The K-5 II was already an excellent manufacturing quality. We reached the K-3 a purely fantastic level, whether on tropicalization (much sealing points) as the general robustness of the case: this is a very strong unit that can "bully" without too much anxiety! All ports and compartments are lined with a thick rubber against water, sand or dust. It should be added that the 18-135mm lens kit comes in an unusual feature, that of tropicalized to be able to withstand a light rain, and it is also an obvious strength. The price is a certain weight of the set, which can be felt around the neck after a certain time, but as no free ...
Side features of the case, it is the comfort: 24 megapixel magnificent served by APS-C CMOS sensor (3: 2 ratio) of 100 to 51,200 ISO, ultra-efficient autofocus 27 points, burst (!) 8 fps (like butter ...), video in MPEG-4 (K-5 II was stuck on an old outdated codec), double card reader with possible automatic duplicating a card on the other , USB 3.0 connection, possibility to shoot directly to DNG (Adobe) rather than RAW, etc., etc. The lack of low-pass filter for better image sharpness was previously reserved for the K-5 IIs, but the K-3 benefits from the outset, at the risk of the occurrence of moiré on some pictures (if not happened so far). Enthusiasts will also appreciate the typical fashion Pentax "priority sensitivity". We may regret the absence of articulated LCD screen, but this is a minor point.
The grip has been very well thought out. All controls fall naturally on the wrist. Compared to the K-5 II, a video button has been added for direct access to these functions. Overall, the unit turns in one breath and you'll always be ready to shoot impromptu: a K-3 will not betray you and will always be available in a split second. The image quality is excellent.
A final word on the 18-135mm lens, whose optical qualities are often criticized on the Net. I for one will not be so severe, that goal can produce beautiful images even at wide angle. He certainly did not expect such extra low brightness, the remarkable performance of a Sigma 17-50mm 1: 2.8, for example, but the quality is still the rendezvous for this very 18-135mm lens versatile and generalist. This is a good choice when you do not want to be bothered with too many rocks, such as travel. Note that the lens comes with a lens hood.
To summarize, it's very upscale Pentax offers us at a price below 1500 (for the 18-135mm kit Version). This device, no doubt, will delight all amateurs photographers, semi-professional or even above. Highly recommended.
