Unique Pentax features

lavascript · 07-27-2015, 10:33 AM

When I chose the Pentax K10D over the Nikon D70s or Canon 20D, my main reasoning was the price-to-feature ratio, and the fact that I could afford a flagship camera, instead of one where Canikon purposefully cripple features to maintain upgradeability. But something that pushed me over the edge was the fact that Pentax seemed to be (and still is!) innovating on actual features. Re-thinking things instead of just relying on what worked with film. I don't really use TAv, but I have used X mode a lot. During my K-r stint, M worked ok as an X mode stand-in, but I still missed it.

I have a Canon acquaintance to whom I'll be "showing off" my new K-3 in a few days. Certainly not in an effort to convince him to switch, simply as a retort to the fact that he scoffed a bit when I mentioned that I shoot Pentax. I want to show him that Pentax is not some cut-rate, third-tier company. I'm trying to compile a list of features that are present in Pentax bodies, specifically the K-3, that Canon/Nikon do not offer, even in their flagships.

Just to get it out of the way, yes, brand arguing is silly and pointless, and it's only the resulting images that really matter. Nonetheless, here's the list that I've come up with, but I'm not 100% sure that these features aren't available from Canikon. Please correct me and/or add to the list. Thanks!

In-body SR
Mag-alloy and/or weather-sealing, even in "entry-level" bodies
Full historical lens compatibility
Meter that functions with old glass
Catch-in-focus on manual-focus lenses
X, Sv, TAv
Major customizability: Fx button, Green button, e-Dial function/direction, etc. (Flagship bodies probably all have this, but I have no idea)
Choice of locking mode dial (extension of previous)

Outis · 07-27-2015, 10:47 AM

Add all the fantastic engineering they've built on the fact that they can move the sensor very precisely for image stabilization-- the AA filter simulator and the Astrotracer function (if you get the GPS unit).

biz-engineer · 07-27-2015, 10:49 AM

What Pentax K-5 and K-3 have is front and rear IR receiver. 7D does not have that. I don't have a 7D, but I guess it also has a number of features that Pentax bodies don't have (such as better AF fine tuning capabilities, thermal compensation of infinity focus, and in camera RAW -> JPEG conversion level curves). Perhaps what does matter most is that the camera we use possesses the features we use, rather than having an escalation of gadget like features. Personally, I prefer having less features, lean menus, direct manual control, high perf AF and sensor, reliability and choice of a few but key lenses.

aleonx3 · 07-27-2015, 11:03 AM

Most of the features you mentioned can also be found in magic lantern which is not part of the firmware from Canon. Ask him also how to change ISO while you are keeping your eyes in the viewfinder; and in general the camera ergonomics and better control of buttons and dials using right thumb and index fingers. I find it very clumsy to change ISO on the high end Canon models since they don't have 2 dials conveniently located.

Mention also about the multi-exposure feature of the k-3 as in this write up by a fellow forum member.
Pentax K-3 Multi exposure and Interval Composition | Wallace Koopmans Artlog

**UncleVanya** · 07-27-2015, 12:03 PM

Save the best for last...

"and it says Pentax right here!"

lavascript · 07-27-2015, 12:05 PM

Originally posted by aleonx3

Most of the features you mentioned can also be found in magic lantern which is not part of the firmware from Canon. Ask him also how to change ISO while you are keeping your eyes in the viewfinder; and in general the camera ergonomics and better control of buttons and dials using right thumb and index fingers. I find it very clumsy to change ISO on the high end Canon models since they don't have 2 dials conveniently located.

Mention also about the multi-exposure feature of the k-3 as in this write up by a fellow forum member.
Pentax K-3 Multi exposure and Interval Composition | Wallace Koopmans Artlog

Thanks for the link, that's great. Also brings up another Canon advantage, alternate firmware.

**boriscleto** · 07-27-2015, 12:07 PM

In the case of the K-3, The Ricoh on the back of the camera.

Another unique feature, that they are nearly impossible to buy at a retail store in the US.

lavascript · 07-27-2015, 12:19 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

... nearly impossible to buy at a retail store in the US.

A what store? What's that?

aleonx3 · 07-27-2015, 12:38 PM

Originally posted by lavascript

Thanks for the link, that's great. Also brings up another Canon advantage, alternate firmware.

You have to pay extra for it (third party)... but the features are included in Pentax camera firmware - big difference IMHO.

lytrytyr · 07-27-2015, 01:06 PM

Originally posted by Outis

Add all the fantastic engineering they've built on the fact that they can move the sensor very precisely for image stabilization-- the AA filter simulator and the Astrotracer function (if you get the GPS unit).

Also composition adjust.
And now the enhanced resolution mode,
although Hassy have done that for a while.

It's not based on sensor-shift,
but catch-in-focus is another good Pentax feature,
although AFAIK there are also ways to do it on a Nikon.
Not sure about Canon and Sony.

stevebrot · 07-27-2015, 01:12 PM

Originally posted by lavascript

Thanks for the link, that's great. Also brings up another Canon advantage, alternate firmware.

Magic Lantern is not alternate firmware per se* and comes with this explicit warning (in bold print) in the user guide:

Quote:

And, remember that this software can damage or destroy your camera.

I think that should be enough caution!

A quick rundown the ML features still continues to surprise me. For sure, many are only pertinent to older models, but Pentax has supported most of the still image features for the last half decade or so.** It is the video extensions that provide the most value and justify the risk, though only if you are willing to brick the camera. Too bad there is spotty support for the various Canon models.

Steve

* The explanation is complicated. It is enough to say that the Canon firmware remains resident with ML providing extensions in much the same way as a service tech debug tools might.

** I would really like to see Pentax implement a few of the ML features, particularly automated DotTune AF fine adjust.

stevebrot · 07-27-2015, 01:21 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

Another unique feature, that they are nearly impossible to buy at a retail store in the US.

Another advantage of living here in the NW...real brick 'n mortar camera stores stocking Pentax product.

Steve

stevebrot · 07-27-2015, 01:28 PM

Originally posted by aleonx3

You have to pay extra for it (third party)...

Unless there is someone offering a supported version somewhere, downloads of the nightly builds are still free of charge from magiclantern.fm. There are no stable releases, just the latest and greatest.

Steve

aleonx3 · 07-27-2015, 01:58 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Unless there is someone offering a supported version somewhere, downloads of the nightly builds are still free of charge from magiclantern.fm. There are no stable releases, just the latest and greatest.

Steve

Thanks for the correction... (yes, use at your own risk type), I had a conversation with one of my Canon user friends - he used magic lantern to enable focus peaking in Liveview in his EOS M..

condor27596 · 07-27-2015, 02:00 PM

My sister donated me a Nikon D70s with kit lens. I have a k-5IIs ( after ist and k200). It came with a kit lens made in Thailand.

The first thing I noticed was the lightning fast focus even in low light and the razor sharp pics from what is not supposed to be the best lens.

The second thing I noticed is if you want to make a change you had to use a complicated menu system.

It's larger, but a fraction of the weight.

I understand why one would get it over canon. Assuming you are in a store and the selection is canon or Nikon. If I had not found out about Pentax by accident I would be happy to own one.

07-27-2015, 10:33 AM	#1
lavascript Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Baton Rouge Posts: 396	Unique Pentax features When I chose the Pentax K10D over the Nikon D70s or Canon 20D, my main reasoning was the price-to-feature ratio, and the fact that I could afford a flagship camera, instead of one where Canikon purposefully cripple features to maintain upgradeability. But something that pushed me over the edge was the fact that Pentax seemed to be (and still is!) innovating on actual features. Re-thinking things instead of just relying on what worked with film. I don't really use TAv, but I have used X mode a lot. During my K-r stint, M worked ok as an X mode stand-in, but I still missed it. I have a Canon acquaintance to whom I'll be "showing off" my new K-3 in a few days. Certainly not in an effort to convince him to switch, simply as a retort to the fact that he scoffed a bit when I mentioned that I shoot Pentax. I want to show him that Pentax is not some cut-rate, third-tier company. I'm trying to compile a list of features that are present in Pentax bodies, specifically the K-3, that Canon/Nikon do not offer, even in their flagships. Just to get it out of the way, yes, brand arguing is silly and pointless, and it's only the resulting images that really matter. Nonetheless, here's the list that I've come up with, but I'm not 100% sure that these features aren't available from Canikon. Please correct me and/or add to the list. Thanks! In-body SR Mag-alloy and/or weather-sealing, even in "entry-level" bodies Full historical lens compatibility Meter that functions with old glass Catch-in-focus on manual-focus lenses X, Sv, TAv Major customizability: Fx button, Green button, e-Dial function/direction, etc. (Flagship bodies probably all have this, but I have no idea) Choice of locking mode dial (extension of previous)

07-27-2015, 01:12 PM	#11
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by lavascript Thanks for the link, that's great. Also brings up another Canon advantage, alternate firmware. Magic Lantern is not alternate firmware per se* and comes with this explicit warning (in bold print) in the user guide: Quote: And, remember that this software can damage or destroy your camera. I think that should be enough caution! A quick rundown the ML features still continues to surprise me. For sure, many are only pertinent to older models, but Pentax has supported most of the still image features for the last half decade or so.** It is the video extensions that provide the most value and justify the risk, though only if you are willing to brick the camera. Too bad there is spotty support for the various Canon models. Steve * The explanation is complicated. It is enough to say that the Canon firmware remains resident with ML providing extensions in much the same way as a service tech debug tools might. ** I would really like to see Pentax implement a few of the ML features, particularly automated DotTune AF fine adjust. Last edited by stevebrot; 07-27-2015 at 01:37 PM.

07-27-2015, 01:58 PM	#14
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Originally posted by stevebrot Unless there is someone offering a supported version somewhere, downloads of the nightly builds are still free of charge from magiclantern.fm. There are no stable releases, just the latest and greatest. Steve Thanks for the correction... (yes, use at your own risk type), I had a conversation with one of my Canon user friends - he used magic lantern to enable focus peaking in Liveview in his EOS M.. Last edited by aleonx3; 07-27-2015 at 02:06 PM.

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07-27-2015, 10:47 AM	#2
Outis Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Cambridge, MA Posts: 935	Add all the fantastic engineering they've built on the fact that they can move the sensor very precisely for image stabilization-- the AA filter simulator and the Astrotracer function (if you get the GPS unit).

07-27-2015, 10:49 AM	#3
biz-engineer Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 12,247	What Pentax K-5 and K-3 have is front and rear IR receiver. 7D does not have that. I don't have a 7D, but I guess it also has a number of features that Pentax bodies don't have (such as better AF fine tuning capabilities, thermal compensation of infinity focus, and in camera RAW -> JPEG conversion level curves). Perhaps what does matter most is that the camera we use possesses the features we use, rather than having an escalation of gadget like features. Personally, I prefer having less features, lean menus, direct manual control, high perf AF and sensor, reliability and choice of a few but key lenses.

07-27-2015, 11:03 AM	#4
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Most of the features you mentioned can also be found in magic lantern which is not part of the firmware from Canon. Ask him also how to change ISO while you are keeping your eyes in the viewfinder; and in general the camera ergonomics and better control of buttons and dials using right thumb and index fingers. I find it very clumsy to change ISO on the high end Canon models since they don't have 2 dials conveniently located. Mention also about the multi-exposure feature of the k-3 as in this write up by a fellow forum member. Pentax K-3 Multi exposure and Interval Composition \| Wallace Koopmans Artlog

07-27-2015, 12:03 PM	#5
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,459	Save the best for last... "and it says Pentax right here!"

07-27-2015, 12:05 PM	#6
lavascript Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Baton Rouge Posts: 396 Original Poster	Originally posted by aleonx3 Most of the features you mentioned can also be found in magic lantern which is not part of the firmware from Canon. Ask him also how to change ISO while you are keeping your eyes in the viewfinder; and in general the camera ergonomics and better control of buttons and dials using right thumb and index fingers. I find it very clumsy to change ISO on the high end Canon models since they don't have 2 dials conveniently located. Mention also about the multi-exposure feature of the k-3 as in this write up by a fellow forum member. Pentax K-3 Multi exposure and Interval Composition \| Wallace Koopmans Artlog Thanks for the link, that's great. Also brings up another Canon advantage, alternate firmware.

07-27-2015, 12:07 PM	#7
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	In the case of the K-3, The Ricoh on the back of the camera. Another unique feature, that they are nearly impossible to buy at a retail store in the US.

07-27-2015, 12:19 PM	#8
lavascript Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Baton Rouge Posts: 396 Original Poster	Originally posted by boriscleto ... nearly impossible to buy at a retail store in the US. A what store? What's that?

07-27-2015, 12:38 PM	#9
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Originally posted by lavascript Thanks for the link, that's great. Also brings up another Canon advantage, alternate firmware. You have to pay extra for it (third party)... but the features are included in Pentax camera firmware - big difference IMHO.

07-27-2015, 01:06 PM	#10
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by Outis Add all the fantastic engineering they've built on the fact that they can move the sensor very precisely for image stabilization-- the AA filter simulator and the Astrotracer function (if you get the GPS unit). Also composition adjust. And now the enhanced resolution mode, although Hassy have done that for a while. It's not based on sensor-shift, but catch-in-focus is another good Pentax feature, although AFAIK there are also ways to do it on a Nikon. Not sure about Canon and Sony.

07-27-2015, 01:21 PM	#12
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by boriscleto Another unique feature, that they are nearly impossible to buy at a retail store in the US. Another advantage of living here in the NW...real brick 'n mortar camera stores stocking Pentax product. Steve

07-27-2015, 01:28 PM	#13
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by aleonx3 You have to pay extra for it (third party)... Unless there is someone offering a supported version somewhere, downloads of the nightly builds are still free of charge from magiclantern.fm. There are no stable releases, just the latest and greatest. Steve

07-27-2015, 02:00 PM	#15
condor27596 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Raleigh, NC, USA Posts: 870	My sister donated me a Nikon D70s with kit lens. I have a k-5IIs ( after ist and k200). It came with a kit lens made in Thailand. The first thing I noticed was the lightning fast focus even in low light and the razor sharp pics from what is not supposed to be the best lens. The second thing I noticed is if you want to make a change you had to use a complicated menu system. It's larger, but a fraction of the weight. I understand why one would get it over canon. Assuming you are in a store and the selection is canon or Nikon. If I had not found out about Pentax by accident I would be happy to own one.