Best Back of the Unnamed K camera yet

Steve.Ledger · 01-10-2015, 02:33 PM

Originally posted by RobA_Oz

Ever since the K-5, HDMI has been available to connect a monitor in place of the LCD screen, so I'm not sure what you mean by that.

The HDMI on the K-01 is for playback only, no HDMI live view.
The K-50 has no HDMI port. I expect the K-500 to be the same. I don't have a K-30.

jeff knight · 01-10-2015, 03:09 PM

Originally posted by mee

Switching threads with your comment?

Yep, but not switching brands with my camera....

kadajawi · 01-10-2015, 08:50 PM

Originally posted by RobA_Oz

So it does. I obviously overlooked that image. It shows the USB symbol as well.

Ever since the K-5, HDMI has been available to connect a monitor in place of the LCD screen, so I'm not sure what you mean by that.

Many cameras can't display only the video feed onto the screen, without any overlays. They may not be able to display a 1920x1080 video, it might have compression artefacts, etc. What some people want though is an output that can be recorded via an external HDMI recorder... and for that the full resolution is needed, without overlays etc. AFAIK no Pentax has been able to do that.

**RobA_Oz** · 01-10-2015, 09:02 PM

Originally posted by Steve.Ledger

The HDMI on the K-01 is for playback only, no HDMI live view.
The K-50 has no HDMI port. I expect the K-500 to be the same. I don't have a K-30.

Originally posted by kadajawi

Many cameras can't display only the video feed onto the screen, without any overlays. They may not be able to display a 1920x1080 video, it might have compression artefacts, etc. What some people want though is an output that can be recorded via an external HDMI recorder... and for that the full resolution is needed, without overlays etc. AFAIK no Pentax has been able to do that.

Thank you both. Not having an interest in video, I wasn't aware of the video feed issue.

Na Horuk · 01-11-2015, 06:19 AM

Just one thing I noticed. Traditionally the top tier Pentax had a top LCD, and the mode dial on the left side of the camera. So I guess this is a not a flagship. I assume the K-S1 is the "sideways" product (not part of the main product hierarchy, like K-01 before), this one is the new K-r/K-30/K-50 (the mid tier, just below the flagship). So it will probably have the same sensor as K-S1. And maybe we will get another flagship, a true K-3 replacement, WR (maybe without articulated back LCD) and the works, sometime later.

Still, I think I will start saving up now

This looks like a great camera and it has that articulating screen I wanted! Wifi is okay, as well, I guess. Maybe can connect it to a tablet or smartphone. Can't wait for more info to come out!

kadajawi · 01-11-2015, 06:47 AM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

Just one thing I noticed. Traditionally the top tier Pentax had a top LCD, and the mode dial on the left side of the camera. So I guess this is a not a flagship. I assume the K-S1 is the "sideways" product (not part of the main product hierarchy, like K-01 before), this one is the new K-r/K-30/K-50 (the mid tier, just below the flagship). So it will probably have the same sensor as K-S1. And maybe we will get another flagship, a true K-3 replacement, WR and the works, sometime later.

Still, I think I will start saving up now

This looks like a great camera and it has that articulating screen I wanted! Wifi is okay, as well, I guess. Maybe can connect it to a tablet or smartphone. Can't wait for more info to come out!

Yes, this should be the K-50 replacement... Some of the design elements of the K-S1 clearly went into this, though it's a shame that the lit up 5 way selector didn't make it... or, hopefully, it's lit up in a more subtle way. Lit up buttons in general can be a nice thing when it's dark, especially the mode dial.

A repackaged, hopefully enhanced K-S1 seems reasonable. I can only hope that they use the hardware in the D5300 for this new Pentax. The Milbeaut used there does a good job with video, it produces clean, aliasing and moire free FullHD content, and the encoder, for a h264 one with around 24 Mbps does a good job (maybe Pentax can raise that, offer 18 Mbps, 24 Mbps and 36 Mbps? Or even more), and likewise the D5300 sensor or something like that, something that is fast enough for full sensor readout at a high enough frame rate. If they'd enable SR (just as an option...) that would be a pretty tempting video package IMHO. It would certainly beat Nikon's and Canon's offerings. If the firmware developers then get some inspiration from the NX1 or GH4 or Magic Lantern...

Pentax IIRC did say that the S line is for experiments, so for example the K-01 would have been the K-S1 if they had come up with that earlier (or maybe K-0x was supposed to be that, but since that experiment didn't go so well they decided to do a fresh start).

Since the camera seems to have WiFi and NFC I think it is safe to assume that the reason is so that you can connect it to your smartphone or tablet. Instead of having to set up the phone to connect to the camera, you just tap together phone and camera, and that should more or less be all. Maybe install an app or so, but the process will be much easier. And being properly built in WiFi the speed will be much better than what a FluCard (or so) can provide.

Pentax has got a lot of things right with this camera, it seems. That's great news.

RMabo · 01-11-2015, 07:42 AM

Originally posted by rrstuff

The question is if it is mid-grade, like K-50, or an entry level like K-500. This camera looks a bit flashy, but everything seems to be there - so it could be either.

A K-50 replacement. Difference between the K-50 and K-500 was the weather sealing in the K-50. This unnamed camera is most likely weather sealed since it comes with a WR kit-lens.

**THoog** · 01-11-2015, 08:18 AM

Originally posted by Na Horuk

Just one thing I noticed. Traditionally the top tier Pentax had a top LCD, and the mode dial on the left side of the camera. So I guess this is a not a flagship. I assume the K-S1 is the "sideways" product (not part of the main product hierarchy, like K-01 before), this one is the new K-r/K-30/K-50 (the mid tier, just below the flagship). So it will probably have the same sensor as K-S1. And maybe we will get another flagship, a true K-3 replacement, WR (maybe without articulated back LCD) and the works, sometime later.

IIRC, a Pentax rep at Photokina flatly stated that the K-S1 was not a K-50 replacement, but no one seemed to accept that, and that just added to the negative reaction to it.

A PF member (sorry, don't remember who) did an analysis of time between new Pentax models, and found that it was consistently in the 17-21 month range. We are at 19 months on the K-50, and 14 on the K-3. So we aren't due for a K-3++ for a few more months (CP+ may still be too early), but we are very much due for a K-50++. The plastic body, colors, and control layout very much indicate that the K-?? is that K-50++.

filoxophy · 01-11-2015, 06:00 PM

Originally posted by THoog

IIRC, a Pentax rep at Photokina flatly stated that the K-S1 was not a K-50 replacement, but no one seemed to accept that, and that just added to the negative reaction to it.

People couldn't accept that a brand new model (with newer sensor, etc) was priced the same as a 16 month old model that was ostensibly in a higher bracket.

Don't think I worded that very smoothly, but I just expect Pentax to release bodies at an aggressive price point before letting them fall.

At least they DO fall...circa 2009 7D for $1000 anyone? E-M1 for $1100+? The 7DII is still $1800, or $500 more than the K-3 at launch.

Now the K-S1 has dropped to $600, making room for this new body. Market segments and product cycles, people.

So if this new body is announced and priced before the K-3 replacement, expect a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth on the PF boards...

stillshot2 · 01-11-2015, 10:18 PM

Am I the only one who thinks there isn't a whole lot of room to place your thumb at the back of the camera? It seems the play button will be too easy to push by mistake and should have been put somewhere else.

Steve.Ledger · 01-11-2015, 11:19 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by stillshot2

Am I the only one who thinks there isn't a whole lot of room to place your thumb at the back of the camera?.

No idea, are you?

Seriously though, there's a lot of Q and MX-1 users who don't push buttons by mistake (I have both).
They are much smaller bodies with even less room for fat sausage-like westerner digits

I have a hunch the designers did their homework.

**beachgardener** · 01-11-2015, 11:33 PM

It may be mid-level, but, I am not sure that this camera is much bigger than the KS-1, with flippy screen (must take certain room) and layout on back a bit like the KS-1 this is the look they are going for, it will be interesting to see what they will do for a K3 replacement.

ofer4 · 01-11-2015, 11:37 PM

I like that the articulating screen sits flush with the rest of the body, rather than protruding partially. The use of the OVF doesn't appear to be impacted, which isn't always the case with these screens.

filoxophy · 01-12-2015, 01:24 AM

Originally posted by ofer4

I like that the articulating screen sits flush with the rest of the body, rather than protruding partially. The use of the OVF doesn't appear to be impacted, which isn't always the case with these screens.

Good point. It can't have been easy to fit the SR and the flippy screen behind the sensor without pushing the back out.

Cynog Ap Brychan · 01-12-2015, 03:01 AM

Originally posted by stillshot2

Am I the only one who thinks there isn't a whole lot of room to place your thumb at the back of the camera? It seems the play button will be too easy to push by mistake and should have been put somewhere else.

Judging by other comments in this thread, no you are not (To paraphrase Lincoln; "You can't satisfy all of PF members all of the time"). However, if you want a flippy-out screen and a compact body, this is probably the price that has to be paid. If you don't.... well, get a K-3! I'm not worried - I've used smaller cameras than this without problems,. I guess I don't have fat thumbs.

01-11-2015, 06:19 AM	#140
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,183	Just one thing I noticed. Traditionally the top tier Pentax had a top LCD, and the mode dial on the left side of the camera. So I guess this is a not a flagship. I assume the K-S1 is the "sideways" product (not part of the main product hierarchy, like K-01 before), this one is the new K-r/K-30/K-50 (the mid tier, just below the flagship). So it will probably have the same sensor as K-S1. And maybe we will get another flagship, a true K-3 replacement, WR (maybe without articulated back LCD) and the works, sometime later. Still, I think I will start saving up now This looks like a great camera and it has that articulating screen I wanted! Wifi is okay, as well, I guess. Maybe can connect it to a tablet or smartphone. Can't wait for more info to come out! Last edited by Na Horuk; 01-11-2015 at 06:38 AM.

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01-10-2015, 02:33 PM	#136
Steve.Ledger Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Far North Qld Posts: 3,301	Originally posted by RobA_Oz Ever since the K-5, HDMI has been available to connect a monitor in place of the LCD screen, so I'm not sure what you mean by that. The HDMI on the K-01 is for playback only, no HDMI live view. The K-50 has no HDMI port. I expect the K-500 to be the same. I don't have a K-30.

01-10-2015, 03:09 PM	#137
jeff knight Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pacific Northwest USA Posts: 261	Originally posted by mee Switching threads with your comment? Yep, but not switching brands with my camera....

01-10-2015, 08:50 PM	#138
kadajawi Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 2,796	Originally posted by RobA_Oz So it does. I obviously overlooked that image. It shows the USB symbol as well. Ever since the K-5, HDMI has been available to connect a monitor in place of the LCD screen, so I'm not sure what you mean by that. Many cameras can't display only the video feed onto the screen, without any overlays. They may not be able to display a 1920x1080 video, it might have compression artefacts, etc. What some people want though is an output that can be recorded via an external HDMI recorder... and for that the full resolution is needed, without overlays etc. AFAIK no Pentax has been able to do that.

01-10-2015, 09:02 PM	#139
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 7,870	Originally posted by Steve.Ledger The HDMI on the K-01 is for playback only, no HDMI live view. The K-50 has no HDMI port. I expect the K-500 to be the same. I don't have a K-30. Originally posted by kadajawi Many cameras can't display only the video feed onto the screen, without any overlays. They may not be able to display a 1920x1080 video, it might have compression artefacts, etc. What some people want though is an output that can be recorded via an external HDMI recorder... and for that the full resolution is needed, without overlays etc. AFAIK no Pentax has been able to do that. Thank you both. Not having an interest in video, I wasn't aware of the video feed issue.

01-11-2015, 06:47 AM	#141
kadajawi Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 2,796	Originally posted by Na Horuk Just one thing I noticed. Traditionally the top tier Pentax had a top LCD, and the mode dial on the left side of the camera. So I guess this is a not a flagship. I assume the K-S1 is the "sideways" product (not part of the main product hierarchy, like K-01 before), this one is the new K-r/K-30/K-50 (the mid tier, just below the flagship). So it will probably have the same sensor as K-S1. And maybe we will get another flagship, a true K-3 replacement, WR and the works, sometime later. Still, I think I will start saving up now This looks like a great camera and it has that articulating screen I wanted! Wifi is okay, as well, I guess. Maybe can connect it to a tablet or smartphone. Can't wait for more info to come out! Yes, this should be the K-50 replacement... Some of the design elements of the K-S1 clearly went into this, though it's a shame that the lit up 5 way selector didn't make it... or, hopefully, it's lit up in a more subtle way. Lit up buttons in general can be a nice thing when it's dark, especially the mode dial. A repackaged, hopefully enhanced K-S1 seems reasonable. I can only hope that they use the hardware in the D5300 for this new Pentax. The Milbeaut used there does a good job with video, it produces clean, aliasing and moire free FullHD content, and the encoder, for a h264 one with around 24 Mbps does a good job (maybe Pentax can raise that, offer 18 Mbps, 24 Mbps and 36 Mbps? Or even more), and likewise the D5300 sensor or something like that, something that is fast enough for full sensor readout at a high enough frame rate. If they'd enable SR (just as an option...) that would be a pretty tempting video package IMHO. It would certainly beat Nikon's and Canon's offerings. If the firmware developers then get some inspiration from the NX1 or GH4 or Magic Lantern... Pentax IIRC did say that the S line is for experiments, so for example the K-01 would have been the K-S1 if they had come up with that earlier (or maybe K-0x was supposed to be that, but since that experiment didn't go so well they decided to do a fresh start). Since the camera seems to have WiFi and NFC I think it is safe to assume that the reason is so that you can connect it to your smartphone or tablet. Instead of having to set up the phone to connect to the camera, you just tap together phone and camera, and that should more or less be all. Maybe install an app or so, but the process will be much easier. And being properly built in WiFi the speed will be much better than what a FluCard (or so) can provide. Pentax has got a lot of things right with this camera, it seems. That's great news.

01-11-2015, 07:42 AM	#142
RMabo Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sweden Posts: 845	Originally posted by rrstuff The question is if it is mid-grade, like K-50, or an entry level like K-500. This camera looks a bit flashy, but everything seems to be there - so it could be either. A K-50 replacement. Difference between the K-50 and K-500 was the weather sealing in the K-50. This unnamed camera is most likely weather sealed since it comes with a WR kit-lens.

01-11-2015, 08:18 AM	#143
THoog Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,683	Originally posted by Na Horuk Just one thing I noticed. Traditionally the top tier Pentax had a top LCD, and the mode dial on the left side of the camera. So I guess this is a not a flagship. I assume the K-S1 is the "sideways" product (not part of the main product hierarchy, like K-01 before), this one is the new K-r/K-30/K-50 (the mid tier, just below the flagship). So it will probably have the same sensor as K-S1. And maybe we will get another flagship, a true K-3 replacement, WR (maybe without articulated back LCD) and the works, sometime later. IIRC, a Pentax rep at Photokina flatly stated that the K-S1 was not a K-50 replacement, but no one seemed to accept that, and that just added to the negative reaction to it. A PF member (sorry, don't remember who) did an analysis of time between new Pentax models, and found that it was consistently in the 17-21 month range. We are at 19 months on the K-50, and 14 on the K-3. So we aren't due for a K-3++ for a few more months (CP+ may still be too early), but we are very much due for a K-50++. The plastic body, colors, and control layout very much indicate that the K-?? is that K-50++.

01-11-2015, 06:00 PM	#144
filoxophy Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,126	Originally posted by THoog IIRC, a Pentax rep at Photokina flatly stated that the K-S1 was not a K-50 replacement, but no one seemed to accept that, and that just added to the negative reaction to it. People couldn't accept that a brand new model (with newer sensor, etc) was priced the same as a 16 month old model that was ostensibly in a higher bracket. Don't think I worded that very smoothly, but I just expect Pentax to release bodies at an aggressive price point before letting them fall. At least they DO fall...circa 2009 7D for $1000 anyone? E-M1 for $1100+? The 7DII is still $1800, or $500 more than the K-3 at launch. Now the K-S1 has dropped to $600, making room for this new body. Market segments and product cycles, people. So if this new body is announced and priced before the K-3 replacement, expect a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth on the PF boards...

01-11-2015, 10:18 PM	#145
stillshot2 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Phoenix, AZ Photos: Albums Posts: 1,069	Am I the only one who thinks there isn't a whole lot of room to place your thumb at the back of the camera? It seems the play button will be too easy to push by mistake and should have been put somewhere else.

01-11-2015, 11:19 PM - 1 Like	#146
Steve.Ledger Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Far North Qld Posts: 3,301	Originally posted by stillshot2 Am I the only one who thinks there isn't a whole lot of room to place your thumb at the back of the camera?. No idea, are you? Seriously though, there's a lot of Q and MX-1 users who don't push buttons by mistake (I have both). They are much smaller bodies with even less room for fat sausage-like westerner digits I have a hunch the designers did their homework.

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01-11-2015, 11:33 PM	#147
beachgardener Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,841	It may be mid-level, but, I am not sure that this camera is much bigger than the KS-1, with flippy screen (must take certain room) and layout on back a bit like the KS-1 this is the look they are going for, it will be interesting to see what they will do for a K3 replacement.

01-11-2015, 11:37 PM	#148
ofer4 Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Utah Posts: 428	I like that the articulating screen sits flush with the rest of the body, rather than protruding partially. The use of the OVF doesn't appear to be impacted, which isn't always the case with these screens.

01-12-2015, 01:24 AM	#149
filoxophy Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,126	Originally posted by ofer4 I like that the articulating screen sits flush with the rest of the body, rather than protruding partially. The use of the OVF doesn't appear to be impacted, which isn't always the case with these screens. Good point. It can't have been easy to fit the SR and the flippy screen behind the sensor without pushing the back out.

01-12-2015, 03:01 AM	#150
Cynog Ap Brychan Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Gloucester Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,199	Originally posted by stillshot2 Am I the only one who thinks there isn't a whole lot of room to place your thumb at the back of the camera? It seems the play button will be too easy to push by mistake and should have been put somewhere else. Judging by other comments in this thread, no you are not (To paraphrase Lincoln; "You can't satisfy all of PF members all of the time"). However, if you want a flippy-out screen and a compact body, this is probably the price that has to be paid. If you don't.... well, get a K-3! I'm not worried - I've used smaller cameras than this without problems,. I guess I don't have fat thumbs.