Pentax K-5 Officially Announced

RBellavance · 09-20-2010, 08:50 AM

Originally posted by K-9

I personally didn't say that. If the official Pentax site states a specification, and I was merely pointing out their quote, that's not me saying it.

It gets better: Pentax.de reports the base sensitiy as 200-12800, with expanded being 80-51200. This is the first place I've seen a base ISO of 200 for the K-5.

I still think the camera looks very promising, but this is ridiculous. If any other brand messed up an announcement like that, we'd be laughing our butts off at them.

emr · 09-20-2010, 08:50 AM

I have a feeling that one reason behind the differing and confusing specs is that they have done some last minute changes to react to the competition. After all, many properties are done in software and they probably have lots of different firmware versions and software projects that they've experimented with so it might be possible to change the specs so close to announcement. Heck if Nikon gets this ISO from the same (?) sensor, we'll double or 4 x it in software.

K-9 · 09-20-2010, 08:51 AM

CNET K5 announcement link

Quote:

When Pentax briefed me on the K-5, its latest midrange dSLR--midrange for the market as a whole, but at the top of Pentax's food chain--its PR spokeswoman downplayed the announcement. "It's just an updated version of the k-7," was the gist of her pitch.

Because of the MSRP of $1599, they compare it to the 7D and the 300s instead of the 60D and the D7000.

Quote:

I think there are clear wins for Pentaxians looking for a step up in speed and video capabilities over the K-7. I think it's less clear for people who are considering the K-5 vs. its same-priced competitors.

Quote:

Pentax lags in a few ways that matter in some quarters; for example, shutter durability and possibly an oddly slow maximum flash sync speed (I'm assuming it's unchanged from the K-7). It's also unclear what the manual controls will be for shooting video, though Pentax tends to lag a little here as well.

Blue · 09-20-2010, 08:51 AM

Originally posted by pghwarrior23

So Pentax launches a product with these two. Nikon launches their D7000 with Chase Jarvis having used the camera for months, shooting in the field, using it to create amazing images and video. Pentax has some great pros that use their gear, why not step up the efforts and let these folks help you with your launch. Sad sad sad.

But I will say that so far I like what I see. I also thought there would be some sample images released with the press kit or online like other camera brands do. Where are the image samples?

What the do instead is have guys like Ned go underground for months on end. Maybe Ned can say hello to Jimmy Hoffa for us.

davebris33 · 09-20-2010, 08:52 AM

Originally posted by K-9

It appears that Pentax screwed up on the 12800 max specs on their official page. If you watch the first look video:

[YT]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNCee0R1sow[/YT]

Check at the 1:50 mark where Carolyn says it goes up to 12,800, but a blurb pops up with a Pentax logo, saying it is indeed expandable to 51,200.

They should really fix their official specs pretty quick, before more confusion sets in.

its pretty obvious that 12,800is native and 51,200 is software expansion..

not a mess up marketing wise, but anyway pentax is doomed, DOOOOOOOOOMMMMMED!!!!!!!!!!!!

DogLover · 09-20-2010, 08:52 AM

Originally posted by Blue

The D7000 is the one with the plastic front with the mount attached to it. The K-5 has the magnesium front.

Wow,Blue, I think you showed remarkable restraint in your response. Kudos!

**Aristophanes** · 09-20-2010, 08:53 AM

Originally posted by Urkeldaedalus

Nikon is going to come out with a D700 FF replacement that is less than $2,000? That seems sort of impossible to me, but if they do that kudos to them.

Not likely the D700 replacement will be less than US$2,000.

But very possible Nikon will continue the D700 in a sub-US$2,000 price point, perhaps as low as US$1,700. Been some rumours thereabouts.

That's the horn of the dilemma.

Urkeldaedalus · 09-20-2010, 08:53 AM

Originally posted by illdefined

purely my speculation if indeed the D7000 represents the union of the D90 and D300 lines as has been suggested. but that's Nikon, lets try and focus on Pentax for their Photokina moment, as small as it may turn out to be.

Fair enough. One final thought, if Nikon did come out with a Nikon D800 at $2000, I'd happily await the bottom to fall out on D700 prices.

illdefined · 09-20-2010, 08:54 AM

Originally posted by K-9

CNET K5 announcement link

Quote:
I think there are clear wins for Pentaxians looking for a step up in speed and video capabilities over the K-7. I think it's less clear for people who are considering the K-5 vs. its same-priced competitors.

Because of the MSRP of $1599, they compare it to the 7D and the 300s instead of the 60D and the D7000.

Quote:
Pentax lags in a few ways that matter in some quarters; for example, shutter durability and possibly an oddly slow maximum flash sync speed (I'm assuming it's unchanged from the K-7). It's also unclear what the manual controls will be for shooting video, though Pentax tends to lag a little here as well.

and thus it begins.....

pghwarrior23 · 09-20-2010, 08:55 AM

"Because of the MSRP of $1599, they compare it to the 7D and the 300s instead of the 60D and the D7000."

That's not a bad thing. Maybe that is a Pentax strategy. Get people putting it in the higher categories of semi-pro cameras because they chiefly make the comparisons based on price. And then when it hits the streets it beats the competition in price by being $200-300 less than MSRP.

"What the do instead is have guys like Ned go underground for months on end."

What is the benefit of that? Nikon will sell thousands more of their camera just because Chase Jarvis used it, created good results with it, and basically puts his stamp of approval on it.

macTak · 09-20-2010, 08:56 AM

There is another error (or at least I think so) no one has noticed in the English Pentax spec sheet:

"PENTAX KAF3, KAF2 (power zoom not compatible), KAF, K mount
(with restrictions) lenses ; compatible with SDM ultrasonic lenses
Compatible with S-mount lenses ,67/645/M42 lenses (adapters
ref 37954, 38455 or 30120required with restrictions)

S-mount? The K-7 spec sheet has K-mount there instead, I belive. Really now Pentax...

JohnBee · 09-20-2010, 08:56 AM

Originally posted by claude21

This K5 is a logical 'evolution' but nothing to rave about, especially considering price against competitors

Incidentally, you forgot one of the most important aspects of the camera itself

Also there are a few issues with your list:
1. The K-5 frame is the superior one, not the D7000(see specs).
2. What about weather sealing?
3. SDxc addressed in FW

But what about IQ?

The D7000 could just as well have 1200 additional functions and still end-up in the dust due to image quality.

JohnBee · 09-20-2010, 08:57 AM

Originally posted by Urkeldaedalus

I'd happily await the bottom to fall out on D700 prices.

Not me! I need to sell one soon

illdefined · 09-20-2010, 08:58 AM

Originally posted by pghwarrior23

"Because of the MSRP of $1599, they compare it to the 7D and the 300s instead of the 60D and the D7000."

That's not a bad thing. Maybe that is a Pentax strategy. Get people putting it in the higher categories of semi-pro cameras because they chiefly make the comparisons based on price. And then when it hits the streets it beats the competition in price by being $200-300 less than MSRP.

how is Pentax carrying the reputation of losing value deeply and immediately good for its brand or its sales?

jjdgti · 09-20-2010, 08:58 AM

Very impressive camera. I want it, but I need to start saving for it. I would like to see some reviews by the Pros.

09-20-2010, 08:51 AM	#93
K-9 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,971	CNET K5 write up CNET K5 announcement link Quote: When Pentax briefed me on the K-5, its latest midrange dSLR--midrange for the market as a whole, but at the top of Pentax's food chain--its PR spokeswoman downplayed the announcement. "It's just an updated version of the k-7," was the gist of her pitch. Because of the MSRP of $1599, they compare it to the 7D and the 300s instead of the 60D and the D7000. Quote: I think there are clear wins for Pentaxians looking for a step up in speed and video capabilities over the K-7. I think it's less clear for people who are considering the K-5 vs. its same-priced competitors. Quote: Pentax lags in a few ways that matter in some quarters; for example, shutter durability and possibly an oddly slow maximum flash sync speed (I'm assuming it's unchanged from the K-7). It's also unclear what the manual controls will be for shooting video, though Pentax tends to lag a little here as well.

09-20-2010, 08:52 AM	#95
davebris33 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bristol UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 140	nope Originally posted by K-9 It appears that Pentax screwed up on the 12800 max specs on their official page. If you watch the first look video: [YT]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNCee0R1sow[/YT] Check at the 1:50 mark where Carolyn says it goes up to 12,800, but a blurb pops up with a Pentax logo, saying it is indeed expandable to 51,200. They should really fix their official specs pretty quick, before more confusion sets in. its pretty obvious that 12,800is native and 51,200 is software expansion.. not a mess up marketing wise, but anyway pentax is doomed, DOOOOOOOOOMMMMMED!!!!!!!!!!!!

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09-20-2010, 08:50 AM	#91
RBellavance Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Near Montréal, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,716	Originally posted by K-9 I personally didn't say that. If the official Pentax site states a specification, and I was merely pointing out their quote, that's not me saying it. It gets better: Pentax.de reports the base sensitiy as 200-12800, with expanded being 80-51200. This is the first place I've seen a base ISO of 200 for the K-5. I still think the camera looks very promising, but this is ridiculous. If any other brand messed up an announcement like that, we'd be laughing our butts off at them.

09-20-2010, 08:50 AM	#92
emr Guest	I have a feeling that one reason behind the differing and confusing specs is that they have done some last minute changes to react to the competition. After all, many properties are done in software and they probably have lots of different firmware versions and software projects that they've experimented with so it might be possible to change the specs so close to announcement. Heck if Nikon gets this ISO from the same (?) sensor, we'll double or 4 x it in software.

09-20-2010, 08:51 AM	#94
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by pghwarrior23 So Pentax launches a product with these two. Nikon launches their D7000 with Chase Jarvis having used the camera for months, shooting in the field, using it to create amazing images and video. Pentax has some great pros that use their gear, why not step up the efforts and let these folks help you with your launch. Sad sad sad. But I will say that so far I like what I see. I also thought there would be some sample images released with the press kit or online like other camera brands do. Where are the image samples? What the do instead is have guys like Ned go underground for months on end. Maybe Ned can say hello to Jimmy Hoffa for us.

09-20-2010, 08:52 AM	#96
DogLover Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 2,054	Originally posted by Blue The D7000 is the one with the plastic front with the mount attached to it. The K-5 has the magnesium front. Wow,Blue, I think you showed remarkable restraint in your response. Kudos!

09-20-2010, 08:53 AM	#97
Aristophanes Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Rankin Inlet, Nunavut Photos: Albums Posts: 3,948	Originally posted by Urkeldaedalus Nikon is going to come out with a D700 FF replacement that is less than $2,000? That seems sort of impossible to me, but if they do that kudos to them. Not likely the D700 replacement will be less than US$2,000. But very possible Nikon will continue the D700 in a sub-US$2,000 price point, perhaps as low as US$1,700. Been some rumours thereabouts. That's the horn of the dilemma.

09-20-2010, 08:53 AM	#98
Urkeldaedalus Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Iowa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,369	Originally posted by illdefined purely my speculation if indeed the D7000 represents the union of the D90 and D300 lines as has been suggested. but that's Nikon, lets try and focus on Pentax for their Photokina moment, as small as it may turn out to be. Fair enough. One final thought, if Nikon did come out with a Nikon D800 at $2000, I'd happily await the bottom to fall out on D700 prices.

09-20-2010, 08:54 AM	#99
illdefined Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 929	Originally posted by K-9 CNET K5 announcement link Quote: I think there are clear wins for Pentaxians looking for a step up in speed and video capabilities over the K-7. I think it's less clear for people who are considering the K-5 vs. its same-priced competitors. Because of the MSRP of $1599, they compare it to the 7D and the 300s instead of the 60D and the D7000. Quote: Pentax lags in a few ways that matter in some quarters; for example, shutter durability and possibly an oddly slow maximum flash sync speed (I'm assuming it's unchanged from the K-7). It's also unclear what the manual controls will be for shooting video, though Pentax tends to lag a little here as well. and thus it begins.....

09-20-2010, 08:55 AM	#100
pghwarrior23 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Photos: Albums Posts: 331	"Because of the MSRP of $1599, they compare it to the 7D and the 300s instead of the 60D and the D7000." That's not a bad thing. Maybe that is a Pentax strategy. Get people putting it in the higher categories of semi-pro cameras because they chiefly make the comparisons based on price. And then when it hits the streets it beats the competition in price by being $200-300 less than MSRP. "What the do instead is have guys like Ned go underground for months on end." What is the benefit of that? Nikon will sell thousands more of their camera just because Chase Jarvis used it, created good results with it, and basically puts his stamp of approval on it.

09-20-2010, 08:56 AM	#101
macTak Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 759	There is another error (or at least I think so) no one has noticed in the English Pentax spec sheet: "PENTAX KAF3, KAF2 (power zoom not compatible), KAF, K mount (with restrictions) lenses ; compatible with SDM ultrasonic lenses Compatible with S-mount lenses ,67/645/M42 lenses (adapters ref 37954, 38455 or 30120required with restrictions) S-mount? The K-7 spec sheet has K-mount there instead, I belive. Really now Pentax...

09-20-2010, 08:56 AM	#102
JohnBee Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Newrfoundland Photos: Albums Posts: 4,667	Originally posted by claude21 This K5 is a logical 'evolution' but nothing to rave about, especially considering price against competitors Incidentally, you forgot one of the most important aspects of the camera itself Also there are a few issues with your list: 1. The K-5 frame is the superior one, not the D7000(see specs). 2. What about weather sealing? 3. SDxc addressed in FW But what about IQ? The D7000 could just as well have 1200 additional functions and still end-up in the dust due to image quality.

09-20-2010, 08:57 AM	#103
JohnBee Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Newrfoundland Photos: Albums Posts: 4,667	Originally posted by Urkeldaedalus I'd happily await the bottom to fall out on D700 prices. Not me! I need to sell one soon

09-20-2010, 08:58 AM	#104
illdefined Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 929	Originally posted by pghwarrior23 "Because of the MSRP of $1599, they compare it to the 7D and the 300s instead of the 60D and the D7000." That's not a bad thing. Maybe that is a Pentax strategy. Get people putting it in the higher categories of semi-pro cameras because they chiefly make the comparisons based on price. And then when it hits the streets it beats the competition in price by being $200-300 less than MSRP. how is Pentax carrying the reputation of losing value deeply and immediately good for its brand or its sales?

09-20-2010, 08:58 AM	#105
jjdgti Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 1,824	Very impressive camera. I want it, but I need to start saving for it. I would like to see some reviews by the Pros.