K-1 vs. A7III | CameraVille

**FozzFoster** · 06-05-2020, 06:31 AM - **1 Like**

Great to see Pentax hold up so well in dynamic range!
If he would have upgraded to the mark ii K-1 then I'm sure the noise performance would way out perform the Sony as well.
His series of videos is awesome I really like how he highlights Pentax strong points and it really displays how underrated Pentax really is!

Youtu.be

**Merv-O** · 06-05-2020, 09:09 AM

Yes. he is extremely fair to Pentax and unlike other 'sponsored' sites isn't looking to sell units, only looking at feature sets, quality of imaging et al. Exactly what photography aficionados are seeking.

Viva Pentax !!!!

Not a Number · 06-05-2020, 09:36 AM

He reviewed the Mark II. He concluded hand held pixel shift doesn't work even though he didn't look in in-camera processed JPEGs. At the time not even DCU was capable of process HHPS.

I don't know if he borrowed a Mark II. Or sold it and kept the K-1 or what.

Maybe he doesn't want to hear all the "noise" over the detail killing accelerator chip.

Alvage · 06-05-2020, 11:34 AM - **2 Likes**

The funny thing is I've been shooting with both K-1 and AIII since the AIII appeared... And while I can fully confirm the conclusion that the K-1 and AIII are far more similar as far as colour science than they are different, in real life DR-demanding shooting situations I've never noticed the AIII being THAT noisy in the shadows.

I find the quality of the camera's pictures so similar (apart from resolution of course), and the AIII so customizable in a Pentax-like way, I'd say the AIII is the camera I'd wish a Pentax mirrorless could be... Perhaps the K-1 gives a tad better, richer greens and AIII - blues (for cooking in post), but that's all.

Zooland · 06-05-2020, 12:11 PM

K1 is a much more capable and superior machine. Glad to see him bring back Pentax to his channel.

**mikesbike** · 06-05-2020, 09:59 PM

It is apparent that this Sony exposes to the right (more toward overexposure) compared to the K-1, which makes the K-1 comparatively more susceptible to noise at higher ISO. As others have said, the K-1 II also has better low noise performance. I don't have either the K-1 or K-1 II, so I do not know about the accelerator chip killing detail. It certainly does not with my KP.

Not a Number · 06-06-2020, 08:00 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by mikesbike

I don't have either the K-1 or K-1 II, so I do not know about the accelerator chip killing detail. It certainly does not with my KP.

It's not really an issue with the K-1ii either but invariably there will be a horde of comments from DPR readers that will make it an issue. And wasn't the notorious "star eater" a Sony?

gatorguy · 06-06-2020, 08:55 AM

Originally posted by Alvage

The funny thing is I've been shooting with both K-1 and AIII since the AIII appeared... And while I can fully confirm the conclusion that the K-1 and AIII are far more similar as far as colour science than they are different, in real life DR-demanding shooting situations I've never noticed the AIII being THAT noisy in the shadows.

I find the quality of the camera's pictures so similar (apart from resolution of course), and the AIII so customizable in a Pentax-like way, I'd say the AIII is the camera I'd wish a Pentax mirrorless could be... Perhaps the K-1 gives a tad better, richer greens and AIII - blues (for cooking in post), but that's all.

IMO there's such a thing as TOO customizable. I tried to use a buddy's A7II on a photo shoot and I just couldn't without his assistance. Way too convoluted a menu, and even he struggled with what I would have expected to be a relatively common function (changing the focus frame display for eye focus).

I regularly see fellow photographers with Sony A7x's huddling together to go over various settings and where to find them/what they mean. It should not be so complicated.

Alvage · 06-06-2020, 10:34 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by gatorguy

IMO there's such a thing as TOO customizable. I tried to use a buddy's A7II on a photo shoot and I just couldn't without his assistance. Way too convoluted a menu, and even he struggled with what I would have expected to be a relatively common function (changing the focus frame display for eye focus).

I regularly see fellow photographers with Sony A7x's huddling together to go over various settings and where to find them/what they mean. It should not be so complicated.

I guess the better part of those complaints about the complexity of Sony Alfa's menus are fairly over-exaggerated. Nikon's menus, for instance, perplex me to a much greater extent than Sony's.)))
I got used to AIII's menu pretty fast - the layout somewhat reminds that on Pentax cameras. Looks like an average of Pentax and Canon menus. This said, K-1's menu and ergonomics in general are by far the best, period.)

AIII is a good camera, making you smile on closer acquaintance by its sheer technical superiority, especially in relation to its price. The execution, the build is cheaper than it could have been, but the camera is extremely capable nonetheless. K-1 is the touchstone for ergonomics, IQ, UI, DR, PS, Astro, etc, etc., but it cannot be superior in just everything.

BarneyL · 06-06-2020, 12:33 PM

I remember he didn't like K-1 II because the files from it had purple-ish shadows in adobe lightroom.

normhead · 06-06-2020, 01:43 PM

Originally posted by BarneyL

I remember he didn't like K-1 II because the files from it had purple-ish shadows in adobe lightroom.

Everyone has their issues.

**Pål Jensen** · 06-09-2020, 04:36 AM

Mostly worthless. There's a consistent difference in exposure between the cameras. He call the colors of the Sony lighter but this what happens to colors that are "overexposed" compared to the K-1. You need the same exposure to make valid comparisons. Exposure differences will affect the dynamic range for the image - eg highlights may burn out faster. At least he shouldn't use a third party lens whose accuracy in aperture control is unknown and outside the manufacturer (Pentax, Sony) control and standards.

**FozzFoster** · 06-09-2020, 06:10 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Pål Jensen

Mostly worthless. There's a consistent difference in exposure between the cameras. He call the colors of the Sony lighter but this what happens to colors that are "overexposed" compared to the K-1. You need the same exposure to make valid comparisons. Exposure differences will affect the dynamic range for the image - eg highlights may burn out faster. At least he shouldn't use a third party lens whose accuracy in aperture control is unknown and outside the manufacturer (Pentax, Sony) control and standards.

And if he would have modified his exposure to compensated for the lighter Sony pictures, there would be people complaining that he didn't use the exact same camera settings.
In fact, it's nearly entirely impossible to replicate the exact same conditions between any two cameras.
Does that make every comparison between two cameras mostly worthless? I don't think so.
By simply knowing and accounting for these minor testing limitations allows you to appreciate (relatively) how a camera performs in these side-by-side comparisons.
Just know that your mileage may vary slightly.

I think he does a bang-up job.

surfar · 06-14-2020, 02:24 AM

A Nikon fanboy comparing Sony to Pentax,mirrorless to Dslr?

His reviews of the worst 2 Pentax lenses were banged up for sure!

**Pål Jensen** · 06-14-2020, 07:04 AM

Originally posted by FozzFoster

And if he would have modified his exposure to compensated for the lighter Sony pictures, there would be people complaining that he didn't use the exact same camera settings.
In fact, it's nearly entirely impossible to replicate the exact same conditions between any two cameras.
Does that make every comparison between two cameras mostly worthless? I don't think so.
By simply knowing and accounting for these minor testing limitations allows you to appreciate (relatively) how a camera performs in these side-by-side comparisons.
Just know that your mileage may vary slightly.

I think he does a bang-up job.

It isn't camera settings, metering, or exposure accuracy that was "tested" here. If you want to compare images you must have the same exposure. The Pentax consistently underexposes image compare to the Sony or vice versa. Exposure differences makes colors lighter or darker.
The reason for this may be
a) Different matrix metering algorithm
b) Metering calibration issues
c) Communication issues between camera and lens.
This could easily have been resolved by using spot metering.
There's not much to gain from this comparison other than the two cameras give different exposure with a third party lens. You may experience the same with two different K-1 bodies...

06-09-2020, 04:36 AM	#12
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	Mostly worthless. There's a consistent difference in exposure between the cameras. He call the colors of the Sony lighter but this what happens to colors that are "overexposed" compared to the K-1. You need the same exposure to make valid comparisons. Exposure differences will affect the dynamic range for the image - eg highlights may burn out faster. At least he shouldn't use a third party lens whose accuracy in aperture control is unknown and outside the manufacturer (Pentax, Sony) control and standards. Last edited by Pål Jensen; 06-09-2020 at 05:39 AM.

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06-05-2020, 09:09 AM	#2
Merv-O Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Philadelphia Photos: Albums Posts: 2,098	Yes. he is extremely fair to Pentax and unlike other 'sponsored' sites isn't looking to sell units, only looking at feature sets, quality of imaging et al. Exactly what photography aficionados are seeking. Viva Pentax !!!!

06-05-2020, 09:36 AM	#3
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	He reviewed the Mark II. He concluded hand held pixel shift doesn't work even though he didn't look in in-camera processed JPEGs. At the time not even DCU was capable of process HHPS. I don't know if he borrowed a Mark II. Or sold it and kept the K-1 or what. Maybe he doesn't want to hear all the "noise" over the detail killing accelerator chip.

06-05-2020, 11:34 AM - 2 Likes	#4
Alvage New Member Join Date: Nov 2019 Posts: 17	The funny thing is I've been shooting with both K-1 and AIII since the AIII appeared... And while I can fully confirm the conclusion that the K-1 and AIII are far more similar as far as colour science than they are different, in real life DR-demanding shooting situations I've never noticed the AIII being THAT noisy in the shadows. I find the quality of the camera's pictures so similar (apart from resolution of course), and the AIII so customizable in a Pentax-like way, I'd say the AIII is the camera I'd wish a Pentax mirrorless could be... Perhaps the K-1 gives a tad better, richer greens and AIII - blues (for cooking in post), but that's all.

06-05-2020, 12:11 PM	#5
Zooland Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2019 Posts: 370	K1 is a much more capable and superior machine. Glad to see him bring back Pentax to his channel.

06-05-2020, 09:59 PM	#6
mikesbike Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,549	It is apparent that this Sony exposes to the right (more toward overexposure) compared to the K-1, which makes the K-1 comparatively more susceptible to noise at higher ISO. As others have said, the K-1 II also has better low noise performance. I don't have either the K-1 or K-1 II, so I do not know about the accelerator chip killing detail. It certainly does not with my KP.

06-06-2020, 08:00 AM - 1 Like	#7
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by mikesbike I don't have either the K-1 or K-1 II, so I do not know about the accelerator chip killing detail. It certainly does not with my KP. It's not really an issue with the K-1ii either but invariably there will be a horde of comments from DPR readers that will make it an issue. And wasn't the notorious "star eater" a Sony?

06-06-2020, 08:55 AM	#8
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,092	Originally posted by Alvage The funny thing is I've been shooting with both K-1 and AIII since the AIII appeared... And while I can fully confirm the conclusion that the K-1 and AIII are far more similar as far as colour science than they are different, in real life DR-demanding shooting situations I've never noticed the AIII being THAT noisy in the shadows. I find the quality of the camera's pictures so similar (apart from resolution of course), and the AIII so customizable in a Pentax-like way, I'd say the AIII is the camera I'd wish a Pentax mirrorless could be... Perhaps the K-1 gives a tad better, richer greens and AIII - blues (for cooking in post), but that's all. IMO there's such a thing as TOO customizable. I tried to use a buddy's A7II on a photo shoot and I just couldn't without his assistance. Way too convoluted a menu, and even he struggled with what I would have expected to be a relatively common function (changing the focus frame display for eye focus). I regularly see fellow photographers with Sony A7x's huddling together to go over various settings and where to find them/what they mean. It should not be so complicated.

06-06-2020, 10:34 AM - 2 Likes	#9
Alvage New Member Join Date: Nov 2019 Posts: 17	Originally posted by gatorguy IMO there's such a thing as TOO customizable. I tried to use a buddy's A7II on a photo shoot and I just couldn't without his assistance. Way too convoluted a menu, and even he struggled with what I would have expected to be a relatively common function (changing the focus frame display for eye focus). I regularly see fellow photographers with Sony A7x's huddling together to go over various settings and where to find them/what they mean. It should not be so complicated. I guess the better part of those complaints about the complexity of Sony Alfa's menus are fairly over-exaggerated. Nikon's menus, for instance, perplex me to a much greater extent than Sony's.))) I got used to AIII's menu pretty fast - the layout somewhat reminds that on Pentax cameras. Looks like an average of Pentax and Canon menus. This said, K-1's menu and ergonomics in general are by far the best, period.) AIII is a good camera, making you smile on closer acquaintance by its sheer technical superiority, especially in relation to its price. The execution, the build is cheaper than it could have been, but the camera is extremely capable nonetheless. K-1 is the touchstone for ergonomics, IQ, UI, DR, PS, Astro, etc, etc., but it cannot be superior in just everything.

06-06-2020, 12:33 PM	#10
BarneyL Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 899	I remember he didn't like K-1 II because the files from it had purple-ish shadows in adobe lightroom.

06-06-2020, 01:43 PM	#11
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by BarneyL I remember he didn't like K-1 II because the files from it had purple-ish shadows in adobe lightroom. Everyone has their issues.

06-09-2020, 06:10 AM - 1 Like	#13
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806 Original Poster	Originally posted by Pål Jensen Mostly worthless. There's a consistent difference in exposure between the cameras. He call the colors of the Sony lighter but this what happens to colors that are "overexposed" compared to the K-1. You need the same exposure to make valid comparisons. Exposure differences will affect the dynamic range for the image - eg highlights may burn out faster. At least he shouldn't use a third party lens whose accuracy in aperture control is unknown and outside the manufacturer (Pentax, Sony) control and standards. And if he would have modified his exposure to compensated for the lighter Sony pictures, there would be people complaining that he didn't use the exact same camera settings. In fact, it's nearly entirely impossible to replicate the exact same conditions between any two cameras. Does that make every comparison between two cameras mostly worthless? I don't think so. By simply knowing and accounting for these minor testing limitations allows you to appreciate (relatively) how a camera performs in these side-by-side comparisons. Just know that your mileage may vary slightly. I think he does a bang-up job.

06-14-2020, 02:24 AM	#14
surfar Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: mid nth coast,nsw Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,141	A Nikon fanboy comparing Sony to Pentax,mirrorless to Dslr? His reviews of the worst 2 Pentax lenses were banged up for sure!

06-14-2020, 07:04 AM	#15
Pål Jensen Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Norway Photos: Albums Posts: 4,371	Originally posted by FozzFoster And if he would have modified his exposure to compensated for the lighter Sony pictures, there would be people complaining that he didn't use the exact same camera settings. In fact, it's nearly entirely impossible to replicate the exact same conditions between any two cameras. Does that make every comparison between two cameras mostly worthless? I don't think so. By simply knowing and accounting for these minor testing limitations allows you to appreciate (relatively) how a camera performs in these side-by-side comparisons. Just know that your mileage may vary slightly. I think he does a bang-up job. It isn't camera settings, metering, or exposure accuracy that was "tested" here. If you want to compare images you must have the same exposure. The Pentax consistently underexposes image compare to the Sony or vice versa. Exposure differences makes colors lighter or darker. The reason for this may be a) Different matrix metering algorithm b) Metering calibration issues c) Communication issues between camera and lens. This could easily have been resolved by using spot metering. There's not much to gain from this comparison other than the two cameras give different exposure with a third party lens. You may experience the same with two different K-1 bodies...