The best DSLR ever made overlooked by most

Time fly's when your having fun! It's been almost 3 years since I picked up the Pentax K3, so it's about time I gave my review/thoughts on this brilliant DSLR camera. Enjoy
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Video Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:42 Key dates/stats
1:44 Show the love!
2:28 Why I bought it
3:19 Prosumer DSLR
5:59 Diamond in the rough
#pentax #camerareview

[@LeeIveson]

Pentax K70 Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6OqpYWtnt5orq8 Samsung NX Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2rLoZqfoNNjjcU

[@dbkfrogkaty1]

You know it's not stated often enough how rugged Pentax cameras are and their superb ergonomics. You made that point really well here. Way back when I went to buy for my first DSLR, the K10D the salesman tried instead to sell me the Nikon D70. A nice camera, kind of plasticky I thought. "The K10D is not what you want he said." How can that be, I replied, it won camera of the year? We went back and forth. Told him I would think about it. Went home and ordered the K10D online. Today I have the K-5II. Feels perfect in my hands and tough as nails.

[@LeeIveson]

Thanks Douglas, I know right! I feel like they just fly right under the radar to a point. I'm going to bet that that guy was earing more commission on the D70 than the K10D! I own the K5 (original version) it also feels great in hand, it's a camera that I like to just have a walk out with & shoot whatever I see.

[@ryszardtarnowski8213]

That's right! 💯 As the owner of K20D and K-5 II I can fully support that! Both are fantastic. Recently I had a chance to play with my friend's EOS 70D - great camera and very capable overall, but the feeling of buttons was a bit mushy compared to my Pentaxes. This might sound stupid, buttons don't take pictures, but I guess you know what I mean, Pentax fits in the hand and feels so great 😊

[@russv380]

I've got a K10d and K5II both great cameras.

[@loochan325]

That salesman was a double or triple crook because D70 was the older generation Nikon. D80 has the 10 MP Sony image sensor similar to the one in K10D, and on low ISO K10 still has better image quality, and D80 was released in august 2006 before K10D that was released in november 2006. And if you went to buy in 2007, then 10MP Canon 40D was released on 20 august 2007 and also 21 MP eos 1 DS MK 3, and you could also buy the older 2004 16.7 MP eos 1 DS MK 2.

[@DM-sc4zy]

K10d should be comparable to D200 at the time price or spec wise, D70 was at least 3-4 years older. You don't buy the camera alone though, you also buy the whole eco system.

[@patriciaeggleston6070]

Great review! I've been using a K3-ii since 2017 after using a K-5 for 3 years. I'm a contract archaeologist in the western US and use the camera in the field, often in windy and dusty conditions. It's been very rugged and highly dependable.

[@LeeIveson]

Thanks Patricia! That's pretty awesome that your an archaeologist & that you use the K3 to document your findings. The robustness of the K3 is perfect for that!

[@majun26]

I just got a KP with 16-85 HD and 55-300 PLM at my local second hand spot where I traded in an older K5 and two cheaper lenses and it only cost me 230 Canadian bucks, I can't believe how good it is, its also one of my most wanted cameras ever, I can't think of one I'd have rather stumbled on like this. The pictures from it are almost as good as my expensive full frame mirrorless, and its got the toughest build with the best weather sealing, the fastest shutter, fstest frame rate, highest ISO, and most features and customizability of any camera I've ever had. Even the AF is accurate, which is more than I can say for the K5 I traded for it.

[@Needacreate]

Great review of an amazing DSLR that has truly stood the test of time. Have had mine since 2014, and while I'm certainly aspiring to a K-3 III, my K-3 is still working like on day one and never makes me feel as if I was walking around with an obsolete piece of soulless technology. And I credit the people at Ricoh for giving the K-3 all the firmware updates it has needed so far to take advantage of even the latest and fastest Pentax lenses.

[@LeeIveson]

It's good that they kept bringing out updated firmware. I'd like to try the K3iii to see how far they have come, but I'm not in any rush to go out & buy it. I think I'd be able to put it to some real tests at the Motocross events I shoot.

[@Needacreate]

@@LeeIveson You might be able to borrow a K-3 III somewhere. Dunno if Lens Rentals is a thing in the UK. Or, with your growing clout as a Pentax-using KZbinr, you might even be able to obtain a loan unit directly from Ricoh Imaging. You could point precisely to your extensive action shooting experience with motocross. I remember that when the DFA150-450 was released they even chose a motocross shoot to showcase the suitability of that lens for fast sports and action. The only problem I see is that if you should come to like the K-3 III and what it may bring to your action photography, you will likely not want to give it back!

[@KobieMC]

I have the same results when I check my Channel stats. It is what it is. The K-3 is a fantastic all around camera! I still have mine 👍🏽

[@LeeIveson]

It's weird, that's the first time I've noticed it! I feel cringe asking for people to subscribe but it looks like if you don't ask then people might forget to click the button? Who knows haha. Yeah I really love the K3, even if I've had my eye's opened to better AF capabilities from the Canon I'm using, the K3 still blows it away when it comes to images quality! I guess the answer is the camera you picked up, good ole Katie!

[@6panel300]

@@LeeIveson I subscribe to your goodself and to Mr Pentax aka Kobie.

[@martinhancock9235]

Got to agree, K3 is a superb camera. When i dropped mine with my old Sigma 50-500 and tore off the lens mount I was gutted so I ended up buying a K3-III and 150-450mm. When I saw a K3 going cheaply at SRS because it looked a bit tatty and only had a third party battery, I snapped it up and I'm using it as a backup camera on shoots . I usually have the 150-450mm on the K3-III and the 55-300mm PLM on the K3 so that I can quickly switch without having to change lenses. It"s a great combination for wildlife especially red squirrels as you can get distant tree shots and closeups as they approach the hide.

[@martinhancock9235]

Forgot to mention that before It was a write off, it had already survived being submerged in a muddy bog when I tripped and fell the previous year. I also have a K10D which a tourist managed to accidentally knock off a picnic table at the Falkirk wheel that survived with only a minor gouge in the battery door. I still shoot it occasionally as the images I get from the CCD are still stunning

[@LeeIveson]

That's some wildlife setup you have now! Awesome. I don't think I'll ever sell my K3!

[@mohnkern]

I dropped my k-1000 down the mountain at the Parthenon in Athens. I went down, picked the camera up, unscrewed the broken filter and resumed shooting. Important rule- clear filter all your lenses. Lol

[@billreddy7593]

Just bought a K-3 and am going through the operator's manual. Thanks for the overview. It's replacing my Pentax Ist Ds.

[@LeeIveson]

Enjoy your K3 👌

[@kcphotogeek6207]

So many times I’ve nearly clicked buy on a K-3 and I might still do it, the Pentax cameras of their day always compared favourably to their Canon/Nikon counterparts which is why they’ve aged so well.

[@LeeIveson]

They come up for sale fairly often but don't last long, quickly snapped up at the bargain prices!

[@user-xv2kk5fe5b]

Really enjoyed this review Lee. I've been looking out for a K3 for a little while now after doing a lot of research. You got yours for an absolute song. Nice bit of business that. It was great that you also highlighted some drawbacks to this camera too, giving a fair and balanced assessment.

[@LeeIveson]

Thanks mate 👍 the K3 is still a great camera, especially for the outdoors all weather type of photographer. Keep your eye out there's sure to be a good deal pops up. I'd also recommend getting a WR or AW lens so that both camera & lens are fully weather sealed. Cheers

[@tomkurcz6669]

I acquired a K3 alittle bit ago - thinking as a upgrade to my K5-IIs. While I know its far superior in tech, auto focus, processing etc...and wanted K-atie to be my special rig - I just appreciate the colours reproduced by K5's 16MP sensor way more. I don't know if just my eyes or what... but to me there is something special about that sensor..

[@LeeIveson]

Your not alone in thinking that 16mp has something special about it Tom.

[@rayjennings3637]

Completely agree with your summation of this fabulous piece of kit, Lee. I pre-ordered the Limited Edition of the K-3 before it's release and repeated the exercise with its successor the K-3 II. I still use them and they satisfy my needs for architectural and transport photography so precisely that I've no need to replace them.

[@LeeIveson]

Just great cameras that will last us a very long time Ray. The K3 holds a special place in my heart.

[@sdhute]

Every time I look or want something Pentax related Lee has already done a video on it.

[@robertlandekar2961]

Hey Lee, My K3 was very good workforce, my first DSLR, I have added 50 - 135 on K3 and images were sharp like "hellish sharp" and I just love that combo, but today I just got myself K1, 60-250mm and 150-450mm for 2k€ "Mint condition" and I can't believe how sharp those lenses are, and K1 is just pure Love in my hands😊 My lovely K3 will now have to rest for a bit, but it will always be my first Love and it will always be in my gear collection. I think Pentax is so underrated and there are still some of us who just love Pentax DSLR Cameras. Greetings from 🇸🇮 Slovenia and stay safe shooting with Pentax Shogun😎😋

[@LeeIveson]

Yes the DA*50-135 was my favourite lens for all of my APSC Pentax cameras, I only sold that lens due to the slow auto focus. I agree, Pentax is often overlooked but are still a great choice especially for any outdoor photography! Enjoy your K1 & New lenses!

[@wizofoz0605]

I've had the K-3 since it was first released, it replaced the K-5, which replaced the K-7, which replaced the K200 as my 'best' camera. The K-1 now holds that title, but I always carry the K-3 as my 2nd body where the extra weight isnt an issue. I had the K-5 converted to and infra red camera a few years ago, the images it produces always garner comment. There is something special about that sensor. I think you made an excellent point about the best camera 'never bought', the K-3 is an outstanding crop sensor DSLR, bettered only perhaps by its younger siblings (K31ii and iii) and (for speed of focus only) the Nikon D750. Every time I heft one of my friends 'comparable' NCS camera's the first words that come to mind are always 'flimsy', plasticky', 'untrustworthy'. And very rarely are any of these almost a decade old. i guess we Pentaxians are spoiled in the ergonomics, features and build quality we have become used to. I get a giggle out of the recent spate of YT video's expousing the benefits of 'auto ISO in manual mode'. Err you mean TAV? had it on the mode dial for around a decade and a half... There are always critics of lens choice in the Pentax fold. Yes agreed, Canon have far more lenses available, but who needs 4 different versions of the same lens? The Pentax system lacks for nothing in lenses, except perhaps for a modern tilt/shift offering. I have a round 50 lenses for my Pentax camera's ranging from mid 60's Takumars , (which still meter and work on every Pentax camera) through to the outstanding modern offerings such as the rebranded and improved/refined 15-30 f2.8. I'm not lacking choice, I'm lacking opportunity to use them all! Nice review. Subscribed.

[@LeeIveson]

Haha that's funny, I'm actually working on the "auto iso in manual mode" video for the 7Dii. I'll be referencing the fact that Pentax had this figured out a while back with TAV! Thanks for the sub 👍

[@mohnkern]

I have two 50s, an 8mm and a 75-300 Tamron zoom, plus a 2x adapter. That seems to cover everything I need

[@mohnkern]

I just got my k-3. I had a k-1000 in the 80s and had fujis for awhile but the zoom motor kept breaking. I love this k-3

[@nicholasthomas9587]

I’m looking to buy a k3. Thanks for the review. I may pull the trigger tonight on a mint one on eBay with grip for 500usd or 700 cad. Hopefully will love it as much as I have enjoyed researching the older dslr Pentax options in 2024.

[@renerazon4008]

Well said and articulated Lee, long time subscriber here.

[@LeeIveson]

Thanks a lot Rene it's very much appreciated!

[@wherezthebeef]

K-3 blows the Nikon 7000 series out of the water in terms of features, innovation, lighter weight, and just more fun, in my experience. Great points, thanks M8

[@LeeIveson]

Oh that's interesting, I've never had the chance to use a D7100 or D7200 myself, I knew they were on the same sort of level as the K3 in terms of how they were marketed. Speaks volumes for good the K3 was for its time.

[@krustysurfer]

❤❤❤My K3 My canon friends are envious of the color profile and perceived excellent dynamic range. I love the camera so much I got a custom pistol grip water housing made for it... The K3 camera is super robust, and never failed me until someone damaged my first K3 body so badly I just bought another used for 1/4 the price of new original. It is a photographers camera through and through... Steadfast straightforward dependable and I've managed some great sports moments even though its not supposed to be good at autofocus under speed, go figure. Since I'm a hobbyist it doesn't matter since im not sinking 50K into my camera setup, I dont make a living off of photography... Since it remains a passion instead of a job that fire burns brightly with pure motivation instead of codependency on the latest technology to keep me ahead of the pack. The K3 allows me to keep it simple and my happiness quotient high. Another great video Lee Blessings and Aloha from West Michigan.

[@LeeIveson]

That's awesome that you got a custom water housing made for your K3! I can just imagine the whole new world of possibilities that would open up 😍 Yeah I've been fairly successful in capturing some half decent action shots with the K3, I defiantly think the more time you spend with a particular camera the better you get at using it, even if it's intended purpose was never to shoot fast action. Keep that fire burning buddy! Cheers

[@quazisanjeed6395]

I wish I started out with Pentax DSLRs! When I began my journey as a hobbyist photographer in 2009; took up Canon DSLR. Now, I own a number of bodies and native lenses. All of those are great. However, I feel a sense of insecurity as they have thrown themselves into the current and stopped making these wonderful imaging equipment. Perhaps more money making motive prompted them to do so. I'm 100% positive that, the present craze i.e., the mirrorless camera DOES NOT offer better options for shooting. If you consider the pros and cons of the two systems, DSLRs win hands down. Thank you for the video.

[@scrptwic]

Lee I had to add a comment the build quality on the Pentax K3 system just shows quality., it just feels solidly build in my hands I always end up shooting way more picturs than I realize with mine. My K3-11 is my favorite camera by far I have learned to work around it's limitations to produce great pictures.

[@LeeIveson]

They are like little tanks! Built to last & feel great in hand.

[@ElwoodPDowd-nz2si]

With stabilization in the body you can use any of Pentax's amazing vintage lenses. The K3 will still measure exposure for you very accurately. It will even tell you when it is in focus. I love my K3.

[@LeeIveson]

Yep, a great feature that makes our life a little easier when it comes to photography!

[@certs743]

Nice video. I shoot with a K5-IIS. Still works great for me and it complements my Olympus EM5. Going back to Pentax after Olympus got out of the camera business and the future of M 4/3 is pretty up in the air. I love that I can shoot all my old film camera lenses (k mount and M42) on it too.

[@LeeIveson]

A very nice setup for photo and video with your Pentax & Olympus cameras. Yes the backwards compatibility of the K-mount is fantastic, there's some brilliant film era lenses that I'd love to try at some point.

[@johnmccarthy6391]

I have been shooting Pentax all the way back to film days with the Super Program. Current models are the K3 K1 and 645z. I love the fact all 3 use the same battery.

[@LeeIveson]

That's a good point, I like the fact we can keep a hoard of batteries to use between APSC, full frame & medium format!

[@martinhancock9235]

It also means that you can pick up some good deals on used Pentax models which only have a third party battery. I managed to pick up a used K3 really cheaply from SRS as it only had a 3rd party battery and charger. I didn't mind as I already had a couple of genuine Pentax chargers and 7 batteries

[@davidscullbonz]

My (almost) daily walk-around camera is my now-nearly vintage Pentax K-10D. I use a full-frame K-1 for serious work.

[@LeeIveson]

Nice! It's really nice to have that option. I love using the K5 for walks out and it still produces lovely images.

[@martinhancock9235]

Still love my K10D It still produces great images and amazing build quality.

[@eldorado5650]

Hey there Lee! Such a good "reminder" video. Thanks for sharing your thoughts as I definitely agree with all of them, being a K-3 shooter myself. It really is something that I always want to pick up and start shooting right away. It's my daily carry, by the way. It may be one the heavier side but with good ergonomics (probably one of the best), the camera just blends into my hands and arm. Technique in autofocus, especially in screw-drive, goes a long, long, long way. I haven't tried a PLM yet but I am doing birds in flight enthusiastically even with 90s screw-drive lenses! I like how the camera doesn't take away so much of the photographers' input. How's everything going up north? It's rather humid and sticky here in Auckland at the moment. Cooler temps are always welcome. Cheers.

[@LeeIveson]

Thanks Eldo! I think you would love how fast the 55-300 PLM AF is! It's been pretty cold where I live latley, lots of frosty mornings which I honestly should be out with the camera in! I get to comfy by the fire haha

[@douglasstemke2444]

Dragged my across Australia for 4 months. Never skipped a beat.

[@LeeIveson]

I think superman would have a hard time wrecking a K3 🤣

[@nicklatheron8795]

Loved the K3 which I had as well as the D7100 - Now onto my third K3 II alongside the K1 and my Olympus E-M1 Mk2's - The K3 II and K1 are much easier to use with gloves on than the Olympus cameras, handy when I'm out walking the dogs in our North Eastern weather.

[@LeeIveson]

I'm still yet to find a decent pair of gloves I can use my camera with & still keep the old hands warm! Any suggestions haha

[@nicklatheron8795]

@@LeeIveson I'm finding the Extremities X-Dry's (I think that's what they're called) to be ok - waterproof (until the stitching split on one finger) and padded but still fairly thin.

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

I have used Pentax cameras for many years and still enjoy them, my first camera was the Pentax K100D super, l now use the k5 mk2, all 3 K3 series, Kp and the k1 mk2. Photographing sports, wildlife, evnts,landscapes and seascapes using a host of Pentax and Sigma glass, prime and zoom lenses.

[@LeeIveson]

You definitely have everything covered with that line up of cameras & lenses! Which camera body do you find yourself picking up the most?

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

@@LeeIveson thanks for the reply, the cameras that I have listed were purchased over a period of time, prior to that I started with the Pentax K100D super, that was my first SLR, I used that for a few years and added the K10D and the Kr, the K100D and Kr ended up being my travel camera, the Kr and a K5 MKII replaced the 100d and 10D, and I used the kr and k5 MKII for every thing due to the fact that I expanded my photography to Include photographing events it started with the Memorial day event at the Correctional facility that I worked at, as my event photography increased the kr was replaced with a K3 and the k5 MKII and k3 became my go to cameras, prior to photographing events the k5 MKII saw a lot of use as a wildlife camera due to the fact that l had a 14 foot kayak that I photographed wildlife from. The k3 MKII was added to replace the k5 MKII as far as events went and the k5 still was my every day camera for many years, l added a Kp to replace my Kr and a K1 MKII replaced my k3 , so now I was more involved with events, the k1 MKII was my main camera alongside the K3 MKII. The other camera bodies became my every day use cameras, my two event cameras were just for work at this time I was getting close to retiring from my job in Corrections and I bought the K3 MKIII as a retirement gift for my self. Retired 4 years and the camera gear situation changed over this time I added cameras from Panasonic, Olympus and Fujifilm to my collection of Pentax gear. My wife and I have 4 grandchildren so now I have added personal family events to every thing else I photograph. With a larger selection of cameras and glass that I have access to its hard to say what gets the most use, it depends on what and where I am photographing as to the camera that I use as I now have Full frame, APSC and 4/3 systems to choose from.

[@dougsmith9806]

Doug in Sudbury Canada says my D20 kicked ass an amlooking for a good deal on a K3 can't wait to kick some more as great review keep it up .........

[@LeeIveson]

Haha nice one Doug! Keep your eyes peeled for a deal on the K3, it's a great camera! Cheers

[@alenk738]

I bought my K-3II primarily for astrophotography. Astrotracer was a big draw. It has worked as well as I hoped and I use it all of the time. I liked the fact that the required GPS hardware is built in to the camera and hence I wouldn't need to perch an extra-cost dongle on the hotshoe. The GPS is also handy for the other kind of photography I like to do: landscapes. I don't miss having a flash since I have rarely ever needed to use one. The great weather sealing of the K-3 series is another nice plus for both kinds of photography.

[@LeeIveson]

I picked up a K3ii for that exact same reason, sadly I never got around to using it for Astro at all 😢 It was pretty much as new with a low shutter count, so I let the camera go to a new home where it would get the use it deserves. A great camera also.

[@barryhiggott9458]

I bought a used K3 from one of the main UK retailers, it looked good, felt great and it was going to do everything I wanted it to, unfortunately it had other ideas. Try and meter a shot and it either under or over exposed, not by a little either and nothing would correct it so back it went and in its place came a brand new KP which I’m absolutely love especially paired with the 50-300plm, I tell you that camera is bulletproof. I did though buy the K3iii which is superb.

[@LeeIveson]

I think the K3 was renowned for underexposing, I've found it to be around 0.7 of a stop. But I learned to work with this, to the point where I now tend to underexpose images on other cameras on purpose to bring back in post, sort of fits my editing style I guess?

[@barryhiggott9458]

@@LeeIveson I could have worked with that, this was beyond salvation on under and over exposure.

[@GODSPEEDseven]

Kind of funny, 'cause I just got a used K-3 a few months ago to "replace" my K-70 (relegated to backup and light Limited prime shooter). I don't really want to splurge on the K-3 III, because I feel that's money I can spend on lenses instead. It's old, I know. But, to me, it's a notch better than the K-70 because of controls, feel and battery. I also got mine for the same price as you. I have no regrets! I know autofocus has been upgraded since, but I'm not a fast-action shooter. To be honest, ISO grain, to me... I don't care that much. I tend to like grainy images actually, it find it gives it this ASA 1600 film-like quality that I always appreciated. Especially for black & white. It's a nice grain, not the blotchy JPEG-compressed type. K-7, K-5 and K-3 are incredible ergonomically! So so nice to hold.

[@LeeIveson]

That's how I felt about the K-70 at the end of my time with it. A great camera with superb image quality but it was lacking the on body buttons & pro body feel I didn't know I wanted or needed until I started shooting a lot of action (Motocross). The k3 fits the bill much better for me personally. I'm also in the same boat when it comes to the k3iii, the price is for me too high, I'd consider it in the future but I'd also want to pick some lenses up that pulled the full potential out of that camera. Something like the 70-210 would be a pretty good fit for me personally, depending on the AF speed.

[@b.2221]

Been subscribed to your KZbin channel from the beginning , and would recommend it to anyone interested in learning photography. Never been a gear head I’ve had a Nikon D600 since 2012 a D7000 which my son now has a Pentax KP which I would never part with and recently got the Pentax k3iii for Christmas its way more camera than I will ever need. I have to say I don’t shoot sports photography and all that you hear about is that the autofocus isn’t as good as Nikon Canon Sony or Fuji well it is a vast improvement for a Pentax and is more than capable with a 12 fps burst rate the little KP has good autofocus also. Its easy to relate to your take on the K3 being one of the best built you have the K3 iii with its aluminium latch battery door just reeks quality and the way the whole camera feels and its leaf shutter are incredible quality in this day and age. Anyway mate keep up the good work.👍 Tam.

[@LeeIveson]

Thanks Tam, the support is very much appreciated buddy. Well that's just it these days is there actually a bad camera anymore? I'm not sure there is? Of course some cameras are going to be better suited to certain types of photography more than others, but overall we are pretty spoilt for choice I'd say! Hey that's news's to me, I'm going to look into that leaf shutter on the K3iii. I came across the leaf shutter when I was researching OCF, it makes things so much easier for that stuff!

[@b.2221]

@@LeeIveson Thanks for the reply Lee its much appreciated Sir. Yes the K3 iii has the same leaf shutter as the K1 and K2 and has been uprated to 300’000 actuations it is a far different beast from the ground up compared with the MK 1 and MK 2 models.👍 Tam.

[@stuartcarden1371]

I adore the K-3 - It was the camera I used for years before switching to the Nikon Z system and then back to Pentax with the K-S2 - I went for the K-S2 over the K-3 because it was £200 cheaper than both the K-3 and K-70. Poor unloved little camera but it's great - Pentax through and through. It's a little gem for the price.

[@LeeIveson]

That's pretty rare these days Stuart! Which Nikon bodies did you own? I agree the K-S2 is a forgotten gem too, having been replaced so quickly by the K-70, it was actually the first Pentax camera I came across and discovered the brand!

[@stuartcarden1371]

@@LeeIveson It was the Z fc, which was a lovely camera with an truly fantastic sensor (it could see in the dark!) but it just felt a bit like a toy compared to my old K-3. I also missed having an OVF...I get quite a lot of eye strain so using yet another screen wasn't a great experience. I know for most people mirrorless is the future but I'm going to stick with DSLRs for as long as possible. They're great value for money and I love that you don't have to baby them; you can just grab and go.

[@edwardbrock1194]

I know you had a long run with the K-70. I'm fairly new to the K-70 but I'm curious about what the big advantage of the K-3 (or K-3 ii) over the K-70 would be. So far I've been very impressed with my K-70. But then, I had the K-x so why would I Not be, right? By the way, Hello from Texas.

[@LeeIveson]

Hey Edward, well it just depends on your preference and shooting style really. The K-70 actually has a lot going for it over the K3, but for myself I wanted the extra buttons and dials for quick access when I want to change settings on the fly when I'm trying to capture an image. Image quality wise, the K-70 is a little better than the K3 from my experience anyway. Nice to see I'm reaching as far as Texas! That pretty awesome.

[@mohnkern]

I got a great deal on a first generation k-3 and love it. ($300 with a couple of lenses)

[@LeeIveson]

Awesome 👌 They can be found at great prices these days! Although they will start to dry up at some point.

[@mohnkern]

@@LeeIveson yeah. Hopefully by that point the mark 2 and 3 will get cheaper. One thing I do like is that any K mount lens will work. You just get access to different functionality based upon your camera and lens.

[@6panel300]

I can only think the reason Pentax isn't as popular as other makes is advertising, or lack of it. It's certainly not quality or value for money as in my opinion the are ahead on that.

[@LeeIveson]

They have always had mediocre advertising 🙄

[@lrvz7187]

Any thoughts on k-3 vs k-s2 ?, having a hard time chosing between these two for my first camera, I'm gona use it mainly for reference for oil painting, so Landscape compositions, figure/landscape with figure, and portraits, on that order, then later to capture the paintings, all stills 0 interest in shooting video, I know that the k-s2 is suposedly better for a beginner, with diferent modes, but k-3 being and advanced camera, I think I would prefer having the most features posible to eventually grow in to the camera, just not sure what does the k-s2 cuts that the k3 has, a point to consider for myself is the aperture block failure that iirc the k-s2 could have, like the k50,k70 etc, but if i' m correct the k-3 dosnt have? mostly to avoid the hassle and extra money to get the piece and fix it/get it fixed, there are some nice k-s2 with lenses for +-200€, k-3 the same around 300

[@LeeIveson]

I'd go for the K3 over the K-S2 personally. I'd also consider the KP as it's better image quality than both those cameras & has some extra features too.

[@lrvz7187]

@@LeeIveson since I wrote the comment I digged a bit in forums and decided for the k3, kp wasn't in my radar mostly because the cheapest I could find on ebay it's already twice the price, thanks!

[@LeeIveson]

@@lrvz7187 You've picked up a great camera in the K3. Enjoy

[@richardbraham2486]

Love my k3. It’s a great piece of kit and seriously underestimated. Matched with da* lenses it’s a beast.

[@LeeIveson]

I agree Richard. I'd like to try a few more of the DA* lenses with my K3, mainly the 300 f4. Brilliant optics throughout the DA* range!

[@richardbraham2486]

You’ll love the 300mm!

[@jaipalreddy4894]

I have K3, its build quality is great. fast autofocus and high iso are issues.

[@LeeIveson]

The AF is pretty average, but I've always thought the iso wasn't to bad, and now we have programs that can remedy this problem.

[@kentheis105]

With current used prices as they are, would you still pickup the K-3 for $100-$150 less then comparable K-3 ii. I know there are some differences to consider, flash-no flash and astro tracer for a few but basically the same. Did the K-3 ii get any better with auto focus or you really can't tell? I know you have or had both models at one point. Like you, I can't go to a K-3 iii. Just to much camera for me, the casual shooter at this point. I get some nice photos from my K-30 but still looking for the next step up without spending a lot of money. I have the new PLM lens working on my K-30 and is nice, likely even better with a K-3 model. Great videos you put together, I have learned a lot. Thanks.

[@LeeIveson]

Hey Ken. I've actually just sold my K3ii & I'm keeping the K3! No real performance difference between those cameras, only real difference is the flash vs GPS.

[@kentheis105]

@@LeeIveson After I read your response, I found one for $320 with under 1500 clicks, plus 4 batteries. Looks to be in excellent shape. I could not resist. Needed to get it out of my system. Now the wait! Here's a beer...🍻

[@LeeIveson]

@@kentheis105 Nice! A great deal on a great camera.

[@kentheis105]

@@LeeIveson What default setting do you set your K3 to most of the time to get the best out of that system? Normal/Bright, steps up or down etc? Anything you think is important to change?

[@LeeIveson]

@@kentheis105 I've just seen this, sorry for the late reply. I'll make a video on this with all the settings I use with my K3. Cheers

[@pwolkowicki]

I would buy a K3 but without that annoying mirror, and with modern, AF/contrast based AF. I really enjoyed my Pentax K-01 as my Fa 50/1.4 and other lenses started to focus properly on the subject! But it's a very slow and limited camera. I would like to see a modern one, with more advanced options and maybe with less designers look, but more practical. But I admit - it's not uncomfortable while shooting.

[@LeeIveson]

So are you saying you would like to see a new mirroless Pentax camera?

[@pwolkowicki]

@@LeeIveson of course I would. But not a designer's one.

[@highestsprings]

Brilliant camera.

[@LeeIveson]

Defiantly!

[@dominicwroblewski5832]

I have a K3 (2 actually) as well Nikon D7100 (2) and beyond a doubt the K3 is a much better camera in terms of ergonomics and output. I regard the K3 as the best camera in my collection. If I need a great image I use the K3. I tend to husband my Pentax cameras and just use the Nikons for day to day fun shooting. (I'm retired with nothing better to do LOL)

[@LeeIveson]

They got it right with the K3 all those years ago. To be fair the D7100 looks to be a very nice camera too, how do the files/images compare between the two cameras?

[@lelanddyer9461]

I don't think you'll be super happy with the K-1 doing what you do with motor sports (the implication of "impulse buy showing the K-1). K-3 iii is better suited and you will be pleased with the customizability!

[@LeeIveson]

You would be right, the K1 although a great camera is not ideal for sports, I reckon I could make it work though haha

[@JamesMincey]

re: K-70 battery life: Years later, I'm still upset that Pentax stopped providing the option for the AA battery adapter that was available from the K-r until the K-50. A set of four Eneloops in my K-r lasts AGES!

[@LeeIveson]

I've often wondered why they don't have the option for AA battery's? I actually didn't know they used to offer that option. It would be nice, I've got loads of AA's!

[@JamesMincey]

@@LeeIveson As long as they're modern rechargeable NiMH AAs, you should be good! Apparently alkalines don't last very long in those models.

[@taterandy3958]

Yeah I m planning on looking for a K-50 or a K-3 just to see what the hype is about and as a beginner DSLR owner even if everyone is saying that the DSLR are a dying dinosaur 🦖

[@LeeIveson]

Depending on your budget, I'd go for the K3 over the K-50 personally. Prosumer model vs entry model.

[@robbbertonestips]

Apart for the absolute lookin like Matthew Bellamy, your videos are reeeeeally really interesting, and I don't know why but I understand nearly everthing you say. I am italian. 👍🏼 Thanks and bye.

[@LeeIveson]

🤣 Well that makes a change its usally Liev Schreiber I'm compared too. Thanks very much, I love Muse ❤

[@robbbertonestips]

@@LeeIveson keep on rocking then...🤛🏼

[@xmeda]

Similar.. in 04/2020 I got almost unused K3 to replace my K5 with 140k clicks :) now K3 has 32k pics on counter.. Am I looking at K3III? Well.. no untill they release new camera with articulating LCD. It is very addictive and I have it on all my Olympus cameras. Not to mention price that is still incompetitive. It basically is 2016 tech camera, but offered for XT-5 price. That makes no sense. It will be nice to rework classic K7/K5/K3 body shape, add similar articulating/tilting LCD like K1 or KP had, possibly add the new 40Mpix APS-C sensor that XT-5 has and release it under €1600 :) That would be no-brainer. But that won't happen probably. I barely see any long future of K mount system under Ricoh. It went south since they acquired it from Hoya. Hoya was nothing special either, but at least we saw new lenses and cameras coming every year. Now they happily release K70 renamed to KF after 6 years on market. Cmon. That is a joke.

[@LeeIveson]

I feel your pain. They seem to be a little all over the place with what they are brining to the market at the moment. I don't see a clear direction for Pentax at the moment. It's sad.

[@Gaffeatravel]

How do you record your audio and line it up with the footage so seemlessly

[@LeeIveson]

I just make a loud noise at the start of my recordings & sync the audio tracks.

[@MichaelRusso]

K3 is a.great camera, a upgrade to the K5IIs in my opinion. The K3 has all the modern features the K5IIs just started adding.

[@LeeIveson]

I've never owned or shot with the K5ii or K5iis only the K5. But I'd have to agree that the K3 builds upon an already lovely camera, that's for sure!

[@MichaelRusso]

@@LeeIveson Should have said K5 because I am sure they are very close to the same

[@jo-be5525]

Hallo Lee, seit ich deinen Kanal entdeckt habe, ABO selbstverständlich und immer 👍 damit du dich freust. Jetzt zur K3, ich habe ein K 5-II seit der Markteinführung und habe mir 2022 eine K 3-III gegönnt, als die K 3 auf dem Markt kam habe ich gedacht ich hätte sollen warten, aber wer wartet schon gern. Deine Argumente sind nachvoll ziehbar, du hast alles richtig gemacht. Wie denkst du über eine K 3-III, wäre sie nicht besser für deine Art der Photographie geeignet? Danke fürs Video, wir sehen uns beim nächsten. Viele Grüße aus dem schönen Erzgebirge in Deutschland jo-be 55

[@LeeIveson]

Thanks Jo-Be, very much appreciated! As far as my thoughts on the K3iii, I think it is a great camera & defiantly an advancement on it's predecessors. For me the price is to high & the lens selection not what I would want it to be. That being said, I would never rule out buying it at some point, as it would be very good for the fast action I shoot. But maybe not just yet.

[@sweeneyTodd-de4by]

What's a good camera for a beginner without spending a fortune please

[@LeeIveson]

Lots of options, but the K3 will not cost you that much these days & will grow with you as you improve 👍

[@sweeneyTodd-de4by]

@@LeeIveson thank you

[@DM-sc4zy]

While Pentax is well built, its seriously lacking behind in the AF department compared to other bigger brands (Sony Canon). bought a Pentax years ago and buyer remorse kicked in very quick.

[@LeeIveson]

This is true, I didn't know any different as Pentax was my first camera (K-70) which I learnt on, I only got what people were on about when I picked up a 7Dii, oh my days the AF on that thing is crazy!

[@mipmipmipmipmip]

Don't buy the K1, buy the K1 mk2, it has the better AF engine!

[@LeeIveson]

I do keep an eye out for a good deal, so if one of those pops up . . . 📷👌