The company's top-of-the-line APS-C camera gets a more streamlined and pro-friendly design.
Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
The K-3 has a significantly redesigned body compared with earlier Pentax dSLRs. Cosmetically, it has a lot more bevels and angles than previous models. It feels very well constructed -- like most of Pentax's dSLRs, it's weather sealed -- and is relatively heavy, with a more pronounced grip.
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New controls
Pentax modernizes its design with the now-common switch to toggle between movie and Live View modes with a dedicated record button. The navigation buttons have also been redesigned; pressing on the pairs of raised edges allows for diagonal navigation when relevant (like selecting focus points). The inset areas that you use for accessing the frequently used settings -- drive mode, white balance, flash, and Custom Image -- feel a little mushy and flat, but the raised sides help provide the necessary tactile feedback.
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Back
The fixed LCD disappoints. I believe this is also the first Pentax dSLR to bear the Ricoh branding. (Sorry, that pink cast is the reflection of my shirt.)
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Overdesigned lock?
Pentax adds a locking mechanism to the mode dial, but it seems a somewhat convoluted solution. There's a lock switch you engage first, then you override it by pushing down on the center button while turning the dial. In contrast, most manufacturers simply lock the dial and you press to change it, or there's Olympus' solution on the OM-D E-M1, where you press the button to lock it and release it to change settings. The K-3 also gets a welcome three user-settings slots on the mode dial, compared with the single-slot on the K-5 II, although the K-5 II let you configure up to five different settings groups.
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USB 3.0
The K-3 is the first camera I've seen to incorporate a USB 3.0. In theory, that could mean faster download and better tethered shooting performance, though it depends upon implementation and connected devices.
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Top controls
It's pretty typical for this class, with a mode dial on the left shoulder and status LCD (plus ISO and exposure compensation buttons) on the right.
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Dual card slots
The camera incorporates two SDXC card slots.
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Headphone jack
That rather odd bulge on the right side is where Pentax placed the headphone jack. The continuous-autofocus setting has been dropped from the AF mode switch and now gets accessed via the info screen, a change I'm not thrilled with. The AF mode button lets you select from center spot, flexible spot, and a new 9- or 27-zone selection mode.
