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02-22-2011, 11:27 AM   #1
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Pentax K-R analized prior to purchase

Well met Gentlemen!

Glad to be here. I will get to the point: I am to the point where i over analyze technical specifications, i am aware of this, but i want to make the best choice, seeing as my budget is very limited and i plan to have this apparatus for a long time (not the kind that upgrades every 1, 2 years)

Since high ISO performance is very important to me (if 1600 is good i think will be enough, won't be using much 3200 or higher), being interested in night photography i want to ask you about this:

Regarding measured ISO (asuming trustworthy, unbiased source):
Pentax K-R: DxOMark - Pentax K-r

Nikon D5000: DxOMark - Nikon D5000

Sony A580: DxOMark - Sony Alpha 580

I understand the difference between 755 and 868 is small in practical terms, but i was under the impression K-R was significantly better at high ISO than the rest of the competitors (in this price-range ofc). Moreover, Pentax K-X scores better at this particular category: DxOMark - Pentax K-x Is the A580 that much better in low light?

My question is, in terms of overall image quality, color reproduction, D-range, with the kit lense, let's say mainly for landscape photography but as previously said, lower light conditions as well, RAW, unprocessed file, which one would be better of the 3 (although Sony is more expensive and from another price-range i think) K-R, D500 or A580?

I repeat, at this point, and in the future as well, don't plan on buying too many lenses (maybe one prime, maybe one macro, but that's all), no matter what i choose.

Please help in reaching a conclusion.

P.S. Hats off for Pentax K-5, a great photographic machine, but over my limited budget.

02-22-2011, 12:04 PM   #2
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With the kit lens used for landscapes you will welcome non-rotating front of the K-r's kit. Other features are not too relevant for landscape application, all are capable. Perhaps Sony better if the kit lens is replaced by something else. I recall Sony kit lens was always a shame.

For action you would find the K-r faster, but not by much.
02-22-2011, 01:04 PM   #3
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Bit surprised by the leap of the Sony, it doesn't seem to ring true with some reviews I've read, but still...

The kit lens of the Sony has an extremely plastic cheap feel to it, and it doesn't feel smooth when rotating compared to the pentax offering. Users say it performs well and "should last" but for me personally it put me off sony.
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02-22-2011, 01:06 PM   #4
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I have no idea about how the KR stacks up against those other cameras. I will say this: you will have no fear shooting ISO 1600 on it. It is very, very usable even at 3200. I would spend less time analyzing technical specifications if I were you. In the end, all three are very comparable, and any measurable difference is unlikely to matter in the real world.

I did play around with my neighbors D5000 once. I'm sure it takes great pictures, but I hated the menus, the control layout, and the way it felt in my hand.

02-22-2011, 02:37 PM   #5
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Sincere thanks to those that replied so far and to those that maybe will reply.

Please look at this:
DxOMark - Nikon D5000 and go at the ISO Sensitivity tab.

What i get from there is that the D5000 actually cheats, using these numbers we, or should i say I analyze so much when choosing a tool.

At ISO 800 the D5000 actually has a sensitivity of 564 ISO, for example. At 1600 the measured value is 1060!! Hats off to Pentax, where, if you look, the values are nearly identical to the manufacturer specified.

Hmmm. But still, the questions remain, for now.

Bid you farewell and will get back here tomorrow.

Best wishes!
02-22-2011, 02:56 PM   #6
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I used to have a Nikon. The K-r is fantastic, 1600 ISO is unbelieveable, I use it all the time. You can even go higher if you wish.

You will also find that the K-r includes some important features which the competitors exclude to encourage you to upgrade. (HDR, AF motor, ability to use old lenses, great selection of excellent inexpensive old lenses, bracketing, etc.)
02-22-2011, 04:11 PM   #7
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yes, I almost forgot about braketing. I do not use it so much since I got the K-5. It is often important feature on landscapes. That is significant minus for the D5000.

02-22-2011, 04:18 PM   #8
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With the D5000 you can forget about using legacy lenses. The A580 has access to Minolta A lenses, but you can forget about using Minolta MF lenses. This is important if you have a limited budget.
02-22-2011, 10:19 PM - 1 Like   #9
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QuoteQuote:
Pentax K-R analized prior to purchase
Your English is excellent so I truly hope this is a typo. Good luck with your camera :-)
02-22-2011, 11:27 PM   #10
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Please excuse me for my message in romanian, but for me it's easier way to communicate with a compatriot.

Penumbra
, diferenţele sunt mici la nivel de senzor īntre camere de generaţie nouă. Kr are calităţi excelente la ISO mare, zgomotul e foarte redus chiar şi la 6400 ISO. Evident, nu utilizabil de freaks-i, dar utilizabil de către amatori. Dotările camerei sunt excelente, comparativ cu ceilalţi. Are, īn schimb, o singură hibă: front focus īn lumină incandescentă. Dacă poţi trece peste asta, Kr e de departe mai bună decāt competitorii exemplificaţi. Ţi-am dat aceste detalii īn urma a săptămāni de studiu asupra unor camere low end şi mid level.
Poţi găsi AICI imagini luate cu camerele respective. Dacă ai să cauţi la reviewuri, ai să găseşti şi RAW-uri, cu setări diverse ale noise reduction. Eu zic că diferenţele strict legate de senzor sunt neglijabile, aşa īncāt mai mult contează dotările camerei.

Last edited by ursamajor; 02-23-2011 at 12:03 AM.
02-23-2011, 11:15 AM   #11
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Thank you good people! Thank you for all the answers!

Mr. K, no, it's not a typo, haven't made the purchase yet. Will do it tomorrow or the day after at the latest but i'm set on the K-R with the double kit lens 18-55 & 55-300. Can't wait!

ursamajor, multumesc! da, si eu citesc de cateva luni bune, aproape mi-am luat K-Xul pana sa dau peste K-R la sfarsitul anului trecut. Dar nu-mi pare rau, am invatat mult citind si tot cautand. Sa ne auzim cu bine!
02-23-2011, 12:45 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by Penumbra Quote
Thank you good people! Thank you for all the answers!

Mr. K, no, it's not a typo, haven't made the purchase yet.
The correct spelling is analyzed. The way you have it spelled is more appropriate to a pornographic video
02-23-2011, 03:50 PM   #13
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ohh! LOL
02-24-2011, 02:23 AM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by boriscleto Quote
The correct spelling is analyzed. The way you have it spelled is more appropriate to a pornographic video
unless you're British when it's analysed Tch, Americans
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02-24-2011, 02:31 AM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by Penumbra Quote
ohh! LOL
I clarified my origin in my signature. Do it yourself too.
Anyway, analized was funny. It's exactly what Pentax is doing to us with these beta cameras, K5 and Kr.

Last edited by ursamajor; 02-24-2011 at 02:38 AM.
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