[ogl]

A jump from 14-bit to 16-bit RAW files. That's my guess.

For APS-C sensor

[timcatn]

A jump from 14-bit to 16-bit RAW files. That's my guess.

How much larger would the files be then? 4 times?

[6BQ5]

@ogl - APS? Sure.

@timcatn - 4x? Maybe ... but storage is relatively cheap these days and it will get cheaper.

[Quicksand]

How much larger would the files be then? 4 times?

Approximately 14% larger files (uncompressed) with approximately 0% more useful image data.

[thibs]

Approximately 14% larger files (uncompressed) with approximately 0% more useful image data.

Not even sure 14bit added really anything so 16....

[RonHendriks1966]

Not even sure 14bit added really anything so 16....

My guess is that only at low iso there is something in the 14-bit over the 21-bit files.

[philbaum]

Well, its a really good question. If the FF occurs in 2015, as i suspect it will, how does Pentax differentiate themselves from Canon and Nikon??? At the point that FF is issued, There won't be too much difference between them, except number of lenses, 645Z, Q, Nikon 1, Canon EOS M, and other details.

Samsung and Sony, are thinking much further outside the box, maybe thats good or bad depending on one's outlook. All camera makers have to think about whether standalone cameras need to exist anymore, with 4K videocams able to discharge a single pretty good resolution frame. Maybe its not the smart phones that are the enemy, its the nasty videocams.

[cali92rs]

With the K-5/ii (14 bit raw), you are able to pull more shadow detail before you get appreciable noise than with the K-30/-50 (12 bit raw). I, and plenty others that have owned both cameras, as well as DxO testing, have observed this.


There isn't a huge difference, but it is there and noticeable.

[mee]

A jump from 14-bit to 16-bit RAW files. That's my guess.

I believe Ricoh discussed that in one of their more recent interviews. Wonder what advantage that would really bring..

[philbaum]

With the K-5/ii (14 bit raw), you are able to pull more shadow detail before you get appreciable noise than with the K-30/-50 (12 bit raw). I, and plenty others that have owned both cameras, as well as DxO testing, have observed this.
There isn't a huge difference, but it is there and noticeable.

I agree, my Pentax cameras with their 14bit files seem to be a lot more resistent to noise during PP than my 12 bit Sony Nexes.

[quant2325]

50MP DSLR is what is next. The question is if Pentax goes with the new SONY sensors for a FF: Rumor Has It Sony And Nikon Will Also Produce 50MP Cameras - DIY Photography

[ogl]

Do you ever have anything constructive to add?

I've got it from last Ricoh's interview at dc.watch.impress.co.jp. What is your problem?

[jonlg]

Pentax don't have to differentiate themselves technically really, they just have to do what they do best and play to their existing and extremely enthusiastic user base. It's hard to think of any other camera company which can match the fanatical devotion this brand attracts. There are probably several hundred thousand people in the world who have been with Pentax for most of their lives and stuck with them through some pretty lean times when the brand was being run into the ground and are still here hoping and praying that in 2015 they will build the greatest 35mm frame Pentax ever made...

In short they don't need their sensor tech to be better than Nikon or their lenses to be better than Canon or their wireless to be better than Samsung. They just need to build something which is equivalent to what the other players in the market are doing with their D750's and EOS 5D's - so like a K3 with a bigger sensor and have the core lenses available for it initially to support the system. If they do that we will come and the pent up demand from the enthusiastic user base is certainly huge when you look at the constant debate this subject attracts from Pentaxians all over the world. The truth is many of us have grown up with the brand (I've used Pentax exclusively since 1981) and our photography has reached the point of being capable enthusiastic amateurs or even professionals and at present we find ourselves left with nowhere affordable to go above the K3 but with a large system which would at least partially support full frame. We have strong emotional ties to Pentax and are willing them to do this so that finally we can compete on an equal footing with the big boys.

I must admit that I'm getting rather excited about this!

Jonlg

[thibs]

I agree, my Pentax cameras with their 14bit files seem to be a lot more resistent to noise during PP than my 12 bit Sony Nexes.

I'm not that surprised but to eliminate any 'Sony influence' we should get 12 and 14bit files from the same camera.
I don't think the K5/K3 can be congired that way. Can they?

Anyway, 16bit files for anything than gimmick marketing (and hard drive space) would ask for major DR advance. Lately DR has rather tendency to contract somewhat (16Mp->24Mp APS).

[cali92rs]

I'm not that surprised but to eliminate any 'Sony influence' we should get 12 and 14bit files from the same camera.
I don't think the K5/K3 can be congired that way. Can they?

Anyway, 16bit files for anything than gimmick marketing (and hard drive space) would ask for major DR advance. Lately DR has rather tendency to contract somewhat (16Mp->24Mp APS).

I don't know if you have me on ignore...but for others, I pointed out that the K-5 has better shadow recovery than the K-30, which eliminates the "Sony" influence. Both Pentax cameras.

I think you can change from 12 to 14 bit on the D800. Most folks agree that it isn't a huge difference, but it isn't negligible.