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Hi Pentaxian friends.
Let me start by talking about the word "fanboy" utilized on many forums on the Internet but mainly on RiceHigh's blog. Calling someone a "fanboy" of any brand is an insult because it implies that someone is so entranced into a particular brand that he or she cannot think clearly. It suggests that one would not even acknowledge that other brands do exist and that other DSLRs may have some more advanced features or image quality.
It is unfortunate that RiceHigh seems to attract his audience with negativism. We have enough bad news in the world we live in; there is no need to create more. All DSLRs manufactured today are marvels of engineering. They are all good although some are more apt to excel in a type of photography or style more than other DSLRs. As an example, it’s a known fact that a Nikon D3X is better than any of the Pentax line for Sport photography as the frame rate per second is very high and the AF system is several notch above the rest…but it cost in the neighborhood of $7,000.00 body only. Canons were the first, I believe, to fully utilize the attributes of the full frame CMOS technology. Olympus has a great rotating LCD monitor that makes me envious, but I personally don’t like the idea of the four third sensors. Sony has…I actually don’t know what they have except for the name and the money. But of course, all of the above statements are my opinion only. I repeat again…All DSLRs manufactured today are marvels of engineering.
So why did I chose Pentax over any of the other brands? After comparing all camera prices versus features, Pentax undeniably is at the top for the best value for the money.
Yes, you have the pixel peepers like RiceHigh that expect an image shot at 3200 ISO, and then cropped to 100%, to have excellent IQ with no noise. It is true that the $5,000.00 DSLRs have less noise at high ISO. Are those ISO 1600 or 3200 shots something that a photographer would use everyday or is it a feature used rarely? You know a tripod will do wonders for night photography and so will a good flash.
That brings me to the ten reasons you should own a Pentax DSLR:
1. Your friends have Pentax DSLRs and that gives you a chance to borrow their lenses.
Hi Pentaxian friends.
Let me start by talking about the word "fanboy" utilized on many forums on the Internet but mainly on RiceHigh's blog. Calling someone a "fanboy" of any brand is an insult because it implies that someone is so entranced into a particular brand that he or she cannot think clearly. It suggests that one would not even acknowledge that other brands do exist and that other DSLRs may have some more advanced features or image quality.
It is unfortunate that RiceHigh seems to attract his audience with negativism. We have enough bad news in the world we live in; there is no need to create more. All DSLRs manufactured today are marvels of engineering. They are all good although some are more apt to excel in a type of photography or style more than other DSLRs. As an example, it’s a known fact that a Nikon D3X is better than any of the Pentax line for Sport photography as the frame rate per second is very high and the AF system is several notch above the rest…but it cost in the neighborhood of $7,000.00 body only. Canons were the first, I believe, to fully utilize the attributes of the full frame CMOS technology. Olympus has a great rotating LCD monitor that makes me envious, but I personally don’t like the idea of the four third sensors. Sony has…I actually don’t know what they have except for the name and the money. But of course, all of the above statements are my opinion only. I repeat again…All DSLRs manufactured today are marvels of engineering.
So why did I chose Pentax over any of the other brands? After comparing all camera prices versus features, Pentax undeniably is at the top for the best value for the money.
Yes, you have the pixel peepers like RiceHigh that expect an image shot at 3200 ISO, and then cropped to 100%, to have excellent IQ with no noise. It is true that the $5,000.00 DSLRs have less noise at high ISO. Are those ISO 1600 or 3200 shots something that a photographer would use everyday or is it a feature used rarely? You know a tripod will do wonders for night photography and so will a good flash.
That brings me to the ten reasons you should own a Pentax DSLR:
1. Your friends have Pentax DSLRs and that gives you a chance to borrow their lenses.
2. The Pentax line has a shake reduction built-in the camera body; essentially making any lens mounted on a Pentax a “shake reduction” lens.
3. Your friends have Pentax DSLRs and that gives you a chance to borrow their lenses. You can also take picture of your friends and them of you.
4. You have noticed that for the money, Pentax has the best equipment around.
5. Your friends have Pentax DSLRs.
6. The Pentax management and employees, at least here in the USA, are the friendliest in the business. Their President and some of the employees have blogs or participate in the various forums. Do you even know who the other companies’ presidents are?
7. Your friends have Pentax DSLRs. The Pentax forums are full of friendly members.
8 Pentax have some of the best lenses, particularly the Limited Primes.
9. Your friends have Pentax DSLRs. Pentaxians are not pixel peepers, they shoot real pictures. The photographic world is still waiting for RiceHigh to post some real pictures instead of 100% crops of brick walls, taken in the dark at ISO 3200.
10. Where else can you find a DSLR with the following capabilities for around $1,300.00?
Compact, magnesium alloy body One of the smallest DSLRs in its class, the K-7’s compact, magnesium alloy body lets you travel light while still maintaining durability and build quality.14.6 megapixels The redesigned 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor offers improved noise control, four channel output for faster image capture and movie capture capabilities. Plus the new sensor offers the ideal combination of resolution and file size, allowing for large (poster size and larger) prints and cropping flexibility. 3 inch LCD The 3 inch LCD with 921,000 dot resolution is perfect for detailed image or movie capture and review and is ideal for the Live View function. Weather, dust and cold resistant The K-7 is weather, dust and cold resistant (to 14° F or -10° C), making it ideal for use in any environment. New PRIME II Image processing engine Fast 5.2 frame-per-second shooting with the powerful new PRIME II Image processing engine, which features fast circuitry and low noise image processing. Ideal for sporting events or any fast-action situation. High top shutter speedA top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec freezes even the fastest action and gives creative control over apertures in well-lit settings. New 77-segment metering system A new 77-segment metering system quickly and accurately determines exposure, even in the most complex and dynamic lighting situations. Live View mode Live View mode, with contrast AF, Face Detection, and optional histogram, grid, and bright/dark area display, allows you to quickly compose your images without having to position your eye against the viewfinder. 100% field-of-view viewfinder A 100% field-of-view viewfinder (with 0.92X magnification) and bright focusing screens are ideal for accurate image composition and focus. HD Movie Capture Widescreen HD Movie Capture features adjustable quality settings and aperture control, as well as Shake Reduction, and an external microphone terminal for recording stereo sound. High resolution playbackHDMI port with selectable output resolution (1080i, 720p, 480p, and auto) offers high resolution playback of images and video on high definition TVs. Multiple exposure settings Multiple exposure settings, including Green, Program, Sv, Tv, Av, TAv, M, Bulb, X-sync, Movie and USER modes, provide extensive creative control over the exposure for photographers of all experience levels. Faster, more responsive AFThe PENTAX 11-point autofocus system features improved focus algorithms over previous-generation K-series DSLR cameras, providing faster, more responsive AF. A dedicated AF-assist lamp further improves autofocus response and accuracy in low light conditions. Shake Reduction system The PENTAX-original Shake Reduction system now compensates for rotational sensor movement, improving the sharpness of your images at the moment of capture. Dust-free image captureThe K-7’s Dust Reduction system, improved over previous K-series cameras, features a piezo-ceramic vibration action to the sensor’s low-pass filter for dust-free image capture. Advanced white balance settingsAdvanced white balance settings include highly customizable white balance fine tuning, color temperature adjustment, and post image capture manual white balance selection for perfect pictures, even in the most difficult lighting. Extended battery lifeNew high capacity battery offers considerably longer life. Ideal for travel photography or video work. Electronic level functionElectronic level function ensures your pictures have level horizons, minimizing post-capture editing. Advanced image capture settingsAdvanced image capture settings, digital filters, and aspect ratio provide outstanding flexibility and creativity while minimizing the need for computer image manipulation. Custom Image modesCustom Image modes with advanced parameter settings including new Key adjustment, allow you to customize your processing mode to your creative style. Dynamic Range settingA Dynamic Range function with highlight and adjustable shadow correction brings out hidden or lost details in both highlights and shadows, even in the most contrasted dynamic lighting. Lens Correction functionA Lens Correction function adjusts for Distortion and Lateral Chromatic Aberrations, allowing you to maximize your image quality for every digital lens.* * Compatible with D FA, DA, DA Limited and DA Star lenses. Distortion correction is not applied to the DA 10-17mm Fisheye lens. Dedicated PC socketDedicated PC socket for studio flash offers convenience for the studio photographer without adding hotshoe adapters. Mirror Lock-up functionA dedicated Mirror Lock-up function eliminates image blur due to mirror movement during long exposures. HDR image capture mode An HDR image capture mode blends three separate image exposures to widen the exposure gamut, bringing out detail in all exposure areas of your images. Creative special effectsAdvanced capture options include multi exposure and interval shooting for creative special effects and time-lapse photography. Composition adjustment featureA composition adjustment feature allows you to make minor adjustments to the composition of your image using the Shake Reduction mechanism, without having to physically move the camera. Ideal for tripod use or macro photography. Embedded copyright featureProgrammable embedded copyright information preserves artistic integrity and image ownership during image capture. Quick-glance overviewRear LCD Status Screen displays exposure and setting information for a quick-glance overview and modification of image parameters. RAW file compatibilityPENTAX RAW or Adobe DNG file selection offers RAW file compatibility with industry standard image editing software. Dedicated RAW buttonA dedicated RAW button allows easy situational switching between RAW and JPG file formats without having to access camera file format menu settings. Custom file name selectionCustom file name selection lets you tailor your image file names to your shooting needs. Unparalleled customizationAdvanced Custom Function settings offer unparalleled customizability, allowing you to adapt the camera to your shooting style, not vice-versa.
Thank you for reading and don't take offense at my post, If I had the money, I would own one of each DSLR from every company and all of the lenses.
Yvon Bourque
Compact, magnesium alloy body One of the smallest DSLRs in its class, the K-7’s compact, magnesium alloy body lets you travel light while still maintaining durability and build quality.14.6 megapixels The redesigned 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor offers improved noise control, four channel output for faster image capture and movie capture capabilities. Plus the new sensor offers the ideal combination of resolution and file size, allowing for large (poster size and larger) prints and cropping flexibility. 3 inch LCD The 3 inch LCD with 921,000 dot resolution is perfect for detailed image or movie capture and review and is ideal for the Live View function. Weather, dust and cold resistant The K-7 is weather, dust and cold resistant (to 14° F or -10° C), making it ideal for use in any environment. New PRIME II Image processing engine Fast 5.2 frame-per-second shooting with the powerful new PRIME II Image processing engine, which features fast circuitry and low noise image processing. Ideal for sporting events or any fast-action situation. High top shutter speedA top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec freezes even the fastest action and gives creative control over apertures in well-lit settings. New 77-segment metering system A new 77-segment metering system quickly and accurately determines exposure, even in the most complex and dynamic lighting situations. Live View mode Live View mode, with contrast AF, Face Detection, and optional histogram, grid, and bright/dark area display, allows you to quickly compose your images without having to position your eye against the viewfinder. 100% field-of-view viewfinder A 100% field-of-view viewfinder (with 0.92X magnification) and bright focusing screens are ideal for accurate image composition and focus. HD Movie Capture Widescreen HD Movie Capture features adjustable quality settings and aperture control, as well as Shake Reduction, and an external microphone terminal for recording stereo sound. High resolution playbackHDMI port with selectable output resolution (1080i, 720p, 480p, and auto) offers high resolution playback of images and video on high definition TVs. Multiple exposure settings Multiple exposure settings, including Green, Program, Sv, Tv, Av, TAv, M, Bulb, X-sync, Movie and USER modes, provide extensive creative control over the exposure for photographers of all experience levels. Faster, more responsive AFThe PENTAX 11-point autofocus system features improved focus algorithms over previous-generation K-series DSLR cameras, providing faster, more responsive AF. A dedicated AF-assist lamp further improves autofocus response and accuracy in low light conditions. Shake Reduction system The PENTAX-original Shake Reduction system now compensates for rotational sensor movement, improving the sharpness of your images at the moment of capture. Dust-free image captureThe K-7’s Dust Reduction system, improved over previous K-series cameras, features a piezo-ceramic vibration action to the sensor’s low-pass filter for dust-free image capture. Advanced white balance settingsAdvanced white balance settings include highly customizable white balance fine tuning, color temperature adjustment, and post image capture manual white balance selection for perfect pictures, even in the most difficult lighting. Extended battery lifeNew high capacity battery offers considerably longer life. Ideal for travel photography or video work. Electronic level functionElectronic level function ensures your pictures have level horizons, minimizing post-capture editing. Advanced image capture settingsAdvanced image capture settings, digital filters, and aspect ratio provide outstanding flexibility and creativity while minimizing the need for computer image manipulation. Custom Image modesCustom Image modes with advanced parameter settings including new Key adjustment, allow you to customize your processing mode to your creative style. Dynamic Range settingA Dynamic Range function with highlight and adjustable shadow correction brings out hidden or lost details in both highlights and shadows, even in the most contrasted dynamic lighting. Lens Correction functionA Lens Correction function adjusts for Distortion and Lateral Chromatic Aberrations, allowing you to maximize your image quality for every digital lens.* * Compatible with D FA, DA, DA Limited and DA Star lenses. Distortion correction is not applied to the DA 10-17mm Fisheye lens. Dedicated PC socketDedicated PC socket for studio flash offers convenience for the studio photographer without adding hotshoe adapters. Mirror Lock-up functionA dedicated Mirror Lock-up function eliminates image blur due to mirror movement during long exposures. HDR image capture mode An HDR image capture mode blends three separate image exposures to widen the exposure gamut, bringing out detail in all exposure areas of your images. Creative special effectsAdvanced capture options include multi exposure and interval shooting for creative special effects and time-lapse photography. Composition adjustment featureA composition adjustment feature allows you to make minor adjustments to the composition of your image using the Shake Reduction mechanism, without having to physically move the camera. Ideal for tripod use or macro photography. Embedded copyright featureProgrammable embedded copyright information preserves artistic integrity and image ownership during image capture. Quick-glance overviewRear LCD Status Screen displays exposure and setting information for a quick-glance overview and modification of image parameters. RAW file compatibilityPENTAX RAW or Adobe DNG file selection offers RAW file compatibility with industry standard image editing software. Dedicated RAW buttonA dedicated RAW button allows easy situational switching between RAW and JPG file formats without having to access camera file format menu settings. Custom file name selectionCustom file name selection lets you tailor your image file names to your shooting needs. Unparalleled customizationAdvanced Custom Function settings offer unparalleled customizability, allowing you to adapt the camera to your shooting style, not vice-versa.
Thank you for reading and don't take offense at my post, If I had the money, I would own one of each DSLR from every company and all of the lenses.
Yvon Bourque
15 comments:
Hi Yvon,
This is comforting, but this new link on RH's blog is chilling !
Please, what's your opinion on this story ?
I started doing photography again about 3 years ago after a long hiatus. I started with Pentax and so that's what I stuck with. Lately I've been expanding my lens collection as my love of photography worked perfectly with my love of camping/hiking with Stanley the Wonder Dog. Anyway, in a attempt to sort through the various lens I began reading the Pentax Forums. What I have been struck by is there seem to be two kinds of camera buffs (and I'm simplifying here). The type that love to take and print photos and the type that obssess over the technical aspects of the camera to the exclusion of what you would really do with your camera just out walking around. Both are valid, it's just I think if you enjoy taking and prining pictures reading Ricehigh or long rambling digression on miniscule crops of an ISO 1600 shot done in the confines of your home are two entirely different experiences.
Really, who shoots at ISO 1600 or 3200? The funny thing is I seriously doubt the so called "pros" the techies like to discuss hardly ever shoot at 1600-6400.
The long and short of this is Pentax is a great camera system. I'm not sure why this guy Ricehigh doesn't just go buy a Cannon and get on with his life. The whole thing is kind of childish.
Or let's just say, I would be more willing to read his silly diatribes if his photographs looked like Robert Franks or Eliot Porters or Diane Arbus or William Eggleston. It's the photo that counts. And for someone on my budget Pentax makes cameras and lens that allow me to have loads of fun and actually enjoy photography. That's what it's supposed to be about. Geesh, why get your underwear in a twist over a camera. Take some pictures.
BTW- Great blog Yvon. I love reading it. Thanks!!
DSLR market is "almost" reaching mature stage. Look at the DSLR introduces today. In term of image quality they are the same if not worse than camera 2 years ago.
For example, 50D is not better than 40D, Sony recent Alpha series are exactly the same as last year series (the only different is the casing). Canon 500D is also basically Canon 450D plus movie mode which most of photographers won't use.
Some Manufacturers are going creative to invent micro four thirds and Samsung with NX. But they are putting tonnes of $$$ in R&D, marketing and stuff without guaranteed result.
Pentax K7 however, shows pretty significant improvement from its predecessor. K7 specifications looks very good in the paper, but K7 still need to proof that the final product is as good or better than advertised.
Unfortunately some customers report bug and stuff. Some bugs are normal, and actually happens even in Canon high-end 5D mk ii when it first launch). Some people report that their Nikon D5000 broke the first day they have it, and my Nikon D700 broke in 4 months, they need to change the sensor and other component.
Now we just wait, how does Pentax responds? Do they take care the bug well? or just ignore their customers?
Hopefully Pentax people can fix this bug/qc issue as soon as they can.
sorry about my English, I'm not native English speaker/writer.
Hey,
There's no need to appologise for your English. Many native speakers write with less care. By applogising, you reafirm yourself that you're not good, which is not true.
Regarding K-7, it's a nice toy, indeed, but then Nikon 5000D seems to be a close match for half of the price. Or am I wrong?
Kamil
Http://www.PentaxBody.com
No Nikon D5000 is not comparable to Pentax K7. D5000 is for entry level user and K7 is designed for advanced users, comparable to Nikon D300 and Canon 50D.
Leodileo,
It is actually a smart move for any company to modularize production. Everybody does it. For example, Nikon use Sony Sensors on most of their cameras. I'm sure we would be surprized to know what components from other manufacturers are in any of the DSLRs sold nowaday.
As for the reduction of R&D personel, it's not the number of people that you hire that counts, it's who you hire. Pentax likely kept the younger "New School" generation of engineers, and let the "Old School" go or retire.
Nikon did the same a few years ago. Canon was number 1 in all DSLRs sales and Nikon replaced R&D and design engineers with the New School attitude. Out came the D3 and a whole new line of better cameras. Nikon regained the number one on many of the DSLRs.
As far a Pentax going out of business, I've heard that for the last five years. I don't have a crystal ball, but why worry about what could happen. Maybe Nikon will go out of business, who knows? We all need to hope that Pentax or any other brands don't go out of business. Leaving Nikon and Canon the only players would give them absolute control over prices. The prices would go up for sure. Pentax is still the best camera for the monty, and even if they would go out of business, their cameras would still be very good cameras for the next five years or longer. Also, there are so many Pentax K mount optics and equipment that someone else would take over the camera and lenses line.
Don't worry...be happy!
Spot on!
Am about to update my K20D (which I love) to the K-7 - which I tried in the shop today.
K-7 body is AUS$1500 for those that care (downunder)
Hi to everyone,
I'm a Nikon user, just because my father used Nikons in Film times and now with digital, and this way I can use his expensive lenses too (on very limited occasions :P).
But every time it starts to rain I'm worried about my camera being destroyed, I still make a few shots, half covering the camera with my coat, but well... they are poorly framed and not many.
It is a pitty, because some days I had rain pouring over me, but still the sun in sight (no umbrella)...
Also when it snows, I have also risked it... but sooner or later my Nikon will be destroyed by that.
So, MY QUESTION IS, how good is the weather sealing and cold proofing? Does it mean that I could shoot under the rain with a WR lens without bothering at all?
Also shake reduction in the body is something very nice.
Considering that camera imaging features seem to be getting to a plateau. This type of extra features might become key points. Don't you think?
Edmon,
With the K10D, K20D, K200D and the K-7, you can shoot in the rain and in the snow as long as you have a DA* lens or one of the new 18-55mm or 50-200mm WR lenses.
Nikon Pro-cameras or $3,000+ cameras do have weather protection as well as the top models from Canon. I'm not sure that any of their lenses are.
However, for the price, Pentax is king of them all.
Thankyou Yvon!
Sorry, another question, is the difference between DA* and WR just that the WR are more like the cheapo lenses but with Weather Resistance, or are they supposed to be better at resisting the weather than the DA*?
+ Two other things:
- I thinkg The Nikon for sport shooters is the D3 (without X, because the frame rate is higher and ISO is supposed to be better than the X version).
- Forgot to mention it before, Nice article :)
Edmond,
Pentax's best lenses:
The PENTAX DA* series of high grade lenses, designed exclusively for PENTAX digital SLR cameras, features the quiet SDM focus system and tightly sealed, weather-resistant and dust-resistant construction to enhance durability for use in rainy or dusty conditions. The SDM focus system incorporated in this lens results in a smoother, quieter autofocus operation using a built-in supersonic motor.
Pentax's cheaper line of lenses.
SMC PENTAX DA 18-55MM F3.5-5.6 AL WR, SMC PENTAX DA 50-200MM F4-5.6 ED WR The WR is for Weather-Resistant to handle damp, inclement conditions.
Both type of lenses (DA* and WR )are equally Weather Resistant.
BTW (Aussie prices)
D3x = full frame, 24.5 mp, 5fps AUD $12,000
D3 = full frame, 12.1 mp, 9fps AUD $6,000
D300 = cropped frame, 12.3 mp, 6-8 fps AUD $2,500
So for sports work the D3 is the fast frame rate. Not the D3x which is designed for studio work.
Yvon, thanks for taking a stand, we love the brand and its products. Any brand of any types of products has issues, Pentax included. You know I am an avid outside photographer, well none of my friends photographers has a Pentax unit. I don't know how many times I have seen that all these guys have to do a cold start with their cameras, me only once with my K20D, never with the K100DS. total of over 80,000 pics within a year. 40D, 50D, 5D II, D300, D500, D2, E-520, E-3, all have issues either mechanical or software. Yesterday morning my friend's 50D would not lock on lenses, it is relatively new unit, this is occuring issue. No one is immune to this. I like RH comments but he is always bashing Pentax, his comments are sometimes true but he is not as torought with other brands. Please continue your stand we will continue ours.
Only the reasons 2, 4, 7, 8 and 9 apply to me, as all my friends (well those I regularly meet in person anyway) shoot Nikons and I can't swap lenses. However, I love it when they behold my 50mm/1.7 and just go 'It's tiny!'. I believe those five reasons, particularly #9 are the most important in the list. And also #7 - I believe I would have switched away without seeing all the wonderful photos and discussion on PentaxWorld, PentaxForums, and PentaxUser :D
I am aiming to benefit from the K7's release by buying a secondhand K20D off an upgrader. The reason being I don't really have the budget for all the top-of the line kit. The WR lenses are thus an attractive proposition because they bring weatherproof glass to an entry-level price point.
My experience with the K100D is that the brand is good value and the Limited primes are such a joy to shoot with. I admit to trying to eke good pictures out using the 35mm Macro Limited even though the situation would have called for a different lens :P
Ricehigh seems to have a real ax to grind with Pentax. It's as if they ran over his dog then slept with his wife and he's out to destroy them for it.
So I have to assume that any "test" he does is carefully chosen to support his already-determined point of view. That, IMO, makes him an untrustworthy source.
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