because the company hasn't become so corrupted that it needs to launch 10 new products every year to stay ''at the front''. When you see or hear or read us talking like members of a cult just remember, ummm, that's exactly what we are lol - but, yeah, for good and very legitimate reasons. Never the less, I get what you are saying, Han, and I can't say you're wrong. I wish it weren't this way but it is 😕

[@hanfei6871]

@@tasteapiana yea I’m just scrolling through Pentax reviews trying to feel good about finally picking one up, so I guess that makes me one of yours. Smashed my last Ricoh (they’re really not the most reliable) during a trip recently, decided to just stick to 1 last DSLR until the end of time. Very surprised to find out that Ricoh didn’t just let Pentax die and even pushed out a couple new models. Hope their lens lineup wasn’t that confusing though.

[@tasteapiana]

@@hanfei6871 Ricoh is a beast of its own ilk, I think they know the Pentax lineup is supposed to be more rugged than their more consumer friendly offerings. At least the haven't lowballed on that, just stalled on the advanced feature set a bit. I get that ''until the end of time'' thing. I still have a K-10D from 2007. It's been on several continents, through every climate and probably clocked 50,000 miles and 5,000 hours of use without even a hickup. With a smc FA f1.4 50mm lens it gives me portraits that rival anything on earth and the smc D FA f2.8 MACRO 50mm is a nice simple setup for doing online product sales. It might not be for the expected pro level routine but it does me good to this very day. Welcome to the cult lol

[@SokolHazizi]

hey whats up with the focus point active on the left of the screen (green square) LOL!

[@slimphotog]

My Sony A6400 has given me 2x the keeper rate of my K3 due to it's autofocus tracking and fast focusing lenses. But I had to switch back to my K3 for a couple non-sports photo ops and liked the results and enjoyed the shooting experience more. The Pentax is my photographic friend, but I fight with my Sony constantly. Pentax lenses are not as good as the new mirrorless lenses coming out, but they are good value for money, even the 35mm f/2.4, the 50mm f/1.8, and 40mm XS. Get a used Limited lens like I did and a K-70 and you have a cheap starter kit. I just wish that 1. K-3 iii came down in price to around the price of a 90D, and 2. Third party support for lenses hadn't ended. I'm reluctant to give up my Sigma 16mm f/1.4.

[@gamingwithstand6886]

I would say I would like to see a flip out screen of done kind for when the viewfinder might not be working. There have been a few times as a wedding photographer the flip out screen came in very handy.

[@Gynra]

Nicely reasoned assessment. I guess mirrorless cameras have won the "battle", but I never understood why zealots wanted the DSLR to die. I always thought there was a place for both, though I can see why manufacturers moved to mirrorless as they are probably easier and cheaper to manufacture. The prism in a Pentax must be quite costly to produce, I imagine. I am happy to own and use mirrorless, DSLRs and rangefinder cameras. Currently I own a Pentax K-1, a Nikon Z6, Leica SL-2S and a Leica M10-P. Each has its own quirks and advantages, but all are capable of stellar images, even if I am not!. I have just bought a Pentax K3 Mark III Jet Black Limited edition. In the words of Douglas Adams, it's "bad for the eyes". You're absolutely right, Albert: it's all about enjoying one's equipment and getting the best out of it.

[@michaeloberholz5311]

A word on the pricing. When its predecessor K-3II was launched for around 1300€ in Europe You could choose to buy its predecessor K-3 for about 750-850€.Later K-3II went for 900.

[@SalwanJBinni]

I've never used a Pentax camera so far and I highly respect Pentax, and I agree with what you've said in general but still I think that the K3 needs to have an articulating screen to be a remarkable APS-C camera from a reputable manufacturer...

[@redneck3757]

pro-tip for all who think that mirror less cameras prevail over dslrs, almost each modern dslr can works as mirror less in the live view mode, but no one mirror less has the real viewfinder, so you can't have a real view through the lenses... and even don't ask about the battery life...

[@gamingwithstand6886]

I agree with you about bokeh. But sometimes I do like over blown bokeh. I use Luminar A.I. for a few photos. I never shoot over blown bokeh for weddings it's nice to see the environment the couple is in. But sometimes for a few portraits over blown bokeh is nice I'll do a few photos like that in Luminar A.I. Over blown bokeh is good for head shots and sometimes half or full body shots.

[@gamingwithstand6886]

I agree with you about Pentax. But I think Pentax should keep the k-mount but make one model with electrical viewfinder. By keeping the k-mount the same with no adapter would be a good move. This would be a little like Sony A-mount. I think there is a place for DSLR and mirrorless.

[@davidstorm4015]

Good review, but just one point you made when you said you can't get a full frame camera for the price of a K-3iii - you can, it's called a Pentax K-1 and it has equivalent build quality! I also think the K-1 has better IQ than the K-3iii

[@8bittim]

Actually many current FF cameras cost as much or less even. Disregarding canon and Sony, you can grab a Nikon z6 for well under the k3 iii body only and you can grab a panasonic Lumix s5 with a kit lens during a sale for the same price of the k3 iii body only

[@sulev111]

Canon R/RP/6DII, Sony A7II/A7III/A7c, Nikon Z6/Z6II/D780

[@TTbagger]

Amazing review. I have the old Olympus E620 DSLR - still futuristic todfay; I have the Olympus E-M1 Mk ii - very good mirrorless but missing the nice DSLR feeling. And I have the K3 Mk iii - best camera of all times. I fully agree with all which was said here in the video. I really feel the sensor size limits on the E-M1 ii although it is nice and portable - but the K3 iii is just fantastic.

[@leehaze1]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@danigonzalez4299]

Hi Albert, Yeah I think the same exactly. Even about the short buffer! Now, just curious, how much is it nowadays in Japan? Probably you can buy it a bit cheaper now than in the rest of the world.

[@Michael-fw5ef]

Pentax is the best camera system in many ways, but one thing they have to improve is their autofocus system.

[@gryphongryph]

It has become much better with the software updates since its release.

[@class_a]

I agree with your points about optical viewfinders, etc. Pentax is clearly a great choice for many photographers. It is not correct, though, to claim that the K-3 III's IQ is on par with FF cameras. The difference maybe too small to matter for you and for many others, however, it objectively exists. An FF camera might also better serve your wide-angle lens needs because you may find more lens options and the lens designs for super wide-angle FF lenses don't have to be so extreme in comparison to APS-C lenses.

[@gryphongryph]

Albert, will you do an update to your review as the Pentax have issued so many firmware updates?

[@AlbertSiegel]

Hi, sorry to say that work has left me little free time the past seven months. I realize I've neglected my KZbin channel for quite a bit, but I'm happy to say that I have been planning to get back into it now that my main projects are winding up. I have a couple of videos I'm working on at the moment. One nearly finished about the old Sony R1, another about the new PENTAX WG-90, plus a couple more I want to work on. After that, I will most definitely look into providing an update to this video. It's an excellent suggestion. Thank you! Is there anything specific you would like me to talk about for a K-3 Mark III follow-up?

[@solysums5885]

What lens. Can be adapted to Pentax .I am interested in the mono. because of the bsi cmos. Like the"pixii" which is rated higher than leica full frame. Thanks for all your good work😊

[@AlbertSiegel]

Thank you. You can use any K-Mount or m42 lens with adapter. There are no other mounts worth trying without modifications or limitations. Though more limited than other options, there is more than enough excellent glass out there that will work with PENTAX cameras.

[@solysums5885]

@@AlbertSiegel thanks Albert.

[@luissalazar2021]

Thank you for sharing, I appreciate for your input, I am coming from film,.

[@rmgwheelsspokeslab.7767]

Mirrorless have lots of advantages and they are growing as focusing abilities improve, but they are just a piece for a very strong planned obsolescence just by the fact of the EVF which will be continously improving trying to catch real view. Focusing on animals eye, no blackout, real exposure view, video through viewfinder and even silent shutter are amazing but I don´t like the idea of looking through another digital screen. This is all about consumerism. We go hectic about the camera and forget about photography. I can´t arrive to understand how is it possible AF are so improved while Expsoure Metering not at all. What´s a camera if it doesn´t measure light properly when it´s all about light? So right, there´s a huge obsession on shallow DOF. We don´t see that way.

[@TapChanek]

Do you think it is worth to buy it if I'll have to use DA L kit lenses from K-x? I'm just a hobbyist. I am asking because I can switch to Canon EOS 90D with 2 lenses or Nikon D500 with kit lens for the price of K3 III body alone. And for price of just €100 more than K3 III with 18-135 kit lens I can get Nikon D780 with 24-120 lens...

[@AlbertSiegel]

I think it's worth it. The DA-L 18-55 is a surprisingly good lens for a kit. You can always add other lenses later as your budget allows. The DA 35 and 50 are outstanding lenses at very reasonable prices for example. Another point to consider is you seem to be interested in only DSLR options. Canon is shifting away to mirrorless and Nikon seems to be doing the same. You would be buying into a system with no long-term support. PENTAX has committed to DSLRs, so that right there is a major factor to consider if mirrorless is not an option for you.

[@TapChanek]

@@AlbertSiegel Well, Pentax cuts the branch it sits on by such prices as K3 III, future may be as long as other DSLR brands. It's not like I am interested only in DSLRs, the problem isn't in having EVF over OVF. Problem with MILCs is that in APS-C format they are small and light (FF MILCs on the other hand are too expensive) and I like to feel camera in my hands, prefer good, solid grip over compact size (especially that what MILCs manage to drop size-wise is usually compensated by bigger lenses). X-S10 would be great camera but it's considered very small and, which i don't really like, is derived of many useful dials thus forces user to either use touch screen or jump through menus.

[@sulev111]

It's not worth it at all. As far as I know AF is only somewhat good/accurate with new lenses. For the same money you can get a Sony A7III or Nikon Z6II. Add a little more and you'll be in reach of a Canon R6. But you have to decide for yourself. If you are a working pro, stay away from Pentax, if you simply shoot for fun, don't care about the results nearly as much as the shooting experience nor have a problem with the price tag... go ahead. (As far as DA-L lenses and DA50 being outstanding lenses... lol, no way. Both are bad lenses. Maybe "for the money" as you can get the 18-55 for 10$ used and the 50 for under 100$, but that's about it. 18-55 is not sharp, 50 has a lot of CA/fringing and both use screwdrive)

[@TapChanek]

@@sulev111 As I said, temporary lenses. I'd rather try to get 18-135 DC WR and 50mm f/1.8 SMC DA somewhere soon. The cheapest I can get A7III with any kit lens for is around €2200 so at the same price as K3III+18-135. Nikon Z6II is around €2500. None of those have PixelShift. My 18-55 Is only sharp around 20-35mm, further on it is really soapy.

[@sulev111]

@@TapChanek is pixel shift important to you? (more than having FF) Don't discount the used market. You can get a used A7III for 1300€ + Tamron 28-200/f2.8-5.6 around 500€. That would be a killer combo. IMO the better AF alone is worth it.

[@TheLocalredhead]

Agree, on paper it is a tough sell, especially APSC. It performs great though.

[@jonmnelson]

I have a K-1 as well as a few Leicas, film and digital. I love the OVF and build quality of my Pentax as much as my Leicas. Sure, it’s getting to be more of a niche thing today, but I’m a niche kind of guy. I’ll never sell my K-1.

[@nachohernandez9491]

Not fair price Where the Nikon z6 ii is same price and better camera

[@Gynra]

I have both cameras. In what way do you find a Z6 ii to be better, please? Do you have a Pentax K-3 III? Currently, a Z6 ii is £200 more expensive than a K-3 III in the UK, but I accept the prices are in the same ball park.

[@엄익태-n7k]

공감 합니다. .그러나. 동영상 기능은 덜어내고 사진에 좀더 기능을 더해도 좋을듯 합니다.

[@bobfarley4102]

"uh"

[@sovu9399]

Hi! I know k1 ii is the best for landscapes, but the k3 iii has so many new features and menu and nice design, would it be good enough for landscapes too? i can live with fixed screen.

[@AlbertSiegel]

Hi, the new K-3 Mark III is more than good for landscapes, it's excellent! Being an APSC sensor, you get a tad more in focus thanks to the so-called crop factor. And thanks to the improved technology in that camera, it completes well with larger sensors from not long ago. I highly recommend it!