A case for coming back to Pentax (KP)

**mikesbike** · 01-21-2019, 06:10 PM

My observation has been that the K-5 series also tends to under-expose very slightly, but not near as much as the previous K20D and K200D. Maybe 1/3 stop. It is so marginal I don't always compensate for it, depending on the lighting, the scene, and/or the effect I am looking for. A very minor thing. In fact, in well-lit scenes it may produce colors a bit richer from this effect.

The KP, the K-S2, and the little K-r I had before replacing it with the K-S2, do not do this.

sutherland · 01-22-2019, 09:53 PM

Thanks for the tips. Really satisfied with the camera and expanded my lens collection since its arrival to include:
- DA 21 f/3.2
- DA 40 f/2.8
- DFA 100 f/2.8 Macro

One thing I noticed was the slow write times, specially when previewing an image. I did some research and re-formatted the card (new SanDisk Extreme Pro), confirmed current firmware, reset settings to default, made sure all in camera settings were off (eg: Lens Correction, Distortion, etc.), double checked that Expanded ISO was off (cool feature, btw...). I shoot in RAW DNG only and have now dropped from Continuous High to Continuous Low (thinking that the extra image or so might be contributing to the delay).

My last theory could be the JPEG settings of 16MB / 4 Star Quality factoring into the preview display.

**clackers** · 01-22-2019, 10:07 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by sutherland

(new SanDisk Extreme Pro),

This may be a red herring, Sutherland, but I swapped out my two SanDisk Extreme Pros on my K-1 for Toshibas and everything's quick for me now.

**twilhelm** · 01-23-2019, 12:20 AM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by clackers

This may be a red herring, Sutherland, but I swapped out my two SanDisk Extreme Pros on my K-1 for Toshibas and everything's quick for me now.

I made the switch from the SanDisk to Lexar and saw a big improvement in write speed with my cameras.

**rogerstg** · 01-23-2019, 06:21 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by clackers

This may be a red herring, Sutherland, but I swapped out my two SanDisk Extreme Pros on my K-1 for Toshibas and everything's quick for me now.

Originally posted by twilhelm

I made the switch from the SanDisk to Lexar and saw a big improvement in write speed with my cameras.

I've wondered how much practical speed improvement I'd find by going to faster memory cards such as Sony at 299mps. Or is it like high octane gas in an engine designed for regular; not much difference?

**twilhelm** · 01-23-2019, 06:30 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by rogerstg

I've wondered how much practical speed improvement I'd find by going to faster memory cards such as Sony at 299mps. Or is it like high octane gas in an engine designed for regular; not much difference?

I saw a big difference with my K3 and an even larger difference with the K-1. YMMV

**aslyfox** · 01-23-2019, 06:43 AM - **1 Like**

these threads might be helpful

HD vs. SMC Pentax Limited Primes
Introduction

HD vs. SMC Pentax Limited Primes Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

the limiteds do they live up to the reputation and why - Page 17 - PentaxForums.com

sutherland · 01-23-2019, 08:12 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by rogerstg

I've wondered how much practical speed improvement I'd find by going to faster memory cards such as Sony at 299mps. Or is it like high octane gas in an engine designed for regular; not much difference?

Yea, I was wondering the same. My 30GB SDHC U3 SanDisk Extreme Pros both handle well above the write capabilities of the K-5ii and both were purchased from Adorama (as there are fakes circulating).

I think I will try out the Samsung EVO Plus / Select (Amazon exclusive branding) and see if there is an observed improvement.

MJKoski · 01-25-2019, 08:39 AM - **1 Like**

I recommend pairing KP with the official grip as D-LI90 really boosts the operating time for one charge. 35mm Macro ltd is about as perfect as it gets when mounted on KP - it reaches K-1 output quality when shot in pixel-shift mode. I find KP + 35mm Macro quite comparable to K-1 + Zeiss 50mm Makro Planar.

**mikesbike** · 01-25-2019, 01:29 PM

Originally posted by sutherland

Thanks for the tips. Really satisfied with the camera and expanded my lens collection since its arrival to include:
- DA 21 f/3.2
- DA 40 f/2.8
- DFA 100 f/2.8 Macro

One thing I noticed was the slow write times, specially when previewing an image. I did some research and re-formatted the card (new SanDisk Extreme Pro), confirmed current firmware, reset settings to default, made sure all in camera settings were off (eg: Lens Correction, Distortion, etc.), double checked that Expanded ISO was off (cool feature, btw...). I shoot in RAW DNG only and have now dropped from Continuous High to Continuous Low (thinking that the extra image or so might be contributing to the delay).

My last theory could be the JPEG settings of 16MB / 4 Star Quality factoring into the preview display.

Very fine lens selection. An FA 35mm f/2 would fit in there very nicely also. In the future, if you should feel the practical need for a good zoom lens having WR and exceptionally fast, quiet, accurate AF, the DA 18-135mm delivers on all counts, and does so with the K-5 series. Very good to excellent image quality, especially in the central frame area throughout its very wide, versatile zoom range. Even very good edge-to-edge at its shorter end. Very well-built also, and yet compact. I recently used this lens to shoot a wrestling match, and before that a baptism in a church. Fine results from my K-5 for the wrestling, and K-5 IIs for the baptism.

The 4-star JPEG quality is one of the unique features of the K-5 series. Less compression of JPEG files, that much closer to RAW, possibly better dynamic range, and in any post process editing, more latitude for adjustments. I've never noticed a difference in writing time, but could be. I would think RAW files being larger could also affect this.

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01-21-2019, 06:10 PM	#31
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,558	My observation has been that the K-5 series also tends to under-expose very slightly, but not near as much as the previous K20D and K200D. Maybe 1/3 stop. It is so marginal I don't always compensate for it, depending on the lighting, the scene, and/or the effect I am looking for. A very minor thing. In fact, in well-lit scenes it may produce colors a bit richer from this effect. The KP, the K-S2, and the little K-r I had before replacing it with the K-S2, do not do this.

01-22-2019, 09:53 PM	#32
sutherland Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Posts: 220 Original Poster	Thanks for the tips. Really satisfied with the camera and expanded my lens collection since its arrival to include: - DA 21 f/3.2 - DA 40 f/2.8 - DFA 100 f/2.8 Macro One thing I noticed was the slow write times, specially when previewing an image. I did some research and re-formatted the card (new SanDisk Extreme Pro), confirmed current firmware, reset settings to default, made sure all in camera settings were off (eg: Lens Correction, Distortion, etc.), double checked that Expanded ISO was off (cool feature, btw...). I shoot in RAW DNG only and have now dropped from Continuous High to Continuous Low (thinking that the extra image or so might be contributing to the delay). My last theory could be the JPEG settings of 16MB / 4 Star Quality factoring into the preview display.

01-22-2019, 10:07 PM - 1 Like	#33
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by sutherland (new SanDisk Extreme Pro), This may be a red herring, Sutherland, but I swapped out my two SanDisk Extreme Pros on my K-1 for Toshibas and everything's quick for me now.

01-23-2019, 12:20 AM - 3 Likes	#34
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	Originally posted by clackers This may be a red herring, Sutherland, but I swapped out my two SanDisk Extreme Pros on my K-1 for Toshibas and everything's quick for me now. I made the switch from the SanDisk to Lexar and saw a big improvement in write speed with my cameras.

01-23-2019, 06:21 AM - 1 Like	#35
rogerstg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 1,168	Originally posted by clackers This may be a red herring, Sutherland, but I swapped out my two SanDisk Extreme Pros on my K-1 for Toshibas and everything's quick for me now. Originally posted by twilhelm I made the switch from the SanDisk to Lexar and saw a big improvement in write speed with my cameras. I've wondered how much practical speed improvement I'd find by going to faster memory cards such as Sony at 299mps. Or is it like high octane gas in an engine designed for regular; not much difference?

01-23-2019, 06:30 AM - 1 Like	#36
twilhelm Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,369	Originally posted by rogerstg I've wondered how much practical speed improvement I'd find by going to faster memory cards such as Sony at 299mps. Or is it like high octane gas in an engine designed for regular; not much difference? I saw a big difference with my K3 and an even larger difference with the K-1. YMMV

01-23-2019, 06:43 AM - 1 Like	#37
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,582	these threads might be helpful HD vs. SMC Pentax Limited Primes Introduction HD vs. SMC Pentax Limited Primes Review - Introduction \| PentaxForums.com Reviews the limiteds do they live up to the reputation and why - Page 17 - PentaxForums.com

01-23-2019, 08:12 AM - 1 Like	#38
sutherland Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Posts: 220 Original Poster	Originally posted by rogerstg I've wondered how much practical speed improvement I'd find by going to faster memory cards such as Sony at 299mps. Or is it like high octane gas in an engine designed for regular; not much difference? Yea, I was wondering the same. My 30GB SDHC U3 SanDisk Extreme Pros both handle well above the write capabilities of the K-5ii and both were purchased from Adorama (as there are fakes circulating). I think I will try out the Samsung EVO Plus / Select (Amazon exclusive branding) and see if there is an observed improvement.

01-25-2019, 08:39 AM - 1 Like	#39
MJKoski Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 1,784	I recommend pairing KP with the official grip as D-LI90 really boosts the operating time for one charge. 35mm Macro ltd is about as perfect as it gets when mounted on KP - it reaches K-1 output quality when shot in pixel-shift mode. I find KP + 35mm Macro quite comparable to K-1 + Zeiss 50mm Makro Planar.

01-25-2019, 01:29 PM	#40
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,558	Originally posted by sutherland Thanks for the tips. Really satisfied with the camera and expanded my lens collection since its arrival to include: - DA 21 f/3.2 - DA 40 f/2.8 - DFA 100 f/2.8 Macro One thing I noticed was the slow write times, specially when previewing an image. I did some research and re-formatted the card (new SanDisk Extreme Pro), confirmed current firmware, reset settings to default, made sure all in camera settings were off (eg: Lens Correction, Distortion, etc.), double checked that Expanded ISO was off (cool feature, btw...). I shoot in RAW DNG only and have now dropped from Continuous High to Continuous Low (thinking that the extra image or so might be contributing to the delay). My last theory could be the JPEG settings of 16MB / 4 Star Quality factoring into the preview display. Very fine lens selection. An FA 35mm f/2 would fit in there very nicely also. In the future, if you should feel the practical need for a good zoom lens having WR and exceptionally fast, quiet, accurate AF, the DA 18-135mm delivers on all counts, and does so with the K-5 series. Very good to excellent image quality, especially in the central frame area throughout its very wide, versatile zoom range. Even very good edge-to-edge at its shorter end. Very well-built also, and yet compact. I recently used this lens to shoot a wrestling match, and before that a baptism in a church. Fine results from my K-5 for the wrestling, and K-5 IIs for the baptism. The 4-star JPEG quality is one of the unique features of the K-5 series. Less compression of JPEG files, that much closer to RAW, possibly better dynamic range, and in any post process editing, more latitude for adjustments. I've never noticed a difference in writing time, but could be. I would think RAW files being larger could also affect this.