Specifications
Link to Ricoh site - http://issuu.com/cjmphoto/docs/k-3_issuu_master_preview
Available for preorder:
New firmware - v1.30
- Corresponded to [KAF4 lens mount] that is equipped with an electromagnetic diaphragm control system.
- Enable new lens HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mmF4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE to shoot stable by updating firmware.
- Improved stability for general performance.
http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/digital/k3_s.html
Firmware version 1.2:
http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/digital/k3_s.html
Pentax K-3 firmware version 1.20
http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/digital/k3_s.html
V1.11 firmware
http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/digital/k3_s.html
V1.10 Firmware
http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/digital/k3_s.html
On pentaxforums we can read that Ricoh is replying to users complaints about the well known issues on K3, admitting the problem. Hopefully that is the first step for solving them. http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/172-pentax-k-3/254464-k3-crazy-mirror-sickness-mirror-flapping-lockup-report-yours-here-19.html
I was planning to get one for this year's wedding season. Hoping they will solve the issue very soon.
@Vitaliy_Kiselev I hope that Pentax find and solve the issue - the K3 is probably the best APS-C DSLR on the market.
I suggest to read thread below
it seems like issue is present, but I also think that with non zero probability Steve can use it to add drama and punish camera.
A report of a somewhat serious problem in the Steve Huff site - looks like firmware bugs:
K-3 is the only camera making significant strides in the high-end APS-C DSLR space. Ricoh is a company with a history of building enthusiast-focused cameras, so it's no surprise that the K-3 is just as much a photographer's camera as its predecessors were. As you'd expect of a camera at this level, there's a bit of a learning curve to overcome but, once you've done so, you'll get repeated reminders that the K-3 has been designed from a photographer's perspective.
The K-3 is capable of some excellent images. Its sensor shows impressive dynamic range at low ISOs and remains pleasantly clean as the light levels fall. We were also impressed, not just that the camera is able to do so much in the way of lens correction processing (lateral chromatic aberration, geometric distortion and vignetting all being correctable), but that all those corrections are optional.
New firmware released
@davjd I still have a K5 and recently bought the K3.
I did own a DA*16-50 but after two failed SDM's I got rid of it about a year ago so I'm afraid I can't tell you how it performs on a K3.
However the auto focus on the K3 does seem overall an improvement compared to the K5.
The only SDM AF lens I own is the DA15 Limited plus the FA31, FA43 and FA77 Limiteds which are the older screw drive auto focus system.
I have several old manual Pentax lenses which I like and they mainly get used on my GH2 for video.
After never really trusting the AF on the K5 I would manually focus much of the time. However my eyes are not as good as they use to be so manual focus was becoming hit and miss as well.
I was in two minds whether to dump all my Pentax gear for a camera with more accurate AF or take a punt on the K3.
As I have quite a bit invested in Pentax gear I decided to give Pentax one last shot.
So far the K3 AF seems snappier and more accurate and seems to lock focus better in low light than the K5 did. Also the additional focus points are a welcome addition.
If I were you I would take your DA*16-50 to a store and give it a work out on a K3.
Pentax make great cameras, this look like another great camera.
@pundit I have two K5s, and I'm planning to get the K3. My doubts were about autofocus. I'm not satified at all with K5 autofocus, altough I got the latest firmware updates. I have difficulty especially in low light when I don't have much time to seek for focus. The worst performance is with the expensive da* SDM 16-50, while they go better with traditional autofocus. So can you confirm that autofocus has been improved? Do you have the 16-50 or any other sdm lens?
It provides the image quality, performance and feature set to compete with any other dSLR in its price range. Sporting a 24-Megapixel APS-C sized imaging sensor, real-time scene analysis, incredible AF system and a shutter that can provide up to 8.3fps, you will be hard-pressed to find anything that this camera doesn't excel at. In-Camera SR (Shake Reduction) allows any and every lens to work with the camera's image stabilization system. The great features don't stop there either. Dual memory card slots, Eye-Fi compatibility, pentaprism optical viewfinder, full 1080p HD video recording, HDR image capture and a fully weather-sealed body help to round out the best features; but there are still plenty more. All of the features provide unique and amazing shooting possibilities that will allow and enhance your creative photography.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/pentax/k-3/pentax-k-3-review.html
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