Best and Worst Cameras and Lenses of 2016

Well, Pentax K-1 is the second best and the rebadged DFA15-30 is the only worst! :-o Btw, where are the originally designed Pentax lenses? Any prime?! :-(

Colour Tendency of the LCD Monitor of K-1 Vs Canon 5Dlll's

http://forum.xitek.com/thread-1633920-1-1-1.html

(in Simplified Chinese)

Related:  Tuning the LCD Display of the K-1

New Firmwares for K-3 and K-50 for Supporting KAF4 Lenses

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

Screen Captures of New K-1 Features of FW 1.4

I have failed to capture the red screen as the HDMI port just doesn't output it, but only with normal video output signal for all colours, even when the red screen mode is turned on. :-(

K-1 Firmware 1.4

http://news.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/rim_info2/2016/20161117_013083.html

Expanded functions:

1. Red-Lighted LCD Monitor Display Function
The PENTAX K-1 provides a red-lighted LCD monitor display function, which prevents the pupils of the photographer's eyes from constricting after they have become accustomed to a dark environment during astrophotography.

2. Bulb Timer Function
The bulb timer function comes in handy when photographing celestial bodies or fireworks. The PENTAX K-1 allows the photographer to expand the exposure time up to 20 minutes in Bulb mode.

3. Others
During slow shutter speeds the PENTAX K-1 features white dot noise reduction processsing.*
Overall Improved stability for general performance.

* When Slow Shutter Speed NR is OFF and JPEG image.

Image Sync Version 1.1.2 is Up

It seems that Ricoh is reading my Blog, now there is a new version of the Image Sync, which can be updated at the Google Play, for Android only. The official website has not yet been updated, though. (Edit: The official website has just been updated and it indicates that the update is only available for Android only.)

Newly added feature on version 1.1.2
･Android 6.0.1 support
･Connection performance improved.

【Feature】
1.View and Copy Images
You can view images taken with your camera and copy them to your mobile device.
You can also upload them to SNS sites.

2.Remote Shooting
You can monitor the live view image on your mobile device. Various camera operations including EV compensation and shutter release are possible from a mobile device.

I will try and see if it improves.

When Will Ricoh Update the Image Sync!?

It's just a Piece of Shit! The Wi-Fi function of the K-1 is virtually useless with such rubbish App and software but yet the development of the App seems halted. So, what did Ricoh want?! :-(

Tuning the LCD Display of the K-1

The default LCD display settings produce too bright colours and it has a blue cast. I therefore corrected it with the following settings, after checking against my carefully calibrated professional monitor, which is calibrated internally with an external colourimeter.

I checked two units of the K-1 and found that they are more or less the same and the above settings work. See if it would work for you and produce better and more accurate results! :-)

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.

PF Interviewed Ricoh Pentax at Photokina

http://www.pentaxforums.com/articles/photokina-2016/photokina-2016-pentax-interview.html

K-1 DxOMark is Out

Pentax K-1 sensor review: Full-frame marvel

Digital Camera Utility 5.6.2 Update

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/digital/dc_utility5_win.html

DPR K-70 Full Samples

https://www.dpreview.com/sample-galleries/4821736717/pentax-k-70-real-world-samples

K-1 White Dot Issue (on Longer Exposures)

http://photosofarkansas.com/2016/08/19/pentax-k1-white-dot-issue-on-longer-exposures-same-as-the-other-cameras-using-the-sony-36mp-chip/

K-1 Firmware 1.2

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

Changes to V1.20:

- Corresponded to [KAF4 lens mount] that is equipped with an electromagnetic diaphragm control system.

- Enable new lens HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mmF4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE to shoot stable by updating firmware.

- Improved stability for general performance.

Who killed the Infinity Focus?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/features/who-killed-infinity-focus%3F

Good article! Btw, I found that most of my FA primes have a precise infinity hard stop at the infinity mark of the lenses when mounted on my K-1 and I am pleased.

K-1 Mode Dial Failure

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/58-troubleshooting-beginner-help/323158-k1-mode-dial-failure.html

Seems to be a common fault as reported.

Ricoh is Buying EyeFi Cloud

pdnpulse.pdnonline.com/2016/06/ricoh-buying-eyefi-cloud.html

Ephotozine Tested the Old FA50/1.4 on K-1

https://www.ephotozine.com/article/smc-pentax-fa-50mm-f-1-4-review-29443

Ricoh Image Sync Updated

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/download/app/image-sync/

Now it can save image under individual image view. But yet I still hope that it can save the downsized image from that preview, the resolution is simply enough for most mobile applications and sharing purpose.

A Japanese K-1 Review, with Good Samples

http://photo.yodobashi.com/gear/pentax/cameras/k-1/index.html

Souvenir: Metal K-1 Hotshoe Cover

HD PENTAX-DA55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

http://digicame-info.com/2016/06/hd-pentax-da55-300mm-f45-63-ed.html

K-70 is Coming

http://digicame-info.com/2016/06/k-70-1.html

New Ricoh 35-80mm F4 Lens Patent

http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2016-06-01

Official Announcement about the Effect of the Earthquakes

http://news.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/rim_info2/2016/20160527_011247.html

Sony Stopped Shipping Sensors to 3rd Parties?

http://qooah.com/2016/05/26/sony-will-stop-support-cmos/

The above news report is in Traditional Chinese. It writes about the Sony sensor factory at Kumamoto was seriously damaged by the earthquake and affected much the production and hence the supply.

DA*55 F1.4 Vs Carl Zeiss Planar 50 F1.4 Vignetting Test

https://flic.kr/s/aHskARK2YN

My Pixel Shift Resolution Test

Below is the 200% centre crops without PSR and with. In-camera JPEG pics with firmware V1.10. Lens used is FA43 Limited at f/11, exposure 30s, ISO 100, shot with 2 sec self-timer enabled plus cable shutter release. Mirror lock up was disabled despite user manual said that it could be engaged. :-(

(Click to Enlarge)

For the resolution difference but the artifacts, I blog, you decide. :-)

K-1 Firmware Update Version 1.10

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

Ephotozine Reviewed the Two New FF Standard Zoom Lenses

https://www.ephotozine.com/article/hd-pentax-d-fa-28-105mm-f-3-5-5-6-ed-dc-wr-lens-review-29352

https://www.ephotozine.com/article/pentax-hd-pentax-d-fa-24-70mm-f-2-8-ed-sdm-wr-review-29349

Mod a DA*60-250 into a FF Lens! :-o

http://info.xitek.com/product/201604/20-197099.html

In Chinese, Google translate yourself if interested. And, do anything at your own risk!!

FA28 Vs DA35 Vignetting Test on K-1

https://www.flickr.com/photos/48733800@N06/albums/72157665925538734

Lens correction functions on distortion and vignetting, which are supported by the K-1 for the FA28, are disabled whilst for the DA35, it is not supported for any lens correction function in the FF mode of the K-1.

Well, how suitable are these lenses on the K-1 FF? Any how do they differ? I blog, you decide! :-)

K-1 Lens Lab (Official Japanese User Sample Gallery)

http://k-1-lab.com/jp/

Grouped by individual lenses!

My K-1 Impressions (Pure Text Quick Review)

The ergonomics of the K-1 is superb. It feels very comfortable to hold in hands and feels very solid and balanced. The overall build of the K-1 is very good, but the camera top feels a bit plasticky and hollow.

AF is really accurate, but hit rate is not 100%, sometime it missed, especially when focusing in a hurry or under low light. But when it hits, it is really accurate. Tried the three FA Limited wide opened, no problem. Tried several other A, FA, FA*, DA and DA* primes, they all focused accurately wide opened. The K-1 probably is the most accurate Pentax AFSLR ever made, since the MZ-S. I really like it! :-)

Focusing is faster and quieter than before. But the speed is not particularly fast when it is compared to other FF bodies of Canon and Nikon. Forget about focus tracking with multiple AF points for moving objects, the points are still not enough and are too much centred. There is still some room for improvement. 

Exposure accuracy is good, probably maybe a bit bright for its tendency, especially with film glass. Seems a bit more accurate with digital lenses. Nonetheless, the EV compensation is always there. It is quite easy to use with the quick function dial. I set it to +/- by default. Or, one can customise the e-dials to directly control the EV compensation.

Resolution of the images from K-1 is really superb. The per pixel sharpness is better than the Canon and Sony FF bodies that I have, even with the same lenses put on them. That's only my own subjective impression, though and no scientific measurbation has yet been made, because I am now busy with shooting with a good camera, instead of doing endless measurbation tests for faulty cameras.

Colour rendition is contemporary, which is now very Canon alike. It do taste very CMOS, the AWB is very white, maybe too white IMO than one would like to preserve the atmosphere even under the warm sunlight. But K-1 do really "catch up" with the game. ;-) I found it works best in the Natural mode, with the Saturation turned up one step.

Dynamic range is good, better than the Canon's. Noise is acceptable up to ISO 3200 and beyond that, use it unless it must be.

Lens correction now works very well. It is fast and there is no more delay as in older models, even with all the four corrected function enabled. Supported all DFA digital and FA* film lenses. DA lenses are supported in crop mode. Lens correction does not work in FF mode for DA lenses, even if they are actually FF compatible. On the other hand, for supported FF lenses, lens correction does work even when crop mode is selected.

Liveview operation is good, the liveview image will change according to the FF or crop mode selected (and of course). The LV AF is fast but unfortunate insensitive. It often missed focus with lower contrast, even under bright light situations outdoor.

There is nothing special for the video recording (movie) mode. And there is no live AF under movie mode. AF can be remeasured upon pressing of the AF button on demand by the user. It is not possible to capture any still photo during video recording.

The super articulated monitor is sturdy and easy to use, better than imagined before. Most importantly, the closed position is well aligned.

Mirror action is crisp but yet gentle, resemble the old feel of the MZ-S film flagship. The *ist D had similar feel in the mirror but however its movement is obvious too slow. Now the K-1's is quite good but I still hope that it could move faster anyway.

Viewfinder clarity is not as good as my Canon 5DIII which is brighter and clearer to see than the K-1, despite both have an overlaid LCD information display on the finder frame.

The electronic level indication is now very easy to see and follow. It is sensitive and accurate provided that you got a good copy. My first copy has good accuracy for the horizontal sensor but the vertical sensor is a little bit off.

GPS is sensitive and accurate and is very easy to turn on and off, with the dedicated button. WiFi is also easy to on and off with the special function dial. The red and blue LED indicators is a good design. However, the Ricoh Image Sync App is just a piece of junk, undoubtedly. It is difficult to use, with limited features and its operations are completely nonsense, even for the basic functions of browsing photos and for downloading.

My Wait is Over, Finally! :-D

After 15 years..! For the period my FA 43 Limited and I have been waiting for. :-(

K-1 Receives a TIPA Award

http://www.tipa.com/awards-en/pentax-k-1

Korean Popco.net K-1 Hands-on

http://www.popco.net/zboard/view.php?id=dica_review&no=1015

Official K-1 Full Size Samples Posted

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/k-1/ex/index.html

K-1 Special Site Launched

http://www.pentax.com/en/k-1/

K-1, the BIGGEST K-mount Body Ever!

See these:

Source:  http://forum.xitek.com/thread-1560768-1-1-1.html

K-1 User Manual Available for Download (Unofficial)

https://www.dropbox.com/s/penzi21ucajn0lb/K-1_Operating_Manual.pdf

Pentax History Official Website

http://www.pentax.com/en/pentaxhistory/

MTF Tests of 6 FA Lenses on K-1

http://www.objektivtest.se/tester/test-sex-fasta-fullformatsobjektiv-for-pentax-k-1/

MTF curves are measured at wide opened and at f/8 across the frame. Vignetting is also measured.

Comparing the Optical Formulae of DFA*70-200 F2.8 Vs FA*80-200 F2.8

19 Elements in 16 Groups; Source: Ricoh Imaging

16 Elements in 13 Groups; Source: Bdimitrov's K-mount Page

DFA*70-200 Released, Sold at $1800

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1117718-REG/pentax_21330_hd_pentax_d_fa.html

Poll: Will You Buy the K-1?

Will You Buy the K-1?

Yes, will rush to!

Yes, will get it later.

No, it's just not my cup of tea.

No, kind of complete disappointment, will switch!

Neutral, still undecided.

 

pollcode.com free polls

Latest Official K-1 Samples (Up to ISO 25600)

http://www.pentax.com/en/k-1/expression/

Yet Another K-1 Hands-on

http://www.mycameratravels.com/first-impressions-with-the-pentax-full-frame-k-1/

DPR K-1 Hands-on at Yokohama

http://www.dpreview.com/news/9020853877/cp-2016-shooting-the-pentax-k-1-in-yokohama

First "User" Samples of K-1 with FA Limited and A50/1.2 Lenses

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/190-pentax-k-1/315416-very-first-k-1-vietnam-some-sample-pics.html

The colours look a bit cold indeed.

K-3 II Silver Limited Edition

http://news.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/rim_info/2016/20160223_010469.html

500 units only.

Direct Link of the "Deleted" K-1 Beta DPR Sample Gallery

www.dpreview.com/sample-galleries/9969263190/pentax-k-1-pre-production-sample-gallery/4929996942

K-1 Vs K-3 Sounds (Mirror/Shutter Action and AF)

K-1 is Delayed to Fall April

Official D FA Lens Roadmap Shown at CP+

http://www.gizmodo.jp/2016/02/cpk-1.html

K-1 Preview by Japanese CAPA Magazine

http://pentaxfans.net/thread-155851-1-1.html

The skin tone compensation mode and options is interesting. Brief samples made with renowned Pentax lenses are also shown.

K-1 Viewfinder in Action (Youtube Video Demo)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=128&v=CvCxb17LIwo

FA31 F1.8 Limited on 36M a7R - Test Samples with 100% Crops

Tested at f/8 and ISO100, manual peaking focusing:

Last Tested: DA*55 F1.4 on 36M a7R: Part 1 and Part 2

K-1 Size Vs 5D3 & D810

K-1 Vs 5D3: http://camerasize.com/compare/#659,312

K-1 Vs D810: http://camerasize.com/compare/#659,557

K-1 Japanese Full Catalogue

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/support/catalog/pdf/k-1.pdf

Official K-1 Promotional Video (11 Clips)

K-1 Official Full Samples

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/products/k-1/ex/index.html

Resolution is superb, but the colour rendition is just not my cup of tea, it's too Sony and Tamron alike, bad! :-(

K-1 and Lens Previews and Pre-production Samples

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentax-k-1

http://www.dpreview.com/samples/1801152777/first-shots-pentax-k-1-pre-production-sample-gallery

http://www.pentaxforums.com/articles/pentax-news/pentax-k-1-officially-announced.html

http://www.pentaxforums.com/articles/pentax-news/hd-pentax-d-fa-28-105mm-f35-56-announced.html

https://www.ephotozine.com/article/pentax-k-1-hands-on-preview-28884
(with video)

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/pentax-k1/pentax-k1A.HTM

Official Pentax K-1 special site:

http://www.pentax.com/en/k-1/

K-1 to be Sold at 250k Japanese Yens, 8% Tax Included!

http://digicame-info.com/2016/02/k-1-3.html

Looks of the Two New Lenses

http://digicame-info.com/2016/02/pentaxd-fa-15-30mm-f28d-fa-28-.html

More K-1 Specifications

http://digicame-info.com/2016/02/k-1-2.html

Information of the Two New Lenses

http://digicame-info.com/2016/02/2-42.html

How a DA* Prime would Perform on the Sony 36M FF Sensor? (Cont'd)

~ f/11, 1/250s @ ISO 100, a7R + DA*55 F1.4

How a DA* Prime would Perform on the Sony 36M FF Sensor?

Here we go, my test picture and crops tell it all:



Picture shot at around f/8, 1/320s and ISO 100 with my A7R and my DA*55 F1.4 lens put on it. MF focusing was done with focus peaking at 10X on the image centre.

100% crop of the picture centre:



100% crop of the picture corner:



More test samples would follow! :-P

New Products to be Announced

http://digicame-info.com/2016/02/post-774.html

- PENTAX K-1
- Vertical Battery Grip D-BG6
- PENTAX-D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6ED DC WR
- HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR

K-1 Product Photos

http://digicame-info.com/2016/02/k-1-1.html



Number of AF points is counted to be 33, which is about half of that of my four years old Canon 5D Mark III.