Hands-On Photos of the K-01 from Pentax Singapore User Group

**jeffshaddix** · 02-04-2012, 09:45 AM

creampuff, you say that this is a no brainer upgrade for MF users, how is the display lag? ...And can you see the focus peeking in outdoor light (my prime concern with no EVF)?

falconeye · 02-04-2012, 09:47 AM

Thanks for a great thread!

Originally posted by frank

But since K-01 is still using screw driven AF mechanism, contrast detection AF is pretty much the same as K-5 in LiveView, AF speed is more or less relied on the lens mounted. Don't expect big AF speed improvement over the old cameras unless Pentax change its lens AF system.

Thanks for the early AF performance indication.

However, I disagree that lenses are the current bottleneck for Pentax CDAF performance. As long as the CDAF algorithm is not confused, it is pretty fast out of the box, about ~1 s or less already on the K-5. But too often, it decides it must walk thru the lens' entire focus range and then it becomes too slow. This may be an area where the K-01 brings progress.

creampuff · 02-04-2012, 09:47 AM

Originally posted by Docrwm

Did you guys try any remote shots? The group pic perhaps? I see a sensor on the front of the camera but don't recall seeing one on the back, is there one on the back too?

Yeah the group shots were triggered by the Pentax infrared remote. I think Frank shot some landscapes by remote from behind the camera.

frank · 02-04-2012, 09:52 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by dustette

wow this amazing. Would really want to see some output from k-01 with one of the FA limited!

I might take some more photos using the camera together w FA31 tomorrow, but I think the IQ is pretty much in line w K5 which is excellent even comparing w some full frame cameras

frank · 02-04-2012, 09:52 AM

Originally posted by supersimon27

Thanks Frank , for giving me the chance to touch the K-01 today . Ha . it's a good experience

Thanks creampuff for this thread too .

Glad you guys enjoyed the outing, as always

frank · 02-04-2012, 09:54 AM

Originally posted by creampuff

Great photo with the K-01 with the DA 21mm Limited bro.
And there's more Pentax users that showed up later but are not in the picture.
I guess we're all pleased as punch to know how much the K-01 will cost...

Thanks for your 21 too

I can foresee a lot guys would love to have one whence they know the price in store

creampuff · 02-04-2012, 09:55 AM

Originally posted by jeffshaddix

creampuff, you say that this is a no brainer upgrade for MF users, how is the display lag? ...And can you see the focus peeking in outdoor light (my prime concern with no EVF)?

What display lag? There is none worth mentioning. As pinholecam mentioned earlier in this thread, this is a pre-production K-01 so focus peaking not implemented yet with this firmware.

frank · 02-04-2012, 09:57 AM

Originally posted by falconeye

Thanks for a great thread!

Thanks for the early AF performance indication.

However, I disagree that lenses are the current bottleneck for Pentax CDAF performance. As long as the CDAF algorithm is not confused, it is pretty fast out of the box, about ~1 s or less already on the K-5. But too often, it decides it must walk thru the lens' entire focus range and then it becomes too slow. This may be an area where the K-01 brings progress.

Since you said so, I did notice that a few lenses had to go through the entire focus range before they locked focus, just like what K5 does. Hope the final product will improve on this.

frank · 02-04-2012, 10:00 AM

Originally posted by jeffshaddix

creampuff, you say that this is a no brainer upgrade for MF users, how is the display lag? ...And can you see the focus peeking in outdoor light (my prime concern with no EVF)?

There is a menu item to On/Off the focusing peak, but it's not there on this prototype ...

creampuff · 02-04-2012, 10:08 AM

Look thru the monthly photo outing thread below and there are some nice images taken with the K-01 and shots taken by Singapore Pentax users.

Pentax January Outing Photos - Sunrise/Macro Shots

**jeffshaddix** · 02-04-2012, 10:13 AM

Originally posted by creampuff

What display lag? There is none worth mentioning. As pinholecam mentioned earlier in this thread, this is a pre-production K-01 so focus peaking not implemented yet with this firmware.

That's good, my K7 liveview is about a half second behind. Glad to hear it's improved.

kenyee · 02-04-2012, 10:38 AM

Originally posted by creampuff

Actual image from the K-01 - high ISO snapshot (ISO6400 at f/2.8) in a very dark setting handheld. Pass!

If by "Pass!" you mean I wouldn't use it, I'd agree.
It's extremely grainy considering you resized it. Compared to the X-Pro1's ISO6400 at f/3.2 1/250 (First full-res Fujifilm X-Pro1 images appear on the web: Digital Photography Review too bad they removed the full size images but it wasn't bad to pixel peep), it seems worse..and possibly even worse than the K-5 at ISO6400? I though the sensor would be better in dim light.
The Macro shot looks great and I'd agree Pentax should strongly consider making the all black version to hide the snorkel tube.

Did you guys try AF-C at all? Curious what those extra AF points buy you for the folks that complain about the focus tracking ability of the K-5. And could you do the AF point test to see if they shrank the AF point size? I'm guessing they did because they added so many of them...that'd be another thing to look forward to for the K-5 replacement.

jogiba · 02-04-2012, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Compared to the X-Pro1's ISO6400 at f/3.2 1/250

That is in bright light so it's not the same as the K-01 shot at night.

LFLee · 02-04-2012, 11:05 AM

It is for sure Pentax would come out a great camera (improved K5 sensor!), and indeed it is. Despite the controversy look, the best/right thing Pentax-Ricoh did this time is, IMHO: Pricing the K-01 & 40 XS lens correctly!

So 40mm XS works on K5;
all other old lenses including SDM lenses work on K-01 (can drive SDM). Hope it come with an option to allow user select use screw drive in SDM lens though...

So why did Pentax said XS lens can be use on K-01 only? Really doesn't make sense.

I am ready to sell my old LX3.... and go all Pentax.

bluestringer · 02-04-2012, 11:14 AM

Originally posted by creampuff

I beg to differ. I use glasses and do use bifocals and reading glasses but I got no issue looking at the LCD screen. In fact, I think it's actually better than squinting into a tiny viewfinder trying or hoping that the focusing screen accurately reflect that things are sharp and in focus. Give it a try and you'll find the K-01 isn't so difficult to use.

I have tried. I have a Fuji FinePix S700 P&S that has an LCD screen and viewfinder. I can't use the LCD screen because I have to hold my head up at an angle to see it with my bifocals, and that really strains my neck. Shooting at something low is not a problem, but trying to hold it at eye level my head has to be at a 45 degree angle to see the screen. I prefer a viewfinder.

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02-04-2012, 09:45 AM	#91
jeffshaddix Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,473	creampuff, you say that this is a no brainer upgrade for MF users, how is the display lag? ...And can you see the focus peeking in outdoor light (my prime concern with no EVF)?

02-04-2012, 09:47 AM	#92
falconeye Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Munich, Alps, Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,871	Thanks for a great thread! Originally posted by frank But since K-01 is still using screw driven AF mechanism, contrast detection AF is pretty much the same as K-5 in LiveView, AF speed is more or less relied on the lens mounted. Don't expect big AF speed improvement over the old cameras unless Pentax change its lens AF system. Thanks for the early AF performance indication. However, I disagree that lenses are the current bottleneck for Pentax CDAF performance. As long as the CDAF algorithm is not confused, it is pretty fast out of the box, about ~1 s or less already on the K-5. But too often, it decides it must walk thru the lens' entire focus range and then it becomes too slow. This may be an area where the K-01 brings progress.

02-04-2012, 09:47 AM	#93
creampuff Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,953 Original Poster	Originally posted by Docrwm Did you guys try any remote shots? The group pic perhaps? I see a sensor on the front of the camera but don't recall seeing one on the back, is there one on the back too? Yeah the group shots were triggered by the Pentax infrared remote. I think Frank shot some landscapes by remote from behind the camera.

02-04-2012, 09:52 AM - 2 Likes	#94
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	Originally posted by dustette wow this amazing. Would really want to see some output from k-01 with one of the FA limited! I might take some more photos using the camera together w FA31 tomorrow, but I think the IQ is pretty much in line w K5 which is excellent even comparing w some full frame cameras

02-04-2012, 09:52 AM	#95
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	Originally posted by supersimon27 Thanks Frank , for giving me the chance to touch the K-01 today . Ha . it's a good experience Thanks creampuff for this thread too . Glad you guys enjoyed the outing, as always

02-04-2012, 09:54 AM	#96
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	Originally posted by creampuff Great photo with the K-01 with the DA 21mm Limited bro. And there's more Pentax users that showed up later but are not in the picture. I guess we're all pleased as punch to know how much the K-01 will cost... Thanks for your 21 too I can foresee a lot guys would love to have one whence they know the price in store

02-04-2012, 09:55 AM	#97
creampuff Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,953 Original Poster	Originally posted by jeffshaddix creampuff, you say that this is a no brainer upgrade for MF users, how is the display lag? ...And can you see the focus peeking in outdoor light (my prime concern with no EVF)? What display lag? There is none worth mentioning. As pinholecam mentioned earlier in this thread, this is a pre-production K-01 so focus peaking not implemented yet with this firmware.

02-04-2012, 09:57 AM	#98
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	Originally posted by falconeye Thanks for a great thread! Thanks for the early AF performance indication. However, I disagree that lenses are the current bottleneck for Pentax CDAF performance. As long as the CDAF algorithm is not confused, it is pretty fast out of the box, about ~1 s or less already on the K-5. But too often, it decides it must walk thru the lens' entire focus range and then it becomes too slow. This may be an area where the K-01 brings progress. Since you said so, I did notice that a few lenses had to go through the entire focus range before they locked focus, just like what K5 does. Hope the final product will improve on this.

02-04-2012, 10:00 AM	#99
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	Originally posted by jeffshaddix creampuff, you say that this is a no brainer upgrade for MF users, how is the display lag? ...And can you see the focus peeking in outdoor light (my prime concern with no EVF)? There is a menu item to On/Off the focusing peak, but it's not there on this prototype ...

02-04-2012, 10:08 AM	#100
creampuff Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,953 Original Poster	Look thru the monthly photo outing thread below and there are some nice images taken with the K-01 and shots taken by Singapore Pentax users. Pentax January Outing Photos - Sunrise/Macro Shots

02-04-2012, 10:13 AM	#101
jeffshaddix Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,473	Originally posted by creampuff What display lag? There is none worth mentioning. As pinholecam mentioned earlier in this thread, this is a pre-production K-01 so focus peaking not implemented yet with this firmware. That's good, my K7 liveview is about a half second behind. Glad to hear it's improved.

02-04-2012, 10:38 AM	#102
kenyee Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston, PRofMA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,026	Originally posted by creampuff Actual image from the K-01 - high ISO snapshot (ISO6400 at f/2.8) in a very dark setting handheld. Pass! If by "Pass!" you mean I wouldn't use it, I'd agree. It's extremely grainy considering you resized it. Compared to the X-Pro1's ISO6400 at f/3.2 1/250 (First full-res Fujifilm X-Pro1 images appear on the web: Digital Photography Review too bad they removed the full size images but it wasn't bad to pixel peep), it seems worse..and possibly even worse than the K-5 at ISO6400? I though the sensor would be better in dim light. The Macro shot looks great and I'd agree Pentax should strongly consider making the all black version to hide the snorkel tube. Did you guys try AF-C at all? Curious what those extra AF points buy you for the folks that complain about the focus tracking ability of the K-5. And could you do the AF point test to see if they shrank the AF point size? I'm guessing they did because they added so many of them...that'd be another thing to look forward to for the K-5 replacement.

02-04-2012, 10:52 AM	#103
jogiba Banned Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Millstone,NJ Posts: 6,491	Quote: Compared to the X-Pro1's ISO6400 at f/3.2 1/250 That is in bright light so it's not the same as the K-01 shot at night.

02-04-2012, 11:05 AM	#104
LFLee Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,292	It is for sure Pentax would come out a great camera (improved K5 sensor!), and indeed it is. Despite the controversy look, the best/right thing Pentax-Ricoh did this time is, IMHO: Pricing the K-01 & 40 XS lens correctly! So 40mm XS works on K5; all other old lenses including SDM lenses work on K-01 (can drive SDM). Hope it come with an option to allow user select use screw drive in SDM lens though... So why did Pentax said XS lens can be use on K-01 only? Really doesn't make sense. I am ready to sell my old LX3.... and go all Pentax.

02-04-2012, 11:14 AM	#105
bluestringer Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Cotton fields of South Georgia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,748	Originally posted by creampuff I beg to differ. I use glasses and do use bifocals and reading glasses but I got no issue looking at the LCD screen. In fact, I think it's actually better than squinting into a tiny viewfinder trying or hoping that the focusing screen accurately reflect that things are sharp and in focus. Give it a try and you'll find the K-01 isn't so difficult to use. I have tried. I have a Fuji FinePix S700 P&S that has an LCD screen and viewfinder. I can't use the LCD screen because I have to hold my head up at an angle to see it with my bifocals, and that really strains my neck. Shooting at something low is not a problem, but trying to hold it at eye level my head has to be at a 45 degree angle to see the screen. I prefer a viewfinder.