Pentax K-3 - OFFICIAL

[K10D]

K3 Ltd already ordered.

Roll on November.

Best regards

[Kym]

K-3 Operating Manual available for download here: http://www.ricoh-imaging.eu/en/opera...-download.html

[Kym]

Interesting promotion http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1539334

[Kym]

[Kym]

Nikon D600 vs K-3 http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/d...on+Pentax+wins

[Kym]

More hands on
http://www.pentaxforums.com/news/pen...plus.html#more

[Kym]

Sample images

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PROD...entax-k3A7.HTM

[Kym]

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PROD...A.HTM#pentaxaa

Pentax revolutionizes low-pass filtering. In a truly revolutionary move, Pentax has developed a solution for variable, on-demand low-pass (anti-aliasing) filtering in digital cameras, the first implementation being in their new K-3 DSLR. This is such an important development that we're going to devote a little time to explaining how they do it, and why it's so significant.
Low-pass filters, aka anti-aliasing (AA) filters are an important part of digital imaging of which most people have little understanding. Recently, there's been a move afoot in the photo industry to eliminate them, which we at IR consider ill-advised. They're very necessary in some situations, yet in others needlessly reduce resolution and sharpness. Clearly, what's needed is a way to have a low-pass filter when you need it, and do away with it when you don't. That's exactly what Pentax has just made possible for the first time, in their new K-3 SLR.

and

Bottom line. It's not often that we label an imaging technology "revolutionary", but if ever one deserved to be called such, this is it. It's a fundamentally different approach to anti-aliasing, and one that appears to have surprisingly few downsides associated with it. For the first time ever, there's a camera on the market that lets the end-user decide when they want a low-pass filter, and when they don't, with little apparent penalty regardless of their choice. And it was Pentax that brought it to us.

[old4570]

On the to buy list for 2014 .. ( Start saving now )

[pixy]

Well at least I now have a computer to handle the files.

Jack.

[Kym]

Here is a comparison of the AA filter (mode 0, 1 and 2) and with the K-5

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum...64825&p=9#r175

[arthurking83]

Not 100% convinced about this system just yet.

Only reason I say this, is that I've downloaded some of the images available at IR. Haven't overdone it, just three of four images as of now.

One thing is fairly obvious between some images I'm looking at....

Nikon D7100(no AA filter, 24Mp sensor) has much less moire than the equivalent K-3 image using LR4 as the basis to compare the images.

Of course Nikon is NEF and the Pentax is a DNG, so I can't compare each image with software that I'm actually used too.

So far in my tweaking and turning, I've found that setting detail colour slider to 18 on the D7100 image completely eliminates moire (in the same respective affected area) .. yet the K-3 image requires the same slider to be set to 30.

I set all other sliders to zero so as to eliminate as much cross processing tweaks, and rely solely on this slider for moire reduction.

So , it appears the Pentax is producing more moire to begin with.
(I'm assuming that they both use the same basic Sony 24Mp sensor.

There is also a slight advantage to the D7100 in terms of colour noise too at elevated ISO settings .. but not enough difference to warrant choosing the D7100 over the K-3 tho.


I'm curious to see some detailed scientific comparisons between these AA modes to.
(and then, if it ever comes to fruition .. Nikon version of on demand LPF).

[Kym]

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/1...pressions.html

I’ll start this with a quick introduction. I’m a visual journalist based in Tokyo. I mainly work in areas related to politics and technology. I’m also the person who makes many of the videos you see here. As such, I’ve been given an opportunity by Ricoh to test a pre-production version of the new Pentax K-3 DSLR and give my first-hand impressions. Please note, I am not giving a professional review, but rather my personal opinion on the camera as a professional in the field. Please do not take my word as final, but rather use my informal thoughts as a piece of the puzzle on how to describe this new camera.

and

One of the big headlines is the new AF system, which has more points and is said to be better for tracking. I can confirm that it indeed is better than the system in the K-5 in just about all AF areas. I had a far greater keeper rate with only a few out of focus shots from my entire shoot. I’m highly impressed with the results. Not only is the AF improved, the buffer is much bigger and faster than before. This is HUGE for me. I found the buffer and write speed of the K-5 limiting at times. There was no concern this time with the K-3

[Kym]

@Arthur ...
I'll have my K-3 next week hopefully. I'll be able to try a few things in real life.
I'm not actually expecting to use the AA option, i.e. I'll only shoot with it off and handle the rare moire issue in PP

Any D7100 comparison should be done with the same glass and aperture. (eg maybe a Sigma 105/2.8 at f/4 or whatever)

Also: the K-3 sensor is not the same as the D7100 - it is a newer Sony sensor

[K10D]

UK users already have K3 in their hands! All good reports so far.

Best regards

[MattNQ]

K3 Ltd already ordered.

Roll on November.

Best regards

You'll have to change your forum name now

[Rattus79]

I only have 4 words to say about this amazing camera.



Its not full frame!!!

[arthurking83]

@Arthur ...
I'll have my K-3 next week hopefully. I'll be able to try a few things in real life.
I'm not actually expecting to use the AA option, i.e. I'll only shoot with it off and handle the rare moire issue in PP

Any D7100 comparison should be done with the same glass and aperture. (eg maybe a Sigma 105/2.8 at f/4 or whatever)

Also: the K-3 sensor is not the same as the D7100 - it is a newer Sony sensor

Good onya Kym.

As far as I'm aware, most IR images captured involve the use of a Sigma 70/2.8 Macro lens. It's apparently one of their sharpest.

Not completely sure on this point, but I think I remember reading it somewhere on their site.

I wouldn't have thought that there's been enough lead time between the D7100 and the K3 to have developed a new sensor, with the exact same specs(usually there's at least one spec somewhere that's bound to be different.

[K10D]

You'll have to change your forum name now

Can't be done Matt as I shoot FF Nikon, APS-C Nikon, Minolta 7D, Fuji X100 and Pentax's from my istD to my K5.

I sometimes use the signature of cameradextrous.

Best regards

[Kym]

Stock has landed in Aus!! Expect shipments to dealers ASAP