Too Much Bullshit about the K-New by Ricoh Pentax Recently

The talks by Ricoh Pentax become more and more absurd recently. This time they argue on keeping the old body design without any flipped monitor.

This move again disappointed many Pentaxians. Live viewing and framing will become difficult on quite some occasions. Even worse, it is widely believed that the K-New does not even have any GPS module built in. And, they compared the thickness of the K-New against the K-1, which is utterly nonsense.

A Pentaxian at the Chinese Xitek quickly compared the thickness of the K-new and KP and he proved that the two cameras actually measure similarly, even the KP equips with a flipped monitor.

 

 

So, the fact is simply that Ricoh Pentax has been too lazy and too mean to build a newer and better featured body but opted to modify the old K-3/II's one in a very moderate way. Period.

K-1 Firmware 1.30

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/digital/k1.html

Changes to V1.30

[Enhanced features]
The Electronic Shutter can be selected at the Menu to reduce camera shake from the mechanical shutter when shooting with Live View mode.
Added and selectable [Square format (1:1)] size at the Crop mode.
Addition to the current [3 frames bracketing (OFF, TYPE1, TYPE2)], the [2 frames bracketing (OFF, TYPE2)] is added and selectable for the [AA Filter Simulator bracketing]
At the [BKT] setting, the bracketing range [±0 (=single frame)] can be selected.

[Others]
Improved stability for general performance.

Full operation instructions for the new features can be found here.

New Ricoh Patent - Adjustable Translucent Mirror

http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2014-11-27
(in Japanese)

Light transmission rate is adjustable from 50 to 100%, i.e., reflective rate is from 50 to 0%.

645Z Announced

http://www.camera-pentax.jp/645z/en/sp/

http://www.camera-pentax.jp/645z/en/sp/passion.html

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/products/645z/spec/

A7R AF and Continuous Shooting Demo Videos

1. AF Demo:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZORc67c--M

2. Continuous Shooting and Shutter Sound/Response:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcJg6Dh-5rE

AF Fine Adjustment: "Apply All" and "Apply One" Fully Explained

Quite some time ago, I explained how to focus adjust a K-5 camera using Live View. However, there are some confusions amongst Pentax users over time for the meanings and effects of the "Apply All" and "Apply One" settings. So, I opt to explain more this time. Well, the user manual tells nothing useful about these once again, just see page 126 of the K-5 user manual! >:-(

For a camera like the K-5 and K-30/50/500 which lacks a f/2.8 sensors, this "AF Fine Adjustment" is crucial so as to compensate the spherical aberration that exists on all lenses when stopped down against wide opened, which causes the camera to mis-focus depending on the amount of differences. It is because the AF system actually measures the more central part of the lenses optically for those f/5.6 AF sensors.

So, here we go, we have four scenarios:

1. Nothing is Set:



This is essentially the same as to set in the Custom Function that the "AF Fine Adjustment" is Turned Off / Disabled.

2. "Apply All" is Set but "Apply One" Not:



So, All lenses will use the "+5" setting as shown in the above example which is obvious. Do note that a +ve setting is meant to instruct the camera to focus fronter (to compensate back focusing) and vice versa for a "-ve" value to instruct the camera to focus backwards (to compensate front focusing).

3."Apply All" is Not Set and "Apply One" is Set (for Individual Lenses):



This is also obvious, the "Apply One" setting will take effect when individual lens is mounted of which the lens identity number is detected (for a Pentax F AF lens or later). So, I now know why the official user manual just tells you "Apply All" means apply all, "Apply One" means apply one or something like that but no more! ;-p

Choose this only if your camera does not contain any AF error primitively by itself, like my own K-5 unit which is a perfect copy already! :-D

4. Both "Apply All" and "Apply One" are Set:



Well, what does it mean under this case? Is it actually +2, +5 or +7?? What do you think? :-o For what I checked, it is actually +2, that means that the "Apply One" setting overrides the "Apply All". Whilst this does make sense somehow but however, the "Apply One" is not applied on top of the "Apply All" as many Pentax users wished!

Btw, if you have a copy of your Pentax camera which needs some slight adjustment by itself for *all* lenses, i.e. sample variations with some system errors, set both and remember to individually calibrate all your lenses unless the "Apply All" already works for all your lenses, i.e. scenario #2! Frankly, if you have more prime lenses like me, calibrating each lens is inevitably unavoidable!

Last but not least, some people would be puzzled for what to do with a cheap DAL or even "DA" lenses which does not have a focusing mark (namely, the DA35/2.4, DA50/1.8 and the DA40/2.8XS lens). Well, what you need to do is to put on a sticker and make the mark yourself before doing any further calibration! See the following example. :-)



Besides, some people would still wonder, do the K-5II/s need such "AF Fine Adjustment"? My answer is Yes, if you are using really Fast Prime like the DA*55/1.4 or just an old FA50/1.4 and etc., of which spherical aberration still occurs in between the widest aperture of f/1.4 down right to the f/2.8 aperture where the AF is detected and measured. So, the above techniques do still always apply! And also don't forget that not every copy of the K-5II/s is perfectly quality controlled when it was produced from the Pentax' (and now Ricoh's) factory.

Canon 70D is Here! Leaving Pentax K-5II/s in the Dark!

http://www.canonrumors.com/2013/07/early-eos-70d-images-surface/

http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/02/canon-70d-hands-on/

http://www.canonrumors.com/2013/07/canon-dual-pixel-liveview-autofocus/

For a more detailed preview, read the DPR's:-

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canon-eos-70d

Pentax? K-5/K-5II/K-5IIs "flagship"?? 3-year old technologies for both the body design and the sensor, against the up-to-date techs in 2013?! How Pentax could compete!? In fact, the mid-grade Canon is already more than enough to knock out the flagship "top-of-the-line" Pentax! Sad!! >:-(

New Firmware for Pentax Q

http://www.pentax.jp/english/support/digital/q_s.html

• Improved contrast AF performance.
• Improved stability for general performance.

Good job, Pentax! I will update mine shortly.

Update (3-29): The firmware is pulled down from the above Japanese support website without any reason given. Only the following is stated:-

We are sorry to inform you that the software version 1.11 is temporary not available.

It might be the case that Pentax has found something wrong with the released firmware. Meanwhile, if you still want to do the update but yet could not find the software, you can download the updating file from the following alternative official link:-

http://www.pentax.com.cn/service/download.html?id=16

But do bear in mind to do it at your own risk then! :-o

New Firmwares for K-5II/s, K-30, K-01, K-5 and K-r

The new firmware is available for download in the following page:-

http://www.pentax.jp/english/support/download_digital.html

And the changes for the new firmware are as follows:-

• Optimized contrast AF when using [HD PENTAX-DA 560mmF5.6ED AW]　lens.
• Improved stability for general performance. 

Update (2-1) : I have roughly tested the LV AF of my K-5 after updated to the latest firmware and it seems that the AF is faster now and the way the camera is searching for focus is different, i.e., the algorithms have been revised. This is especially obvious for telephoto lenses, for what I have verified with my Pentax 300mm AF prime.

Focus Peaking Trick on E-M5 (Which has NOT the Feature! Trick NOT works for Pentax Bodies!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpOqo6gA92Y

Via 43 Rumors.

Wow, this OM-D user is really clever and brilliant!

However, this tricks does NOT with any existing Pentax bodies which do not have the focus peaking feature built-in, i.e., those models without a PRIME M processor, including the K-5, K-5II/IIs and the Q. It is because the in-camera digital filters of the Pentax cameras are applied in post-editing, but not viewable at real-time in Live View.

Remark: To those particular fanboys: Whoever wants to argue again, do read the relevant Pentax user manuals and try before hand. If they don't have those Pentax cameras (which they usually don't have the gear they defend!), I would ask them to get the soft manuals online first! :-o

New K-30 and Q Firmwares Released

1. Firmware Version 1.01 for K-30:-

http://www.pentax.jp/english/support/digital/k-30_s.html

Changes to V1.01

• Improved performance of contrast AF
• Improved stability for general performance.

2. Firmware Version 1.10 for Q:-

http://www.pentax.jp/english/support/digital/q_s.html

Changes to V1.10

• Correspond to [Adapter Q for K-mount Lenses]. How to input focal length Click here
• Correspond to [PENTAX-06 TELEPHOTO ZOOM]
• Improved stability for general performance.

Update (10-26): Thanks to Blog reader "joejoe", it is now discovered that the new Q firmware has the lovely feature of focus peaking which is added but not mentioned by Pentax! Here is the proof he provided:-

Live View AF Speed Comparison: D600 Vs K-5 Vs NEX-7 (YouTube Videos)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuj7GnQjhWA


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYg_OY-V6Jk


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGYHC9biqUM

And the following are posted by the same person, which are Pentax and K-30 related:-


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDRuzvcR310


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RB8DQUSFPk


Related:- 

The Pentax Sex Party Continues..

Is K-01 the End of the "Line"? (Pentax Interview @Photokina)

See the latest interview by DPR with Pentax at Photokina:-

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7927911437/photokina-2012-interview-john-carlson-of-pentax

Quoted:-

How are you planning on developing mirrorless in the future? Or is the K-01 a one-off?

I haven't seen any future roadmaps for that type of product.

Other Q&As that might worth a look:-

Is there room for a higher-end Pentax K-mount DSLR?

We have the 645D, and Pentax is dedicated to that system, but whether there's room between the K-5 cameras and the 645, I can't say.

What is Pentax doing to meet the demand for connectivity in its cameras?

Right now we don't have anything other than Eye-Fi compatibility. But we're researching the technology.

Canon has now released their EOS Remote software that can remote control the EOS 6D via Wi-Fi for accessing various camera functions as well as for Live View video streaming from the camera to mobile devices of which the EOS Remote supports both iOS and Android platforms.

Let's talk about the Pentax Q. What has the reaction to the Q been like in the market as a whole?

It's been interesting because a lot of Pentax's sales are online. And it's difficult in that kind of environment to really show the camera and the size of the camera, and the size of the system. 

If Pentax really knows that their sales are mostly online. They should not raise the now mandatory online selling prices again and again and hurt much of their sales! >:-[

And, we all knew that the Q is small even if it is not yet put in one's hands. But the more obvious is that most people knew that the sensor used in the Q/Q10 is even smaller! :-o

Preview on What's Next Up?

Pentax Forums is going to have an interview with PR's Japanese officials at the Photokina. The following is about their survey conducted amongst their forum members so far for their opinions and questions to be asked:-

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/199507-pentax-ricohs-reply-your-comments-our-interview.html

And some interesting interim response from the PR:-

Official reply to your comments:

1. Regarding Pentax's USA marketing/customer relations, and the distributor in New Zealand: noted
2. India is a tough market, but we (Pentax Ricoh) do plan to start selling products there in the very near future
3. We do plan on developing AF systems with a greater number of AF points
4. Regarding the full-frame: it typically takes at least 18 months to develop a new product, such as the Pentax Q, from scratch. It may take longer for larger formats. In the past, we told you that we were evaluating the market to see whether a FF body was in demand and feasible to make. Let's just say that we are looking at this particular product type more than ever right now...

A side note: Ricoh, unlike Pentax, finds individual customer feedback to be integral to its product development decisions. We will be listening to your suggestions and they will not go ignored!

Well, my side note to Adam/PF's side note above is: If Ricoh is really listening, they would not have only given us rubbish and craps like those in this Photokina. Btw, my last poll on "what to do next" after this Photokina for Pentaxians still continues. You are encouraged to take part in the vote and make your vote if not yet. I hope Ricoh could listen, but unfortunately I'm afraid NOT in Reality and at the end of the day!

Korean SLR Club K-30 Full Review

http://www.slrclub.com/bbs/vx2.php?id=slr_review&page=1&divpage=1&select_arrange=headnum&desc=asc&no=290

(in Korean, no need to Google translate, the pictures and videos speak for themselves!)

Warning: VERY Large Page - As usual, they put the whole review into a Single page with all the modelling photos, illustration diagrams, measurbation results, sample photos and videos! If you are trying to click on the above link and view the page with bandwidth sensitive connection, just AVOID! :-o

Pentax Q Live View Time Lag

(URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYByS_1IJiQ)

By: What Blog is This?

Via: 1001 Noisy Cameras.

Btw, is this common for most ILDCs or just DCs? :-o

New Sony APS-C Sensor (16MP, PMAF Elements Built-in)

Via Sony Alpha Rumors (SR5)

So, with this new sensor, I am almost sure that new Pentax APS-C camera models will come, say, K-02, K-40 and whatever! :-D


Last Story:-

Phase Matching / Contrast Detection AF Accuracy Measurbation and Comparison

Phase Matching / Contrast Detection AF Accuracy Measurbation and Comparison

By Lens Rentals: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

Via Post @DPR Pentax Forum.

Quick Conclusions:-

1. Live View CDAF is more accurate than conventional SLR PMAF for still objects;

2. New body is improved over old one for better PMAF accuracy with *any* lenses - the 5D3 was tested against the 5D2 head-to-head, with the same set of lenses, old and new;

3. New lenses are improved over old models for better PMAF accuracy with *any* bodies, old or new!

4. So, with the latest combinations of the newest bodies and lenses, PMAF's accuracy could actually match that of the LV CDAF, but consistency is still not as good.

But after all, don't yet forget about the true values of the PMAF, i.e., better low light performance, better continuous focus tracking and higher speed (which is faster in general).


Related:-

Panasonic Tested that K-5's AF is Better than Canon and Nikon's

Focus Adjust the K-5 and Pentax AF Lenses with Live View

My Practical Review on the DA18-135

As we all know, this lens received rather poor rating and adverse comments at the PhotoZone and then the official early samples posted by Ned Bunnell did look bad either.

But then stupid fanboys of Pentax like me are actually irrational ;->, I went bought this lens regardless of the poor reputation of this lens all over the Internet! :-o

This time, I am going to write a practical review on the lens, with more real-life photos of mine shown, for what this lens can deliver, on a K-5. You will see how "poor" this lens could be!~

First of all, still some comments of mine in words. As you can see from the above modelling photo, this lens is really compact and lightweight. It has an internal focusing mechanism such that the length of the lens will not change during focusing. And of course, the front element will not rotate.

I am much impressed with the build quality of this lens, which is the best amongst all DA Pentax standard zoom lenses that I have ever used, I would say. Even the bundled lens hood is better built than most of other Pentax', with matted lining inside and the rugged texture outside which contributes to a solid feeling. At the beginning, maybe owing to the weather sealing, when the lens was first opened brand new out of the box, it is very tight to zoom. But then after the first few days of use, the friction and resistance became just right provided that it is not zoomed too fast and too quickly otherwise higher resistance can still be found.

Speaking of the DC motor and its AF performance on K-5, it is fast, moderately accurate and silent although it is not completely silent and some very small sound can still be heard in really silent environments (ditto for the new Canon STM, which I also have). Under the Live View mode and with this DC lens, the LV CDAF is obviously faster than with other conventional type Pentax AF lenses.

Now, let's come to the IQ part, this lens is quite sharp in the image centre throughout the whole zoom range and from wide-opened, here are some various samples (Click to download in Large size, EXIF preserved):-


(18mm, f/3.5)


(18mm, f/5.6)


(18mm, f/6.7)


(21mm, f/4)


(21mm, f/8)


(28mm, f/4)


(36mm, f/4.5)


(36mm, f/6.7)


(36mm, f/8)


(40mm, f/7.1)


(53mm, f/6.3)


(100 mm, f/5.6)



(135mm, f/5.6)

It can be noted that the extreme corner softness is only existent at the widest side at 18mm. From 21mm and onwards, the effect is considerably eliminated and is not that noticeable. Distortion is significantly decreased, too.

In general, images produced are with good colours and contrast. Resolution is high throughout the frame except at the extreme focal ends, i.e., 18mm and 135mm. I do note that my lens' optics are perfectly centred by judging from the vignetting pattern, nevertheless. Maybe I am just lucky enough.

The flare resistance is superb. Look at this:-



The bokeh of this lens is not bad, look at these two (and also some of the above samples with a blurred background):-



Round bokeh of highlights can be seen.



Btw, why to use Live View with a DSLR? (I can see many DSLR beginners have been doing this!) Why not just use a K-01 if so?! :-o

There is one minor problem of this lens (or maybe the Pentax DSLR system in general), it is that it has a slight underexposure tendency, a +0.3/0.5 exposure compensation would usually cure it.

Besides, the Pentax SR system for tele-lens is proven to be ineffective, once again. I have got quite some blurred photos when shot at 135mm, just because the lens speed is slow but SR didn't help:-



All in all, I am quite satisfied with my copy of the DA18-135. It seems that my lens has far better performance than what is shown in the various measurbation tests and I do believe that it is a lens that performs well in real world but not so for measurbations. This maybe owing to the inconsistency quality control (or lenses are actually classified into different quality classes and batches - mine was purchased separately). The other possibility is that the optical design of this lens is not optimised for close range objects, where a test chart is placed and shot.

At the end of the day, this travelling zoom will not give you stellar optic quality which primes could give which is well expected, After all, let's see if my "favourable" review this time could retrieve the confidence of some potential buyers of this lens and maybe also for Pentax the brand as well! ;-D


Related:-

Interview with the Optical Engineer/Designer of the DA 18-135 Lens

A Not-so-common K-30/K-5/K-01 Comparison of Mine

I am not comparing every parameter of the official published specs, but am doing a concise summary and comparison on what are really different, official or not, and for those more important things that are obvious or not! :-D

	K-30	K-5	K-01
Body Material	Plastic	Metal Alloy Cover	Aluminium Cover
Colours	Three (Nine in Japan, two different finishing, glossy or matte)	Two (Black and Silver)	Three different combinations
Weather Sealed	Yes	Yes	No
Dust Removal	SR Shake (Ineffective)	Ultrasonic (Effective)	SR Shake
Battery Power	D-LI109P or four AAs (with Adaptor)	D-LI90	D-LI90P
Expanded ISO Range	100-25600	80-51200	100-25600
RAW Format	DNG	PEF or DNG	DNG
ADC (RAW) number of bits	12	14	12
Top Tv	1/6000s	1/8000s	1/4000s
Video Format Differences	1080p/30 frames or 720p/60 frames MPEG4 (motion compressed) in MOV file format (container)	1080p/25 frames or 720p/30 frames Motion JPEG (Not motion compressed) in AVI container	1080p/30 frames or 720p/60 frames MPEG4 (motion compressed) in MOV container
Re-AF during Video Recording	Yes	No	Yes
External Stereo Mic Jack	No	Yes	Yes
Manual Video Settings	Yes	No	Yes
Remote Cable Switch Jack	Yes	Yes	No
Focus Peaking	Yes, No during Video Recording	No	Yes, No during Video Recording
Interchangeable Focusing Screen	No	Yes, 3 types	Not Applicable
Support O-GPS1?	Yes	Yes	No
Support Vertical Grip?	No	Yes	No
AF Method/Option:	11-point phase-matching AF (9 crossed with yellow light sensor, 3D continuous tracking, zone selectable) plus LiveView CDAF	11-point phase-matching AF (9 crossed with yellow light sensor) plus LiveView CDAF	81-point contrast-detection AF
CDAF Behaviour	Live image not enlarged	Focusing area enlarged during focusing	Live image not enlarged
Burst Rate:	6 fps up to 30 JPG and 8 RAW frames	7 fps up to 30 JPG and 20 RAW (PEF) frames	6 fps up to 6 JPG frames
Top Monchrome LCD:	No	Yes (with limited data, though)	No
RTF Guide Number (at ISO100, 28mm film equivalent):	12	13	12
Tightly Closed RTF	No	Yes	No
Silent Shutter	No	Yes	Yes
Silent Aperture Coupler	No	Yes	No
Mirror Vibration	Vigorous	Gentle	None!
Live View Exposure Delay	Long	Acceptable	Shorter
Overall System Time Lag	Long	Moderate	Even Longer
Mass with Battery	650g	750g	560g
Availability	Newly marketed but limited supplies, not easy to find	Almost discontinued, not easy to find	Recent major price cut, but yet not easy to find! :-o

K-01 AF Inconsistency (Video Demonstration)

URL: http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDI1MzA4NTQ0.html

Via Chinese Xitek Forum

Why the focus had to be different every time? >:-o