Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Maine | Some Thoughts Pentax and Full Frame
So there is A-LOT of chatter about when, if, Pentax is going to go full frame. Pentax has the most well developed line of APS-C specific lenses, and that in some ways makes them the best option for entry level professional photographers, and for adventure photographers on a budget. On the other hand, it makes Pentax look a little "less than" Canikon. I've traded systems a lot even though I'm not wealthy. I just work at a camera store so I get discounts. But I've sold a Nikon D700 to get a 5D Mark II, and then I sold that to get a Pentax K-5. I'm settled with the Pentax now. I can finally afford the lenses I want, and I'm more confident than ever with my gear. I personally have one thing to say about full frame, it's not as big a deal as it seems. It's basically great for depth of field control. But it doesn't get you better image quality. I know this from specific experience. The D700 was a tiny bit better than the K-5 in low light, and the 5D was a tiny bit better at resolving detail. But the K-5 has the latitude that the 5D II lacks, and the 95% of the low light performance of the D700. Coupled with the fact that all my lenses are affordable, image stabilized, and for the most part BETTER than pretty damn good, I'm more than satisfied.
Still though, Full Frame, like any format upgrade is something worth it based on the 'look' of full frame alone. I don't think it's "better" in terms of IQ, but I do think it has a recognizable look that I like very much. Just like Large Format has over Medium Format in a moderate print size. And owning the 31mm 1.8 Limited makes me really want to use it on full frame, and it would give me a reason to buy the 43mm. (Don't tell me to use film, I do. Not the same).
So how would Pentax do Full Frame? Well they currently aren't set up to really support a full frame camera. They would need to introduce at least 3 lenses, probably zooms, to make it work. Then they'd be playing the game everybody else is, picking which format to design for. However they do have the advantage that their APS-C system is extremely developed. No other maker can boast lenses like the DA* and DA Limiteds. Nikon has their 35mm 1.8 and mediocre zooms, but Pentax has a 14, 15, 21, two 35s, the 40, the 70, the DA* line of 16-50, 50-135, 200, 300, and 60-250mm. Couple that with the DA zooms I didn't mention, and the FA lenses still in production (few, but the real gems), and I have NO idea why people complain about an insufficient lens selection. Personally I just think people just get nervous when a company ACTUALLY innovates instead of just offering the exact same options as the competition, i.e. full frame vs APS-C, Canon vs Nikon. I DO think certain lenses could be a little better, but not by much. The 16-50 is only good enough, IMO, but the primes I own (15, 31, 70) are (to me) jaw dropping. So that would leave them open to, for the most part, leave the APS-C line just in production, and secondarily develop a FEW key full frame lenses. 3 or so zooms (wide, standard, portrait tele), and 3 or so more primes (super wide, tilt shift, super tele). Not such a big deal actually if spread out over two years. Personally I wouldn't even buy any Full Frame zooms. And THAT'S what brings me to the key point of this post: a Full Frame camera with APS-C.
The Nikon full frame systems are CAPABLE of shooting the DX lenses. Nice, but when using their D700, D3(s) bodies you get a 5mp crop. Not all that appealing, and anyway I guess maybe someone would want to use the 10.5 fisheye or the 35mm 1.8, although I really don't know why... However the D3X offers a 10mp file. Not too shabby. However, still, no really appealing lenses. Nice feature, not much use. However, enter Pentax with a similar feature. A full frame 25mp sensor with K-5 like low light and latitude performance. Use your lovely FA Limiteds to your hearts desire. Like I said: IMO the depth of field control, and the "look" of Full Frame is why I love 24x36. Primes shine here, zooms are nice, but not super necessary. I personally would keep my DA limiteds, and my DA* zooms to use in a 10mp crop mode, that would I'm sure increase in resolution over camera generations, and enjoy new Full Frame primes for the look. You switch to zooms when you need to, you switch to FA primes as you can. That way I don't have to spend obnoxious amounts that Canikon users do on zooms, saving crucial cash for my business. And anyways my K-5 isn't going anywhere, and a Full Frame body - DX body combo is IMO a perfectly cost effective main body/back up kit. As long as the APS-C bodies are still developed in combination with a single MZ-S like full frame body for pros, everyone's happy.
Sony took a risk with the A900 and A850. Two great DSLRs, that few purchased. Look at that lens line: Zeiss 16-35, 24-70, 24 f2, 85 1.4, 135 1.8, and Sony G 70-200 etc etc etc... They copied Canikon and it did nothing for them. Now their truly innovative APS-C bodies are making more press than the full frame cameras ever did. Still though, people grumble always hoping for full frame, seemingly whether they'd buy or not. So that to me proves full frame isn't a magic bullet. Following Canikon to the letter, is not the answer. The whole reason I personally purchased the K-5 was because they were the only company offering solid build quality, lens artistry, and great real world performance at a competitive price. Not because I thought their nifty 50 is 'better' than Canon's. I bought into Pentax for actual practical reasons.
If Pentax can integrate just ONE full frame option, with a limited lens selection, and a great DX crop mode, I believe they'll not only have a winner camera, but also a reason for certain people to take the brand more seriously. But to be honest, at least this generation, I don't think that will happen. Despite all the "experts" in the A77 thread, I do think Sony designed a great 24mp sensor, and if the K-3 is a 24mp sensor with modest improvements over the K-5, then I'll be happy to purchase it to augment my K-5 as a new main body. However I think my wedding photography kit will be perfect when I have a Pentax full frame kit with FA Limiteds, and a DA 2nd body with DA* zooms. That's for what I'm hoping.
I hope Mr. Bunnell is reading, and sending these observations to Japan. I'm excited about the future of Pentax with Ricoh. Thanks for reading.
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