See this latest official Fuji promotional video for the X10 today:-
(URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qttiZkQBq2s, via Jimmy Yen's Blog)
This I would call it advertisement. In comparison, let's watch back the last Pentax Q official promotional video:-
(URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbZ_aHI6p3k, via More Pentax Q YouTube Videos)
Although the total time length of the Pentax video is very close to that of the Fuji's (both in 3 minutes something, the difference is only in 2 seconds), the Pentax video is rather boring along and indeed very unattractive from the beginning. In fact, the background music plus the narration or simply the presentation as a whole all make it looks like the descriptive audio-visual exhibits inside a museum, rather than an *Ad*! :-o With such weak "promotion", I just wonder how many people will be attracted to buy the product after watching?
So, after all, this shows the weak and low marketing ability of Pentax, in addition to the various weaknesses of their products, already. In marketing sense, they should think to do more, and more importantly, they should think about HOW to do it better and what should be done!
Some people would say that Ricoh will soon take over Pentax and things would change. But what I want to tell is that last time I watched a Ricoh Ad on the TV, it was NOT better than those of the Pentax', or even worse! >:-[
Besides, it can be seen that Fuji has been very proactive this year in promoting their new products via different Internet channels. For example, they have their Fujiguys to do this dedicated job, say, to upload exclusive new camera hands-on and official promotional videos, etc. to the YouTube. In contrast, who are doing this job for Pentax in the Pentaxland? Who? Me?! ;-p
At the end of the day, the poor publicity and works (if any) done by Pentax is one of the main reasons why their sales and results have been so poor. A very recent example is that their that recent five-year Pentax Q development speech is just plain stupid and rather silly afterall and will certainly help them nothing for their sales! All in all, I think the decision makers of Pentax really need to sit down and think more, for what they should and could do in order to improve and then get better results!
Related:-
The State of Pentax (by Q1 2011)
Pentax' Performance Evaluation Against Forbes' Seven Secrets of (Successful) Companies
Thursday, September 01, 2011
First Pentax Q User Unboxing Post
The Pentax Q has been on sales yesterday, this is the first Pentax Q user unboxing post on the Internet that I have come across:-
http://news.mapcamera.com/sittoku.php?itemid=11821
(in Japanese, English page here (Google-translated))
The body size is not as small as Pentax has been emphasizing..
Well, the kit prime lens is somehow small:-
But, I'm afraid that the sensor is even smaller!
That guy has purchased all the 3 toy lenses, too:-
The toy lenses are put side-by-side to a DA18-55WR lens:-
In addition, the new Q owner has posted five full size original samples. I am not convinced much with the colour rendition anyway, which looks somehow odd and unnatural. Three of which anyway:-
(ABOVE: First Picture: 8.5mm, f/4.5, ISO 125; Second Picture: 8.5mm, f/2.8, ISO 1600; Last: 8.5mm, f/3.2, ISO 125 - Click to Download/Enlarge)
Btw and after all, the prices of the Pentax Q and ktis/lenses are more expensive than all the other entry level ILDCs on the market. So, does it mean that the Q is not entry level and could provide more superior image quality and results? :-o ;-)
Related:-
Official On Sales Dates of the Pentax Q Kits, Lenses and Accessories
Leaked Pentax Marketing Q&As in the P-Q Pre-Release Press Conference
Heart of the Pentax Q - Sony IMX078CQK Imager
Highlights on the Q Specifications
What is your buying intention of the Pentax Q?
The Pentax Q Announced!
http://news.mapcamera.com/sittoku.php?itemid=11821
(in Japanese, English page here (Google-translated))
The body size is not as small as Pentax has been emphasizing..
Well, the kit prime lens is somehow small:-
But, I'm afraid that the sensor is even smaller!
That guy has purchased all the 3 toy lenses, too:-
The toy lenses are put side-by-side to a DA18-55WR lens:-
In addition, the new Q owner has posted five full size original samples. I am not convinced much with the colour rendition anyway, which looks somehow odd and unnatural. Three of which anyway:-
(ABOVE: First Picture: 8.5mm, f/4.5, ISO 125; Second Picture: 8.5mm, f/2.8, ISO 1600; Last: 8.5mm, f/3.2, ISO 125 - Click to Download/Enlarge)
Btw and after all, the prices of the Pentax Q and ktis/lenses are more expensive than all the other entry level ILDCs on the market. So, does it mean that the Q is not entry level and could provide more superior image quality and results? :-o ;-)
Related:-
Official On Sales Dates of the Pentax Q Kits, Lenses and Accessories
Leaked Pentax Marketing Q&As in the P-Q Pre-Release Press Conference
Heart of the Pentax Q - Sony IMX078CQK Imager
Highlights on the Q Specifications
What is your buying intention of the Pentax Q?
The Pentax Q Announced!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Fuji X10 is Around the Corner
via http://photorumors.com/2011/08/27/fuji-x10x50-detailed-specs-leaked/
The list of leaked specs are as follows:-
- Bright, high resolution, Fujinon f/2.0-2.8 lens
- Manual 4x optical zoom lens (7.1 - 28.4mm*)
- Optical zoom viewfinder
- 12 MP 2/3 inch EXR CMOS sensor
- EXR Processor
- Manual shooting modes
- RAW capabilities
- Up to 10fps
- Retro design with magnesium alloy body
- Full HD 1080p movies with stereo sound
- Manual pop-up flash
- Dedicated hotshoe
- High contrast 2.8″ 460k LCD monitor
- 1cm super macro mode
- Motion Panorama 360 degrees
- Auto Bracketing Functions
The above highlighted features just blow the Pentax Q out of the water, as it has none of these and there is nothing comparable! :-(
Next, look also at the (just leaked) top and back views of the X10:-
via Photo Rumors
And two additions to the specs:-
Don't believe it? It is rumoured that the X10 will be sold at about half of the price of the Q basic prime kit. So, what will you choose, if you just need such an advanced P&S? Okay, let's vote!
Update (8-31): Below is a size comparison of the X10 against his big brother X100:-
(Source: http://blog.livedoor.jp/e_p1/archives/51733468.html)
Seems not to be small anyway..
More Q Samples (Daylight Mostly)
They are continued to be posted at the Japanese Yaotomi's Blog lately:-
http://www.yaotomi.co.jp/blog/walk/
More: http://www.yaotomi.co.jp/blog/walk/2011/08/pentax-q-01-standard-prime-1.html
More: http://www.yaotomi.co.jp/blog/walk/2011/08/pentax-q-01-standard-prime.html
Full EXIF data are preserved for these samples this time. I note one interesting thing about the setting is that now the blogger (Yaotomi) has used fixed aperture at f/3.2 for many of his latest photos. I bet this would be the optimal single setting he's discovered, as wide opened will not be the best for the optical performance of the lens whilst closing down further the resolution is inevitably affected by diffraction (real-world proof here). In addition, shooting outdoor with relative too large a f-number/aperture is also impractical after all. (He seems to know well how to use his camera tactically, so as to avoid the pitfalls of it! Nice done, guy!~)
Besides, the colour rendition of the Q could look awful, just look at this example for the "blue" sky colour, which is terribly grey-n-darkish and unrealistic:-
And, I am not impressed with the Dynamic Range (DR) of the Q, which just looks rather limited for most of the contrasty outdoor scenes and samples that I have seen, e.g.:-
See also the previous "leaked" Q samples by this Pentax guy and it is not difficult to observe about the low DR of the Q:-
Large Size Pentax Q Sample Photos Plus Hands-on Movie Review Posted by Pentax Insider
Btw, we can continue to keep a close eye on Yaotomi's blog as he seems to be one of the first retailers whom was given a Q and was allowed to post those "user" full samples.
Still, I recommend you to compare those lately posted samples, against those few samples of the latest Pentax P&S DC model, which I've lately acquired, for finding any IQ difference. Note that both the Q and my WG-1 GPS are using the same 1/2.3" sized sensor, which is a CMOS and a CCD one respectively, though. I do like more the colour rendition and response of my WG-1 than the Q so far. Yes, the WG-1 is more noisy for its pictures, but the texture feel is also stronger!
http://www.yaotomi.co.jp/blog/walk/
More: http://www.yaotomi.co.jp/blog/walk/2011/08/pentax-q-01-standard-prime-1.html
More: http://www.yaotomi.co.jp/blog/walk/2011/08/pentax-q-01-standard-prime.html
Full EXIF data are preserved for these samples this time. I note one interesting thing about the setting is that now the blogger (Yaotomi) has used fixed aperture at f/3.2 for many of his latest photos. I bet this would be the optimal single setting he's discovered, as wide opened will not be the best for the optical performance of the lens whilst closing down further the resolution is inevitably affected by diffraction (real-world proof here). In addition, shooting outdoor with relative too large a f-number/aperture is also impractical after all. (He seems to know well how to use his camera tactically, so as to avoid the pitfalls of it! Nice done, guy!~)
Besides, the colour rendition of the Q could look awful, just look at this example for the "blue" sky colour, which is terribly grey-n-darkish and unrealistic:-
And, I am not impressed with the Dynamic Range (DR) of the Q, which just looks rather limited for most of the contrasty outdoor scenes and samples that I have seen, e.g.:-
See also the previous "leaked" Q samples by this Pentax guy and it is not difficult to observe about the low DR of the Q:-
Large Size Pentax Q Sample Photos Plus Hands-on Movie Review Posted by Pentax Insider
Btw, we can continue to keep a close eye on Yaotomi's blog as he seems to be one of the first retailers whom was given a Q and was allowed to post those "user" full samples.
Still, I recommend you to compare those lately posted samples, against those few samples of the latest Pentax P&S DC model, which I've lately acquired, for finding any IQ difference. Note that both the Q and my WG-1 GPS are using the same 1/2.3" sized sensor, which is a CMOS and a CCD one respectively, though. I do like more the colour rendition and response of my WG-1 than the Q so far. Yes, the WG-1 is more noisy for its pictures, but the texture feel is also stronger!
New DA21 (Measurbative) Lens Test on K-5
See: http://www.optyczne.pl//index.php?test=obiektywu&test_ob=234
(Google-translated English test report here)
The summary and sample pictures page is at the 11th page.
Well, the test results mostly coincidence my practical (limited) experience with the lens, i.e., the (barrel) distortion is obvious and the image corners are not sharp. The small size and the high quality build of the lens have made it a joy to use, though.
Nonetheless, the test mentions about the accurate focus of the lens on K-5, which I found the opposite with my K-x when I used the DA21 lens, when mis-focusing often occurred, in particular when the lens was used wide opened and for close objects.
Finally, for what it is not mentioned, I particularly like the colour rendition of this lens, which represents much the old Pentax taste and natural style, which might be the true reason for why this lens (the resolving power is not, for which it lacks of, at least not across the whole frame).
Read Also:-
RiceHigh's Subjective Ratings on Pentax AF Lenses on Pentax DSLRs 2011
(Google-translated English test report here)
The summary and sample pictures page is at the 11th page.
Well, the test results mostly coincidence my practical (limited) experience with the lens, i.e., the (barrel) distortion is obvious and the image corners are not sharp. The small size and the high quality build of the lens have made it a joy to use, though.
Nonetheless, the test mentions about the accurate focus of the lens on K-5, which I found the opposite with my K-x when I used the DA21 lens, when mis-focusing often occurred, in particular when the lens was used wide opened and for close objects.
Finally, for what it is not mentioned, I particularly like the colour rendition of this lens, which represents much the old Pentax taste and natural style, which might be the true reason for why this lens (the resolving power is not, for which it lacks of, at least not across the whole frame).
Read Also:-
RiceHigh's Subjective Ratings on Pentax AF Lenses on Pentax DSLRs 2011
MZ-S Silver Limited
See this post at the Xitek forum today that reminds me of this excellent film body of Pentax once again!
(Above: An unusable combination - DA15 Limited Lens on MZ-S Silver)
And, below pictures are of my black-coloured MZ-S:-
(Source: "Film is Dead"! ;-))
Also, one picture of my MZ-30 Silver:-
(Source: Can Pentax DSLRs be Made Thinner?)
Read Also:-
Silver K-5 and DA Limited Lenses Announced
K-7 Limited Silver
Why Should a Pro SLR Not Have a Built-in Flash??
(Above: An unusable combination - DA15 Limited Lens on MZ-S Silver)
And, below pictures are of my black-coloured MZ-S:-
(Source: "Film is Dead"! ;-))
Also, one picture of my MZ-30 Silver:-
(Source: Can Pentax DSLRs be Made Thinner?)
Read Also:-
Silver K-5 and DA Limited Lenses Announced
K-7 Limited Silver
Why Should a Pro SLR Not Have a Built-in Flash??
Monday, August 29, 2011
More Pentax Q YouTube Videos
First, a seems-to-be official Q "introduction movie":-
(URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbZ_aHI6p3k)
At 2:00, it is demonstrated that the bokeh (out-focus characteristic) is completely software controlled, of which this camera function is named as BC which is printed on the mode dial, where BC stands for Bokeh Control.
Next, an unofficial Q test video, taken and edited much like the foreplay of those Japanese AVs in a much similar way and style! Even the background music is alike. Oh, well.. ;-D
(URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EDmigOQqxw)
I am not impressed with the colour output of the videos, but digital filters were applied for many of the clips anyway..
Nonetheless, it can be seen that the Q simply failed to focus well for the video recording. Maybe the user manual focused by himself, or the AF (if any!) hunted a lot, or quite possibly there is simply no AF function during video recording! Anyway, we shall know it very soon, for the availability of AF under movie mode, which was not yet confirmed for the last time.
Besides, below are two more earlier Pentax Q videos about the operation of the camera. But for the sake of interest for some who might not be aware previously, here they are:-
(URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZxCMizYjNY)
(URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRbi_zEK5GI)
Read Also:-
Pentax Q Low ISO Daylight Real-World Samples
Pentax Q High and Low ISO Full Size Samples
Official Pentax Q Samples are Out!
Artificial "Fake Bokeh"
Large Size Pentax Q Sample Photos Plus Hands-on Movie Review Posted by Pentax Insider
(URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbZ_aHI6p3k)
At 2:00, it is demonstrated that the bokeh (out-focus characteristic) is completely software controlled, of which this camera function is named as BC which is printed on the mode dial, where BC stands for Bokeh Control.
Next, an unofficial Q test video, taken and edited much like the foreplay of those Japanese AVs in a much similar way and style! Even the background music is alike. Oh, well.. ;-D
(URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EDmigOQqxw)
I am not impressed with the colour output of the videos, but digital filters were applied for many of the clips anyway..
Nonetheless, it can be seen that the Q simply failed to focus well for the video recording. Maybe the user manual focused by himself, or the AF (if any!) hunted a lot, or quite possibly there is simply no AF function during video recording! Anyway, we shall know it very soon, for the availability of AF under movie mode, which was not yet confirmed for the last time.
Besides, below are two more earlier Pentax Q videos about the operation of the camera. But for the sake of interest for some who might not be aware previously, here they are:-
(URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZxCMizYjNY)
(URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRbi_zEK5GI)
Read Also:-
Pentax Q Low ISO Daylight Real-World Samples
Pentax Q High and Low ISO Full Size Samples
Official Pentax Q Samples are Out!
Artificial "Fake Bokeh"
Large Size Pentax Q Sample Photos Plus Hands-on Movie Review Posted by Pentax Insider
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Pentax Q Low ISO Daylight Real-World Samples (w/ "01" 8.5mm/1.9 Prime)
http://www.yaotomi.co.jp/blog/walk/2011/08/-pentax-q-with-01-standard-prime.html
A few selections (Key EXIF are printed on lower left corner of the pictures):-
CAs are obvious.. Resolution is considerably low.
The green colours are not quite natural, resolving power is as weak..
Flare control is average.
Right hand side of the frame is blurry.
(Click to Expand in Full for All)
Frankly, the overall IQ seems to be just so-so, not better than that of my WG-1 or even worse, which also has a 1/2.3" (but CCD, not CMOS) sensor!
Last Part:-
Pentax Q High and Low ISO Full Size Samples (Unofficial)
A few selections (Key EXIF are printed on lower left corner of the pictures):-
CAs are obvious.. Resolution is considerably low.
The green colours are not quite natural, resolving power is as weak..
Flare control is average.
Right hand side of the frame is blurry.
(Click to Expand in Full for All)
Frankly, the overall IQ seems to be just so-so, not better than that of my WG-1 or even worse, which also has a 1/2.3" (but CCD, not CMOS) sensor!
Last Part:-
Pentax Q High and Low ISO Full Size Samples (Unofficial)
More K-to-Q Adaptor Product Images
Further to the last official K->Q adaptor news, there are some more product photos of it posted by different people at the Internet recently:-
1. DA 40 F2.8 Pancake + Adaptor on Pentax Q:-
via DPR Post Here
It can be seen that the K-Q Adaptor can use DA lenses, as there is rough aperture control from "0" to "7", at least the aperture of a DA lens can be stopped down, although the exact f-number is not known. This is exactly the same design as the K-to-NX adaptor of Samsung, no difference. And the adaptor itself is a pure mechanical dongle all in all.
2. Pentax K 1000 F8 on Pentax Q (via the Adaptor, of course):-
via http://www.yaotomi.co.jp/blog/used/2011/08/post-69.html
Well, how would you use a lens with an effective focal/Angle of View at 5600mm but with an relative slow aperture speed of f/8 by the way?! :-o
1. DA 40 F2.8 Pancake + Adaptor on Pentax Q:-
via DPR Post Here
It can be seen that the K-Q Adaptor can use DA lenses, as there is rough aperture control from "0" to "7", at least the aperture of a DA lens can be stopped down, although the exact f-number is not known. This is exactly the same design as the K-to-NX adaptor of Samsung, no difference. And the adaptor itself is a pure mechanical dongle all in all.
2. Pentax K 1000 F8 on Pentax Q (via the Adaptor, of course):-
via http://www.yaotomi.co.jp/blog/used/2011/08/post-69.html
Well, how would you use a lens with an effective focal/Angle of View at 5600mm but with an relative slow aperture speed of f/8 by the way?! :-o
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Pentax Q High and Low ISO Full Size Samples (Unofficial)
http://www.yaotomi.co.jp/blog/used/2011/08/pentax-q-2.html
Samples from ISO 125 to 1600 are available. Besides, the "01" standard prime is tested from f/1.9 wide opened to f/8, in 1/3 steps. Key EXIF info are reserved.
A few selection of the more representative ones (Click on for FULL Photos):-
(ISO 125, 8.5mm, f/8)
(ISO 125, 8.5mm, f/2, f/4 & f/8)
You can see by yourself if diffraction is a real problem for limiting resolution with such a small-sized sensor.. (Hint: Look at the image centres for the word "LUPICIA" and Compare!)
So, one BIG question for the implication: Do the Q users need to stop down the lens during a bright day in order to make proper exposure for their photos?? :-o
(ISO 1600, 8.5mm, f/2.2)
(ISO 500, 8.5mm, f/2.2)
Last Related:-
Official Pentax Q Samples are Out!
Samples from ISO 125 to 1600 are available. Besides, the "01" standard prime is tested from f/1.9 wide opened to f/8, in 1/3 steps. Key EXIF info are reserved.
A few selection of the more representative ones (Click on for FULL Photos):-
(ISO 125, 8.5mm, f/8)
(ISO 125, 8.5mm, f/2, f/4 & f/8)
You can see by yourself if diffraction is a real problem for limiting resolution with such a small-sized sensor.. (Hint: Look at the image centres for the word "LUPICIA" and Compare!)
So, one BIG question for the implication: Do the Q users need to stop down the lens during a bright day in order to make proper exposure for their photos?? :-o
(ISO 1600, 8.5mm, f/2.2)
(ISO 500, 8.5mm, f/2.2)
Last Related:-
Official Pentax Q Samples are Out!
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