Originally posted by falconeye I studied that to some extent (final report is pending). The overall gain in stops thru out the range of exposure times is 2 stops for the K-7 SR. However, it has a weak spot around 1/80s where the gain can be less and a sweet spot around 1/15s where the gain exceeds 3 stops.
VR lenses don't beat the Pentax SR around it's sweet spot or for exposure times 1/200s and less for long tele lenses. Tele VR lenses typically don't deliver more than 2 stops either.
The comment that sensor shift is inferior because not tuned to a particular FL is wrong. The rotation of a shaking camera are FL-independent. Therefore, the antishake motion is simply exactly proportional to FL.
Falk, I am not singling out your post, since others have contested the value of SR on longer lenses, but I thought your counterpoint is well taken.
I can unequivocally state that the Pentax SR does work very well, even as low as 1/125 or 1/250 sec. @ 600mm. The images I've taken seem to prove this and I have razor sharp images at 1/100 sec. at 300mm... That or my support system of a Gitzo tripod + Wimberley gimbal head + solid long lens technique = sharp images at below reciprocal shutter speeds... take your pick, but SR at longer FL works fine for me!
Originally posted by GordonZA For bird photographers, excellent AF, low noise at high ISO and FPS are critical for getting consistent and reliable Birds In Flight shots....
So if these prove to be close to or matching the actual spec on the new camera (presuming there is actually a K5 coming out), and the reviews are good, I will finally be upgrading my trusty old K10D...
Second the motion!
From a wildlife and low light photography perspective (often intertwined), I would also hope that ISO 1600+ images are up in IQ league of the K-X as a minimum. I found the K20D very good up to ISO 1250 - with just a bit of NR in post processing - if exposed correctly.
I primarily shoot in RAW, but the idea of less PP work towards NR at higher ISO isn't something I'd be adverse to having go away or lessened.
Originally posted by doc.mark.dimo the upcoming K5 is an exciting revelation.
the K7 entered the speed domain, with respectable FPS rates, but at times I had been a little undergunned with the 5.3 FPS rate. It however displayed that Pentax was soon to arrive at competition "Pro" speed levels.
at the rumored 7-8 FPS rate, The K5 will certainly keep pace with beasts from Nikon and Canon weighing 2-3x the weight.
I do know that the higher FPS would be a boon. As you indicated Mark, sometimes it's "not quite enough" and I agree. Looking forward to the official release specs!!
Cheers,
Marc