Is the K1 really for the average amateur photographer?

**todd** · 03-17-2016, 09:19 AM - **1 Like**

Not too long ago we had that fuji guy telling us in his viral that FF is a silly upgrade because it's not much more than crop, and we should be going MF if we really want more... So we 'averagers' shouldn't think it's a big deal to go FF based on the flip side of that logic.

It's already been said here, the fact that full frame was the norm for the average averagers before digital, so we're really just getting back to where we started, except maybe the price curve is different than in the film only days...

We have the good fortune that RP knew they had to price this camera within the reach of some averagers, which they did perfectly imo. RP sure thinks it's for us too and I agree. It's a good day to be average.

m0n0 · 03-17-2016, 10:20 AM

Finally, finally, to shoot all that old Pentax prime glass at the focal lengths they were intended for! Much as I appreciated their optical qualities I had come to really hate using my beloved FA Limiteds and other primes cropped. After years of whingeing about this and finally scoffing at the ever receding timetable for a FF body, I would have felt compelled to buy one when it finally came out, even if just matched Canon and Nikon standards. But all the reviews seem to confirm that the K-1's price/performance ratio has exceeded all expectations. Beyond just being just the "me too" full frame camera some of us diehards and faithless whingers would have bought anyway, out of love or out of embarrassment for our collection of old Pentax glass, the K-1 is extraordinary value. I am looking forward to getting mine.

**Alex645** · 03-17-2016, 10:42 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by m0n0

I would have felt compelled to buy one when it finally came out, even if just matched Canon and Nikon standards. But all the reviews seem to confirm that the K-1's price/performance ratio has exceeded all expectations.

It certainly does exceed the competition in the same price point:

K-1: 36MP
D610: 24MP
6D: 20MP

K-1: IBIS
D610: none
6D: none

K-1: AF points: 33
D610: 39
6D: 11

K-1: Display screen: 3.2" tilting
D610: 3.2" fixed
6D: 3" fixed

K-1: Max ISO 204,800
D610: 6,400
6D: 25,600

K-1: Max shutter: 1/8000"
D610: 1/4000"
6D: 1/4000"

K-1: Operational down to: 14F
D610: 32F
6D: 32F

Yes, Canon and Nikon can match specs with the K-1, but not at the same price point. Kudos to Pentax for the effort and execution.

**savoche** · 03-17-2016, 12:09 PM

Is the BMW M3 really for the average amateur motorist?

Sorry, not meaning to make fun of you, but I think the answer would be the same...

MarkJerling · 03-17-2016, 01:18 PM

Originally posted by savoche

Is the BMW M3 really for the average amateur motorist?

Sorry, not meaning to make fun of you, but I think the answer would be the same...

No, the M3 is for guys who try to compensate for something else.
Now, stop talking about bee em trouble you's and get back to the K-1!

pathdoc · 03-17-2016, 01:40 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Nope, it's for people who want full frame

That's certainly not the average person.

I'm not sure - I think there would be people who would buy the K-1 even if it were APS-C. Granted it probably would not have cost quite as much, but there would definitely be takers. There's more to this camera than just the sensor size.

Adam · 03-17-2016, 01:52 PM

Originally posted by pathdoc

I'm not sure - I think there would be people who would buy the K-1 even if it were APS-C. Granted it probably would not have cost quite as much, but there would definitely be takers. There's more to this camera than just the sensor size.

There certainly is much more to it, but IMO if it were not a full frame, it wouldn't have gotten half the attention it's currently getting. Kind of like a beautifully restored vintage car without an engine

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)

PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

**jatrax** · 03-17-2016, 02:25 PM

Originally posted by pathdoc

I'm not sure - I think there would be people who would buy the K-1 even if it were APS-C.

I am confident there will be people who buy the K-1 and have no idea it is FF not APS-C, or what the heck FF & APS-C even means.

**Alex645** · 03-17-2016, 02:30 PM

Originally posted by jatrax

I am confident there will be people who buy the K-1 and have no idea it is FF not APS-C, or what the heck FF & APS-C even means.

Without google, how many reading this post knows what the acronym for APS-C means, the size of the sensor, and aspect ratio?

**jatrax** · 03-17-2016, 02:34 PM

Originally posted by Alex645

Without google, how many reading this post knows what the acronym for APS-C means, the size of the sensor, and aspect ratio?

I got two out of three......................

**todd** · 03-17-2016, 03:36 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Alex645

Without google, how many reading this post knows what the acronym for APS-C means, the size of the sensor, and aspect ratio?

I would think most here would certainly know these things but maybe I'm wrong... Edit: oh I bet you're meaning that actual APSC dimensions.. Yeah don't have that memorized..

You triggered a interesting realization though, that there are probably still plenty of average consumers out there still falling for the m-pickle race... They will just compare specs among available brands without knowing much of anything and buy this camera simply based on the most mpickles for the price, considering it most bangpickle for their buck.. And it even has a tilty screen! SOLD!

Topsy · 03-17-2016, 05:09 PM

Originally posted by savoche

Is the BMW M3 really for the average amateur motorist?

Sorry, not meaning to make fun of you, but I think the answer would be the same...

The answer absolutely wouldn't be the same.
I'd rather not give a rear wheel drive beast to an average amateur motorist, especially if it's got a shiny button to switch all driving aids off.. (I know there are many about, and many drive like nutters too.)

I do have the belief that if you buy quality equipment you have the possibility of learning faster.
When picking up a new hobby I've mostly bought equipment that wasn't really aimed at the beginner but rather at advanced users. But I usually progress very fast and then suddenly hit a barrier at a spot that's slightly above average (with physical hobbies that is).

So I do think that getting good equipment can help you and quite surely won't pose a barrier for you where a beginners model would.

Enough rambling; yes, The K-1 totally also is for the beginner, in my book.

**loveisageless** · 03-17-2016, 08:27 PM

Amateur = not using the camera to make a living. It does not necessarily = lack of knowledge, experience or creativity. Most musicians are not professional players, yet they too can appreciate the special tone and resonance that a fine musical instrument can produce. Will there be a lot of inexperienced amateurs who buy the K-1? Possibly. Their inexperience does not necessarily = a lack of creativity (worthiness). There is no time limit in which one must learn everything there is to know about photography to enjoy one's equipment. I seem to recall a forum member who used only one of his lenses for all of his photographs for a month at a time. It is a wonderful way to learn the special qualities of a given lens. I am looking forward to the rest of my life to explore the lenses I have been blessed enough to be able to afford. I look forward to doing so with the K-1. I will do so for the same reason I drive a roadster. Life is too short to worry about what others think I "should" be driving, taking pictures with, etc.

**savoche** · 03-17-2016, 11:57 PM

Originally posted by Topsy

The answer absolutely wouldn't be the same.
I'd rather not give a rear wheel drive beast to an average amateur motorist, especially if it's got a shiny button to switch all driving aids off..

You are right, or course. The "Kewan" poses no physical danger to anyone. Well, beyond being a lump of titanium

Still, the answer will be: if you want it and can afford it, it is for you.

**wizofoz** · 03-18-2016, 12:23 AM - **1 Like**

I consulted my local Jedi Master. Obiwan confirmed that a Kewan is in my future. I was very pleased.

03-17-2016, 03:36 PM - 1 Like	#56
todd Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,791	Originally posted by Alex645 Without google, how many reading this post knows what the acronym for APS-C means, the size of the sensor, and aspect ratio? I would think most here would certainly know these things but maybe I'm wrong... Edit: oh I bet you're meaning that actual APSC dimensions.. Yeah don't have that memorized.. You triggered a interesting realization though, that there are probably still plenty of average consumers out there still falling for the m-pickle race... They will just compare specs among available brands without knowing much of anything and buy this camera simply based on the most mpickles for the price, considering it most bangpickle for their buck.. And it even has a tilty screen! SOLD! Last edited by todd; 03-17-2016 at 03:41 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Full moon or is it because of the pending K1?	noelpolar	General Talk	8	01-10-2016 01:52 PM
Amateur Photographer UK says Pentax K3 is a giant step for Pentax	raider	Pentax K-3 & K-3 II	9	10-29-2013 03:18 PM
Amateur photographer dies "on the job".	normhead	General Talk	2	07-09-2011 03:43 AM
Pentax K-5 on the cover of Amateur Photographer	fearview	Pentax News and Rumors	36	02-04-2011 12:39 PM
P-TTL VS TTL.... what is the difference to the average user?	slip	Pentax DSLR Discussion	16	01-17-2007 12:22 PM

03-17-2016, 09:19 AM - 1 Like	#46
todd Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,791	Not too long ago we had that fuji guy telling us in his viral that FF is a silly upgrade because it's not much more than crop, and we should be going MF if we really want more... So we 'averagers' shouldn't think it's a big deal to go FF based on the flip side of that logic. It's already been said here, the fact that full frame was the norm for the average averagers before digital, so we're really just getting back to where we started, except maybe the price curve is different than in the film only days... We have the good fortune that RP knew they had to price this camera within the reach of some averagers, which they did perfectly imo. RP sure thinks it's for us too and I agree. It's a good day to be average.

03-17-2016, 10:20 AM	#47
m0n0 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 30	Finally, finally, to shoot all that old Pentax prime glass at the focal lengths they were intended for! Much as I appreciated their optical qualities I had come to really hate using my beloved FA Limiteds and other primes cropped. After years of whingeing about this and finally scoffing at the ever receding timetable for a FF body, I would have felt compelled to buy one when it finally came out, even if just matched Canon and Nikon standards. But all the reviews seem to confirm that the K-1's price/performance ratio has exceeded all expectations. Beyond just being just the "me too" full frame camera some of us diehards and faithless whingers would have bought anyway, out of love or out of embarrassment for our collection of old Pentax glass, the K-1 is extraordinary value. I am looking forward to getting mine.

03-17-2016, 10:42 AM - 1 Like	#48
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,526	Originally posted by m0n0 I would have felt compelled to buy one when it finally came out, even if just matched Canon and Nikon standards. But all the reviews seem to confirm that the K-1's price/performance ratio has exceeded all expectations. It certainly does exceed the competition in the same price point: K-1: 36MP D610: 24MP 6D: 20MP K-1: IBIS D610: none 6D: none K-1: AF points: 33 D610: 39 6D: 11 K-1: Display screen: 3.2" tilting D610: 3.2" fixed 6D: 3" fixed K-1: Max ISO 204,800 D610: 6,400 6D: 25,600 K-1: Max shutter: 1/8000" D610: 1/4000" 6D: 1/4000" K-1: Operational down to: 14F D610: 32F 6D: 32F Yes, Canon and Nikon can match specs with the K-1, but not at the same price point. Kudos to Pentax for the effort and execution.

03-17-2016, 12:09 PM	#49
savoche Master of the obvious Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Lowlands of Norway Posts: 18,311	Is the BMW M3 really for the average amateur motorist? Sorry, not meaning to make fun of you, but I think the answer would be the same...

03-17-2016, 01:18 PM	#50
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,406	Originally posted by savoche Is the BMW M3 really for the average amateur motorist? Sorry, not meaning to make fun of you, but I think the answer would be the same... No, the M3 is for guys who try to compensate for something else. Now, stop talking about bee em trouble you's and get back to the K-1!

03-17-2016, 01:40 PM	#51
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	Originally posted by Adam Nope, it's for people who want full frame That's certainly not the average person. I'm not sure - I think there would be people who would buy the K-1 even if it were APS-C. Granted it probably would not have cost quite as much, but there would definitely be takers. There's more to this camera than just the sensor size.

03-17-2016, 01:52 PM	#52
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by pathdoc I'm not sure - I think there would be people who would buy the K-1 even if it were APS-C. Granted it probably would not have cost quite as much, but there would definitely be takers. There's more to this camera than just the sensor size. There certainly is much more to it, but IMO if it were not a full frame, it wouldn't have gotten half the attention it's currently getting. Kind of like a beautifully restored vintage car without an engine Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

03-17-2016, 02:25 PM	#53
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by pathdoc I'm not sure - I think there would be people who would buy the K-1 even if it were APS-C. I am confident there will be people who buy the K-1 and have no idea it is FF not APS-C, or what the heck FF & APS-C even means.

03-17-2016, 02:30 PM	#54
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,526	Originally posted by jatrax I am confident there will be people who buy the K-1 and have no idea it is FF not APS-C, or what the heck FF & APS-C even means. Without google, how many reading this post knows what the acronym for APS-C means, the size of the sensor, and aspect ratio?

03-17-2016, 02:34 PM	#55
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by Alex645 Without google, how many reading this post knows what the acronym for APS-C means, the size of the sensor, and aspect ratio? I got two out of three......................

03-17-2016, 05:09 PM	#57
Topsy Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 625	Originally posted by savoche Is the BMW M3 really for the average amateur motorist? Sorry, not meaning to make fun of you, but I think the answer would be the same... The answer absolutely wouldn't be the same. I'd rather not give a rear wheel drive beast to an average amateur motorist, especially if it's got a shiny button to switch all driving aids off.. (I know there are many about, and many drive like nutters too.) I do have the belief that if you buy quality equipment you have the possibility of learning faster. When picking up a new hobby I've mostly bought equipment that wasn't really aimed at the beginner but rather at advanced users. But I usually progress very fast and then suddenly hit a barrier at a spot that's slightly above average (with physical hobbies that is). So I do think that getting good equipment can help you and quite surely won't pose a barrier for you where a beginners model would. Enough rambling; yes, The K-1 totally also is for the beginner, in my book.

03-17-2016, 08:27 PM	#58
loveisageless Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Oakland, California Photos: Albums Posts: 1,250	Amateur = not using the camera to make a living. It does not necessarily = lack of knowledge, experience or creativity. Most musicians are not professional players, yet they too can appreciate the special tone and resonance that a fine musical instrument can produce. Will there be a lot of inexperienced amateurs who buy the K-1? Possibly. Their inexperience does not necessarily = a lack of creativity (worthiness). There is no time limit in which one must learn everything there is to know about photography to enjoy one's equipment. I seem to recall a forum member who used only one of his lenses for all of his photographs for a month at a time. It is a wonderful way to learn the special qualities of a given lens. I am looking forward to the rest of my life to explore the lenses I have been blessed enough to be able to afford. I look forward to doing so with the K-1. I will do so for the same reason I drive a roadster. Life is too short to worry about what others think I "should" be driving, taking pictures with, etc.

03-17-2016, 11:57 PM	#59
savoche Master of the obvious Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Lowlands of Norway Posts: 18,311	Originally posted by Topsy The answer absolutely wouldn't be the same. I'd rather not give a rear wheel drive beast to an average amateur motorist, especially if it's got a shiny button to switch all driving aids off.. You are right, or course. The "Kewan" poses no physical danger to anyone. Well, beyond being a lump of titanium Still, the answer will be: if you want it and can afford it, it is for you.

03-18-2016, 12:23 AM - 1 Like	#60
wizofoz Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Melbourne, Outer east. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,695	I consulted my local Jedi Master. Obiwan confirmed that a Kewan is in my future. I was very pleased.