Pentax K-3 Pro Reviews

Pentax’s years of experience shine through in the K-3's well thought-out construction, which puts all of your most commonly used controls in convenient, easy to find locations. The innovation and user choice behind features such as advanced anti-moire and simple things such as a mode dial lock make this a camera that's looking to please everyone. And please it does, as using the K-3 is a bit of a treat. Video performance still isn't the best out there, but then this is a stills camera - and still image quality is where it really counts in a DSLR. That's exactly where the K-3 makes it count too, by putting in a good performance at regular sensitivities, even if it introduces a fair amount of grain at the upper end. It's not the best of the best Pentax quality we've seen, but it's still impressive and will give its closest competitors a run for their money. But the thing that gives the K-3 considerable appeal is that it’s extremely keenly priced, which makes it a very tempting buy indeed. But it's not a price that comes at the expense of build or function. Nope, Pentax has got everything nailed down and it all works wonderfully.

The Pentax K-3 is an Editor’s Choice winner – it’s really a top-notch 2014 enthusiast DSLR – even with the negatives detailed. If you’re in the market for a Canon EOS 70D or a Nikon D7100, give this outfit a very close look. The K-3 is generating a lot of buzz with photographers, even though it costs $150 more (with the 18-135mm lens) than the D7100 with an 18-140mm VR lens. We don’t know if long-time Canon and Nikon fans should put all their gear on eBay for this one but anyone stepping up to this level camera should put the K-3 near the top of the list.

The fantastic body and excellent image quality are the two main reasons to buy the Pentax K-3. It really is a great camera, though it does have its quirks. The autofocusing isn't as fast as its competitors from Canon and Nikon, and whilst it isn't bad, wildlife and sports photographers will probably find it is too slow for there needs. Those more keen on landscape and travel photography have more to look forward to in the K-3. The rugged body and it weather seals give you the confidence to take it anywhere, though it could weigh a little less, but the high resolution is certainly backed up with the great colours that the camera can produce. You do have to spend some time with the camera learning how to get the best from the metering, but a simple +1EV exposure compensation adjustment is often the simplest way to get better results. I found that the K-3 is a real photographers camera. It is a tool and you have to learn how to use it, but once you have mastered it, it produces excellent images.

The Pentax K-3 is the most refined K-mount SLR to date, offering fast autofocus and superb image quality. Its video autofocus implementation isn't the best, but it still manages to snag our Editors' Choice award.

Pentax have been consistently producing outstanding DSLRs, well specified and rugged. The K-3 continues that tradition, but honing areas that needed attention such as the AF tracking system and the video capability. The increased resolution and the clean images it produces all set off a well-rounded package that comes very close indeed to challenging very much more expensive kit. Looking at the APS-C competition, Pentax now seems have nudged into the lead with the K-3 and for a rugged, well specified all weather camera it may well be that we need look no further. The marriage of Ricoh and Pentax expertise looks to have become a happy one indeed.