Pentax K-3 Mark III Body Black APS-C DSLR Camera - Field of view 100%~1.05x optical viewfinder, 5-axis 5.5 step in-body SR mechanism, ISO 1.6 million, weather resistant, up to 12fps, Touch screen

I debated whether to upgrade from my K3 as it an excellent camera that I have come to understand well, both its strengths and weaknesses. I'm writing this review so that you can also add it to your decisions about your future purchase of the K3iii. The problem is there are hardly any faults, its damned near perfect, the viewfinder, the configurable rear screen that allows you to chose the touch buttons you want and where they go, the feature that turns off the rear screen when you put the camera up to your eye, love that. Then there is the clarity of image the new processor turns out, amazing. All these things made me very happy that I had gone ahead and bought this (ouch) expensive camera. I would also urge anyone thinking about buying this to download the manual and read it, you will get a good idea of the changes, if you are a Pentax user and its capabilities. There are some faults. For me the new joystick feature is something I don't think I will use, I don't take those type of shots, and it also lies across the path of the oh so useful Green Button. The problem is the joystick alters the position of the focus and I have taken several shots and then after checking exposure settings etc, using the Green Button, found I have shifted the focus to the left or right. It is easily corrected before shooting, just press the joystick down to centre focus but hopefully a firmware update will allow some form of lockout for those who don't require this feature to be live all the time. The other thing that was disappointing was the overall package that came with the K3iii. I mean the plug is self assembly! The lead is also only USB C at one end the other is USB A, there is also no battery charger you have to plug the camera in through the USB C port. At this price I also felt that Pentax could have made an effort and chucked in a lens cloth or a soft case, but what I would really have liked was a strap that was long enough for someone over 6 foot, we do exist and the strap is just that bit to short requiring me to buy one online that came from a seventies model Pentax when people were presumably taller. I also think the battery is another item that lets this camera down. Batteries have come a long way but this old beast first reared its head in the Pentax K7; my MacBook has an eighteen hour battery life and charges in no time compared to the first generation of Macs in 2009, but Pentax are still using this old type and it takes an age to charge up, and beware fast chargers on it. The biggest pain is having to forward/back focus all my lenses again, maybe one day there will be an auto feature for that, but the effort is worth it. I think that, when reading this back, it is obvious that my gripes are small fry compared to the functionality of the Pentax K3iii, it is excellent, but.... As an after thought anyone who hasn't should go to the Pentax forum and read the reviews there, it is an excellent place for all things Pentax. Update: The original version of this camera I bought on Amazon I sent back and got a refund, why? Well it had clearly been used and was missing the manual and when I checked the Shutter count, let's say it wasn't zero. Amazon were great and gave me a refund with no problem. I bought the Pentax k3iii elsewhere and it is still amazing, there is also the ability to lock out the annoying focus shift, you just need to read the manual and it is all in there. In addition the update to the firmware allows for astrophotography with no additional purchases other than a tripod. Truly amazing.

Compared to the k3 mark 1, the k3iii is a major upgrade. The new view finder is large and bright. Noise levels are not bad at all even at 3200. Auto focus on this camera is much superior. Definitely a lot more in focus bird photos. Also with the latest firmware there is astro tracer 3 so there is no need for the gps unit for deep sky objects. You will still need the gps unit for wide angle night shots with earth bound foregrounds.

Fantastic upgrade for any Pentax crop user but quite expensive for what I consider older technology now. It's all about mirrorless these days but if you prefer a DSLR and are a Pentax user already then you won't be disappointed (saying that Pentax say they won't be making mirrorless so you have no choice if you want to keep using your lenses on a native body), the autofocus is MUCH improved, the egonomics are great and all the usual bells and whistles are in there from Pentax.

Replaced mk1 k3 and tge difference is way more than anticipated. Great camera.

I have used the Pentax K series of DSLRs since the K20D (15 years ago). As such I know the system well. The Mk3 is a huge step up from the Mk2 K3 - for one thing the accuracy of exposure is excellent. It makes a huge difference post processing when 99 times out of 100 it's exposed correctly. Focussing is far superior too. For the first time I have been able to shoot wildlife without the camera suddenly focussing on grass between me and the animal. Pentax have provided loads of firmware updates since it was released and added major features like Astrotracer type 3 - look it up - it's incredible. I also like the fact that you can customise the buttons. It's a pricey camera but my goodness it's a good one. Build quality is incredible.

Does what t should.

I have used this body for a year now. Pairing with the 16-50 PLM forms a versatile combination generating very sharp images, likewise the 50-135 lens. I did not need to calibrate the 16-50 PLM on this body, likewise a number of other lenses. My one issue is that I get occasional double shutter releases when straining to press the shutter button. Very pleased with this purchase.

I am a big fan of Pentax and have had, and do presently own a lot of Pentax gear. However this model does have a few disappointment's from it's predecessor, the K3ii. No GPS this time around. No coloured focus confirmation in the viewfinder. The top display is very small and difficult to read by comparison. The lack of a tilt and turn back screen on a 'flagship' camera of this type is a big omission. Overall it is overcomplicated.