Pentax X-5 officially announced...

jogiba · 08-25-2012, 05:50 AM

If you want 20x or more optical zoom you need a small sensor camera because the widest super zoom lens on APS-C is the $1,000 Nikon 16.7x 18-300mm F3.5-5.6G with 27-450mm equivalent range compared to my Nikon P500 with 36x 22.5-810mm and Canon SX30 IS with 35x 24-840mm eqiv lens that could zoom the full range handheld in HD video mode with 4 stop OIS. My Panasonic ZS20 has a 20x 24-480mm eqiv lens that is the smallest compact superzoom that fits in my pocket and shoots 1080p60 that is not available on any DSLR.

You Tube

Last edited by jogiba; 08-25-2012 at 06:03 AM.

JinDesu · 08-25-2012, 06:45 AM

Originally posted by Medium FormatPro

Since about two years after the invention of the digital slr and introduction into the consumer market... The (general) sales numbers of slr's has literally trippled. Sure part of that is people continually upgrading their cameras, but... Digital has also made slr's a lot more commonplace.

It has, and I do see more and more DSLRs. But the fact is, people still want to buy bridge cameras - and the people who upgrade to DSLRs are generally bridge camera users as well. When I'm in any large crowded area with tourists or events (Macy's Thanksgiving parade, concerts, Times Square, South Street Seaport, etc), the large majority are phone cameras, compacts that I can't recognize, bridge cameras of all sorts, a few DSLRs (some pro, some entry, most 18-55 or 24-105 lenses), and occasionally mirrorless cams (Nikon V1s, Olympus and Panasonics, and the rare Q or Sony NEX).

It's fine to say - "I would spend $800 on a mirrorless that has much better IQ than a bridge"

But not everyone else says that. I have some friends who will ask me - "what's a good camera to get? but I don't want to spend more than $300". That means I can only introduce them to super compacts or bridge cameras.

eddie1960 · 08-25-2012, 07:41 AM

Originally posted by cquarksnow

What's your reference on no raw files ? I contacted Pentax and was told that the raw format for the X-5 would be PEF.

there own specs make no mention of raw so whoever you spoke to was misinformed. none of the sites publishing the announcement no mentioned it either except where they expressed dissapointment at the lack of raw

PENTAX X-5. An all-purpose digital camera, featuring a versatile optical 26X zoom lens and a tilt-able LCD monitor | PENTAX RICOH IMAGING

Zygonyx · 08-25-2012, 10:24 AM

Originally posted by ChopperCharles

Also, do note that this camera does NOT have aperture or shutter priority modes. Full manual yes, but I use aperture priority 95% of the time when I'm shooting. Thus, the camera is even less useful.

Charles.

If the "M" mode dial position works like in K-01, it is basically the TAv mode : not too bad in my opinion.

AmyMoose · 08-25-2012, 12:55 PM

It looks LOVELY - If I'd seen this before my recent K-5 - (also lovely but maybe a bit Pro for my needs) - I'd've probably gone for this instead. Obviously I'd like to see the stats/reviews but it looks wonderful. Funny how the lift up view-finder divides opinion; I hate them, I worry they'll snap off, get grit under & just don't see the point but I guess it could be just kept un-folded, I'd still have the camera, with silver casing as it reminds me of my beloved old-skool Pentax KMs

drumhead · 08-25-2012, 04:20 PM

Consider me unimpressed. Please Pentax- swing for the fences, not for an in-field base hit.

glanglois · 08-25-2012, 09:18 PM

Originally posted by ChopperCharles

Also, do note that this camera does NOT have aperture or shutter priority modes. Full manual yes, but I use aperture priority 95% of the time when I'm shooting. Thus, the camera is even less useful.

Charles.

What happens if the user sets the aperture whilst in program mode? Does the experience resemble Av? The downside I see is that use of the green button would cause the user to re-set the aperture without a mode-dial Av mode. Is that a major problem with a $2XX bridge camera?

Fogel70 · 08-25-2012, 11:23 PM

I don't see much use of Av mode on a 1/2.33" sensor camera like this. Smallest aperture is probably f/8, so there is not much you can do to the picture when max aperture is 3.1 - 5.9.

bvg · 08-26-2012, 09:32 AM

Originally posted by Kenn100D

SAMPLE from Pentax.jp

http://www.pentax.jp/japan/products/x-5/ex/img/bod_img_02_LB.jpg

You can see the photographer image in the eye

thibs · 08-26-2012, 12:59 PM

Aperture Type: ND filter
Av mode would be useless indeed....

dc1500 · 08-26-2012, 02:51 PM

Originally posted by kyteflyer

Thanks, Charles. I actually *did* want another superzoom for when I dont feel like mucking about with lens changes... but the XS1 from fuji is the only contender in the reasonable IQ stakes, and really, at 920gm unloaded, a person might as well hunt around for another 18-250 lens and be done with it, and get better shots. Which I think I'll do.

---------------------------------------
I would say that the Panasonic Bridge Cameras are at least a match for the Fuji XS1.

**PPPPPP42** · 08-26-2012, 03:45 PM

I think some of us are confusing bridge cameras with DSLR's.
The intended audience for this uses picasa, not photoshop cs5 and can't even edit to the full ability of a Jpeg so raw files are useless. They also will never take the camera off of full auto or attempt to manual focus, notice all the pretty pictures on the dial, those are to tell the morons that can't work a camera what mode to use without making them think too hard. The person who buys one of these is normally moving from a camera phone and is baffled by the sort of person that would pay over $1000 for just a lens. Considering this is the release price and it will only get cheaper this is exactly what the Pentax lineup needed, not a slightly crappier version of the K30 that would still be out of everyone's price range. They have to show the masses that Pentax still exists.

KungPOW · 08-26-2012, 04:17 PM

Originally posted by PPPPPP42

I think some of us are confusing bridge cameras with DSLR's.
The intended audience for this uses picasa, not photoshop cs5 and can't even edit to the full ability of a Jpeg so raw files are useless. They also will never take the camera off of full auto or attempt to manual focus, notice all the pretty pictures on the dial, those are to tell the morons that can't work a camera what mode to use without making them think too hard. The person who buys one of these is normally moving from a camera phone and is baffled by the sort of person that would pay over $1000 for just a lens. Considering this is the release price and it will only get cheaper this is exactly what the Pentax lineup needed, not a slightly crappier version of the K30 that would still be out of everyone's price range. They have to show the masses that Pentax still exists.

Kind of harsh I'd say.

Alizarine · 08-26-2012, 05:15 PM

Originally posted by PPPPPP42

hey also will never take the camera off of full auto or attempt to manual focus, notice all the pretty pictures on the dial, those are to tell the morons that can't work a camera what mode to use without making them think too hard.

Some of them just really can't spend that much (especially on lenses) but are willing to learn great lengths.

glanglois · 08-26-2012, 07:09 PM

Originally posted by Alizarine

Some of them just really can't spend that much (especially on lenses) but are willing to learn great lengths.

You can see this among FZ150, etc. owners on the DPR Panny forum. They can spend a great deal of time working with raw, presumably because they don't have a great deal of money to spend on gear.

I wonder if the people here who sneer at the hopeless P&S folks are the same who sneer at learners with USD $3K or $5K bodies. I also wonder how much I'm supposed to spend on gear given my (very real) lack of creative skills. Perhaps I should ditch the K-5 and keep the Panny TZ-30? In auto mode?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Pentax K-30 Officially Announced!	Adam	Pentax News and Rumors	245	09-12-2012 08:32 PM
Pentax K-5 Officially Announced	Adam	Pentax News and Rumors	533	03-06-2012 05:45 AM
Pentax K-r Officially Announced (along with DA L 35mm F2.4 lens)	Adam	Pentax News and Rumors	21	02-02-2012 11:33 PM
K-5 Firmware 1.02 Officially Announced	Ole	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	50	01-20-2011 10:05 PM
Pentax 645D officially announced in Europe (Germany)	veraikon	Pentax News and Rumors	10	09-21-2010 07:23 AM

08-25-2012, 06:45 AM	#77
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Originally posted by Medium FormatPro Since about two years after the invention of the digital slr and introduction into the consumer market... The (general) sales numbers of slr's has literally trippled. Sure part of that is people continually upgrading their cameras, but... Digital has also made slr's a lot more commonplace. It has, and I do see more and more DSLRs. But the fact is, people still want to buy bridge cameras - and the people who upgrade to DSLRs are generally bridge camera users as well. When I'm in any large crowded area with tourists or events (Macy's Thanksgiving parade, concerts, Times Square, South Street Seaport, etc), the large majority are phone cameras, compacts that I can't recognize, bridge cameras of all sorts, a few DSLRs (some pro, some entry, most 18-55 or 24-105 lenses), and occasionally mirrorless cams (Nikon V1s, Olympus and Panasonics, and the rare Q or Sony NEX). It's fine to say - "I would spend $800 on a mirrorless that has much better IQ than a bridge" But not everyone else says that. I have some friends who will ask me - "what's a good camera to get? but I don't want to spend more than $300". That means I can only introduce them to super compacts or bridge cameras.

08-25-2012, 07:41 AM	#78
eddie1960 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,666	Originally posted by cquarksnow What's your reference on no raw files ? I contacted Pentax and was told that the raw format for the X-5 would be PEF. there own specs make no mention of raw so whoever you spoke to was misinformed. none of the sites publishing the announcement no mentioned it either except where they expressed dissapointment at the lack of raw PENTAX X-5. An all-purpose digital camera, featuring a versatile optical 26X zoom lens and a tilt-able LCD monitor \| PENTAX RICOH IMAGING

08-25-2012, 10:24 AM	#79
Zygonyx Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ile de France Posts: 4,032	Originally posted by ChopperCharles Also, do note that this camera does NOT have aperture or shutter priority modes. Full manual yes, but I use aperture priority 95% of the time when I'm shooting. Thus, the camera is even less useful. Charles. If the "M" mode dial position works like in K-01, it is basically the TAv mode : not too bad in my opinion.

08-25-2012, 12:55 PM	#80
AmyMoose New Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 1	It looks LOVELY - If I'd seen this before my recent K-5 - (also lovely but maybe a bit Pro for my needs) - I'd've probably gone for this instead. Obviously I'd like to see the stats/reviews but it looks wonderful. Funny how the lift up view-finder divides opinion; I hate them, I worry they'll snap off, get grit under & just don't see the point but I guess it could be just kept un-folded, I'd still have the camera, with silver casing as it reminds me of my beloved old-skool Pentax KMs

08-25-2012, 04:20 PM	#81
drumhead Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 71	Consider me unimpressed. Please Pentax- swing for the fences, not for an in-field base hit.

08-25-2012, 09:18 PM	#82
glanglois Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Madison, Wis., USA Posts: 1,506	Originally posted by ChopperCharles Also, do note that this camera does NOT have aperture or shutter priority modes. Full manual yes, but I use aperture priority 95% of the time when I'm shooting. Thus, the camera is even less useful. Charles. What happens if the user sets the aperture whilst in program mode? Does the experience resemble Av? The downside I see is that use of the green button would cause the user to re-set the aperture without a mode-dial Av mode. Is that a major problem with a $2XX bridge camera?

08-25-2012, 11:23 PM	#83
Fogel70 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Photos: Albums Posts: 3,062	I don't see much use of Av mode on a 1/2.33" sensor camera like this. Smallest aperture is probably f/8, so there is not much you can do to the picture when max aperture is 3.1 - 5.9.

08-26-2012, 09:32 AM	#84
bvg Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Queensland, Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 340	Originally posted by Kenn100D SAMPLE from Pentax.jp http://www.pentax.jp/japan/products/x-5/ex/img/bod_img_02_LB.jpg You can see the photographer image in the eye

08-26-2012, 12:59 PM	#85
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Aperture Type: ND filter Av mode would be useless indeed....

08-26-2012, 02:51 PM	#86
dc1500 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Essex Posts: 105	Originally posted by kyteflyer Thanks, Charles. I actually did want another superzoom for when I dont feel like mucking about with lens changes... but the XS1 from fuji is the only contender in the reasonable IQ stakes, and really, at 920gm unloaded, a person might as well hunt around for another 18-250 lens and be done with it, and get better shots. Which I think I'll do. --------------------------------------- I would say that the Panasonic Bridge Cameras are at least a match for the Fuji XS1.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

08-26-2012, 03:45 PM	#87
PPPPPP42 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Wisconsin Photos: Albums Posts: 947	I think some of us are confusing bridge cameras with DSLR's. The intended audience for this uses picasa, not photoshop cs5 and can't even edit to the full ability of a Jpeg so raw files are useless. They also will never take the camera off of full auto or attempt to manual focus, notice all the pretty pictures on the dial, those are to tell the morons that can't work a camera what mode to use without making them think too hard. The person who buys one of these is normally moving from a camera phone and is baffled by the sort of person that would pay over $1000 for just a lens. Considering this is the release price and it will only get cheaper this is exactly what the Pentax lineup needed, not a slightly crappier version of the K30 that would still be out of everyone's price range. They have to show the masses that Pentax still exists.

08-26-2012, 04:17 PM	#88
KungPOW Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Vancouver, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,699	Originally posted by PPPPPP42 I think some of us are confusing bridge cameras with DSLR's. The intended audience for this uses picasa, not photoshop cs5 and can't even edit to the full ability of a Jpeg so raw files are useless. They also will never take the camera off of full auto or attempt to manual focus, notice all the pretty pictures on the dial, those are to tell the morons that can't work a camera what mode to use without making them think too hard. The person who buys one of these is normally moving from a camera phone and is baffled by the sort of person that would pay over $1000 for just a lens. Considering this is the release price and it will only get cheaper this is exactly what the Pentax lineup needed, not a slightly crappier version of the K30 that would still be out of everyone's price range. They have to show the masses that Pentax still exists. Kind of harsh I'd say.

08-26-2012, 05:15 PM	#89
Alizarine Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Manila Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,185	Originally posted by PPPPPP42 hey also will never take the camera off of full auto or attempt to manual focus, notice all the pretty pictures on the dial, those are to tell the morons that can't work a camera what mode to use without making them think too hard. Some of them just really can't spend that much (especially on lenses) but are willing to learn great lengths.

08-26-2012, 07:09 PM	#90
glanglois Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Madison, Wis., USA Posts: 1,506	Originally posted by Alizarine Some of them just really can't spend that much (especially on lenses) but are willing to learn great lengths. You can see this among FZ150, etc. owners on the DPR Panny forum. They can spend a great deal of time working with raw, presumably because they don't have a great deal of money to spend on gear. I wonder if the people here who sneer at the hopeless P&S folks are the same who sneer at learners with USD $3K or $5K bodies. I also wonder how much I'm supposed to spend on gear given my (very real) lack of creative skills. Perhaps I should ditch the K-5 and keep the Panny TZ-30? In auto mode?