Camera test 35
Photography News Issue 23 absolutephoto.com
Anatomy
From the front
• The K-3 II has few visible inputs from the front, apart from the lens release button, but there is also the front command dial (one of two E-Dials, as Pentax calls them), and below that, on the grip is the self- timer lamp and remote-control receiver. Next to the grip is the AF assist light. • The handgrip itself is very well sculpted with a deep groove for your index finger and treated to a rubberised coating to prevent slipping. • On the opposite side of the lens mount is a host of buttons and these include the Focus mode switch, AF mode button, RAW/Fx and GPS buttons. The latter could be better used, while integrating the AF mode button with the Focus mode switch would have freed up more buttons.
From the top
• The top-plate features a good-sized,LCD screen displaying shooting info. In front of that is a dedicated ISO button, the exposure compensation button and finally the shutter release, around which sits the on/off button. An additional stop on the latter provides the depth-of-field preview. • On the left of the top-plate is the Mode dial, which features a locking mechanism to avoid slips. The Mode dial includes the usual exposure modes, plus TAv and Sv, the former essentially being Manual with Auto ISO. The latter is Sensitivity priority, in which you set the ISO and the shutter and aperture compensate. It also has full Auto, Bulb, and three excellent User modes, in which you can store settings. • There’s no pop-up flash on the K-3 II, so you’ll be required to buy an accessory flashgun to light your subject.
From the back
• Dominating the rear is a fixed 3.2in 1,037k-dot monitor, which can be switched to Live View using the LV button next to the viewfinder. The screen certainly gives a good crisp view and a ‘quick’ menu can be brought up using the Info button. Herein you can switch to settings not possible from the buttons. • When shooting, the Info button switches the display between a status screen that shows camera settings, an electronic level, an electronic compass or it can be switched off. There’s no eye sensor to switch off the screen automatically when shooting, so it’s best left off until needed. The compass uses the built-in GPS to show positioning data which is potentially useful when trying to locate geographical features or the path of the sun. • On the right of the screen is the rear command dial and below that is the mysterious Green button; in Manual mode, this sets autoexposure, which is rather handy, and it also switches to Auto ISO when adjusting sensitivity. • A lever switches between stills and video, and the four-way controller doubles up as shortcuts to the drive mode, white-balance, etc, which isn’t ideal. Next to that is the Change AF Point button, which locks/unlocks the AF
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