Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Pentax K-3 II announced
#1
http://www.us.ricoh-imaging.com/dslr/K-3_II

 

PS: Will do a couple of Pentax K mount tests soon
#2
 Yep, Pentax has really shown what SR is all about with the K3II........

           The K5II/s/K3 had crippled the SR by using the stabilization giro's to turn off SR when panning or recomposing and to boot it was too sensitive leaving a seconds wait while it re-fired up.( I was critical of this move to the point of initiating an email to Japan via Pentax service dept) 

    Now Pentax's SR has a additional stop of SR (4.5) astro-tracer GPS mode, pixel shifting technology (sorry Olympus) and panning, finally everything has come together, with improved AF.........a masterstroke!........... this is going to rattle Canikon's cage somewhat!

 

 Bit of a shame about the loss of the inbuilt flash, but it's so crammed tight inside something had to give!

 

 What lenses are coming under the hammer Klaus?, Photozone would be the first independent test of the DA 16-85mm if you decided on that lens. 

#3
I think I might just get one of these. Have the a K-3 which I got second hand with a chunky discount because the flash had died, so I am already a practising K-3II owner Smile . I just get on with this camera, sensor, white balance, and the overall look of images I am producing, 2 months in I have an intuitive grasp of the control layout, (AE-L is a PITA) but the AF and Green button are spot on.
 
I think they dropped the ball with not incorporating a tilting lcd but can forgive this time as it probably would have required tooling changes to the magnesium casting. As I mentioned before, won't miss the flash but again can help thinking that they might have stolen a march with the competition by integrating compatibility with the radio / wireless flash specialists like Elinchrom, Cactus or similar in lieu of the pop up job.
 
Pixel shift tech looks very interesting for those chasing uber fidelity but will it work with a landscape in a breeze or a seascape for instance? There is talk of improvements to AF-C, again wait and see I suppose. All I know is that AF-S is bang on - no messin
 
Sensor, not much talk of this but it has increased from 23.35MP to 24.35MP so there is a change of something going on there. Either yields have improved or Pentax is happier stating that there is effectively 1MP extra on offer for free. I would also like to think that it is an improved version due to Sony having 2 years or more manufacturing experience with it.
 
Overall a subtle upgrade, some new tech being trialled pre FF, a toe in the water for flash removal, a better offering from a value viewpoint if you take in the original cost of a K-3 + O-GPS1 verses a K-3II + AF201G for better all round flash capabilities.
#4
The flash removal is more to do with the GPS living above the viewfinder prism so as to pick up satellite signals than FF.

#5
Quote: Yep, Pentax has really shown what SR is all about with the K3II........

           The K5II/s/K3 had crippled the SR by using the stabilization giro's to turn off SR when panning or recomposing and to boot it was too sensitive leaving a seconds wait while it re-fired up.( I was critical of this move to the point of initiating an email to Japan via Pentax service dept) 

    Now Pentax's SR has a additional stop of SR (4.5) astro-tracer GPS mode, pixel shifting technology (sorry Olympus) and panning, finally everything has come together, with improved AF.........a masterstroke!........... this is going to rattle Canikon's cage somewhat!

 

 Bit of a shame about the loss of the inbuilt flash, but it's so crammed tight inside something had to give!

 

 What lenses are coming under the hammer Klaus?, Photozone would be the first independent test of the DA 16-85mm if you decided on that lens. 
 

Pentax cameras were always great IMHO. Lens QC is or at least was a major issue. Honestly I also think that lens quality is  somewhat worse than Canon. The lens AF is also not so hot (but then this aspect is way overblown by marketeers anyway).

 

So yes, a mate has offered the 16-85mm and DFA 50mm for reviewing. I will probably also test the DA 50mm and DA 18-50mm. On the K-5 II.

#6
Not many tests of the DFA50 available. Reputed to be a bit of a sleeper in the Pentax line up  Wink

#7
The 16-85mm and the 18-50mm have not been formally MTF chart tested with only verbal sharpness descriptions, so they will be gratefully received by Pentaxians. The DFA 50mm macro is one of their all time sharpest lenses!

 

With the pixel shifting technology  Image sharpness may set new levels that Canikon will not be able to achieve, albeit with the limitations of tripod usage.

 

  Pentax have always made quality cameras but now I think we are seeing them nose ahead slightly (APSc format) in all but AF and lens range.

 

Official images from the K3II  using pixel shifting technology;

 

 

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/pro...Img_01.JPG

 

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/pro...Img_02.JPG

#8
Quote:Pentax cameras were always great IMHO. Lens QC is or at least was a major issue. Honestly I also think that lens quality is  somewhat worse than Canon. The lens AF is also not so hot (but then this aspect is way overblown by marketeers anyway).
 

Hmm, have you ever tried taking images of toddlers with an 1.8 lens at ISO 3200?  That puts an AF system to a test.  (I am using Olympus not Pentax)

enjoy
#9
Quote:So yes, a mate has offered the 16-85mm and DFA 50mm for reviewing. I will probably also test the DA 50mm and DA 18-50mm. On the K-5 II.


I will be looking forward to these. Thanks in advance.
#10
Thanks Photozone for tests I consider clear and credible. I recently sold my Sony 6000 and many lenses because I finally had enough of Sony-phony marketing. Anyway, I am considering the Pentax K3 II because it offers quite a bit for the money. I also was impressed with the lens test results on Photozone. However, the K3 II has a 24mp  sensor whereas most of the tests were done on a 10mg sensor. Should I ignore those test results?

Since I am systemless for the first time in 50 years, is there another system you would recommend. Picture quality is of prime importance, but portability is also desirable since I am 1 72 year old and thats why I went mirrorless with the Sony.

  


Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread:
1 Guest(s)