Jan 19 2017 update
One of the reasons for getting the K-3II was pixel shift capability. I must say that I am amazed by the increased resolution and dynamic range. I have done recently HDR in conjunction with pixel shift. The results were just jaw dropping. Viewing at 100% on a 27" 2560X1440 monitor, it is still sharp with incredible details. This is the kind of sharpness and micro-contrast that I have only seen produced by high resolution medium format cameras. A benefit from this revelation is that my lenses are still keeping well with the sensor, no need to upgrade.
Original:
This is my 8th Pentax dSLR, replacing a K-5IIs and a K-S2. The out-going cameras are still fine tools, but no comparison to the K-3II. The fit-and-finish of the K-3II is the best, very solid, substantial but not heavy or too big. The shutter is incredibly soft, quiet and smooth. K-5 & K-5IIs already have excellent shutter, but K-3II again is better.
AF is much improved over previous models. Some AF fine adjustments were necessary for all previous models; however, none is needed for lenses tested so far - 16-85, 50-135, Sigma 70-200 OS. AF is fast and confident on these 3 lenses. Resolution is incredible; I was not prepared when I saw the fine details.
Aug 7 2016 update
Just finished a long overseas vacation. Local weather was hot and humid, the camera performed flawlessly. AF with 16-85 was fast, secure and accurate. I am very familiar with the Sony 16 MP in K-5 series, but this 24 MP sensor is just stunning. There is at least one stop of highlight headroom when using RAW. Dynamic range is also excellent, with easy 3 stops shadow recovery. I never realize how useful the GPS was until now. I can easily pin point the exact location of where an image was taken. Finally, I did try the pixel shift function. It actually works quite well for static subjects. SR on this camera is definitely improved over that of K-5 series.
Unless you have extra money you don't know what to do with it, this camera represents the best APS DSLR and the best value also. Highly recommended.
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This Item  Pentax K-3II Pentax DSLR (Body Only) | ![PENTAX K-3 Mark III Monochrome [A Monochrome-Specific Digital SLR Camera] [Field of View 100%, Approx. 1.05x Optical viewfinder] [Dustproof/Weather-Resistant Construction ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41eIReXCQoL._AC_.jpg) |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $599.98 | $2,196.95 | $696.95 | $796.95 | $1,993.90 | -15% $1,696.95 List: $1,999.95 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 7 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 | Get it May 3 - 6 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 3 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sold By | Delight World Co.,Ltd. | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Adorama | Amazon.com |
| display type | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| display size | 3.2 inches | — | — | 3 inches | 3.2 inches | 3.2 inches |
| lens type | body-only | Non | Telephoto | Telephoto | — | ✗ |
| zoom type | — | Digital Zoom | Digital Zoom | Digital Zoom | — | Optical Zoom |
| shooting modes | Dawn, Dusk, Sports, Indoor | Custom | Automatic | Automatic | — | Bulb Mode, Time Mode,Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority |
| connectivity tech | HDMI, USB | USB | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | USB | Wi-Fi |
| video resolution | FHD 1080p | 4K(3840x2160, 30p/24p) | Full HD(1920x1080, 60i/50i/30p/25p/24p） | Full HD(1920x1080, 60i/50i/30p/25p/24p） | 2160p | 2160p |
| magnification | 0.95x | 1.05x | — | Optical | — | Approx. 1.05x |
| wireless tech | Optional, Special version of Flu Card available | — | ✓ | ✓ | Usb | Wi-FiBluetooth |
| model name | K-3II | K-3 Mark III Monochrome | PENTAX KF Body | PENTAX KF 18-55 WR kit | Pentax K-3 Mark III | PENTAX K-3 Mark III |
| form factor | Mid-size SLR | DSLR | Compact | Compact | DSLR | Compact |
Reviews with images
Solid. Crisp. Clear.
About 25 years ago, I received my first SLR camera. It was a Vivitar V-2000 camera. It was a 35mm clone of the Pentax K1000, which was the standard for hobbyist photographers almost from its first release in 1976.Roughly ten years ago, I was looking to get into the digital SLR game. I had two options, and I chose the Pentax K10D over the equivalent Canon at the time. That K10D served me well. The fact that I could use my old Vivitar lens with the new camera was just icing on the cake. Over the last decade, I've gotten more and more serious about my photography. I'm still a hobbyist, mind you, but that doesn't mean I'll settle for less than the best. I have about a dozen lenses of various powers and speeds.When my phone's camera had the same number of megapixels as my primary digital camera, I realized it was time to upgrade. I like Pentax cameras and I love Pentax lenses, so I quickly narrowed it down to the K-3 and the K-3II. There are a host of small differences between the two, but the most important difference is the flash vs the GPS. The K-3 has a little pop-up flash. The K-3II replaces that with a GPS logger.If you're just getting started and don't have an external flash already, you may still want to consider the K-3. If you're getting this for family photos at holiday gatherings, you may want to consider the K-3. But if you're serious and are buying the camera as a tool instead of as a toy, then I can without hesitation recommend the K-3II. But I'd still suggest you take a look at the K-3 to see if it does what you need it to do.Remember also that the lens you choose will make a significant different for you, as well.I was surprised at how well the autofocus was able to find (and focus on) my black cat. The K10D would focus and refocus and refocus over and over as it tried to find the cat. This had no problems at all.The attached photos were taken with the Pentax DA 50mm f1.8 lens for Pentax DSLR Cameras. I threw the aperture wide open and used autofocus and auto white balance just as a test. I'm very pleased with the results.
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