Look at:-
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/en%E7%B0%BF%E8%81%B6%E7%BF%BB/Cameras/Compare-Camera-Sensors/Compare-cameras-side-by-side/%28appareil1%29/849|0/%28brand%29/Nikon/%28appareil2%29/745|0/%28brand2%29/Nikon/%28appareil3%29/722|0/%28brand3%29/Pentax
Btw, I wonder why it is yet worse to its predecessor, i.e., the V1? More pixels but worse image quality?! :-o
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Shutter Life Survey Database of DSLRs
http://www.olegkikin.com/shutterlife/
Six models of Pentax DSLRs are included. The results can also be compared to other camera models of other makes as well.
Six models of Pentax DSLRs are included. The results can also be compared to other camera models of other makes as well.
Hack the Firmware and Deactivate the SDM
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/maintenance-repair-articles/208353-how-deactivate-sdm-autofocus-allow-screw-drive-autofocus-da-16-50mm-f-2-8-a.html
I think the above is of high risk. Do only when you clearly know what you are doing and try it at your OWN RISK!
I think the above is of high risk. Do only when you clearly know what you are doing and try it at your OWN RISK!
New 645D Firmware and an Unknown Award for K-30
http://www.pentax.jp/english/support/digital/645d_s.html
Now, the new SR lens is fully supported.
http://www.pentax.jp/english/news/2012/20121226.html
So, what is that btw? "IF"? :-o
Now, the new SR lens is fully supported.
http://www.pentax.jp/english/news/2012/20121226.html
So, what is that btw? "IF"? :-o
Saturday, December 22, 2012
The Unbalanced Q - Part 1 (with an External Flash)
(Above: Pentax AF200S put onto the Q - Click to Enlarge.)
Everything has got so unbalanced when the something is attached on the Q. But in order to get rid of the annoying P-TTL of the Q, an external auto flash unit with built-in flash exposure meter and control is required! ;-D
Now, there is no more annoying pre-flash and picture taking is just instantaneous, i.e., without any delay just because of the pre-flash. The exposure is more consistent and accurate, too. The same applies when the same "obsolete" thing is attached on my K-5! Amazing enough?
Look at the above gear photo at the right, you can see a working combination of the settings in both the camera and on the flash, for instance.
But there is a bug of the Q's firmware actually (I have updated to the latest version already). That is, the built-in flash is still firing when an external flash gun is attached. So, I've tried to set the custom function No. 10 of "not discharge flash" when the "flash is retracted". However, by doing so, the external flash will NOT be fired then!? So, what I have to do is to set "no flash" for the built-in flash but with the custom function No. 10 set at default (i.e., discharge flash when retracted) then it finally works! :-o
Even more unfortunately, the behaviour of the Q with the later generation of the Pentax auto-focus dedicated flash units (which are with four pins at the hot-shoe) is even more helpless. It is because the external flash will NOT be discharged even when the built-in flash function is set at "no flash". So, the tiny little built-in flash must be discharged at the same time with the large external flash. The worst thing is that the external flash has to wait the little P-TTL flash to complete its pre-flash before both can fire altogether! Otherwise, in all other circumstances, both flash units are turned off no matter how the user sets the Q and his original *Pentax* flash! >:-(
Btw, for a list of downloadable user manuals of those old and new Pentax flash units, the following official link can be visited:-
http://www.pentaximaging.com/support/manuals-and-literature
Last but not least, as for the flash trigger voltage of my AF200S, it is measured to be +2 Volt with flesh Alkaline batteries inserted. It is also worth noting that it is mentioned in the Pentax Q manual that flash unit with a negative trigger voltage could not be used with the camera. So, mine should be very safe to use! :-)
Related:-
Which Flash Units are Safe for Pentax DSLRs?
Pathetic Canon's External Auto Saves the Pathetic TTL of Pentax!
Updated: Full Transcript of Kitazawa's Interview in English (Machine and Human Translated)
PENTAX Ricoh imaging incorporated company
Is a full size tinged with a touch of reality? The new product of the Ricoh brand is also due to be put on the market.
PENTAX Ricoh imaging incorporated company development generalization division manager Toshiyuki Kitazawa 72 1978, Asahi Optical Co., Ltd. (that time) entrance into a company.
A camera designing department is assigned.
In charge of the mechanism design of a camera.
He is a development person in charge at Z-1.
2001, the head of the development department Digital LS, in charge of the digital SLR.
In 2006, it will continue up to now through a imaging system operation division division assistant vice president.
It is consistently engaged in camera-related development.
Favorite cameras are K-r, K-5, and PENTAX Q.
Year 2 0 1 3 of seasonal keyword PENTAX Ricoh (description and editorial department)
- it is alike by of a great desire full size, and say that the full-size machine is studied and developed. if it appears, a single lens reflex camera type possibility seems to be high
- moire removal function in camera K-5?s -- a low -- the new product of - Ricoh Brando new product Ricoh Brando who is also studying the technology in which moire is removable within a camera.
- although high definition-ization depended pathless was realized and who is is an appearance.
It may be a different type from GR DIGITAL or GXR.
Seemingly it is a camera which the core Ricoh fan can satisfy.
Is new mount or compatibility of a full size K mount maintenance of a melon?
(Update: I only translate the interview below in full but not for the whole article, please note my translation in bracket and in Italic.)
About what time is the schedule of a full-sized camera, excuse me?
(What is the schedule for a full frame camera?)
Kitazawa: -- it is a full-sized talk -- it is -- suddenly --.
(It's about the full frame camera, so suddenly.)
It is a continuation of the interview of ? last year (smile), and is from the talk of a full size and 645D Miller Les.
(Let's continue our talk about a full frame camera and a mirrorless 645D that we discussed about in the last year's interview.)
Kitazawa: Is it its concentration (smile)?
(We are putting our efforts on these.)
Has development of ? full size started?
(Has the development of full frame begun?)
Kitazawa: Development is already started fundamentally.
Since it is dependent on the circumstances of marketing, it cannot be said whether lends and there is any producing commercially not at all.
An important thing is what PENTAX goes into a full-size market and made.
Clarify the place where NIKON, Canon, and Sony are damaged, and the difference where PENTAX can do it.
What is the place which the visitor expects from us?
It is how to discern the hit thoroughly and to incorporate in the product.
Development takes time. Although are just going to say that he is following the place which should include an interchangeable lens and it becomes empty.
(The development has already begun but the final sales of the product will depend on many factors. It is important for Pentax to determine the marketing position of our product and how it is differentiated from the other existing products by Nikon, Canon and Sony. What are our customers expecting from us? Those are what we are to incorporate into our product. But development takes time and we would follow the trend to make an interchangeable lens full frame.)
Although it was the nuance that Miller Les without a mirror shock of Mr. Kitazawa was better at the last interview although it is ? full-size camera, which direction is considered?
(It was talked about the mirror vibration of reflex and Mr. Kitazawa did prefer mirrorless in the last interview. What direction will be taken for the full frame camera?)
Kitazawa: It is a very difficult question (smile).
Miller Les, the type of a single lens reflex camera, and 2 have appeared in the camera of the APS-C seal by PENTAX Brando now.
If many things are compared, it is sufficient in each and the various visitors' opinion is heard, it is rather used by lightweight as Miller Les.
Are there fairly many the visitors who would like for the single lens reflex camera type with Miller to make photography a hobby, or to create the photograph itself?
The present visitor of ours thinks going [ into such a category ] kana.
There is an uncanny merit that a novel design can also do a ミラーレス camera and only ぶん which naturally does not have Miller can make form thin small.
Furthermore, also at a low price, it can do.
Although it may have been called mirror レスフル size till last year, many things are seen, and it is when.
At the time of た, if a full size says which is individually considered by priority now, it is a way "with a mirror."
It is whether goods have responded to that for which the visitor asks.
Kana which is not easily accepted even if it takes out what suits neither the visitor's user-friendliness, nor a demand, although it is also important to create new value.
As for me, the inside seal thinks suitable kana rather than a large full size of the merit to which Miller Les rather reduces a mirror shock.
(It is a very difficult question. Mirrorless and SLR are actually two kinds of camera products in APS-C which Pentax have. The opinions from our various customers are being heard. People do prefer lightweightedness for mirrorless. As for other customers who like the reflex, they are mostly hobbyists and are more serious to take photographs as creation. The advantages of mirrorless are that it could be made thinner and smaller and at a lower cost as well. For the time being, it is considered that if a full frame camera is made, it should be in the direction of having a mirror. It is just because we are responding to what our customers want. It is also important to create new values of the product such as better user-friendliness. As for myself, I do prefer mirrorless so as to avoid the mirror shock.)
Miller Les and a single lens reflex camera have a merit and a demerit, respectively.
They are a variation of an interchangeable lens, and the difference in user-friendliness as the one.
There are also merits, such as if the single lens reflex camera of a telephoto lens is easier-to-use than Miller Les, a possibility that the conventional lens can be used.
(Mirrorless and single lens reflex do have merits and demerits of their own. Mirrorless is a variant of the reflex but their operations are different. The reflex has the advantage when using a telephoto lens than mirrorless, which is better to use with a standard lens.)
Kitazawa: Well.
For example, supposing it gives Miller Les, does it do whether it does by new mount by the present K mount, and will also be argued.
If Miller Les is given at any rate, new mount will be used, a back size is shortened with light path length to a slight degree, and also the diameter of mount is made a little larger than K mount, and it is meaningless if it does not aim to make it the light flux of a bright lens arrive easilier etc.
(Well. Suppose it is a mirrorless, we should choose whether to use a new mount or keep the K mount, which is arguable. If an ideal mirrorless system is to be made, a new mount should be used, which should have a shorter back focus register distance but with an increased diameter than the K mount, which will be more meaningful.)
A new single lens reflex camera or Miller Les -- at any rate -- whether mount is temporarily built newly also as a single lens reflex camera by carrying out or the conventional K mount is inherited worry, and it is どころ.
(Is a new mount being built to replace the K mount, no matter for the new reflex or mirrorless camera?)
Kitazawa: It is a large trouble there.
In the case of PENTAX, mount came without changing and was called the demon's compatibility all the time.
The visitor needs to trust PENTAX and that should follow all the time.
(It is the big trouble here. In case Pentax keep the mount, compatibility can be maintained. Our customers need to trust us and we are studying the issue for the time being.)
Last Story: Official! Full Frame Pentax System is Coming!! (Latest Interview with Pentax Ricoh Head)
Above machine translation is done by Excite Japanese Translator Online. So, please don't blame me for the poor translation but I think the meanings and messages are there! :-)
Is a full size tinged with a touch of reality? The new product of the Ricoh brand is also due to be put on the market.
PENTAX Ricoh imaging incorporated company development generalization division manager Toshiyuki Kitazawa 72 1978, Asahi Optical Co., Ltd. (that time) entrance into a company.
A camera designing department is assigned.
In charge of the mechanism design of a camera.
He is a development person in charge at Z-1.
2001, the head of the development department Digital LS, in charge of the digital SLR.
In 2006, it will continue up to now through a imaging system operation division division assistant vice president.
It is consistently engaged in camera-related development.
Favorite cameras are K-r, K-5, and PENTAX Q.
Year 2 0 1 3 of seasonal keyword PENTAX Ricoh (description and editorial department)
- it is alike by of a great desire full size, and say that the full-size machine is studied and developed. if it appears, a single lens reflex camera type possibility seems to be high
- moire removal function in camera K-5?s -- a low -- the new product of - Ricoh Brando new product Ricoh Brando who is also studying the technology in which moire is removable within a camera.
- although high definition-ization depended pathless was realized and who is is an appearance.
It may be a different type from GR DIGITAL or GXR.
Seemingly it is a camera which the core Ricoh fan can satisfy.
Is new mount or compatibility of a full size K mount maintenance of a melon?
(Update: I only translate the interview below in full but not for the whole article, please note my translation in bracket and in Italic.)
About what time is the schedule of a full-sized camera, excuse me?
(What is the schedule for a full frame camera?)
Kitazawa: -- it is a full-sized talk -- it is -- suddenly --.
(It's about the full frame camera, so suddenly.)
It is a continuation of the interview of ? last year (smile), and is from the talk of a full size and 645D Miller Les.
(Let's continue our talk about a full frame camera and a mirrorless 645D that we discussed about in the last year's interview.)
Kitazawa: Is it its concentration (smile)?
(We are putting our efforts on these.)
Has development of ? full size started?
(Has the development of full frame begun?)
Kitazawa: Development is already started fundamentally.
Since it is dependent on the circumstances of marketing, it cannot be said whether lends and there is any producing commercially not at all.
An important thing is what PENTAX goes into a full-size market and made.
Clarify the place where NIKON, Canon, and Sony are damaged, and the difference where PENTAX can do it.
What is the place which the visitor expects from us?
It is how to discern the hit thoroughly and to incorporate in the product.
Development takes time. Although are just going to say that he is following the place which should include an interchangeable lens and it becomes empty.
(The development has already begun but the final sales of the product will depend on many factors. It is important for Pentax to determine the marketing position of our product and how it is differentiated from the other existing products by Nikon, Canon and Sony. What are our customers expecting from us? Those are what we are to incorporate into our product. But development takes time and we would follow the trend to make an interchangeable lens full frame.)
Although it was the nuance that Miller Les without a mirror shock of Mr. Kitazawa was better at the last interview although it is ? full-size camera, which direction is considered?
(It was talked about the mirror vibration of reflex and Mr. Kitazawa did prefer mirrorless in the last interview. What direction will be taken for the full frame camera?)
Kitazawa: It is a very difficult question (smile).
Miller Les, the type of a single lens reflex camera, and 2 have appeared in the camera of the APS-C seal by PENTAX Brando now.
If many things are compared, it is sufficient in each and the various visitors' opinion is heard, it is rather used by lightweight as Miller Les.
Are there fairly many the visitors who would like for the single lens reflex camera type with Miller to make photography a hobby, or to create the photograph itself?
The present visitor of ours thinks going [ into such a category ] kana.
There is an uncanny merit that a novel design can also do a ミラーレス camera and only ぶん which naturally does not have Miller can make form thin small.
Furthermore, also at a low price, it can do.
Although it may have been called mirror レスフル size till last year, many things are seen, and it is when.
At the time of た, if a full size says which is individually considered by priority now, it is a way "with a mirror."
It is whether goods have responded to that for which the visitor asks.
Kana which is not easily accepted even if it takes out what suits neither the visitor's user-friendliness, nor a demand, although it is also important to create new value.
As for me, the inside seal thinks suitable kana rather than a large full size of the merit to which Miller Les rather reduces a mirror shock.
(It is a very difficult question. Mirrorless and SLR are actually two kinds of camera products in APS-C which Pentax have. The opinions from our various customers are being heard. People do prefer lightweightedness for mirrorless. As for other customers who like the reflex, they are mostly hobbyists and are more serious to take photographs as creation. The advantages of mirrorless are that it could be made thinner and smaller and at a lower cost as well. For the time being, it is considered that if a full frame camera is made, it should be in the direction of having a mirror. It is just because we are responding to what our customers want. It is also important to create new values of the product such as better user-friendliness. As for myself, I do prefer mirrorless so as to avoid the mirror shock.)
Miller Les and a single lens reflex camera have a merit and a demerit, respectively.
They are a variation of an interchangeable lens, and the difference in user-friendliness as the one.
There are also merits, such as if the single lens reflex camera of a telephoto lens is easier-to-use than Miller Les, a possibility that the conventional lens can be used.
(Mirrorless and single lens reflex do have merits and demerits of their own. Mirrorless is a variant of the reflex but their operations are different. The reflex has the advantage when using a telephoto lens than mirrorless, which is better to use with a standard lens.)
Kitazawa: Well.
For example, supposing it gives Miller Les, does it do whether it does by new mount by the present K mount, and will also be argued.
If Miller Les is given at any rate, new mount will be used, a back size is shortened with light path length to a slight degree, and also the diameter of mount is made a little larger than K mount, and it is meaningless if it does not aim to make it the light flux of a bright lens arrive easilier etc.
(Well. Suppose it is a mirrorless, we should choose whether to use a new mount or keep the K mount, which is arguable. If an ideal mirrorless system is to be made, a new mount should be used, which should have a shorter back focus register distance but with an increased diameter than the K mount, which will be more meaningful.)
A new single lens reflex camera or Miller Les -- at any rate -- whether mount is temporarily built newly also as a single lens reflex camera by carrying out or the conventional K mount is inherited worry, and it is どころ.
(Is a new mount being built to replace the K mount, no matter for the new reflex or mirrorless camera?)
Kitazawa: It is a large trouble there.
In the case of PENTAX, mount came without changing and was called the demon's compatibility all the time.
The visitor needs to trust PENTAX and that should follow all the time.
(It is the big trouble here. In case Pentax keep the mount, compatibility can be maintained. Our customers need to trust us and we are studying the issue for the time being.)
Last Story: Official! Full Frame Pentax System is Coming!! (Latest Interview with Pentax Ricoh Head)
Above machine translation is done by Excite Japanese Translator Online. So, please don't blame me for the poor translation but I think the meanings and messages are there! :-)
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Official! Full Frame Pentax System is Coming!! (Latest Interview with Pentax Ricoh Head)
https://www.impressjapan.jp/pr/monitor/1113_dcm/271301_free.pdf
Via Digicame Info (in Japanese) Via Pentax Fan Club Forum (Taiwan, in Chinese).
The Head of Product Development of Pentax Ricoh, who was first employed by the Asahi Optical Company back to 1978, is interviewed. It is told that a new set of 35mm full frame specifications is being formulated and that new moire removal algorithms are being developed as new in-camera function (which the K-5IIs doesn't have). Besides, a Ricoh brand new camera will come. As for the other PR unrelated stuff, I think the most interesting thing is that Foveon is making a new full frame sensor, as well as a monochrome one.
Good news after all! I am almost sure that I will buy one when it arrives! Keep it up, PR!
Related:-
What If When a Pentax FF Body Really Comes (My Own Case Study)
Ten Things that I Want Ricoh to Do for Pentax
Two Major Meanings of Full Frame - Choice of Shallower DoF and Most Optical Quality from (FF) Lenses
Compatibility of DA Lenses on Full Frame
Old Question: Will there be a Pentax Full Frame DSLR?
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Bits and Pieces 12-19 (Pentax Related or Not)
1. First of all, here comes the new patent of Nikon's "silicon film", i.e., a digital back for old analogue film cameras, but which is yet a vapourised ware that has never come true, since it was first announced back to 1999.
(Above: An imagined diagram by Xjrumo - A Chinese Camera Gear Blog.)
2. Instagram's New Terms of Service - Five Things that You Need to Know!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/17/instagrams-terms-of-service_n_2317402.html
My suggestion is NOT to upload photos to Instagram unless you are willing to LOSE the ownership of your photos! >:-|
Btw, I don't know if Facebook will change to a similar new set of terms shortly. By that time if that happens, I am afraid that we have to delete our facebook accounts so as to save our copyrights! :-o
3. Sigma has market a new 18-250 in K-mount with HSM and OS built-in:-
http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/new/new_topic.php?id=459
(in Japanese)
And the specifications of the new product:-
http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/lens/standard/18_250_35_63_macro/
4. An old YouTube demo on the sturdiness of the Pentax SP coating and how easy it can be cleaned:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIlUwfhKAwA
Well, whilst I do agree that the SP is easy to clean and it is very sturdy, I found that it is also a bit more shiny when it is compared to traditional SMC coatings on the front glasses. Thus, more light could be lost and it should be a trade-off after all. :-(
(Above: An imagined diagram by Xjrumo - A Chinese Camera Gear Blog.)
2. Instagram's New Terms of Service - Five Things that You Need to Know!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/17/instagrams-terms-of-service_n_2317402.html
My suggestion is NOT to upload photos to Instagram unless you are willing to LOSE the ownership of your photos! >:-|
Btw, I don't know if Facebook will change to a similar new set of terms shortly. By that time if that happens, I am afraid that we have to delete our facebook accounts so as to save our copyrights! :-o
3. Sigma has market a new 18-250 in K-mount with HSM and OS built-in:-
http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/new/new_topic.php?id=459
(in Japanese)
And the specifications of the new product:-
http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/lens/standard/18_250_35_63_macro/
4. An old YouTube demo on the sturdiness of the Pentax SP coating and how easy it can be cleaned:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIlUwfhKAwA
Well, whilst I do agree that the SP is easy to clean and it is very sturdy, I found that it is also a bit more shiny when it is compared to traditional SMC coatings on the front glasses. Thus, more light could be lost and it should be a trade-off after all. :-(
Saturday, December 15, 2012
SDM DIY Repair II - Go Further to Succeed!
Here is a new guide with additional tips for an enhanced method, on top of the original one:-
http://www.soomal.com/doc/20100003594.htm
The article is in Traditional Chinese, but the pictures are self-explanatory. Each picture of the series represents each step of the whole repair procedures. The new trick is to turn further from the underneath of the motor module, which should be further dismantled, just in case if the screw on the top is locked too tight and cannot be turned. See the two key diagrams for what to turn:-
As for the force applied, the author hints that you should try it by yourself - do not apply excessive force and try different directions, depending on how the SDM motor and the associated gears are locked.
Good luck if you are yet one of the SDM failure victims and still want to try the repair DIY! As for me, I have none of the Pentax SDM lenses, just because the SDM issue has been so infamous but then the service and support of Pentax to deal with the issue usually sucked as widely reported, so that I have been avoiding it as far as possible over these years.
Related (Oldest First):-
Repair a Stuck SDM Yourself!
Repair a Stuck SDM DIY - An English Guide
Hair Dry and Repair the SDM! :-o
SDM DIY Repair Method Also Works for the DA17-70
Improved DIY SDM Repair Method!
Pentax has Modified the Design of the SDM Used in DA*16-50 and 50-135??
http://www.soomal.com/doc/20100003594.htm
The article is in Traditional Chinese, but the pictures are self-explanatory. Each picture of the series represents each step of the whole repair procedures. The new trick is to turn further from the underneath of the motor module, which should be further dismantled, just in case if the screw on the top is locked too tight and cannot be turned. See the two key diagrams for what to turn:-
As for the force applied, the author hints that you should try it by yourself - do not apply excessive force and try different directions, depending on how the SDM motor and the associated gears are locked.
Good luck if you are yet one of the SDM failure victims and still want to try the repair DIY! As for me, I have none of the Pentax SDM lenses, just because the SDM issue has been so infamous but then the service and support of Pentax to deal with the issue usually sucked as widely reported, so that I have been avoiding it as far as possible over these years.
Related (Oldest First):-
Repair a Stuck SDM Yourself!
Repair a Stuck SDM DIY - An English Guide
Hair Dry and Repair the SDM! :-o
SDM DIY Repair Method Also Works for the DA17-70
Improved DIY SDM Repair Method!
Pentax has Modified the Design of the SDM Used in DA*16-50 and 50-135??
Friday, December 14, 2012
K-01 Elected as the Japanese Historical Camera of the Year 2012
http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20121214_578860.html
Article in Japanese, Google English translation can be found here.
11 cameras are elected. These cameras will be put into the Japanese (JCII) Camera Museum for display forever~
Related:-
Bad News: The Pentax Muesum is to be Closed Down by July 31! :-|
Pentax SLR Cameras 1952-2011
Article in Japanese, Google English translation can be found here.
11 cameras are elected. These cameras will be put into the Japanese (JCII) Camera Museum for display forever~
Related:-
Bad News: The Pentax Muesum is to be Closed Down by July 31! :-|
Pentax SLR Cameras 1952-2011
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
645D IR
The 645D IR is released today:-
http://www.ricoh.co.jp/release/2012/1212_1.html
(in Japanese, Excite English Translation Here.)
After all, it is essentially a 645D with the IR-cut filter removed. The production volume is targeted to be in 100 units per year, btw. It is further stated that when an IR-cut filter is added back by mounting onto the front thread of the lens, the 645D can be used again as a normal camera.
Yet another thing that I wonder is why this press and news is posted at the Ricoh website instead of the Pentax one? Did they intend to market the 645D IR as a security camera that took only still pictures? What is the point actually? :-o
Last Related:-
Ricoh Introduced FA Line of Lenses and Camera Bodies!
The Large Air Blower Model K-5IIs! :-o
A K-5IIs user complained about his new K-5IIs body had an air leakage problem which is demonstrated in the following YouTube video that he uploaded:-
(http://youtu.be/1WFT5sQinlo)
He hence requested for a replacement unit. After the replacement unit arrived, he did the following comparison test:-
(http://youtu.be/6qt4FmiP8vI)
Via: Post @ Pentax Fans Club (Taiwan)
Wow, what a difference and what a QC! Pentax just built and marketed a supposedly sealed-model which is actually not completely sealed! :-o After this incident, I think Pentax should add a toilet paper test in their QC line for what this end-user has done, so as to check if the sealing of their cameras is proper, frankly!
(http://youtu.be/1WFT5sQinlo)
He hence requested for a replacement unit. After the replacement unit arrived, he did the following comparison test:-
(http://youtu.be/6qt4FmiP8vI)
Via: Post @ Pentax Fans Club (Taiwan)
Wow, what a difference and what a QC! Pentax just built and marketed a supposedly sealed-model which is actually not completely sealed! :-o After this incident, I think Pentax should add a toilet paper test in their QC line for what this end-user has done, so as to check if the sealing of their cameras is proper, frankly!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
DC Watch K-5IIs Hands-on (Part 1)
http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/longterm/20121211_578073.html
(in Japanese)
Original full samples of the test pictures are available for downloading. EXIF is preserved.
(in Japanese)
Original full samples of the test pictures are available for downloading. EXIF is preserved.
DxOMark of K-5IIs (Same Score as K-5 and K-5II)
The DxOMark of the K-5IIs has been out.
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Publications/DxOMark-Reviews/Pentax-K-5-IIs-maintains-the-excellence-of-its-sister-model-the-K-5-II/Measurement
A quick comparison of the K-5IIs against the K-5II against the K-5 is as follows:-
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Compare-Camera-Sensors/Compare-cameras-side-by-side/%28appareil1%29/829|0/%28brand%29/Pentax/%28appareil2%29/830|0/%28brand2%29/Pentax/%28appareil3%29/676|0/%28brand3%29/Pentax
Now, we can see a major pitfall of the DxOMark here, that is, it actually never measured any actual resolution of any camera! What they took into account is only the pixel count of the cameras as specified. It is therefore whilst the marks of the cameras under test are all the same, in this case it is the K-5s', but in reality the Image Quality of them may be different! But then what is the meaning of this IQ benchmark then?! :-o
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Publications/DxOMark-Reviews/Pentax-K-5-IIs-maintains-the-excellence-of-its-sister-model-the-K-5-II/Measurement
A quick comparison of the K-5IIs against the K-5II against the K-5 is as follows:-
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Compare-Camera-Sensors/Compare-cameras-side-by-side/%28appareil1%29/829|0/%28brand%29/Pentax/%28appareil2%29/830|0/%28brand2%29/Pentax/%28appareil3%29/676|0/%28brand3%29/Pentax
Now, we can see a major pitfall of the DxOMark here, that is, it actually never measured any actual resolution of any camera! What they took into account is only the pixel count of the cameras as specified. It is therefore whilst the marks of the cameras under test are all the same, in this case it is the K-5s', but in reality the Image Quality of them may be different! But then what is the meaning of this IQ benchmark then?! :-o
Saturday, December 08, 2012
My Pentax Q Vs NEX-3 Measurbation: ISO 125-3200 (My Standard "Bird" Shot Test)
Test Conditions:-
1. Pentax Q with 01 8.5mm prime lens, effective 135 focal ~47mm; NEX-3 with E 30mm Macro lens, effective 135 focal ~46mm.
2. Both cameras set in Av mode for best performing f-stop so as to avoid diffraction while stopped down for just more than 1 stop, namely, Pentax Q at f/2.8 and the NEX at f/5.6. Multi-point single autofocus set for both cameras.
3. 2 second timer was used for both cameras, each of which was mounted on a sturdy tripod during shooting.
4. Auto White Balance and colour mode of Pentax Q was Portrait (all in default settings) and that of the NEX was Landscape (with Contrast -1, others at defaults).
5. NR settings of both cameras were left at their factory defaults.
Okay, let's go! Note the captions of the image files for what are them. EXIF is also preserved:-
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v313/RiceHigh/Pentax_Q/Q_Vs_NEX/
Please feel free to tell us what you've measurbated and found! Btw, I found it is really amazing for the PQ of this little toy which is also called as P-Q! ;-D
Tuesday, December 04, 2012
My Q is Here! :-D
Finally, I've got it! At (US)$350, these four things are bundled!
So far, at this price, I love my Q. It is just a lovely little DC, with very good image quality for a compact and is really very easy to carry anywhere and is surely very easy and a fun to use! And, the build quality is really impressive, it feels far more solid than my K-5 when put in my hands! :-o
Here are some quick samples, made directly out of the Q, the EXIF is preserved. I am actually impressed with that ISO 1000 shot, for the low noise and image details retained:-
Besides, the colour and exposure accuracy of this cam is not bad. More samples would follow later..
So far, at this price, I love my Q. It is just a lovely little DC, with very good image quality for a compact and is really very easy to carry anywhere and is surely very easy and a fun to use! And, the build quality is really impressive, it feels far more solid than my K-5 when put in my hands! :-o
Here are some quick samples, made directly out of the Q, the EXIF is preserved. I am actually impressed with that ISO 1000 shot, for the low noise and image details retained:-
Besides, the colour and exposure accuracy of this cam is not bad. More samples would follow later..
Monday, December 03, 2012
Pentax Launches the Next Generation of HD+ and i10 Series Products!
For details, see the latest news reports by Reuters, PR-Inside.com and Business Wire and etc.
The following official web-page shows a summary of all the new products, at the Pentax Europe website, for instance:-
http://www.pentax.de/en/hi_line.php
(in English)
Btw, it seems that those guys at Pentax are loving the name of i10 and HD very much, so that they have to use it over and over again, even though actually they are now two different companies that sell completely different products, but yet with the same name, which they share as the "same" make of their products, and the "same" website domains as well! :-o
Saturday, December 01, 2012
K-5 is Officially Discontinued, Finally!
http://www.pentax.jp/japan/products/others.html
(in Japanese)
The above is the official list of all the discontinued Pentax camera models at the Japanese Pentax homepage. The K-01 and Q aren't been there yet but this does not necessary mean that so they are still in production. And, in the list we can see the VS20, which is a product that has never really appeared in the streets before it is discontinued. Really sad and what a pity! :-(
DA18-270 is to be Marketed on December 13
http://www.pentax.jp/japan/products/lens/index35_morezoom.html
(in Japanese)
Btw, the file name of the high resolution product image which is linked in the above page is "t-da18-270mm_F35-63ed_sdm.jpg". So, what does the "t" letter mean and represent? Tamron?!
After all, RP is just so honest! Do they really need to tell this again even though all people already knew! >:-o
As for the price, whilst it is said to be "opened". I guess this lens will not be cheap, with reference to the price of the original Tamron version that is already on sales in the market for quite some time now.