After returning my K-5 due to the issues with over exposure with indirect flash, i bought a K-30 a couple of weeks ago, just to realize that the flash issues remains, maybe even got worse compared to the K-5.
Both the K-5 & K-30 are totally outperformed by my old K100D Super when it comes to flash exposures.
Take a look at these pictures:
They are taken with combinations of K-30 & K100D Super, and flashes Metz 58 AF-1 & Pentax AF-540FGZ. Same lens used on both cameras. Latest available firmwares in both flashes and cameras. The pictures were taken in a room with ambient light from a lamp in the ceiling.
Naming of the files explains conditions:
p or
m: exposure mode, Program or Manual
lv: Live View
metz or
af540: Flash used
ob: OmniBounce diffusor mounted on flash
direct, up, 45: Flash direction
dark: No ambient light in the room
k100: Pictures taken with the K100D Super
In P mode, the exposure values differ between the cameras. Therefore the K100D Super pics are taken i M mode with the same values as the K-30.
Notice how exposure levels varies depending on flash direction on the K-30,
especially how it over exposure with no ambient light in the room and bounced flash.
Also notice that
it does not over exposure with no ambient light in the room and bounced flash, in live view mode.
Then notice how similar the exposures of the K100D Super is, no matter flash direction, flash brand, ambient light or not.
It is about time that Pentax acknowledges this well known issue and deals with it, instead of denying the existance of the problem. It is embarrasing that otherwise two great cameras like the K-5 and K-30 are outperformed by the old K100d Super in this case.
If you managed to get it right back then, why can´t you get it right now?!
Last edited by Lage; 11-14-2012 at 02:06 AM.