Originally posted by zapp If a $500 update promises three specific enhancements and we have to discuss one of them to death (see above), two are left. Handheld pixel shift and faster AF tracking. For AF tracking we have some subjective comments - fells better. Handheld pixel shift is OK, but nobody is raving about it. The accelerator is not a killer feature - I even assume Pentax thought they could do more with it two year after K1 release. That means, K1 is already quite pefect and the accelerator does more or less OK. Add some new features marketing wise, any camera should get a CLA with the upgrade (costs extra, but helps), and Pentax can collect some funds for real improvements.
Given the level of Digital Photography these days, who's done better with a release in the last 5 years. I'm still debating whether my K-1 is better than a k-5 for many images. And we have some image shot side by side that would suggest there are times when it isn't. The low hanging fruit is gone. We have Nikon Relaseing the D850 that isn't really better than a K-1, We have Canon releasing the Latest 5D incarnation that still isn't better for IQ than a K-1. Where is this camera company that has made great advances in their latest model release pf a 36 MP + camera?
No one expected increases in IQ when they upgraded their SLR. Same lens, same film, same image. It's all about the refinement of the process now. In a way, it's not even really designed for K-1 users, it's design for the guy looking for a current FF body. So what's on your shopping list?
Richer colour at high ISO? Slightly better AF? You can happily buy a K-1ii knowing the engineers have been busy since the K-1. But until whoever perfects the organic sensor, this looks to be pretty much it. It's unfortunate that people have become so use to huge changes things model to model that if something doesn't slap them in the face they feel cheated, but the simple fact is digital is maturing, and the low hanging fruit is gone.
It's simply unfortunate that some people are too incompetent at what they do to properly evaluate the changes. For me it's a lot simpler, Do K-1 users who have a K-1 like them? And the simple answer is a rough guess is about 10-1 do, and the one who doesn't is a kook. One of those self proclaimed scientists who thinks he's so good he doesn'tt need no stinking peer review, or relevant data.
Its tough on the test sites. They have to hype cameras that are essentially more of the same. SO, in the case of DPR, they just make stuff up.
Pentax mae a unique offer to give folks a chance to upgrade to the latest tech for $500. That in itself is pretty special. Who else has done that. But that's the thing Mr. Zapp, it doesn't matter how special, how unique what Pentax does is, it's not good enough for you. What you are asking Pentax to do here, is do something no one else can do. At this point in time Pentax is ahead of the game, where it counts, in the IQ of the final image, not frills like AF or FPS who's effects are not directly apparent in the final image.
I'm getting really tired because people try and present themselves as qualified to comment on the direction Pentax engineers have taken. They aren't. And their shoddy attempts to discredit Pentax are at best, inconclusive, at worst, grandstanding and playing the crowd like snake oil salesmen.
So enjoy your coffeee, go take some pictures.