Pentax K3III review (on field experience)

[@TheOdek1974]

Pentax is still alive and kicking ass to those people who says that DSLR's is dead, nice to hear this from a fellow pentaxians. Pentax is alive and will be forever..

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Ahhhhh....love to here those words. Good on ya mate!

[@maggimarmion3836]

Love this camera! Had mine for a week now 👍 added to my collection of many Pentax cameras 👍👍😊😊

[@MattBishopPhotography]

It’s a very powerful apsc. Probably the most powerful many are saying. Very happy to have mine in the bag beside my K1’s. Enjoy shooting with it and remember, have fun!!!!!!

[@denisrandomtech5822]

Its an interesting choice for those who prefer using a DSLR but its price is insane for the specs and the fact that it is an aps-c camera. I hope they will release a K1 iii.

[@Gynra]

Great review Matt. I'm excited about the new camera, and I have my order in already. I hope the eye detect autofocus works really well, as that would help my portrait photography so much.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Your very welcome mate. The focus is certainly a big step forward with respect to previous models. I am sure you will appreciate it among many other features!!!!

[@LeeIveson]

Looks nice! Its right up my street for action sports & fast moving subjects outdoors in all weather conditions.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

If that’s your type of photography for sure!

[@egb4828]

Wonderful in field review, no better way to show its real performance. Looking forward to more!

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Thanks a lot mate. Wasn’t really an technically review as yet. Just wanted people to get a feel of the camera through my photography in general

[@BrettSutherland10]

I absolutely love the K3 iii. I miss the tilt, but have opted for a cell mount onto an L bracket for macro and astro. It's cheap, a little less convenient, but works great for composition. I've connected via BT and wifi and haven't noticed any advantage to one over the other. Thanks Matt for the great video.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Thanks mate. Great to here you experience. It’s such an underrated camera. In the right hands a very powerful tool indeed

[@jlewis7356]

It's great that Pentax lovers love the new Pentax. Pentax has always been known for great value. Does this camera continue that tradition? I love shooting Pentax, but if the value proposition is no longer there, are there better options going forward? One has to wonder.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

The camera is a Pentax camera in every value. If your into sport, portraits etc or want to stick with apsc, this camera is the best option for you

[@baba6777]

Thanks for this original presentation I changed my opinion ..l keep my K3 limited silver Yes with the K1

[@leehaze1]

Thanks for putting this together Matt. Keep up the good work. I was iffy when I saw the price months ago. But I am going to take the plunge. Looking forward to it.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Your very welcome mate. I hope that the first impressions helped. It’s really a great camera and until it’s in your hands, what everyone says, what the specs are, it’ll all make sense to you

[@matthewp7428]

I'm in your boat. I'm hoping for a K1iii with these sort of updates in the next few years. Thanks for the peak into the camera. It's an exciting release.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Yeh, the new k1 will be an absolute Beast! Take into account though this is a very powerful camera too even if it is an APSC

[@matthewp7428]

@@MattBishopPhotography definitely. From what I've seen, if I were shopping for an upgrade from my K70 now, I'd really have to consider this as a viable alternative to buying a new K1ii. It's tempting to buy this as a second body, but my funds are limited 😂 and I'd rather continue to invest in full frame glass for my K1 at the moment.

[@thomasschwarze7288]

Your videos are always brilliant! So many thanks also for this one...can't wait for more information about the AF shooting fast objects (wildlife, birds!) I think it is even better then the one in the K1 ?

[@NielsdeKemp]

Nice video Matt! Glad you like the camera as well :) 🤙

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Cheers mate. Just a quick thought process. Really looking forward to get it out in some serious landscapes soon

[@truthseeker3536]

What is with the emoji? Freemason? Tare?

[@HH60gPaveHawk]

Oh man I can’t wait. I’d honestly love for this to take my K1’s place, but we will see if it makes the grade. I think this and a KP would be a great landscape/wildlife body pair for traveling

[@michaels5166]

That K1 is the BOMB,so..I know mine is...

[@thomashuller8099]

I don't understand a lot of other people's reviews that ridicule Pentax. As you can see here, they took wonderful photos.

[@publiusbrutus894]

Thank you for the review, but there is one thing that concerns me and I can't find an answer: off-camera flash. My K-5 had a pop-up that I used as a control to fire my 540FGZ remotely. Can the K-3 use a shoe mounted flash for the same purpose and do I need another 540 or can I use the cheeper 201FG as the control? If you have any ideas or suggestions I would be greatful.

[@MotoRich900]

Great review as always Matt, hopefully given the much improved AF system Pentax will team up with Tamron to release a K mount 150-600 version, on a side note which region of Italy are you in, my sister bought a retirement home in Pescara our mother's hometown, I plan on many visits.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Yes the AF is brilliant. I am in Rome!

[@kenspo]

If this camera just had come a few years earlier...But nice video..Didnt see it before now :)

[@alistairbell6728]

Excellent Matt I can't wait to get a K3 mk3. :)

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Thanks a lot. You’ll love it

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

It would be interesting to compare it with K1II, in same situations. Both on a tripod, same scene, and see what each camera does.

[@speterlewis]

Good stuff, Matt. Can't wait for the K-1iii (although I suppose I'll have to). May pick up this one just to have (I mean, I neeeeeeed it, right?)

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Yeh, if the k1 iii has all this technology built into it, what a beast it will be!!!

[@PeterPatoschka]

man, I really like your photographs and i dig the brand, but consider a dedicated audio-recorder with a lavalier mic (with a mini-deadcat), when you record your videos... since there are so many scenes in your vids, when what you say is too silent or too distorted...

[@sarahainsworth4428]

Some beauties with that 11-18 DA*

[@MattBishopPhotography]

It’s actually a really nice lens and combo with this camera. You know, quite comparable to the IQ combo of the k1 and 15-30.

[@majornova8357]

gawd i miss DSLR's, just wrecked my SOny A7riv and a 16-35gm. Insured but painful experience, too flimsy and lack that tactile experience. great video Matt.

[@highestsprings]

It's looking good indeed.

[@andrewbritten]

Nicely done, Matt. Was trying to figure out where you are there! Then saw your lead-in. Mate, did you get to try out pixel shift yet? Having a Crowny for you as we speak -HA! Cheers form sunny Melbourne.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Hey bud!!!! Jeeeezzzz, haven’t had a crown lager in years. Be sure to have 2 of them for me. My testing so far was very basic. Standard landscapes and some handheld wildlife. We are in Covid lockdown atm so as soon as the borders open up I will be getting my teeth stuck into it

[@andrewbritten]

@@MattBishopPhotography I'll keep a keen eye out! Just cracked anothe-ree.

[@ivanlupi5123]

Hey Matt. Please try to post some astro pics with the 11-18. I am already selling my k1 and 15-30 (if they sell) so that I can enjoy the benefits of the k3 M3 ISO performance but It wont make any sense if the 11-18 is no match for the 15-30.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

The 11-18 is a really great lens. Not quite as sharp on the edges as the 15-30. The k3 iii has better DR for night photography. I haven’t yet done any night photography as yet though

[@ivanlupi5123]

@@MattBishopPhotography Thanks for the video. Hope you have the chance someday to post a couple on the pentaxians website or your own.

[@p3ff500]

Thank you for this preliminary review Matt! I'm using a Pentax K5-IIs (a great camera that I will miss, for sure!) for 6 years now, and I haven't pulled the trigger for a K3-II or a KP yet due to to the lack of obvious progress on AF speed + accuracy, and ISO rising capabilities. As I'm now turning to wildlife photography and fast action sports, I'm highly regarding those points. How high in ISO would you go before to process to post-production noise treatment? I read that 12.800 ISO would be easily reacheable without fuss, do you agree with this?

[@MattBishopPhotography]

The previous tests that I performed were prior to the firmware update and may be inaccurate. However I didn’t perform let’s say “lab tests” I did notice beautiful files at 3200 iso and beyond that the noise slowly crept in to a workable file up to 20,800. Again, these results could vary

[@KobieMC]

I can't wait to take delivery!

[@MattBishopPhotography]

It’s an awesome camera. You’ll love it for all those birds photography shots mate

[@KobieMC]

@@MattBishopPhotography No doubt! It's literally the Pentax I've always been waiting for 😁

[@wkunique]

no, no, no, almost 10 minutes of talking about anything! we have waited a few years for a new Pentax camera and now what we need ... is a real photographer who will tell us straightforward what is good and improved and what is behind competing products

[@MattBishopPhotography]

This is a first glance at the camera. My first impression with a few images to showcase its work in their pure RAW form. If there is something specific that you wish me to discuss please let me know so that I can add it to the notes for my next in-depth video

[@mikemuizebelt]

Awesome video mate! Glad you love it much as I do! :-)

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Cheers buddy! Yes...it’s a top camera!

[@wimjacobs4075]

Great video. Looks very promising. I see a lot that improves on my K-3 mark II, which I thought had everything I would ever need. One remark though: why did you mount the hood on the 70-200 rotated 90 degrees? ;-)

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Thanks a lot. Glad you liked it. Yes, the Mark iii is a huge step forward, although it follows the k3 name it is certainly another system all together. The range hood, didn’t even realize. Was a quick shoot out of the bag!

[@FreedomToRoam86]

Can’t wait to take one out camping!

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Me too

[@pattespattes]

Thanks for the video, did you replace your K1 for this for your future landscape shooting ?

[@MattBishopPhotography]

I still use my k1 Mark I & II. This is a great camera for lighter trips when combined with the 11-18 lens and also as an extra in the bag camera for the hand held shots that spontaneously occur when I am out on field

[@rayjennings3637]

Looks great. Why did you rave about the shutter sound and tell us to listen to it then drown it out with the unnecessary music?

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Why? Couldn’t you here it on your computer???? The music is about mood

[@rayjennings3637]

@@MattBishopPhotography Sorry, Matt but if I choose to watch and listen to a review about a camera, that's what I want. I don't need 'mood music'. Don't get me wrong here. The review was good but I ask you again though; Why did you rave about the shutter sound and tell us to listen to it then drown it out with the 'mood' music?

[@MattBishopPhotography]

@@rayjennings3637 thanks for your feedback. FYO on my end the music came in after the shutter, but, just the same I will try to be more careful on your account for the next time if your interested in my channel. Regards, have a great day

[@rayjennings3637]

@@MattBishopPhotography Cheers for the response, Matt. I've subscribed - and clicked the bell, anyway!

[@ClaudioBeffa]

Hi Matt, thanks for this review. I'd like to ask you if you're planning to test it for astrophotography. I'm a landscape and travel photographer who prefers the compactness and lightness of the APS-C system (filters included) over the high resolution and sensitivity of the FF. However my K-3 MK1 shows its limits in astrophotography, where the high ISO noise forces me to use some boring and time consuming techniques to obtain clean images. I'm particularly interested to know how well the K-3 MK3 performs in terms of high ISO performance, dynamic range, exposure latitude, and final quality with the DA* 11-18/2.8 Thanks again! 😉

[@MattBishopPhotography]

I’ve had a tonne of people ask me the same question. Although it’s a style of photography that I have never dealt with, as soon as this lockdown lifts and we are allowed outdoors I will certainly get stuck into this

[@MattBishopPhotography]

The 11-18 is brilliant on this body. A bit soft on the edges compared to the 15-30 but IQ is very high. My tests for iso at 3200 show noise free However this was a pre production model so results may vary

[@ClaudioBeffa]

@@MattBishopPhotography thanks for the quick reply! Well, the K-3 MK1 at ISO 3200 already shows quite a lot of noise, so if you say that the MK3 is almost noise free at the same setting, I think we have a game changer. In the other fields the MK1 is still brilliant (I rarely use AF and video feature though) but the limits of an old sensor start to be visible after 8 years. Thanks agan and "buona luce" 😉

[@MattBishopPhotography]

The shot I took at 3200 look noise free. At 12,800 seems workable. However another photographer I know says he notices noise at 3200. With the new firmware I need to test it properly

[@iangordicans8763]

wish I'd seen these reviews before I bought my sony a7riii

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Every camera has its pro’s and cons but for reasons I have mentioned you can’t surpass Pentax with these features

[@ellicottraven2037]

Is it worth the 2 grand? I have a KS-2 and pretty happy with it.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

It all depends on what you want out of a camera mate. If the ks2 is doing the job for you stick with it. It’s the eye behind the lens that counts. If you do want to invest in a better apsc camera though, this is the camera for you. It’s a lot of money but the research and work that went into this pentaprism alone is worth every cent

[@ellicottraven2037]

@@MattBishopPhotography Well thank you. Right now I'm investing in lenses, but soon there will come a time when I may need to upgrade when I am a better photographer and the prices invariably tend to come down. Thanks again for your response.

[@teresabrubaker]

The cost is higher, but not compared to other brands of this quality. I am a professional sports photographer and this camera is a huge improvement over my very good K-3 mark i. It is so good, I am hoping to add another when I save my pennies to have at the ready on other lenses. Pentax did an amazing job with this new model! Nice video, Matt! I enjoy and appreciate how you include your settings for a specific shot. I want to improve my landscape photography and this helps! Thank you! @MattBishop

[@teresabrubaker]

@@MattBishopPhotography The cost is higher, but not compared to other brands of this quality. I am a professional sports photographer and this camera is a huge improvement over my very good K-3 mark i. It is so good, I am hoping to add another when I save my pennies to have at the ready on other lenses. Pentax did an amazing job with this new model! Nice video, Matt! I enjoy and appreciate how you include your settings for a specific shot. I want to improve my landscape photography and this helps! Thank you! @MattBishop

[@MattBishopPhotography]

@@teresabrubaker exactly. People are complaining about the cost but what they have to consider is the price for quality, research and precision engineering has its price and yes, still cheaper than other models which is an important point. Glad you liked the content. Please check out my on field videos. You may find them interesting with regard to landscape. I am working on a new one so please stay on the lookout

[@shaunmeredith6437]

i am ordering this DSLR end of month , with the update how is that done ?

[@MattBishopPhotography]

The updates you perform by downloading them from the Ricoh website

[@ariesmight6978]

Hello Matt Bishop my question to you is. Is the image quality from the Pentax K3 III. Near or at the image quality of the Sony A7 SIII?

[@MattBishopPhotography]

I don’t use a Sony so I couldn’t give you an accurate suggestion. I suggest you compare with the ratings on dxo against the k1 which is proving similar if not better IQ

[@exitar1]

Thanks!!

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Your welcome

[@PaulthomsonphotographyUk]

Nice one buddy 😀👍✌

[@simonstevens1631]

Who is this camera aimed at? I have the k70. Its more than I need. It's a third the price of this. It has a flippy screen. And can use astrotacer. It's down side, only one card slot. I've never filled a card so it's not a problem! The wifi is shockingly slow. So I bought a card reader for the phone. 8 dollars! The video is awful but I use the phone for that. The battery life sucks. So I have extra. Other than that I love the k70. If I were to upgrade I'd go for the k1 mark 2. Its cheaper than the k3 mark 3 by 200 dollars and you get a lens! All the reviews I've seen so far about the k3 m3 are its great but the price isn't mentioned. I've seen nothing in the reviews that out shine the k70 so far. So for the money people should by the k70. Love your work by the way but you'd not give up your k1 for this I bet.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

This camera is aimed at photographers wanting a complete reflex experience in the best possible way utilizing digital technology

[@simonstevens1631]

@@MattBishopPhotography so will you be returning the camera and sticking with the k1? Or selling the k1 to keep the k3? Having watched other reviews not a one has put a good case forward for this camera. It seems that this is an updated kp. Thats probably why they discontinued it. I'm still getting the k1 for my next camera. Everyone is in agreement over that camera. Having looked at the specs for the k70 and the new k3. I bet I could give it a run for its money. Biggest print from the k70 was 18 feet square. Anymore resolution is just a waste I think. Now we wait to see the reviews from people who actually buy the camera. I'm pretty sure they will say the like it but the video still sucks. Time will tell I guess.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

My impressions on using the camera is based on the fact that I actually used it. For others to judge it from the written specs is easy, but hey, we all have different opinions and needs and that’s what makes the world and photography such a beautiful thing. Thanks for you treasures comments

[@robinchollet7571]

Hi man! 😬 2k dollars for this beautiful and interesting camera! I should wait 😆 Come on guys! Send me money 💵😂😂

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Hahahjajaja

[@StevenBrener]

It looked like you were able to focus using the touchscreen LCD - is that correct? Thanks!

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Yes I was. Amazing accuracy and speed with contrast detection on the touch screen

[@NoMastersNoMistress]

How does the dynamic range compare to the K1?

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Probably a little better for sure from what I’ve tested

[@NoMastersNoMistress]

@@MattBishopPhotography Thanks!

[@mikedimimd]

Can anyone tell me if astrotracer is an option and how it compares to the K1

[@MattBishopPhotography]

With our pre production model we were informed at a later date the possibility of third party gps. I will get back to you about that one

[@mikedimimd]

@@MattBishopPhotography does the current unit not work?

[@nedbeg667]

Why not a display like the one on K1? Completely uninteresting to me. For the money non-sellers

[@VietBach122]

Is it a built-in GPS camera?

[@MattBishopPhotography]

No. There is discussion about 3rd party applications to sync with camera

[@VietBach122]

@@MattBishopPhotography Thank you! What a pity!!

[@oirsiplvekp6407]

hi do you have a Instagram account cuz i would love to see your work

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Yes I do. On my profile page there is a link

[@ivankiefer3886]

You could make those pictures with almost any camera and it respective lens.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Would you like me to send you the RAW files so you can judge them for yourself. The IQ is comparable if not better than the K1 so for my personal experience actually using the camera not judging other people’s reviews or reading specs is significantly different. Not to mention, how I took the images! The OVF experience, the precision and response AF, the true beautiful raw files compared to other flat raw files coming out of cameras.

[@ivankiefer3886]

@@MattBishopPhotography I bet is better. What I meant is that the pictures are good not because of the camera but the photographer behind it and from what I see I can put almost any camera in your hands and the results are good to be great. But thanks for replying I respect your work

[@MattBishopPhotography]

@@ivankiefer3886 for sure the photographer behind the camera makes all the difference and I am not denying that. Certainly though this camera makes the process behind the photography even better and still the raw files are stunning. If you like I can email them to you?

[@eagleeatsmonkey3621]

last of the mohicans or the last samurai

[@balatonlife2708]

Crop is more expensive than good full frames ..... How?

[@MattBishopPhotography]

The engineering and parts that go into making this camera was very costly

[@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.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Apart from the lack of a swivel screen, yes it does a great job

[@sovu9399]

@@MattBishopPhotography Thank you!

[@hyperseah]

I kept looking at the dog.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Hope he didn’t distract you

[@hyperseah]

@@MattBishopPhotography He did but he is just so adorable. 😁 I did not even catch what you were saying. Have to watch your video again.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Hahahaha. He’s always beside my side and knows especially when the camera is rolling

[@garyguest1999]

Yes its a great camera but to upgrade and to pay close on $3000 for a camera that has no tilt screen is not on. OK for guys that are young and dont care about getting on the ground for low shots or doing star shots without a tilt screen can be a real challenge. I think the high ISO capabilities makes it half worth wild but good denoise software can save you lots in your back pocket. Good review but? I'll stick with my K-1 and K-3.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

The tilt screen is a sacrifice for a camera predominately designed for handheld OVF use. However the lcd touch screen, resolution and multi functions are brilliant. Don’t compare it to a k1 or am old k3. The camera is designed for a whole other function. I am sure that when the new FF comes out these capabilities plus our tilt screen will be part of the system in a larger rugged camera

[@garyguest1999]

@@MattBishopPhotography I am not one to get carried away by hype. We have become a must have world yet over half the people that wil rush out and buy that next new thing won't have got what they could have from the equipment they already have. I can see you are enjoying it and that great to see. Best of luck and keep shooting.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

@@garyguest1999 cheers mate. I can understand where you me coming from. Still, who’s looking to get a better experience with photography, advanced or not, or who’s looking for an upgrade it’s a great option. Stay safe mate!!!

[@graywz]

Wouldn't a tilt touch screen make the camera perfect? It's the obvious flaw in usability for landscapes. Great pity.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

It’s a small Sacrifice for a beautiful camera that is generally focused on the handheld photography. We did it for years without the tilt so for me I can deal with it. We’ll Have to wait for the k1 Mark iii for that!

[@richardbraham2486]

Love Pentax gear. The opening music to the video is awful....

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Thanks.

[@johngisbourne7197]

you need a proper mic, thanks man !

[@melvinch]

The music is nauseating.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

I am terribly sorry to have wasted your time. If you clicked on the video you obviously want to see the “first impressions of the k3” without music. If you send me your email I can direct it to you without the music?

[@takuan650]

After getting seriously frustrated with the Pentax AF and MF on my K5IIs and K3 I have long moved on to other camera systems and this K3III has nothing that other cameras don't have after 6 years of tinkering. $2000 for an APSC camera without a flip screen? Probably not! Bigger viewfinder, 1.6 mio ISO (??), Yeah, big deal, maybe for some hardcore Pentaxians, but for the new generation of aspiring Photographers? DSLR's? Fossil fuel cars won't be around for much longer either. In 6 months time this camera will be remembered as an aberration.

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Thanks for your comments. I respectfully Disagree with you though. I am one of very few that have shot with this camera and Until you try it for yourself, your opinions are only that of what’s written on paper