The Pentax K-3 III is Upon Us, Time To Grab The Original? - Pentax K-3, My Favorite Camera in 2020

The Pentax K-3 is my favorite camera! I have not made a specific video about it yet, and I have been holding out because I didn't know the best way to pay tribute to it. I decided just to go for it. Sure, I also have a Pentax K-1 now, but not a day goes by that I don't question why I don't just go back to shooting the K-3 full-time... We take some great pictures together...
Weather-sealed, top-notch image quality, fast, light, shake reduction - what is not to like?
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#pentax

[@snappiness]

Hey, at least my neck is in focus.

[@unbroken1010]

I left a comment on another KZbin channel on another video hopefully you will see it. I thought leaving a comment here was too easy.😂

[@johnnyc.5979]

You beat me to it. But still, great content and your images are impressive.

[@0katmandude0]

I was just about to say that... :)

[@Shrek_Has_Covid19]

im watching in 720p so i didnt notice until this coment

[@snappiness]

@@Shrek_Has_Covid19 And now you can't unsee it...

[@janraelanante9728]

My pentax K-3 never fails me since 2017, maybe I am one of the few users here in Kuwait

[@badcatz]

The Pentax k3 has been my moms camera since 2015 and took all of our childhood photos with. I respect her for buying it new and it’s been with us and still going strong to this day. We have no plans to get rid of it or to upgrade anytime soon.

[@baptistepayendessinphoto]

My k3 felt from a table, the plastic around the flash exploded. I glued it and taped it and now everything works fine 6 years later... My first landscape shot with my k3ii was under an ice and snow heavy storm. I take it anytime the conditions are unpredictable. From what I see it’s weather/dust/cold/beer/wine/children/mud proof.

[@snappiness]

Good memory! One of my first was in snow as well. So happy with it.

[@snappiness]

@@rayjennings3637 😂

[@davidhardy879]

As you said , it's all about how the camera feels in your hands . I love that " Chunkier " build and old school DSLR look of the K3 . Makes me feel like I am REALLY holding something ! The K70 just doesn't feel the same in my hands .

[@MattBishopPhotography]

the K3 is a brilliant camera and still has its purpose out there. Its successor will again be ground breaking as were the mark 1 at the time

[@snappiness]

Should be killer. Are you going to get your hands on one for an early preview? ;)

[@MattBishopPhotography]

@@snappiness I really hope so

[@Clodrock]

The original K3 is a beast. Sold it for $600 a few months ago. Bought a KP for $750 with the grip. Gave up some things but I love the 'new' features of the KP.

[@mattiejane9628]

This video sold me on starting my digi Pentax journey with the K3 m1. I love the attention to detail you put into reviewing all the aging gear, cheers!

[@snappiness]

Thanks Mattie! Cheers! 😀

[@carlosorejuela4988]

Very nice pictures and you reflexions are so real. Have a pentax k-3 silver edition and i love this camera.

[@snappiness]

I always thought the silver one looked pretty cool!

[@GossesPhoto]

Love my K3, it's been my work horse for years! I'm a commercial photographer who shoots a range of studio to location to event to lifestyle. It just fits my needs and has amazing image quality that holds competitive today. That being said... finally, the K3 mark iii is the first camera to excite me since I started using my K3.

[@snappiness]

It looks like a killer camera. What specifically are you excited about?

[@richardbarnes4613]

Thank you for your championing the use of the Pentax camera. I have owned 3 Pentax cameras including film versions then the k100 and for the last 7 years the K5 ii. Love them.

[@polyphemus1268]

I own the K5 IIs as well as the K3...don’t intend to part with either anytime soon!

[@Klaus312]

I love mine too. Pentax makes high quality stuff in aps-c category!

[@ShutterKnack]

Ahh my memories of the K-3 lead me to buying a K-1 after a stint with Fuji. You have the potential to be the go-to KZbin channel for Pentax. Hope this channel blows up soon! Lovin‘ the new name!

[@snappiness]

Thanks! I like all the Pentax channels on YT, everyone has very different styles and content. Always learn something new. :)

[@1229tedwilson]

The ruggedness of the K3 is not to be underestimated. I have literally used it under Niagara Falls (on the Maid of the Mist). How many cameras can survive that torture test? I had the KX before that, and the K3 was a great camera to grow into. It has been amazing for landscapes and portraits. I've also taken SD cards full of bird pictures. The autofocus demands more of you when shooting fast moving wildlife. But when you get the shot, the image is amazing. The ability to experiment with all the Pentax vintage lenses is also a lot of fun.

[@adventureriding1]

Being a motorcycle adventure rider my K3 has traveled in my motorcycle tank bag since the day I bought it. Through the cold, snow, rain, heat and sunshine. Many different countries and border crossings, it's been my best friend with so many memories shared together. Just checked my shutter count and it's at 33,177. I shoot lots of landscape photography and it's the perfect camera. Rugged and has never let me down. Over the years I thought about upgrading the K3 but just couldn't do it because I look at the pictures it takes and think it can't get much better. But I'm excited about the new K3iii and I'm finally going to upgrade and buy one........but I also will keep my K3.

[@snappiness]

Cool! New camera day is always exciting. I’m sure the K-3 III will be fantastic.

[@starrman5535]

I use my K3 every chance get and love the way the camera feels my hands.

[@DkphotographyOrgUk]

UK (England) K3, K3ii and K1 shooter ... I LOVE the K3.... I use the K3's as my walking camera's... ( the original one has just produced a fault, so only one card slot is working now, so the K3ii is being used more ) I'm a wedding/portrait photographer... and i'll never leave Pentax.. :) Loving the examples of your work in the video..

[@RoastBeefSandwich]

I have owned my K-3 Silver for over 5 years now, I love it as much today as I did when I bought it. It's been a trusted friend and tool for years. I really can't find any fault with it at all. I've shot Pentax for years, and will eventually get a full frame DSLR (maybe the K-1 II used once the K-1 III comes out) - but I'm not really in a hurry. I love my K-3.

[@snappiness]

Yep, and I have a K-1 and it's great but... The K-3 can still get it done ;)

[@mdiz4564]

A great vid! The K3 and Pentax system are very underrated.

[@snappiness]

Thanks! And that is so true :)

[@briangrogan1622]

Good video. I had been a "Fuji-Guy" for many years, but 2 years ago a good friend of mine left me a bunch of Pentax gear: K3, with Limited lenses. I liked the feel and quality images so much that I sold all the Fuji gear, and never looked back!! I recently bought a K70. Not quite sure about it, but like the lighter body, and quick action..Will probably keep both..The K3 is the Best! Thanks again.

[@mohnkern]

I just got a k-3 mark I and love it. I got it, a kit lens a battery charger, 3 batteries and a bag for $300. I love it. I grew up with a k-1000 and ME super so I knew I’d be getting a solid camera. It’s a great solid camera that has a ton of great features.

[@SirClaes]

I'm still very pleased with my Pentax K-3 (Premium Silver Edition) since 2015 :)

[@snappiness]

Very nice!

[@ransackedroom]

Also, that mountain valley pic is perfect. Every part of it works.

[@miguelorellana4107]

I got 8 years ago my Pentac K5 IIs and it blew me away. Amazing camera. The IQ of it is beautiful. I moved from the Nikon d7000 to that camera and it felt and delivered better results. The K3 was the best camera in its time. I always wanted it. If my k5IIs dies, I'll buy one.

[@snappiness]

The K-5IIs is legendary, keep on using that beast 👍

[@snappiness]

@@cameronmajed2935 I will take nothing less than 100,000€ for my *ist DL. There is a star in its name for a reason.

[@StephenHampton_DesignDesk]

@@snappiness Ah, the *ist. The K100 Super was my first Pentax. I now have the K-50. To this day, I miss its top LCD. Nothing else in that price point had one. A lovely camera to use. Alas... burglars.

[@KobieMC]

K-3 user here. Actually went out for some night shooting with 2 other Pentax shooters. Some Toronto Cityscape photos. I am planning on grabbing the K-3 III as well. My K-3 will become my backup camera at that point.

[@ransackedroom]

Nice! Kobie's here! Loved your green button tutorial.

[@KobieMC]

@@ransackedroom Thanks! 🙂 Glad you liked it!

[@snappiness]

I will be super excited to hear your thoughts on the K-3 III when you get it then! You'll have to catch on camera the moment you first put your eyes to the viewfinder, like that photographer did in the one interview lol

[@snappiness]

Yes, his Pentax tutorials are the best out there. Very handy.

[@KobieMC]

@@snappiness Thank you so much for the compliment! 🙂

[@Needacreate]

Have been shooting my K-3 for 6+ years now, and it's still going as on day one. And while I'm sure I will eventually acquire a K-3 III for its sheer awesomeness, even in 2020 there is little to find fault with the old K-3 IQ-wise. Since I upgraded my RAW processor to DxO PhotoLab 4 Elite with its impressive DeepPrime noise reduction, my high-ISO shots look cleaner than ever. It's almost as if I had already got a camera upgrade, for a ridiculous fraction of the cost. And the software works a treat on my old K-7 DNGs too. These Pentax DSLRs and lenses just keep on rocking. They have done so much for my photography.

[@snappiness]

Interesting about the difference that software made, I'll have to look into that! I agree. Hard to find fault with the image quality. Sure, some newer stuff I've used is "better", but doesn't seem to translate into the real world...

[@Needacreate]

@@snappiness The effect of RAW conversion software upgrades has been significant enough to compel me to reprocess important backlist images as a routine. In my book, DxO PhotoLab (formerly OpticsPro) remains at the cutting edge of what you can pull out of Pentax DNG (or PEF) files today, particularly if you don't want to go full Adobe Photoshop. This doesn't mean that every single new version will bring miraculous improvements but, in my book, the recent PhotoLab 4 Elite upgrade delivers the most significant step forward in RAW conversion IQ since DxO introduced their Prime denoising technology back in 2013, two years before I picked up my first version of OpticsPro.

[@vault7269]

Pentax is the leica of the dslr's, in therms of image quality,and colour science,their images just pop, it has a 3d effect to is just amazing.

[@x4rd]

Great video, I'm using my K-3 for couple of years now for real estate. Wonderful work can be done by it using 11-18 DA* lens :)

[@michaels5166]

Pentax cameras give you breathtaking,clear,and exciting images.These cameras make you want to step into the picture,and my Pentax allows me to shoot at night,in any weather,and it has hit the floor more than once.I do not want to have to have 399 accesories,deal with recalls,or have to have 394 firmware updates for it to work as intended.I shoot street and whatever,here in NYC and all places I go elsewhere,with supreme confidence.I have the Pentax K1mk2,and If I got the K3mk3,I would just use my full frame glass.

[@neilcousineau4956]

I love my Olympus MFT gear but because of you I’m thinking about adding a DSLR Pentax to my kit. LOL.

[@MotoRich900]

Love your channel, amazing sample images! I came back to Pentax with my K1ii and I'm still blown away by the files, I'm hoping to pickup a KP soon, thanks again for a great channel.

[@snappiness]

Thanks! And cool, I've heard good things about the KP :)

[@HH60gPaveHawk]

I’m the other direction! Got a KP, love it, looking to get a K1 or K1ii to have a two-body system for different photographic scenarios.

[@radusansebes3517]

Hey. I really like my K3 and I don't plan to change it soon. For my needs it is still relevant today. To be honest I don't plan to swap any of my old or new lenses...

[@stuartcarden1371]

I've just bought a K-3 - I'm a big fan. It's a truly classy camera for less than an entry level mirrorless or DSLR.

[@snappiness]

Cool, have fun with it!

[@shantamcpherson2348]

Hi snappiness, thanks for your great video. My first Pentax was an Asahi Pentax K SLR made about 1960, which my Dad handed on to me a decade later. I was one happy kid and inherited his love off the SLR. I started buying Pentax DSLRs from the K10 onwards, upgrading through some of the new versions but now very settled with the K3, a great camera in my view, along with a few DA* lenses. I like being confident in its ruggedness and weather sealing, as for me its all about outdoor shooting often in variable conditions. I especially like the colour rendition the camera achieves it captures landscape subtleties so beautifully. On the question of whether Ricoh Pentax are calling it right with their commitment to the pentaprism I think they are, as they will continue to enhance that camera type and not try to be everything to everybody. For me I like to see a real viewfinder image with the naked eye, as I feel in touch with it and think I make better decisions about what Im trying to capture when the viewfinder image engages me in that way.

[@snappiness]

Glad to find another K-3 user out there :) thanks for dropping by!

[@jamespong6588]

I love Pentax, I wish I could sell all my gear and start again

[@trentbaker8626]

I just bought mine this week and I'm beyond excited to receive it :) it's my first DSLR camera and I'm stoked to learn more on this camera!!

[@snappiness]

Fantastic! It's a superb camera :)

[@SkylerLetsDoThis]

I am one of those cheap people, haha! Beautiful images, loving especially the night shots. In case if you still wonder, I dropped one of my K-3 before, it slammed the road and looked at the crowd like Lebron James after his dunk, only minor scratches on one corner.

[@snappiness]

Haha, good to know! It has survived all of my adverse weather, but I have yet to drop it.

[@PictorialPlanet-]

You captured my thoughts on the K-3 exactly! I too went back to Pentax a re-bought a K-3II which I love. To me it's the perfect balance of pro quality in an APSC body. The video is good enough for my occasional needs and photo quality outstanding. Great video, thanks!

[@snappiness]

Sweet! Glad to meet another K-3 shooter out there. 👍

[@namenloserflo]

2:50 I don't know why, but this might be the greatest picture I've seen this year

[@markstoker3077]

Love your channel man! your smooth voice, calmness, honesty and your b roll style and quality are all top class. keep it up! PS - all you say about Pentax is true!!

[@snappiness]

Thanks, Mark! Very kind

[@exitar1]

I recently bought a K3 and think it’s a great camera!

[@snappiness]

Hurray! K-3 club! It's awesome 😄

[@jimhood1202]

Hey. Thanks for confirming my choice of camera. I had a K50 then a K5ii but they were stolen. I replaced them with a second hand K3 and feel like it's the one for me. Yes, it's getting old, but as you say it takes terrific images and frankly the difference in price to trade up to a newer camera just isn't worth it for the relatively small improvement in specs. I'll be sticking with my K3 for a while yet I think. All the best from Panama 🇵🇦

[@snappiness]

Good deal! Having used these newer cameras I totally agree with your assessment. The K-3 is awesome. More than enough.

[@takuan650]

I still enjoy my almost 7 year old K3 among other systems I work with. Together with my 5 ltd. primes I have a capable and portable system that has produced thousands of quality photos and continues to do so. The only gripe I have is the sometimes hesitant AF, but I have learned to live with it, because I get very good image quality almost every time.

[@snappiness]

Nice setup! That's the dream. I don't demand a lot out of the AF system, but I have started to hit some walls with it now that I am trying to bird for the first time. I still think learning some good technique on my part will get me much farther than I am, though I know it isn't the best camera in it's class in this regard. Thanks for commenting!

[@nomorokay]

Yes, the AF seems to be the one weakness. When trying to shoot birds in flight, the AF struggles to keep up. However, I’ve been shooting Pentax since 1980, when I bought an MX. That was a great camera! My point is that I don’t know personally if other brands have better autofocus, except from reviews. Besides, I mostly shoot models (not the little plastic ones), so the K-3 keeps up just fine in that application. Overall, the K-3 is great, and along with the weather-resistant body and lenses, there’s no need to stop when the rain starts. The model can stand under cover of a tree, but I don’t need to.

[@takuan650]

@@nomorokay I shoot with a number of different systems and the Pentax has the worst AF & MF of them all. It's the only real complaint I'd have with it though, maybe the lack of a flip screen is a sad omission too.

[@nomorokay]

@@takuan650 The logic at Pentax was that a flip screen would make the K-3 III too bulky and heavy, and the K-1 has an articulated screen if the customer must have one. As for me, I'd like the articulated screen on an APS-C camera like the K-3 III.

[@smaturock]

I became a Pentaxian in 2006 with a *istDL2 and then got a K10D in 2008. This was good enough for me until I got a new K3-II for Christmas 2017. After I noticed that it became harder and harder for me to go back to the K10D as a backup, I bought a used K3 for that purpose. I still own the older cameras though, as they hold more personal value for me than the price I might get for them.

[@snappiness]

Very nice, the K-3 II has some nice features I wish my K-3 had. I do like my K10D and the images it can produce, but if I want to know I 100% can get the shot I want, then the K-3 is what I grab.

[@neilgrover1585]

I recently sold my Sony a6000 and bought a K-3 II. Both cameras have the same sensor, but the feel, build quality, and experience is completely different. I absolutely love my K-3II. Just holding it makes me want to take more photos. The Sony never did that for me.

[@snappiness]

That personal experience with handling is so important to the overall photography experience. So much more than other things. But also, that K-3 II is a killer camera ;)

[@davidstorm4015]

Love my K-3, it's battered and bruised from 7 years of use, but it keeps going and it's my favourite camera. Also have a K-5iis, which is superb, but the ergonomics, handling and general day to day feel of the K-3 make it better.

[@snappiness]

Awesome! It's such a good camera!

[@gordonblues843]

I wish Ricoh would release more cameras!

0:52 No, not me, Sir! I'm keeping my K-3 mk1 as a fallback camera. Though it'll replace the K-r (yup!) that, looking back,. saved many of the best moments of the past 2 decades of my life.

[@snappiness]

It's a good one to keep. Should last many more years to come :)

[@garyguest1999]

Brilliant camera. Love my K-3. It does it all.

[@DonaldWMeyers-dwm]

Been shooting Pentax since high school, and just got my K-3 to supplement my K-500. So far, I'm impressed with it. It works well in upper ISOs, which will come in handy with some of my work. I considered the K-70, but after seeing the complaints about the aperture control block failure (I had to get my K-500 fixed when its block gave up the ghost), I decided to go with the K-3.

[@stevemathew4555]

I have been using pentax for about 30 years. I am always amazed at the features and quality vrs price compared to the nikon and canons. I am that cheap photographer. My k5 and k3 were great condition second hand purchases. My only negativity for pentax is af focus cannot compete with other manufactures esp tracking for sports. I accept this limitation for all the other features pentax does so well. Being cheap I won't be buying the new k3iii for many years as the original k3 is such a great camera.

[@snappiness]

That's how I feel. The k3III will still be amazing in two-three years, and a whole lot cheaper ;)

[@jackjstrange]

I too love my K3. But... time to move on. I bought into the Lumix G9 MFT system and couldn't be happier. I started shooting sports (polo) and needed a more responsive AF system. Plus, the flippy screen has been very helpful when shooting from awkward angles. Still the K3 is rugged enough that it will be with me for a long time.

[@snappiness]

The G9 looks like an incredible camera for an incredible system! I have seen many people be very happy with it. Very rugged as well, I hear.

[@onirrapdivad]

I have been shooting with a Sony RX100iv (and mkii prior) as my travel/street companion for a while and had a complete mental block on interchangeable lens cameras because the glass can be prohibitively expensive. I didn't want to obsess over all the options. Your videos opened my eyes to what I secretly knew I wanted but had been denying myself for a long while. I ended up looking for a good deal on a k5ii but ended up with an incredible deal on a k3 bundled with 6 carefully curated lenses. I have only had the setup for a week and I'm having a blast with it. Thank you.

[@snappiness]

Awesome! That sounds like a sweet setup.

[@Artpi7]

Wow, your photos are brillant 🤭

[@snappiness]

Thank you, very kind of you to say

[@KimHojbergJensen]

I am watching all your Pentax videos while fighting the itch to get one. But with 30 cameras already, mostly Nikon I have to resist. My first SLR was a Pentax K1000 - I bought it for my 20 years birthday in 1978 😁

[@richardbraham2486]

Nice shots- k3 is my favourite!

[@cubiccube]

What a pleasant video. Moment of Zen. One of my favorite cameras I've ever owned. Even having a A7R iii all I can think about is owning another Pentax like the K-3/K-3ii/K-5... Can't wait, but I really hope they do it right.

[@snappiness]

Are you eyeing the k-3 III then or whenever a new FF comes out? Or content with the A7R iii (great camera!). I think the new camera will push much of the same Pentax model, so I'm not holding out for anything drastically different. It'll feel great, work fantastic, blow away image quality, but still lack in all the other areas they normally do being generations behind. It'll be the best Pentax camera though, and for a lot of people that'll be just what they want. I don't mean that in a downer way, clearly I prefer using Pentax and that's why I still do, I'm just setting my expectations that way. If it ends up blowing me away then that's good too :) I'll probably end up picking one up in 2-3 years as the price drops.

[@punkrachmaninoff]

Actually as an owner of 21 Pentax K-mount lenses, I’m shooting a Fujifilm X-T3 with predominantly vintage glass. Rugged, mirrorless, Fuji jpegs are substantially easier and faster from a workflow POV... The only regret is that it’s not a full frame K-1 mirrorless K-Mount camera that says Pentax and doesn’t weigh more than a Kilogram without the lens. If the K-1 was smaller and mirrorless, I would still be shooting Pentax. Occasionally I miss the Pentax feel and those unmistakable colours but after testing two generations of Fuji, objectively I can say that the x-trans sensors (even in the earliest generation) are better than the output of my K-5. It would be quite the battle of cameras to see the K-1 face off against a Fuji X-T3 or better, or maybe even the GFX50 series...

[@unbroken1010]

Yeah I just got an xh1 but I grabbed a Pentax adapter cuz I think they're going to transfer over really well Pentax lenses seem to be the only ones that transfer over every sensor really well it's hit-and-miss with a lot of other lenses except maybe some Minolta

[@snappiness]

That X-T3 is such a winner, I'd love to try one out. Especially the price nowadays (so cheap!) I've always said if I wasn't such a fan of Pentax bodies, I'd be in the fuji world. I've only owned the xpro1 and xe2, both were so fun.

[@GregDeverell]

My K-3 is very beat up hot shoe is broken very tough camera I am my fire departments photographer and shoot in all kind of weather and inside buildings with heat, smoke and water

[@snappiness]

Wow! What a job and environment. Do they use those pictures for reports or the news or what? Very interesting.

[@GregDeverell]

@@snappiness Training, Investigations, Fire reports , year end video I also have a helmet cam

[@snappiness]

@@GregDeverell Very cool.

[@thomastaylor9237]

Nice video. I have used Pentax since the 1980s. Currently, I have the K-3, K-3ii. and a K-1. Great cameras. The ergonomics is outstanding. on all three. The weather sealing, dynamic range and a host of other features make them timeless cameras for me. I have the excellent DA 16-85. On my wish list is the 55-300 PLM. What’s neat about the K-3 is it has the pop up flash, that the K-3iii does not. But the K-3ii has pixel shift, which can be a useful feature.

[@snappiness]

Agreed! That 55-300 PLM has a big following, seems like a winner for IQ and features, would be interested to hear your thoughts when/if you ever pick one up. Nice setup 👍

[@sharonbedell6202]

Love this video and agree totally that the K3 is my “go to”. Camera.

[@TheScottab]

Have had my K3 and grip for about five years. It has been a great camera. It became my backup after I purchased the K1. I just preordered the K3 Mark 3. When the new K3 comes, it will be time to find a new owner for my K3 mark 1 and grip.

[@nancydenham1480]

I have the K3II and love it, I get good natured ribbing from my Nikon and CAnon friends. That's ok, I know I have a quality camera that is weather sealed, pretty tough, and I have learned how to use it, that's what is important. I went to Niagara Falls on a rainy day, everyone was putting little rain coats on their cameras, I didn't bother. No issues.

[@chuckdavidson5483]

I'm in the process of getting a K3ii. I'm doing a trade-in with my K5.

[@snappiness]

Fantastic. The K5 is plenty capable, but the K3 is another step up. The mark ii having gps is awesome.

[@kristiangunderson]

I just found your channel, and it's nice to see the love for Pentax is alive. As far as I'm concerned, there's still nothing wrong with the K3, and I really don't see the need for a more advanced APSC body. I've been using Pentax since I started taking pictures, with my dad's Spotmatic before I got a used one all my own. Then came my first K-mount film body in about 2005, and a K10D when they came out. I wanted a K3 for a long time, and last year I found one cheap enough I could justify it, and all I can say is wow, what a camera. As far as I can see the K1 should compliment it nicely, so I've sold my 645 kit and bought a used K1. I think that pair will be my forever cameras, along with a selection of old film bodies and lenses. Not a lot has changed though, I went from packing a metal briefcase with the Spotmatic and lenses everywhere I went when I was in my 20's to packing a backpack with the K3 and lenses now in my 40's. I can't see a reason to switch from Pentax any time soon.

[@snappiness]

The K-3 is fantastic. You've made an excellent pick :) I sold mine and have the KP now, but I often wish to go back to the K-3. And I just might :)

[@christopherward5065]

Your images are spectacular! I can safely buy a K3 and the results will be worth it.

[@skartimusprime4779]

I got a K-5 years ago because I had lenses from the film MZ-60 I got back in high school 17 years ago. It went on a hiatus being used at my work for 90% of its life so I only just got it back, had been fun to use again, and actually doesn't feel as limited as I expected a digital camera of that age to feel. I still love the MZ60 more though; the memories ❤️

[@snappiness]

Ah, the nostalgia of cameras :) The K200D will always be that way for me as my first DSLR.

[@Fotofan4life]

Another good video - thank you. I always appreciate your style: understated, calm, without the flash of some others. You present very good photographic examples and provide time to appreciate them. I'm a retired schoolteacher and long-time Pentaxian who used to sell Spotmatics back in my 70's photo retail days. I'm still using a venerable K20D (wife uses a K-m) with a clutch of vintage Pentax lenses. I consider upgrading to a K-70, but you've got me thinking anew about the K-3. Since the K20D feels good and mostly does what I'd like (dynamic range and sensor noise being 2 limiters), I'll consider the K-3 vs K-70. Perhaps the K-5 II is a good 'compromise'.

[@dbkfrogkaty1]

I had a K10D and upgraded to the K-5II. Night and day my friend. The low light improvement was the biggest difference for me in the two cameras. The difference is really impressive. The K-3II I would imagine would be a touch better.

[@snappiness]

I can't say between the K70 and K-3/5 because the bodies and features are quite different, but if it comes down to the 3 vs the 5 I would just say whatever you find a sweet deal on. The K-5 is an excellent camera, the mk II being even better.

[@xmeda]

Occasionally I still grab my old trusty K20D too.. it has some special image processing. That Samsung sensor was way ahead in 2008... if you use one fan-made raw border correction tool, it even removes all that red/pink tint noise from raw and then even ISO3200 raws are quite usable. But AF is nowhere near K5II or even K3.. the difference is very significant. And yes I even have many photos of birds in flight and running dogs taken with K20D. But with K3 it is much easier. Especially in low light. K3 with 17-50/2.8 lens is able to get correct focus where K5 with 18-35/1.8 or 35/1.4 lenses struggles. K20D only manages to catch it with that powerful flash strobing function (which I somewhat miss on modern cameras as it is able to lit target for AF sensor well beyond green diode or flash red diode ranges).

[@Fotofan4life]

@@dbkfrogkaty1 Good suggestion. I checked EBay.ca and 1-2 are within my budget. Some fellow FB Pentaxians really endorsed this model. Thank you.

[@Fotofan4life]

@@snappiness Thank you for this sound perspective. The K-5 II provides about 10% more mega-pixels (16 MP) vs the K20D (14.6 MP), and I understand that it has better AF, low light performance and its images are less noisy (which I've been masking with Topaz Labs' DeNoise 6.1). Both K-3 and K-70 have significantly higher MP resolution. I would weigh that as I do crop my images. On features, I lean to the K-70. On value: K-5 II. My Canuck middle-of-the-road compromise :) K-3

[@jbp6759]

I've watched this a few times now to try to keep GAS at bay. I love my K-3 to bits and I feel like I've only recently really started to unlock its potential a little bit. I don't need a K-3iii or K-1...I keep telling myself! Also, it's funny, I may be the only person who isn't in love with the K-3 ergos (I have small hands...). The K10d feels perfect in my hands. But the control layout on the K-3 is perfect, and it feels great in my hands when I haven't held the K10D in a while. Funny how that works.

[@dragangrasic1328]

K-3 is my favourite camera too. Since the successor is delayed I was thinking into buying a second-hand K-3 for backup but decided to rather wait and get the new one in 2021 when it finally arrives. I think the K-3 will stay in my bag like forever, but the new camera will have a lot more going on. I'm expecting the OVF to be stellar, IQ nothing less than fantastic and video to be on par with my Canon, Sony and FujiFilm cameras.

[@snappiness]

That's exciting! I am sure the new camera will be fantastic. I would really like to hold my eye up to that OVF and experience that. Excited about IQ, which Pentax always does extremely well at. I am keeping my expectations low on video quality/video AF, just based on Ricoh's recent offerings and history, but I would REALLY like to be pleasantly surprised. I shoot almost all my video on Pentax cameras, and it would be great to have a more capable video option I could also use for those great Pentax stills! At the very least, it should be their best video capable camera yet, so that's good!

[@dragangrasic1328]

@@snappiness There is a rumour that another Pentax APS-C camera is in development, that one should be even more video-centric. It's true that Pentax didn't pay much attention to video before. It's one of those areas, besides AF-tracking, that has a lot of potential for improvement.

[@snappiness]

@@dragangrasic1328 very interesting! Well, we will find out soon enough for the K3 III. I saw the video Albert Siegel posted showing off the camera. Seems like we should be getting even more info soon :)

[@itsnotphair]

Great video. Way before I fell in love with Pentax I was a die-hard Nikon shooter. The K3 when it launched was already swaying me toward Pentax without me even realizing it. Great camera, and with a drop in price it would be such a fantastic pickup!! That being said, if I am ever to buy a Pentax DSLR now, the K-1 is where it's at for me. I blame you for this :P Liking the new username!

[@snappiness]

Yes, well, there's a reason I still haven't made a video about the K-1 yet... It's too good lol. It's also more camera than I can handle. I feel like I'm only tapping into a tenth of it's power. Well, to be honest I feel that way even on my film cameras so that's more me than anything else :P Thanks!

[@bryzabone]

Bought my k-3 new many years ago.. it’s got scuffs, it’s got wear marks.. and has worked flawlessly in all weather conditions. I also have the k-1mk2, and yeah, the k-1 is better image quality, but the k3 still holds up really well as a grab-n-go and I still use it for wildlife for its faster fps. Landscape, I’ll go the k-1 every time, and have the dfa 15-30, and it’s a stunning combo. I doubt I’ll ever sell my k-3 😎

[@snappiness]

That 15-30 is a dream lens for sure. I don't get out much for dedicated landscape trips like I used to, so probably will be a while before I ever grab one.

[@user-bi2jc3pt2t]

Love My K3, do i want the K3 mk111? yes! can i afford it? no, not yet. Love the review, great channel, keep up the good work

[@mjtrux]

Beautiful shots

[@VladimirBula]

I got the prestige edition and i will keep it forever ❤

[@bansheep1]

Beautiful beautiful shots!

[@snappiness]

Thanks! Good times with this camera!

[@0katmandude0]

K3 was , when it came out was by far the best APSC on the market (if you factor in price, ruggedness, performance). You wouldn't believe the abuse I have wrought on my K3s and still they are as steady and solid as ever. through the brush, the rain, the sleet, mud, sand, humidity. I always remember fondly being gently mocked by the other participants of many a photo outing only to find that when the going got tough, "climatically", they all had to put away their cameras and I was still shooting. Both my K3s and K30s would just continue shooting through it all. I will be buying the K3 mk III , I just hope that it's a solid as the K3 mk I.

[@snappiness]

I'm sure it will be!

[@dominicwroblewski5832]

You think like I do. A new camera comes out and great older cameras will come on the market for less money. I only buy used and the K3 is my top tier camera. I liked it so much I got another one. I love using Pentax cameras. So intuitive to use. I shoot Nikon as well as Pentax and I find the Pentax easier and faster to use. I have a lot of glass from the film era so I had to go a little crazy and just had to fill all of my camera bags with digital stuff. Not a day goes by without a camera up to my eye. Most time nothing gets done around the house because the light is too good to miss.

[@snappiness]

Yep, in all my years of this hobby I have never once bought a new camera. It's cheaper being a few years behind, and just as fun, I think :)

[@HanoverJohn]

Love mine. Still great.

[@Nareimooncatt]

I only recently got the K3 II, but it was love at first shot. I shoot pretty extreme lighting, but it has rarely failed me. Actually, I think lens choices are actually my problem when it comes down to it. It's amazing how well it stands up to most anything out there today.

[@snappiness]

I was editing a file a few days ago from the K-3 that I had drastically underexposed on accident. It was like magic all over again as I slide that exposure slider up and up and up! I think the image quality is right up there with more modern cameras. In every practical sense at least.

[@Nareimooncatt]

@@snappiness "in every practical sense, at least." Exactly. Cameras in general are at a point where newer models are mostly an incremental increase in IQ, not really worth buying the latest and greatest unless you are already in the market and have a specific need for it.

[@snappiness]

@@Nareimooncatt yep, totally agree!

[@cbatiau2528]

I bought a used/mint black K-3 II from Japan/eBay and liked it so much that I later bought a mint/used K-3 II silver-edition camera also from Japan/eBay as a back-up. Great cameras! [Unlike you, I don't yet have a K-1, so rather than buying a K-3 III that will likely cost close to the K-1 II (currently), I'll be probably buying a K-1 II in about a year (new), unless Pentax says (before I buy the K-1 II) that there will be a K-1 III coming out (in which case I might wait to see what differences there will be).] Great review! I just subscribed!

[@snappiness]

It’s been really weird straddling between the k-3 and k-1. I enjoy the k-3 so much and for almost all situations I shoot in it’s just as good in a smaller lighter body. And of course some situations where the extra reach and speed is better. If you can afford it, I think having both is really nice. I might be selling one or the other at some point to fund my LBA though :p I think you’d enjoy the k-1 though, and you’re really smart to watch as the price drops. I bought mine for under $1k USD, and have seen some come close to that price before. Gonna be a bargain in the coming years!

[@ralphhoney5334]

Been shooting with Pentax since the '70's, film then of course. Have slowly over the years, upgraded to new models BUT when I bought the K3, when it was one year old, thought this might be my last upgrade! I was right, do NOT need to buy any more unless of course this K3 has an accident! Then it would be a search for another used K3. No this is the camera for me and Pentax is my brand. 85 this year and still an amateur!

[@richardbraham2486]

I love the k3- great functions, solid build and feels good in the hands. Combined with the da* lenses it’s a great combo.

[@donbrooks8479]

Thank you great video!

[@jonhoskins3795]

I had the K70 and while it's a fine camera, I can't live without the one "pro" feature on my K3... a dedicated AEL button! I always shoot BBF and having a separate button for AEL is super handy. At least the KP has an assignable FX2 button that can do the trick.

[@snappiness]

That's so interesting, I don't know if I've ever really used AEL, but I could see how it could be handy! I guess I just developed other (probably slower) habits for when I might have used it.

[@anthonyaveray1324]

Yes, K3 is still very worthy and because I have one (plus K1) I have been buying apsc lenses too. Yesterday I bought a used Tamrom 17-50 F2.8 non VC. So if I ever get the K3iii I’ll already have the right lenses.

[@chrissilcott7288]

The K3 is an excellent camera. My K3 is mostly regulated to my 60-250 lens, while my K1 carries the rest of the load. I find it odd that I've never come across another Pentax user when I'm out shooting. Mostly Canon and Nikon.

[@snappiness]

I have also never seen a Pentax shooter in the wild. That 60-250 seems like such a nice lens. I almost went with that instead of my 300mm.

[@scorg]

K3 user still here, not planning on changing it up to the mk3 anytime soon, just picked up a 50-135 for it recently via mbp at a bargain price thanks to a dead sdm on it, so switched that to screwdrive with my k100 and used it recently at the zoo, damn it makes for a much nicer lighter weight combo then lugging the 70-200 around. but overall until mk3 prices are more reasonable the mk1 will stay with me a while yet.

[@CarmineGroe]

Thanks for the video! I have the Pentax K3. Never looked back for a small format camera. The DA pancake primes are ridiculously good and I can and do walk around with one on the camera and the others in my pockets, lol

[@snappiness]

I have the 21mm and 70mm still on my list to try!

[@CarmineGroe]

@@snappiness if you’re interested, I have the 70mm in mint condition for sale.

[@snappiness]

@@CarmineGroe thanks for the heads up. I'm not in the market anymore but maybe in the future :)

[@pamelahooper7851]

I dropped it. It bounced. Only the lens cap broke. The camera and lens were fine and I just carried on shooting.

[@snappiness]

Nice! Glad that didn't end up any worse!

[@brianmccutcheon3205]

Enjoy your relaxed style. I love Pentax K10D, K5, K1 have a fuji XT3 and many other cameras both film and digital. Including 4x5 large format rail camera. Love em all.....Looking to get KP and K3, WHY ? because I can

[@keithhamilton216]

I have the k30 (which died sort of) then bought k5 luv it but then bought kp I was blown away but k3 was a very close contender I will be watching the market never owned a k3. As far as the k3 mk3 it will be a while before I can afford that one. Luv the videos👍

[@snappiness]

A while before I could afford one either 🤣 the KP looks awesome. Hope to get my hands on one eventually.

[@anthonyaveray1324]

My Klll is a great adjunct to the KI. It gives Pentax lenses extra penetration.

[@MichaelRusso]

My K5IIs works fine, I have the KP and after watching a few KZbin videos comparing the K-3III to the K-3, or just the K-3, bought the K-3!

[@SMlFFY85]

Pentax cameras do feel nice to hold.

[@AStrangeHill]

Yeah, another great video! I'm just starting to get into photography, after being interested for quite some time at a younger age (and not having pursued it as a hobby) I recently bought myself a cheap K7 kit and the 40mm f2.8 prime. Loving the handling of the body and looking forward to an upgrade and increasing my focal range in due time (when I can afford it!) Some lovely pictures in this video, Don't worry about the focus. The tulips 🌷🌷 Bliss. Thankyou 🙂

[@snappiness]

Awesome, thanks! Enjoy that setup while you have it. Use what you have to get some great shots and you can always get what you're dreaming about later. 👍

[@minello7]

I have a K3 , and agree with everything you said, at present it has over 100000 shutter clicks and I'm still using it along with a K50 also with over 100000 shutter clicks, plus if you have a problem with the shutter on theK50 there is a DIY solution which takes about 30mins

[@snappiness]

Way to go! That's a well loved camera :)

[@cycletouringoz5760]

Hardly any …… actually one K-3 for sale in Australia, at least online. People must be holding on to them

[@richardbraham2486]

Love the original K3!!

[@highestsprings]

I own a K3 and its a beautiful camera. I am no pro but I do use it for art purposes and landscape.. However, I love the ethos of Pentax as a brand. I don't care about weight. I like a solid camera. I dont care about EVF. I want to look through glass not at an electronic screen. Ultimately I have just seen photos taken in Ireland in 1913. Now these are some of the most soul searching pictures I have come across. If you need a maximum electronic gizmo to feel your up to date that is fine. There is something beautiful about a more natural approach. For me Pentax does that. I am investing in their APSC glass at a time when the hype often writes them off. Personally they tick many boxes, solid, weather sealed and a natural approach via OVF is enough. I have thought about going for the K1. For now I am happy to stay with my K3 and get the maximum out of it. I can honestly say I still have not reached its full potential. Technology keeps going for the sake of sales in this world. Yet the world is showing us now a new way where perhaps a step back is a good thing. Respect to Pentax as a brand, affordable quality products at a sensible pace that reflects this. I love my K3 and I am sure it will last for years. A Biro is and advancement, its lighter, easier to use, more practical and accessible easy to make but there is just something about writing in fountain pen that is unique and more connected, I see Pentax as the Fountain pen. There are many Biro's but most of us will only ever own one Fountain pen. We are all blessed no matter what system we choose. Being able to use this equipment is a luxury. In a throw away world, its nice to see things being produced with lastability in mind. K3 highlights this and I am sure long term the resources of the planet will be grateful to.

[@snappiness]

Well said!! :)