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

frank · 02-07-2012, 05:07 AM

Originally posted by koguma

You forget the negatives, no Tv and Av modes.

Video? Sure, but I have another camera for video...
K-01 is smaller, but not by much: Compare camera dimensions side by side
Cheaper, but no Tv, Av, EVF. That's worth $200 to me. So not 'really' cheaper. K-5 is $979 (google it. Xmas sales were around that price too).
I don't care about MF in a camera with no Tv, Av, or EVF. Seriously? I swapped the focusing screen on my k2000 to better MF. Would I do the same to a K-5 or K-01? Nope.

Seems like a make or break list. Looks kind of like a neutered K-5 by specs. Don't want to be a hater, but the price point and difference between the K-5 seem negligible....

It's hard to find a dedicated video camera which has such a big sensor at such a price.
K01 is indeed smaller and boxier, easier to carry or put in or take out of camera bags.
Don't know where you got the idea that it doesn't have Tv/Av mode?
a lot people love to adapter all kinds of lenses on Sony NX and m4/3 cameras, most of these cameras don't even come w EVF, and more than 95% users never bother to get the expensive add-on EVF

After a few days play, the only negatives I can think of now are: no touch screen, rubber cover might not last long enough, focusing is a bit slow (comparing w my G3). Optional EVF will be great for some others, especially those existing Pentax SLR users, but probably not important for most new Pentaxians.

frank · 02-07-2012, 05:09 AM

Originally posted by Class A

Thanks a lot for your response, Frank!

Do you switch it on with your thumb or the index finger?

I thought that may be the case. It helps to alleviate the placement issue, but I feel the toggle steps prevent the handling from being as fluid as it could have been with the usual "press & turn" approach.

Thanks again for your response. It seems you guys are having a lot of fun with the K-01 and it is great to see such an enthusiastic distributor (Emjay).

I use index finger to switch on the camera, thumb to switch it off, not as we use to do w K5. That might be the reason that I forgot to switch it off sometimes.

The toggle steps might be easier than you think

robgo2 · 02-07-2012, 05:25 AM

Originally posted by netrex

A 24MP sensor would be horrible for APS-C. I really don't want that, unless it's a leap of many generations in technology so ISO performance and dynamic range isn't worsened :P

I could take the K-5 with 10 MP and have the same amount of data going through it (about 11 FPS) and better ISO performance and dynamic range (though the dynamic range of ISO 80 is very good now, and ISO performance of course :P

Actually, the sample images from the Sony NEX 7, which uses a 24MP APS-C sensor, are anything but horrible. They do show more pixel level noise than the K-5 at ISO 1600 and above, but there would probably not be a noticeable difference with comparably sized images or with downsampling of the 24MP to 16MP. Dynamic range of the 24MP sensor has yet to be determined, as far as I know. At the lower end of the ISO scale, images are clean, and detail is stupendous.

That said, I think that 24MP is overkill for the kind of photography that I do and the size of prints that I make. Furthermore, I would not look forward to dealing with the larger file size that would come from the higher resolution sensor, and I might be forced to upgrade my computer in order to process them at a reasonable speed. If the K-5 successor does, in fact, utilize the 24MP sensor, I will wait to see how well Pentax implements it before making up my mind. I do not rule it out, but I think that I would prefer an updated version of the 16MP sensor from the K-5. That is what Fuji has chosen for their X-Pro 1, for which they make the as yet unproven claim that it equals or outperforms FF.

Rob

ogl · 02-07-2012, 05:52 AM

Originally posted by frank

I use index finger to switch on the camera, thumb to switch it off, not as we use to do w K5. That might be the reason that I forgot to switch it off sometimes.

The toggle steps might be easier than you think

Answer to my questions, please.

frank · 02-07-2012, 06:17 AM

Originally posted by ogl

AF speed - I think it's faster than K-5 in LV? right?
AF adjustment - is there? is it need?
AF in video? How good?

Yes, AF is slightly faster than K5 in LV when set to contrast detection AF
There is no AF adjustment
Yes, can do AF in video, but it's slow amd noisy (I only tested w FA77, but I suspect most other AF lenses would be the same except SDM/HSM or DC lenses). Remeber, the K01 we tested is a prototype w firmware version v0.33 only.

ogl · 02-07-2012, 06:59 AM

Thanks

MSM · 02-07-2012, 07:09 AM

Originally posted by Docrwm

That's THE shot of the K-01 so far.

+1

What a difference switching the lens makes on the appearance of the K-01.

macTak · 02-07-2012, 07:13 AM

Originally posted by frank

Don't know where you got the idea that it doesn't have Tv/Av mode?

The poster was probably thinking about the lack of Sv and TAv

pinholecam · 02-07-2012, 07:19 AM

Originally posted by macTak

The poster was probably thinking about the lack of Sv and TAv

That was what I thought, though he worded it wrongly.
But then that means any camera before K7 (which introduced TAv mode), he wouldn't care/want to use

ogl · 02-07-2012, 07:25 AM

Originally posted by macTak

The poster was probably thinking about the lack of Sv and TAv

Interesting modes. Never use it...To say honest.

Av and P are better for me.

netrex · 02-07-2012, 07:38 AM

Originally posted by ogl

Answer to my questions, please.

What a nice way to ask. I would thumb down your post if I could.

Originally posted by frank

Yes, AF is slightly faster than K5 in LV when set to contrast detection AF
There is no AF adjustment
Yes, can do AF in video, but it's slow amd noisy (I only tested w FA77, but I suspect most other AF lenses would be the same except SDM/HSM or DC lenses). Remeber, the K01 we tested is a prototype w firmware version v0.33 only.

Why would there be AF adjustment when it's CDAF which uses the image straight from the sensor and not phase detection.

ogl · 02-07-2012, 08:29 AM

Originally posted by netrex

What a nice way to ask. I would thumb down your post if I could.

Why would there be AF adjustment when it's CDAF which uses the image straight from the sensor and not phase detection.

It was just control question

JinDesu · 02-07-2012, 08:33 AM

Originally posted by ogl

Interesting modes. Never use it...To say honest.

Av and P are better for me.

I don't even know what Sv and Tav does... either Av or M for me.....

Mister Horrible · 02-07-2012, 08:47 AM

Originally posted by pinholecam

That was what I thought, though he worded it wrongly.
But then that means any camera before K7 (which introduced TAv mode), he wouldn't care/want to use

TAV was available on the K10D and K20D.

Pentaxor · 02-07-2012, 08:55 AM

Originally posted by JinDesu

I don't even know what Sv and Tav does... either Av or M for me.....

probably Pentax figured out that these are the least used shooting modes. Av, M and EV compensation are more than enough.

02-07-2012, 05:07 AM	#196
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	Originally posted by koguma You forget the negatives, no Tv and Av modes. Video? Sure, but I have another camera for video... K-01 is smaller, but not by much: Compare camera dimensions side by side Cheaper, but no Tv, Av, EVF. That's worth $200 to me. So not 'really' cheaper. K-5 is $979 (google it. Xmas sales were around that price too). I don't care about MF in a camera with no Tv, Av, or EVF. Seriously? I swapped the focusing screen on my k2000 to better MF. Would I do the same to a K-5 or K-01? Nope. Seems like a make or break list. Looks kind of like a neutered K-5 by specs. Don't want to be a hater, but the price point and difference between the K-5 seem negligible.... It's hard to find a dedicated video camera which has such a big sensor at such a price. K01 is indeed smaller and boxier, easier to carry or put in or take out of camera bags. Don't know where you got the idea that it doesn't have Tv/Av mode? a lot people love to adapter all kinds of lenses on Sony NX and m4/3 cameras, most of these cameras don't even come w EVF, and more than 95% users never bother to get the expensive add-on EVF After a few days play, the only negatives I can think of now are: no touch screen, rubber cover might not last long enough, focusing is a bit slow (comparing w my G3). Optional EVF will be great for some others, especially those existing Pentax SLR users, but probably not important for most new Pentaxians.

02-07-2012, 05:09 AM	#197
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	Originally posted by Class A Thanks a lot for your response, Frank! Do you switch it on with your thumb or the index finger? I thought that may be the case. It helps to alleviate the placement issue, but I feel the toggle steps prevent the handling from being as fluid as it could have been with the usual "press & turn" approach. Thanks again for your response. It seems you guys are having a lot of fun with the K-01 and it is great to see such an enthusiastic distributor (Emjay). I use index finger to switch on the camera, thumb to switch it off, not as we use to do w K5. That might be the reason that I forgot to switch it off sometimes. The toggle steps might be easier than you think Last edited by frank; 02-07-2012 at 05:15 AM.

02-07-2012, 07:09 AM	#202
MSM Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alabama Photos: Gallery Posts: 994	Daddy Likes! Originally posted by Docrwm That's THE shot of the K-01 so far. +1 What a difference switching the lens makes on the appearance of the K-01.

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02-07-2012, 05:25 AM	#198
robgo2 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Mexico Photos: Albums Posts: 1,125	Originally posted by netrex A 24MP sensor would be horrible for APS-C. I really don't want that, unless it's a leap of many generations in technology so ISO performance and dynamic range isn't worsened :P I could take the K-5 with 10 MP and have the same amount of data going through it (about 11 FPS) and better ISO performance and dynamic range (though the dynamic range of ISO 80 is very good now, and ISO performance of course :P Actually, the sample images from the Sony NEX 7, which uses a 24MP APS-C sensor, are anything but horrible. They do show more pixel level noise than the K-5 at ISO 1600 and above, but there would probably not be a noticeable difference with comparably sized images or with downsampling of the 24MP to 16MP. Dynamic range of the 24MP sensor has yet to be determined, as far as I know. At the lower end of the ISO scale, images are clean, and detail is stupendous. That said, I think that 24MP is overkill for the kind of photography that I do and the size of prints that I make. Furthermore, I would not look forward to dealing with the larger file size that would come from the higher resolution sensor, and I might be forced to upgrade my computer in order to process them at a reasonable speed. If the K-5 successor does, in fact, utilize the 24MP sensor, I will wait to see how well Pentax implements it before making up my mind. I do not rule it out, but I think that I would prefer an updated version of the 16MP sensor from the K-5. That is what Fuji has chosen for their X-Pro 1, for which they make the as yet unproven claim that it equals or outperforms FF. Rob

02-07-2012, 05:52 AM	#199
ogl Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sankt Peterburg Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,382	Originally posted by frank I use index finger to switch on the camera, thumb to switch it off, not as we use to do w K5. That might be the reason that I forgot to switch it off sometimes. The toggle steps might be easier than you think Answer to my questions, please.

02-07-2012, 06:17 AM	#200
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	Originally posted by ogl AF speed - I think it's faster than K-5 in LV? right? AF adjustment - is there? is it need? AF in video? How good? Yes, AF is slightly faster than K5 in LV when set to contrast detection AF There is no AF adjustment Yes, can do AF in video, but it's slow amd noisy (I only tested w FA77, but I suspect most other AF lenses would be the same except SDM/HSM or DC lenses). Remeber, the K01 we tested is a prototype w firmware version v0.33 only.

02-07-2012, 06:59 AM	#201
ogl Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sankt Peterburg Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,382	Thanks

02-07-2012, 07:13 AM	#203
macTak Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 759	Originally posted by frank Don't know where you got the idea that it doesn't have Tv/Av mode? The poster was probably thinking about the lack of Sv and TAv

02-07-2012, 07:19 AM	#204
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,709	Originally posted by macTak The poster was probably thinking about the lack of Sv and TAv That was what I thought, though he worded it wrongly. But then that means any camera before K7 (which introduced TAv mode), he wouldn't care/want to use

02-07-2012, 07:25 AM	#205
ogl Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sankt Peterburg Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,382	Originally posted by macTak The poster was probably thinking about the lack of Sv and TAv Interesting modes. Never use it...To say honest. Av and P are better for me.

02-07-2012, 07:38 AM	#206
netrex Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Alta Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 279	Originally posted by ogl Answer to my questions, please. What a nice way to ask. I would thumb down your post if I could. Originally posted by frank Yes, AF is slightly faster than K5 in LV when set to contrast detection AF There is no AF adjustment Yes, can do AF in video, but it's slow amd noisy (I only tested w FA77, but I suspect most other AF lenses would be the same except SDM/HSM or DC lenses). Remeber, the K01 we tested is a prototype w firmware version v0.33 only. Why would there be AF adjustment when it's CDAF which uses the image straight from the sensor and not phase detection.

02-07-2012, 08:29 AM	#207
ogl Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sankt Peterburg Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,382	Originally posted by netrex What a nice way to ask. I would thumb down your post if I could. Why would there be AF adjustment when it's CDAF which uses the image straight from the sensor and not phase detection. It was just control question

02-07-2012, 08:33 AM	#208
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Originally posted by ogl Interesting modes. Never use it...To say honest. Av and P are better for me. I don't even know what Sv and Tav does... either Av or M for me.....

02-07-2012, 08:47 AM	#209
Mister Horrible Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 100	Originally posted by pinholecam That was what I thought, though he worded it wrongly. But then that means any camera before K7 (which introduced TAv mode), he wouldn't care/want to use TAV was available on the K10D and K20D.

02-07-2012, 08:55 AM	#210
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	Originally posted by JinDesu I don't even know what Sv and Tav does... either Av or M for me..... probably Pentax figured out that these are the least used shooting modes. Av, M and EV compensation are more than enough.