K-01 first impressions

robert · 11-09-2012, 06:19 PM - **1 Like**

Finally got the K-01 today and after updating the firmware and slightly familiarizing myself with the settings I think I'm really going to like this camera. For my old eyes focus peaking is great for the old manual lenses I have. The 40mm kit lens seems to do very good also. I'll have to post more when I can actually go outside in the daylight and do some shooting.

jimr-pdx · 11-09-2012, 07:30 PM

I've just ordered one too! For these prices it's no wonder, and could breathe some life into manual lenses I have seldom used recently. I am also looking forward to trying the interval-movie feature.

pentaxian_tmb · 11-09-2012, 07:42 PM

Mine will arrive Tuesday.....feel liek a kid waiting for x-mas

jimr-pdx · 11-09-2012, 08:12 PM - **1 Like**

Sure would be nice to see an updated review, with price and AF changes. Those were two of the big negatives, for those who chose not to objectively rate it for artistic merit. Still, have to love sites like this one, where the 'original' K-01 beats the NEXi by a few tenths!

LeRolls · 11-09-2012, 08:28 PM

I ordered mine from a store in New York just before Sandy (Oct 27th). They still have no power and haven't shipped it yet.

At least I also ordered a Q with the Prime a few days later and have been enjoying it immensely in the mean time. Just received the wide angle lens today.

Still not sure what Limited lenses I should get for the K-01 although I did snag an old manual 16mm f/2.8 Sigma from eBay and of course I will have the 40mm kit lens if the camera ever actually arrives.

cyclone3d · 11-09-2012, 09:01 PM

Just got mine today as well. First thing I did was update the firmware.

Have only tried it out wi the FA 50mm 1.4 so far.

Compared to my K10d:
Auto white balance is so much better I can barely believe it. I always had to select specific white balance with the K10d. K-01 is just about perfect on auto.
Focus peaking is going to be reall useful.
DOF is really easy to see.
High ISO is way way way better.

The image quality is awesome.
Video is really sweet.

Haven't messed around with a lot of the settings yet, but I am really liking the camera so far.

The only negative I have really found is the fact that it take longer to take multiple pics. With the K10d, I could just click away at the shutter. Even with auto review off on the K-01, it still takes about .5 seconds between single shots, maybe a little less.

pentaxian_tmb · 11-09-2012, 09:18 PM

Originally posted by jimr-pdx

Sure would be nice to see an updated review, with price and AF changes. Those were two of the big negatives, for those who chose not to objectively rate it for artistic merit. Still, have to love sites like this one, where the 'original' K-01 beats the NEXi by a few tenths!

Ok...why do all the sample pics look out of focus? Pentax K-01 - Photo Review

In my post-hoc attempt to justify my impulse buy, I havebeen looking at every set of sample photos for the k-01 I can find. I am finding that either the photos are absolutely stunning, rich in color, and amazing detail....or they are blurry and out of focus. There are enough of the latter that it cannot just be someone who doesn't know how to shoot.....so what gives? Why the dramatic difference. I dont think any of the photos on that site are anything approaching usable.

cyclone3d · 11-09-2012, 09:55 PM

Originally posted by pentaxian_tmb

Ok...why do all the sample pics look out of focus? Pentax K-01 - Photo Review

In my post-hoc attempt to justify my impulse buy, I havebeen looking at every set of sample photos for the k-01 I can find. I am finding that either the photos are absolutely stunning, rich in color, and amazing detail....or they are blurry and out of focus. There are enough of the latter that it cannot just be someone who doesn't know how to shoot.....so what gives? Why the dramatic difference. I dont think any of the photos on that site are anything approaching usable.

Probably because they used a zoom lense with the original firmware. I am betting that focus was not spot on.

edit: I am not impressed at all that they used a zoom in a review. Not a good idea if you actually show what a camera is capable of. /edit

AF with the 1.01 fimware is much faster and more accurate.

If you want to look an a huge number of pics taken with the K-01, head over to flickr and do a search for K-01.

WMW · 11-10-2012, 09:28 PM

Re: out of focus images.

I took my newly purchased K-01 out for a few test grabs today and had one oof image. It was taken with the DA ltd 21mm. Not a tele by any means but what I did was press the shutter before the AF had time to lock. IOW, I simply held the camera and pressed the shutter release.

I've not had any problems when allowing the camera to find focus. Infact, its quite sharp once it gets a contrasty enough spot to lock-on.

Perhaps it is something in firmware? I've yet to upgrade. The reason being that I don't want to void my return option. Why would I want to return this wonderful little image maker? Simply because since I started using it three days ago, everytime it initially starts up it freezes until I open the battery compartment, remove and replace the battery. I've read and seen the video on the "bug" in v. 1.00 but that was with a telephoto lens attached. I've only used primes. I think I'll start a thread on this...

All best,
Wayne

**barondla** · 11-11-2012, 06:42 AM

WMW, I have shot 2 K-01's ( white & yellow) with both firmwares. None have locked up. Have used approx 10 different lenses.
thanks
barondla

cyclone3d · 11-11-2012, 02:50 PM

Originally posted by WMW

Re: out of focus images.

I took my newly purchased K-01 out for a few test grabs today and had one oof image. It was taken with the DA ltd 21mm. Not a tele by any means but what I did was press the shutter before the AF had time to lock. IOW, I simply held the camera and pressed the shutter release.

I've not had any problems when allowing the camera to find focus. Infact, its quite sharp once it gets a contrasty enough spot to lock-on.

Perhaps it is something in firmware? I've yet to upgrade. The reason being that I don't want to void my return option. Why would I want to return this wonderful little image maker? Simply because since I started using it three days ago, everytime it initially starts up it freezes until I open the battery compartment, remove and replace the battery. I've read and seen the video on the "bug" in v. 1.00 but that was with a telephoto lens attached. I've only used primes. I think I'll start a thread on this...

All best,
Wayne

Why would updating the firmware make it so you couldn't return it?

I tried the focus with my FA 50mm 1.4 before the upgrade and it was slow. Upgraded to the 1.01 formware and it is way better.

looktime · 11-11-2012, 04:26 PM

Can anyone who has used k-01 tell me if its AF speed is faster than k-5 PDAF?

mcjm78 · 11-11-2012, 05:04 PM

In quite dark environment my K01 will AF faster than K5 PDAF. I have recently tested them by shooting into my lens cupboard, which is fairly dark. The required setting to get a proper exposure was like ISO 6400 f2 1/10s

Medium FormatPro · 11-12-2012, 06:41 AM

Originally posted by looktime

Can anyone who has used k-01 tell me if its AF speed is faster than k-5 PDAF

Under most circumstances the K-5 would be faster

TaoMaas · 11-12-2012, 08:02 AM

Originally posted by looktime

Can anyone who has used k-01 tell me if its AF speed is faster than k-5 PDAF?

I don't know if this is what you're trying to decide, but seems to me that the general consensus is that the K-01 is a camera to be owned "in addition to" a DSLR, not "instead of". If you're trying to decide between the K-01 and the K-5...get the K-5.

11-09-2012, 06:19 PM - 1 Like	#1
robert Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: ohio Posts: 336	K-01 first impressions Finally got the K-01 today and after updating the firmware and slightly familiarizing myself with the settings I think I'm really going to like this camera. For my old eyes focus peaking is great for the old manual lenses I have. The 40mm kit lens seems to do very good also. I'll have to post more when I can actually go outside in the daylight and do some shooting.

11-11-2012, 06:42 AM	#10
barondla Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: midwest, United States Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,714	WMW, I have shot 2 K-01's ( white & yellow) with both firmwares. None have locked up. Have used approx 10 different lenses. thanks barondla Last edited by barondla; 11-11-2012 at 04:01 PM.

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11-09-2012, 07:30 PM	#2
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	I've just ordered one too! For these prices it's no wonder, and could breathe some life into manual lenses I have seldom used recently. I am also looking forward to trying the interval-movie feature.

11-09-2012, 07:42 PM	#3
pentaxian_tmb Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 436	Mine will arrive Tuesday.....feel liek a kid waiting for x-mas

11-09-2012, 08:12 PM - 1 Like	#4
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	Sure would be nice to see an updated review, with price and AF changes. Those were two of the big negatives, for those who chose not to objectively rate it for artistic merit. Still, have to love sites like this one, where the 'original' K-01 beats the NEXi by a few tenths!

11-09-2012, 08:28 PM	#5
LeRolls Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: PSL, FL Posts: 4,504	I ordered mine from a store in New York just before Sandy (Oct 27th). They still have no power and haven't shipped it yet. At least I also ordered a Q with the Prime a few days later and have been enjoying it immensely in the mean time. Just received the wide angle lens today. Still not sure what Limited lenses I should get for the K-01 although I did snag an old manual 16mm f/2.8 Sigma from eBay and of course I will have the 40mm kit lens if the camera ever actually arrives.

11-09-2012, 09:01 PM	#6
cyclone3d Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 511	Just got mine today as well. First thing I did was update the firmware. Have only tried it out wi the FA 50mm 1.4 so far. Compared to my K10d: Auto white balance is so much better I can barely believe it. I always had to select specific white balance with the K10d. K-01 is just about perfect on auto. Focus peaking is going to be reall useful. DOF is really easy to see. High ISO is way way way better. The image quality is awesome. Video is really sweet. Haven't messed around with a lot of the settings yet, but I am really liking the camera so far. The only negative I have really found is the fact that it take longer to take multiple pics. With the K10d, I could just click away at the shutter. Even with auto review off on the K-01, it still takes about .5 seconds between single shots, maybe a little less.

11-09-2012, 09:18 PM	#7
pentaxian_tmb Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 436	Originally posted by jimr-pdx Sure would be nice to see an updated review, with price and AF changes. Those were two of the big negatives, for those who chose not to objectively rate it for artistic merit. Still, have to love sites like this one, where the 'original' K-01 beats the NEXi by a few tenths! Ok...why do all the sample pics look out of focus? Pentax K-01 - Photo Review In my post-hoc attempt to justify my impulse buy, I havebeen looking at every set of sample photos for the k-01 I can find. I am finding that either the photos are absolutely stunning, rich in color, and amazing detail....or they are blurry and out of focus. There are enough of the latter that it cannot just be someone who doesn't know how to shoot.....so what gives? Why the dramatic difference. I dont think any of the photos on that site are anything approaching usable.

11-09-2012, 09:55 PM	#8
cyclone3d Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 511	Originally posted by pentaxian_tmb Ok...why do all the sample pics look out of focus? Pentax K-01 - Photo Review In my post-hoc attempt to justify my impulse buy, I havebeen looking at every set of sample photos for the k-01 I can find. I am finding that either the photos are absolutely stunning, rich in color, and amazing detail....or they are blurry and out of focus. There are enough of the latter that it cannot just be someone who doesn't know how to shoot.....so what gives? Why the dramatic difference. I dont think any of the photos on that site are anything approaching usable. Probably because they used a zoom lense with the original firmware. I am betting that focus was not spot on. edit: I am not impressed at all that they used a zoom in a review. Not a good idea if you actually show what a camera is capable of. /edit AF with the 1.01 fimware is much faster and more accurate. If you want to look an a huge number of pics taken with the K-01, head over to flickr and do a search for K-01.

11-10-2012, 09:28 PM	#9
WMW New Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 16	Re: out of focus images. I took my newly purchased K-01 out for a few test grabs today and had one oof image. It was taken with the DA ltd 21mm. Not a tele by any means but what I did was press the shutter before the AF had time to lock. IOW, I simply held the camera and pressed the shutter release. I've not had any problems when allowing the camera to find focus. Infact, its quite sharp once it gets a contrasty enough spot to lock-on. Perhaps it is something in firmware? I've yet to upgrade. The reason being that I don't want to void my return option. Why would I want to return this wonderful little image maker? Simply because since I started using it three days ago, everytime it initially starts up it freezes until I open the battery compartment, remove and replace the battery. I've read and seen the video on the "bug" in v. 1.00 but that was with a telephoto lens attached. I've only used primes. I think I'll start a thread on this... All best, Wayne

11-11-2012, 02:50 PM	#11
cyclone3d Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 511	Originally posted by WMW Re: out of focus images. I took my newly purchased K-01 out for a few test grabs today and had one oof image. It was taken with the DA ltd 21mm. Not a tele by any means but what I did was press the shutter before the AF had time to lock. IOW, I simply held the camera and pressed the shutter release. I've not had any problems when allowing the camera to find focus. Infact, its quite sharp once it gets a contrasty enough spot to lock-on. Perhaps it is something in firmware? I've yet to upgrade. The reason being that I don't want to void my return option. Why would I want to return this wonderful little image maker? Simply because since I started using it three days ago, everytime it initially starts up it freezes until I open the battery compartment, remove and replace the battery. I've read and seen the video on the "bug" in v. 1.00 but that was with a telephoto lens attached. I've only used primes. I think I'll start a thread on this... All best, Wayne Why would updating the firmware make it so you couldn't return it? I tried the focus with my FA 50mm 1.4 before the upgrade and it was slow. Upgraded to the 1.01 formware and it is way better.

11-11-2012, 04:26 PM	#12
looktime Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 16	Can anyone who has used k-01 tell me if its AF speed is faster than k-5 PDAF?

11-11-2012, 05:04 PM	#13
mcjm78 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Perth, Australia Posts: 268	In quite dark environment my K01 will AF faster than K5 PDAF. I have recently tested them by shooting into my lens cupboard, which is fairly dark. The required setting to get a proper exposure was like ISO 6400 f2 1/10s

11-12-2012, 06:41 AM	#14
Medium FormatPro Banned Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Charleston & Pittsburgh Photos: Albums Posts: 1,668	Originally posted by looktime Can anyone who has used k-01 tell me if its AF speed is faster than k-5 PDAF Under most circumstances the K-5 would be faster

11-12-2012, 08:02 AM	#15
TaoMaas Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,574	Originally posted by looktime Can anyone who has used k-01 tell me if its AF speed is faster than k-5 PDAF? I don't know if this is what you're trying to decide, but seems to me that the general consensus is that the K-01 is a camera to be owned "in addition to" a DSLR, not "instead of". If you're trying to decide between the K-01 and the K-5...get the K-5.