What's in store for the K-3III?

<p>I noticed in Ricoh's Pentax website the K-3II is now available in the same two colors as the K-70. Perhaps the next K-3 version will carry that over and also updates to other fine qualities of the K-70, along with truly improved AF and video. Perhaps the return of a built-in flash too. The K-1 (maybe offered in silver as well), such a fine new K-3III, the K-70, and the K-S2 entry-level, would make for a very attractive lineup!</p>

<p>This is confusing me (because I don't know much about new Pentax DSLRs). Is the K-70 a camera with finer qualities than the K3 II? I only found some K50 and its design (body, controls, buttons, and menus) is very attractive to me. But rumors are saying that they have serious problems with aperture control units. Is that rumor true? and should we be careful about those qualities. They say a lot about that with the K5 too and that is what I care most thinking of buying Pentax DSLR.</p>

<p>K-70 is just newer so it has some newer tech but it is an enthusiast oriented body. The K-3II is a pro oriented body (more rugged, more physical buttons) but it's older. The K-3II replacement will undoubtedly leap-frog ahead again when it's released. </p>

<p>I think the silver K-3II is a limited edition, announced back in February 2016. No idea the actual availability as the <a href="http://news.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/rim_info2/2016/20160223_010468.html">original announcement</a> stated only 500 bodies would be sold worldwide.</p>

<p>It does look like this model may not be around too much longer, as I'm not seeing any kits for sale at B&H. Just body only, with free BG-5 grip.</p>

<p>The 'new tech' that isn't in the older K-3II is most notably Wi-Fi and articulating rear LCD, and I believe the K-70 also offers phase-detect autofocus for live view when using DC or PLM lenses. If I'm missing something important, maybe someone else can remind me.</p>

<p>The K-70 low light/high ISO performance is quite outstanding, and definitely superior to the K-3 or K-3II, as well as the other attributes Andrew has stated. The new PLM lens technology, from what I have seen posted, does appear to offer faster and more sure AF. Perhaps some of the Pentax fast-aperture, pro style lenses could be updated with this system. But the Pentax in-body AF system could stand yet more real improvement, which would be a welcome advancement in the replacement model. I wish Pentax would refrain from this limited-issue silver baloney, and just produce the two-color option to complement their lens colors.</p>

<p>I have not heard of aperture control problems, but have not owned a K-50. Having both the K-5IIs and the original K-5, as well as the yet smaller K-S2 and K-r, I have not encountered any issue with aperture control. Quite to the contrary, those models having the 2-control dial system (not the K-r) offer the unique Pentax Hyper system, where you can gain instant aperture control, even when operating in the "P" fully Program mode, simply by selecting your preferred aperture with the thumb dial. You return to full Program mode with a touch of the green button. It works in Hyper Manual Mode by touching the green button to get an instant correct exposure setting, according to the camera's meter read. Also a great tool for quickly taking spot meter readings of a scene. Other brands do not offer this function.</p>

<p>It seems all the Pentax DSLR using both proprietery 8.4V and 4AA (6V) have the aperture control module burnt and broken. That includes the Kr, K30, K50.</p>

<p>Hmm. I have had the little K-r since early 2011 and still no problem. But I have never yet used the AA battery option. I use the camera, but not extensively. More for casual snapshots and when I need smaller, lighter packing, and its flash metering seems to be pretty good. Maybe that issue is why Pentax no longer offers the AA battery option in subsequent models, like the K-S2 and K-70.</p>

<p>I said all in the sense that all the design and it always takes time. Some cameras die early, some die later, some seem never die. It obviously also depends on how you use them. Search google for Pentax K30 aperture problem, you will see a lot of Pentaxians talk about it.</p>

<p>My Pentax K50 experienced the same aperture problem as the K30 cameras. It was going to cost too much for repair, so I ended up junking it. To this day, I have not upgraded to another Pentax body. I liked the fact the K50 could use AA batteries and that was a selling point for me. I really liked the layout of the K50 too. Too bad it had such a problem. Right now I am content shooting my m4/3rds cameras. Another thing, my Pentax K50 always had dust problems and I took great care to preventing that from happening. I have not had an issue with dust shooting m4/3rds.<br>

GR</p>