Pangolin Loc: New England

My X-mas gift was a Nikon P600 superzoom. A versatile all-around fun-toy that rekindled my interest .... in getting a better camera. To get a bigger sensor and good glass allowing large prints I'm contemplating either the Panasonic FZ1000 1" or Pentax K-3 APS-C & 18-135 kit lens. I'm seeking opinions on these cameras for glossy 13x19 sources. Or other cameras suggested by my use;

My style & subjects: Old school manual lens barrel focus, manual exposure control. Auto-focus/Auto-exposure and special effects are OK; I know why and when to use them. Composed stills, uncropped, limited action, longer exposures. Video only to extract a still. Objects, pets, limited people pics. Macro, Inside < 30', Outside to 400mm equivalent, in equal proportions. Good image stabilization is high on my list. Larger Wall Prints or thumbnail-to-full size on-line. I'm disabled, don't get around much, so a small 3 lb camera/lens/macro? kit is the limit. No more Halliburton for me.

The Panasonic FZ1000 all-in-one has most of the desirable controls, reasonable manual focus, acceptable macro-to-telephoto, and good IQ. The price is at my limit. I'm worried about the maximum print size, though.

The Pentax K-3 small SLR & 18-135 is similar to the Sony RX10 in terms of build quality, zoom range, glass, and price. The price is a $400 stretch, far more capable, with the APS-C sensor and standard lens mount big pluses. Ricoh/Pentax is the biggest worry.

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" ..... no pixel left behind .... "

jimfullwood Loc: Sarasota, but Ex pat from UK

I left the SLR world and went with the FZ1000, I have been delighted with everything I have used it for and especially the image quality .I am not certain but I believe 13x19 should be no problem, I haven't printed anything yet.

If you search on FZ1000 I am sure you will find sample photo's myself and others have submitted.

This is a great all round camera and I highly recommend it.

alandg46 Loc: Boerne, Texas

I'm a Pentax guy, but from what the reviews I've read and my two days with a borrowed Panasonic FZ1000 and combined with what you want in a camera, that's the way I'd go.

But I wouldn't worry about Ricoh/Pentax either.

I have a K-3 which I love. I don't have the 18-135 though.

Larrymc Loc: Mississippi

I made the switch from a long zoom Panasonic FZ35 to a Pentax K-50 then to the K-3. Go with the K-3, you'll be much more happy down the road when you do decide to expand your photographic horizons. Even though the FZ1000 is a fine camera there is no comparison between the two. The K-3 has an all magnesium body with water proofing and the 18-135 kit lens is rated pretty good, the sensor is top notch. Its built like a tank. The K-3 has adjustability probably much more than you'll ever need. As for being a small its probably not as small as the FZ1000 but it is smaller than many APSC DSLRs.

Tom H Loc: St. Louis, MO

With the Pentax you will be able to get many used lenses at very reasonable prices when you are ready for more. I'm sure happy with my Pentax K-5. Very tempted to upgrade to the K-3 -- sounds like a truly great camera.

For large prints, I would be very hesitant to go with a smaller sensor than the APC.

I was worried about the future of Pentax when Ricoh bought them, but not anymore. Ricoh seems ready to spend the money to improve and innovate with the Pentax.

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

My experience may help. I bought the RX-10 when it first came out to replace a Nikon point and shoot. I was enthralled with the camera. But it really just whet my appetite for more control and cropping for my artwork. So I added a Nex-7 for the APS-C size sensor which is about max that I needed for landscape type shots. So I would recommend the Pentax K-3, as it is a highly advocated system with an APS-C sensor.

Photoninny Loc: Monterey Bay Area

A few months ago I had a Panasonic FZ200 which was stolen in San Francisco (the city that keeps on taking). Insured. I then got a bad case of sensor envy and ended up with a Canon 70D, Which I love and thoroughly enjoy. If the FZ 1000 had been available then, I would certainly have opted for it. All my photog is for my own edification and impressing family. I don't do any commercial work. That would be a different decision. Depending on what your goals are, I don't think you can go wrong with the FZ K