Torn

AndrewG NY · 04-04-2013, 07:50 AM

While feature-wise the cameras are very similar, the size/weight vs. image quality tradeoff is significant. I own both but the Q is what I've been carrying for the last few months. A multi-lens Q kit probably weighs less and takes up less space than the K-01 body alone. Ergonomically the K-01 is maybe only slightly better in the sense it fills the hands better. I feel that the K-01 is best suited for relatively compact primes and possibly compact zooms like the 18-55 and 50-200. If you're wanting to use any other zooms, it's probably time to bring the SLR.

The portability vs. quality tradeoff is a fundamental decision with photographic equipment. It really depends what you're doing, what your tolerance for compromise in either area is.

GXRUser · 04-07-2013, 09:15 AM

Originally posted by AndrewG NY

While feature-wise the cameras are very similar, the size/weight vs. image quality tradeoff is significant. I own both but the Q is what I've been carrying for the last few months. A multi-lens Q kit probably weighs less and takes up less space than the K-01 body alone. Ergonomically the K-01 is maybe only slightly better in the sense it fills the hands better. I feel that the K-01 is best suited for relatively compact primes and possibly compact zooms like the 18-55 and 50-200. If you're wanting to use any other zooms, it's probably time to bring the SLR.

The portability vs. quality tradeoff is a fundamental decision with photographic equipment. It really depends what you're doing, what your tolerance for compromise in either area is.

You are so correct.

The Q has become my goto TRAVEL camera. (It may replace my GXR with P10)

- Perfect for indoors with the 01 prime.
- Perfect for concerts with the 06 zoom.
- Versatile with the 02 for wide shots.

I am using the K-01 and the GXR with M mount for more deliberative images and Portraits. What has surprised me is that the K-01 may replace the GXR. I very much like the colors achieved with Pentax lenses on the K-01 and that includes the 18-55 WR. Also a surprise is the utility of the K-01 on a tripod with a CarrySpeed VF3 compared to the GXR. The K-01 really needs a USB based remote shutter release.

If only there was a GXR module for KAF lenses.

Lurch · 04-07-2013, 05:14 PM - **1 Like**

In the end, the wife said "Keep both"
Who am I to argue?

tromboads · 04-07-2013, 09:09 PM

Happy story :P

Yos · 04-14-2013, 06:23 PM

Originally posted by Lurch

In the end, the wife said "Keep both"
Who am I to argue?

Lovely wife you have!
Still can not convince my wife that we need another camera

**Tony Belding** · 04-18-2013, 09:34 AM

The Q (and Q10) inhabits a unique niche, and I'm sure it'll always have some fans. I just can't get excited about it. The tiny sensor and the lack of any kind of viewfinder are hard for me to get past. I'm a SLR guy from way back, and I don't see the Q evolving into a SLR/DSLR replacement.

I am getting a K-01. I couldn't resist the closeout price and being able to use all my existing lens collection. However... It still has no viewfinder, and it seems a bit clunky. It's not as bad as my old K100D, but still somewhat larger and heavier than my ideal for carrying around regularly. Given the technical requirements of the K-mount, I don't see future iterations getting much smaller, either.

I've got to admit glancing across the aisle at the Micro Four Thirds system with a bit of envy. They seem to have hit the mirrorless sweet spot that Pentax hasn't found yet. (And the Olympus OM-D E-M5 really pushes a lot of my buttons, though buying into it would be quite costly for me.)

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04-04-2013, 07:50 AM	#16
AndrewG NY Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chappaqua, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 688	While feature-wise the cameras are very similar, the size/weight vs. image quality tradeoff is significant. I own both but the Q is what I've been carrying for the last few months. A multi-lens Q kit probably weighs less and takes up less space than the K-01 body alone. Ergonomically the K-01 is maybe only slightly better in the sense it fills the hands better. I feel that the K-01 is best suited for relatively compact primes and possibly compact zooms like the 18-55 and 50-200. If you're wanting to use any other zooms, it's probably time to bring the SLR. The portability vs. quality tradeoff is a fundamental decision with photographic equipment. It really depends what you're doing, what your tolerance for compromise in either area is.

04-07-2013, 09:15 AM	#17
GXRUser Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 165	Originally posted by AndrewG NY While feature-wise the cameras are very similar, the size/weight vs. image quality tradeoff is significant. I own both but the Q is what I've been carrying for the last few months. A multi-lens Q kit probably weighs less and takes up less space than the K-01 body alone. Ergonomically the K-01 is maybe only slightly better in the sense it fills the hands better. I feel that the K-01 is best suited for relatively compact primes and possibly compact zooms like the 18-55 and 50-200. If you're wanting to use any other zooms, it's probably time to bring the SLR. The portability vs. quality tradeoff is a fundamental decision with photographic equipment. It really depends what you're doing, what your tolerance for compromise in either area is. You are so correct. The Q has become my goto TRAVEL camera. (It may replace my GXR with P10) - Perfect for indoors with the 01 prime. - Perfect for concerts with the 06 zoom. - Versatile with the 02 for wide shots. I am using the K-01 and the GXR with M mount for more deliberative images and Portraits. What has surprised me is that the K-01 may replace the GXR. I very much like the colors achieved with Pentax lenses on the K-01 and that includes the 18-55 WR. Also a surprise is the utility of the K-01 on a tripod with a CarrySpeed VF3 compared to the GXR. The K-01 really needs a USB based remote shutter release. If only there was a GXR module for KAF lenses.

04-07-2013, 05:14 PM - 1 Like	#18
Lurch Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Canberra, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 582 Original Poster	In the end, the wife said "Keep both" Who am I to argue?

04-07-2013, 09:09 PM	#19
tromboads Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Melbs Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,240	Happy story :P

04-14-2013, 06:23 PM	#20
Yos Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Stockholm Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 533	Originally posted by Lurch In the end, the wife said "Keep both" Who am I to argue? Lovely wife you have! Still can not convince my wife that we need another camera

04-18-2013, 09:34 AM	#21
Tony Belding Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Hamilton, Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 780	The Q (and Q10) inhabits a unique niche, and I'm sure it'll always have some fans. I just can't get excited about it. The tiny sensor and the lack of any kind of viewfinder are hard for me to get past. I'm a SLR guy from way back, and I don't see the Q evolving into a SLR/DSLR replacement. I am getting a K-01. I couldn't resist the closeout price and being able to use all my existing lens collection. However... It still has no viewfinder, and it seems a bit clunky. It's not as bad as my old K100D, but still somewhat larger and heavier than my ideal for carrying around regularly. Given the technical requirements of the K-mount, I don't see future iterations getting much smaller, either. I've got to admit glancing across the aisle at the Micro Four Thirds system with a bit of envy. They seem to have hit the mirrorless sweet spot that Pentax hasn't found yet. (And the Olympus OM-D E-M5 really pushes a lot of my buttons, though buying into it would be quite costly for me.)