K-01 images and thoughts about camera

**barondla** · 03-06-2012, 09:21 PM - **2 Likes**

Couple of shots with the camera.
It is an interesting machine. Never realized mirrorless cameras are constantly adjusting aperture ( even in av mode). Guess it is adjusting the light for lcd viewing. Still strange. Menus are similar to other Pentax cameras but somethings work differently. I haven't picked up the manual yet, so it may be adjustable, but I really don't like the way info for reviewed pic has to be accessed thru menu for each level of info. All the other cameras let you continue to hit info to cycle thru histogram, shooting info, etc.

Block shape is comfortable to hold. Screen seems easier to see in bright sun than other cameras ( even the Q). Images have the great dynamic range of K-5. Easy to see today that it beats the K-7 at that. Love being able to use all my Pentax K mt. lenses on a mirrorless cam without funky adapters. The control layout is simple and I like that.

Those who griped about turning latch to open memo card door on K10/20 aren't gonna love this camera. You have to skin it, pop open a door, eject card, close door, then reapply the skin. Sacrifices for art. Will deal with it.

Overall like the camera, but it feels the most foreign ( unPentax) of any Pentax I have used. Even the Q seems more like a Pentax. Not saying its bad but it definetly has a different personality.
thanks
barondla

Attached Images

View Picture EXIF

View Picture EXIF

**DigiMack** · 03-07-2012, 06:51 PM

I totally agree that the K-01 is not as comfortable to hold as the K-5. My fingers just don't grasp it comfortably, and my poor thumb just does not know what to do. I also agree that changing the memo card is a pain and that outer flap just seems to be too doggone flimsy to be durable. These are my first impressions. It does look nicer than I expected. One problem I do see that will require some sort of near future solution is how to prevent that very small snap-in 40mm lens cap from getting lost while shooting???

jimr-pdx · 03-07-2012, 08:27 PM

Love that 2nd shot - thanks for the first impressions & images!

Laurentiu Cristofor · 03-08-2012, 12:10 AM

Originally posted by barondla

Never realized mirrorless cameras are constantly adjusting aperture ( even in av mode).

They don't. The K-01 definitely won't either if you'll use a Takumar with it. Are you sure the K-01 does that with the XS40 lens?

Originally posted by barondla

Not saying its bad but it definetly has a different personality.

Marc Newson's, I believe.

**DigiMack** · 03-08-2012, 08:18 AM

I have had time now to charge the D-L190 battery and do some shooting around the house. I am disappointed with the noise, the K-01 seems to be nearly as noisy (sound) as the K-5, and I had been hoping for silence when shooting wildlife. The K-01 is a great camera to use when one is wearing glasses. Also, this is the first camera with a display monitor, that I have used without smearing the monitor with nose grease each time I took a shot! I find it easy to use the e-dial to magnify the playback image (up to 16 times), as this is a quick check of focus sharpness, although if you are shooting Lomograph style, this feature is not of much use. I look forward to putting on the FA100 and doing some Macro. I have not yet attached the neck strap (I usually do not use them, as I normally use a Blackrapid RS7 strap), I think any strap attached to the K-01 while tend to make it awkward to use. I have to think about this for a while, as what to do. Incidently, the e-dial on the K-01 is much easier to use than on the K-5, due to size and position.

JinDesu · 03-08-2012, 08:38 AM

When you say noise, what do you mean? The shutter sound specifically?

krebsy75 · 03-08-2012, 09:45 AM

The K-01 has a mechanical shutter. It's going to make noise. An electronic shutter design would have reduced image quality at higher ISOs.

normhead · 03-08-2012, 10:05 AM

I'll be interested in hearing about how it does with Macros.

rfortson · 03-08-2012, 10:22 AM

Interesting that you consider the K5 noisy. I've been impressed by how silent it is, especially for it's pricepoint. I guess it's all relative.

**DigiMack** · 03-08-2012, 11:17 AM

I agree, it is relative, and I am using no test equipment, etc. It is just my impression. Perhaps I am overly sensitive, but when photographing birds or animals at close range, or using the K-5 to shoot my grandaughter's recital, etc., I always feel that I am making alot of audiable noise with the camera. I expected the K-01 to be virtually silent, and that was one of the selling points for me, it is not, and when I use the K-5 & K-01 together, they both sound about the same to me. Again, no audio test equipment used.
Over lunch I was able to get out and use the K-01 under the noon day sun. At times I had to turn the monitor brightness level up to (+) 7, but I could still see it well even with sun glare. That, of course was an origional concern of mine.

**luftfluss** · 03-08-2012, 11:41 AM

What kind of noise? Shutter, lens focusing, or both?

rawr · 03-08-2012, 01:53 PM

Originally posted by DigiMack

It is just my impression. Perhaps I am overly sensitive, but when photographing birds or animals at close range, or using the K-5 to shoot my grandaughter's recital, etc., I always feel that I am making alot of audiable noise with the camera.

I think if you went back to using the K-x for a while you would be reminded about what mechanical camera noise means.

A K-5 with all the beeps turned off and using manual focus is as quiet a DSLR as you could possibly use, I think. Without a mirror slapping about in the body I am surprised that the K-01 isn't quieter still than the K-5.

03-08-2012, 08:18 AM	#5
DigiMack Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 169	I have had time now to charge the D-L190 battery and do some shooting around the house. I am disappointed with the noise, the K-01 seems to be nearly as noisy (sound) as the K-5, and I had been hoping for silence when shooting wildlife. The K-01 is a great camera to use when one is wearing glasses. Also, this is the first camera with a display monitor, that I have used without smearing the monitor with nose grease each time I took a shot! I find it easy to use the e-dial to magnify the playback image (up to 16 times), as this is a quick check of focus sharpness, although if you are shooting Lomograph style, this feature is not of much use. I look forward to putting on the FA100 and doing some Macro. I have not yet attached the neck strap (I usually do not use them, as I normally use a Blackrapid RS7 strap), I think any strap attached to the K-01 while tend to make it awkward to use. I have to think about this for a while, as what to do. Incidently, the e-dial on the K-01 is much easier to use than on the K-5, due to size and position. Last edited by DigiMack; 03-08-2012 at 08:50 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Best software for viewing images from camera ?	photoleet	Digital Processing, Software, and Printing	12	08-12-2011 09:29 AM
Stolen camera finder - at least images.....	interested_observer	Photographic Technique	2	05-12-2011 06:06 PM
Dark images out of camera	bychan	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	7	05-10-2010 03:14 PM
K10D owner moving to K-7: Early "Review"/thoughts on the K-7. (link to Images)	pcarfan	Pentax DSLR Discussion	6	08-02-2009 07:59 PM
Thoughts on the MV1 Camera.	jbrowning	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	5	03-22-2009 07:08 PM

03-07-2012, 06:51 PM	#2
DigiMack Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 169	I totally agree that the K-01 is not as comfortable to hold as the K-5. My fingers just don't grasp it comfortably, and my poor thumb just does not know what to do. I also agree that changing the memo card is a pain and that outer flap just seems to be too doggone flimsy to be durable. These are my first impressions. It does look nicer than I expected. One problem I do see that will require some sort of near future solution is how to prevent that very small snap-in 40mm lens cap from getting lost while shooting???

03-07-2012, 08:27 PM	#3
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	Love that 2nd shot - thanks for the first impressions & images!

03-08-2012, 12:10 AM	#4
Laurentiu Cristofor Banned Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: WA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,055	Originally posted by barondla Never realized mirrorless cameras are constantly adjusting aperture ( even in av mode). They don't. The K-01 definitely won't either if you'll use a Takumar with it. Are you sure the K-01 does that with the XS40 lens? Originally posted by barondla Not saying its bad but it definetly has a different personality. Marc Newson's, I believe.

03-08-2012, 08:38 AM	#6
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	When you say noise, what do you mean? The shutter sound specifically?

03-08-2012, 09:45 AM	#7
krebsy75 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chester County, Pa. Posts: 804	The K-01 has a mechanical shutter. It's going to make noise. An electronic shutter design would have reduced image quality at higher ISOs.

03-08-2012, 10:05 AM	#8
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	I'll be interested in hearing about how it does with Macros.

03-08-2012, 10:22 AM	#9
rfortson Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,129	Interesting that you consider the K5 noisy. I've been impressed by how silent it is, especially for it's pricepoint. I guess it's all relative.

03-08-2012, 11:17 AM	#10
DigiMack Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 169	I agree, it is relative, and I am using no test equipment, etc. It is just my impression. Perhaps I am overly sensitive, but when photographing birds or animals at close range, or using the K-5 to shoot my grandaughter's recital, etc., I always feel that I am making alot of audiable noise with the camera. I expected the K-01 to be virtually silent, and that was one of the selling points for me, it is not, and when I use the K-5 & K-01 together, they both sound about the same to me. Again, no audio test equipment used. Over lunch I was able to get out and use the K-01 under the noon day sun. At times I had to turn the monitor brightness level up to (+) 7, but I could still see it well even with sun glare. That, of course was an origional concern of mine.

03-08-2012, 11:41 AM	#11
luftfluss Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,626	What kind of noise? Shutter, lens focusing, or both?

03-08-2012, 01:53 PM	#12
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by DigiMack It is just my impression. Perhaps I am overly sensitive, but when photographing birds or animals at close range, or using the K-5 to shoot my grandaughter's recital, etc., I always feel that I am making alot of audiable noise with the camera. I think if you went back to using the K-x for a while you would be reminded about what mechanical camera noise means. A K-5 with all the beeps turned off and using manual focus is as quiet a DSLR as you could possibly use, I think. Without a mirror slapping about in the body I am surprised that the K-01 isn't quieter still than the K-5.