[barefootdesigns]

No doubt others have noticed how poorly Pentax nearly always fares in camera reviews. Time and again Nikon and Canon dominate the "winners" so that it becomes (to me) irritating to even check them out. I ran across this particular compendium and wish to share it. First off, Sony placed very highly, which was refreshing. I am surprised that Canon wasn't even mentioned--hard to believe but there it is!

What I also noticed is that the K-1 placed fourth in the ranking with a score of 96. That's sensational if you consider that the Pentax was the cheapest camera in the ranking--about half the price of the three cameras which placed above it and considerably cheaper than many of the lower 13 listed cameras. While I don't know the nitty-gritty of any of these other brands of cameras (being a lifelong, die-hard Pentaxian), it appears that this ranking is a welcome, ground-breaking win for Pentax.

https://photorumors.com/2017/09/24/the-top-rated-cameras-based-on-the-overal...rk-test-score/

Your thoughts?

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Last edited by barefootdesigns; 09-25-2017 at 01:45 AM. Reason: Forgot to include link. Changed link to a better one.

[Sandy Hancock]

You might want to edit that URL

THIS LINK will work better.

The 645Z is another conspicuous absentee.

[Davidparis]

Well, it's just a sensor test measure with subsequent results. A camera is more than its sensor...What about a similar test and ranking on AF performance? Only one Pentax and absolutely no Canon models? Major grain of salt here, but good news for the K-1 (in terms of sensor measurement and cost!).

[barefootdesigns]

You might want to edit that URL

THIS LINK will work better.

The 645Z is another conspicuous absentee.

Thank you. I changed it.

---------- Post added 09-25-17 at 04:48 AM ----------

Sandy Hancock, YES, the 645Z gets sensational reviews. I want one!

Well, it's just a sensor test measure with subsequent results. A camera is more than its sensor...What about a similar test and ranking on AF performance? Only one Pentax and absolutely no Canon models? Major grain of salt here, but good news for the K-1 (in terms of sensor measurement and cost!).

Davidparis, can you provide such a link and do you have something more specific to add regarding the AF performance?

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Last edited by barefootdesigns; 09-25-2017 at 01:52 AM.

[D1N0]

It's just photorumors making content. The DXO top 5 ranking has been like this since the K-1 was tested a year ago.

[Rondec]

Those are just sensor scores. The interesting thing is how closely bunched all of these cameras are. Even the best ranked full frame sensor currently (the one in the A7r II) is only a couple of points better than the K-1. According to DXO Mark, a difference of less than 5 points is unlikely to be visible in real world shooting.

[Pioneer]

I suspect that there are soooo many people using Canon, Nikon and Fuji that Pentax doesn't even show up in the sales numbers. As a result there is very little motivation for any of these sites to even consider testing them. It takes time to conduct even a half ass test so most reviewers try to limit the cameras they check out to those brands where they have a chance of pulling in high hit counts.

Most of the time I don't even waste my time looking at these top camera posts, but I am convinced that Pentax has been at the top of the heap in quality and useability since the K-5 hit the shelves. But the internet does not survive on truth in reviewing, only on hit counts.

In reality, the few reviewers that seem to do a pretty decent job of telling the truth and not just regurgitating the sales literature are those where you have to pay to see their reviews. That independence allows them to take an honest look at what is available.

EDIT - and don't forget, reviewers are people just like everyone else. They are just as subject to being blown away by advertising hype as any other person in the world.

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Last edited by Pioneer; 09-25-2017 at 10:24 AM. Reason: typo

[pentageek]

The interesting thing is how closely bunched all of these cameras are

It is even more interesting how these closely bunched cameras are priced: most expensive Sony A9 costs 4500 USD compared to 1800 USD for K-1 (cheapest one).

[Rondec]

It is even more interesting how these closely bunched cameras are priced: most expensive Sony A9 costs 4500 USD compared to 1800 USD for K-1 (cheapest one).

What you pay for is fast read out speed. A large sensor that can generate 20 frames a second and is capable of 4K video is more expensive than a sensor that can only hit 5 frames per second -- even if the dynamic range at base iso is better on the slower sensor.

DXO Mark factors in dynamic range, SNR and sports iso score in their number -- giving a lot of weight to dynamic range at low iso in particular. They do not factor in frame rates, video performance, or resolution in this number and so these things need to be considered separately.

[MadMathMind]

The 645Z is another conspicuous absentee.

The 645Z isn't a new product. Usually these things only review the "latest and greatest." Also, the Z is not a consumer product and isn't on the radar for consumer-based magazines/webzines. You don't see Phase One and Hasselblad in there either.

[D1N0]

The 645Z isn't a new product. Usually these things only review the "latest and greatest."

They have been reviewing since long before the 645z They haven't been very active on the MF front of late. Camera Database - DxOMark

The 645z was reviewed and scored. They just never posted it on the front page and when people started to talk about it the data was removed. It scored 101.

[Rondec]

The 645Z isn't a new product. Usually these things only review the "latest and greatest." Also, the Z is not a consumer product and isn't on the radar for consumer-based magazines/webzines. You don't see Phase One and Hasselblad in there either.

As D1N0 says, they had a 645z and reviewed it with a number of lenses and information was that they were going to add it to their database. A preliminary result was even released to their site at which point it was pulled.

There was a lot of speculation as to the reasons why. DXO Mark tests cameras and lenses for their software and releases the scores then as a way to muster traffic to their site. If the testing on the 645z was done, it certainly wouldn't be that hard to release the data for the public to see, but they didn't do so. Certainly it would have stolen some of Sony/Nikon's thunder to see the 645z sitting at the top of the heap.

[barefootdesigns]

What you pay for is fast read out speed. A large sensor that can generate 20 frames a second and is capable of 4K video is more expensive than a sensor that can only hit 5 frames per second -- even if the dynamic range at base iso is better on the slower sensor.

DXO Mark factors in dynamic range, SNR and sports iso score in their number -- giving a lot of weight to dynamic range at low iso in particular. They do not factor in frame rates, video performance, or resolution in this number and so these things need to be considered separately.

Rondec, here is a side-by-side comparison between the mirrorless Sony A7rII and the Pentax K-1.
Sony A7R II vs Pentax K-1 Detailed Comparison

Aside from size/weight where Sony wins hands-down, the huge difference is in video. The K-1 is far less capable for video than the A7R II. However, considering that the K-1 accepts double the number of lenses, has better battery life, built in GPS, a much larger MP sensor, a fully-articulated LCD, and a bunch of other benefits, both cameras have a lot to offer.
The lenses for the Sony are quite heavy, which doesn't mesh well with a light-weight camera. They are horrifically expensive as well. The sony has lousy battery life and it seems to create a lot of frustration with menu/ergonomic issues and the electronic viewfinder. The Pentax is less than half the cost of the Sony and unless one is dependent on a high-speed video capability, the Pentax is a winner. For the vast difference in cost, one can buy a dedicated video camera that's easier to use than the Sony.

The Nikon is as heavy as the K-1, larger and far more expensive. It loses against the K-1 in overall scoring in a comparison test.
Pentax K-1 vs Nikon D810 Detailed Comparison

The Sony DSC RX1R II is an expen$ive fixed-lens camera and (IMO) probably shouldn't be in a direct competition with DSLRs--apples and oranges.
Ultra-compact: Sony Cyber-shot RX1R II review: Digital Photography Review

So, perhaps I'm just prejudiced. I do want a 645z, even though I'm certain I don't deserve one.

[Sandy Hancock]

The 645Z isn't a new product. Usually these things only review the "latest and greatest." Also, the Z is not a consumer product and isn't on the radar for consumer-based magazines/webzines. You don't see Phase One and Hasselblad in there either.

The list at the bottom of the linked page has two Phase One cameras on it....

[surfar]

the K-1 accepts double the number of lenses

No, the Sony A7r2 and a few other Sonys are capable of using ALL K mounts and M42s that go on Pentaxs....along with many other mounts.There are now 2 AF adapters.

a much larger MP sensor

How do you work that one out?

fully-articulated LCD

Its not.

Lets put the lens range into perspective, theres 1 macro WR prime and 5 zooms that are designed for the Pentax WR digital FF body.How many lenses have $ony that are designed for their FF system?

Agree about your statement of the K-1 is better value and for the price difference anyone can get a Panasonic with great video capability,