Have Pentax IBIS capabilities improved with successive generations?

ALLCAPS · 10-01-2020, 12:38 PM

Happy 6 year k5iis user here. One of the things that drew me to the brand was the in body stabilization. I have "nervous hands," and my recent freehand use of longer focal lengths has been a challenge.

For those of you who have used the older cameras as well as the latest generations of Pentax gear, have you noticed improvements in the effectiveness of the IBIS systems? A more effective IBIS system and better AF in the k-new would almost clinch a purchase from me.

**BigMackCam** · 10-01-2020, 12:49 PM - **3 Likes**

The improvements with each generation have been quite significant. If I remember correctly, the K-5 series SR was effective at up to 3 or 3.5 stops. The KP and K-1 series increase that to around 5 stops.

That said, the effectiveness is limited or maximised by technique. "Nervous hands" can be controlled to some considerable extent with good hold, support, stance, breathing and shutter control - plus, of course, practice. If you're absolutely confident that your technique is already optimal, then a newer camera could improve your chances with more effective SR. Otherwise, you'll probably gain at least a stop (perhaps more) of shutter speed latitude by improving your technique...

vonBaloney · 10-01-2020, 12:49 PM

Yes, definitely.

**cdw2000** · 10-01-2020, 01:03 PM

The KP is supposed to have a more advanced IBIS than previous APS-C cameras. From Ricoh's website: "The PENTAX KP comes equipped with the innovative sensor-shift-type SR II (Shake Reduction II), which assures optimum compensation effect for all lenses. In addition to common camera shake caused by pitch and yaw, this five-axis mechanism also compensates for camera shake caused by horizontal and vertical shift (often generated in macro photography) and camera shake caused by roll, which is difficult to handle by lens-installed shake reduction mechanisms. Thanks to a wide compensation range of five shutter steps,* it benefits a number of handheld applications, such as when using a telephoto lens or shooting in poorly-lit locations, to capture sharp, blur-free images."

DP Review has charts comparing picture usability with SR on and SR off, though they also say that it only provides a small improvement over the previous SR system: Pentax KP Review: Digital Photography Review

stevebrot · 10-01-2020, 01:52 PM

Short answer...Yes.

Steve

stevebrot · 10-01-2020, 02:08 PM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

If I remember correctly, the K-5 series SR was effective at up to 3 or 3.5 stops.

Per PF K-3II review:

K-3 = 3.5 stops
K-3II = 4.5 stops

The K-1/K-1ii and KP went to 5-axis SRII. I could not find much for earlier models.

Steve

kypfer · 10-01-2020, 02:28 PM - **1 Like**

The newer models may well have better Shake Reduction, I've not made any directly comparisons, but I do know the newer models have much lower hi-ISO noise, so I can effectively use a higher shutter speed without worrying about degrading the picture

**UncleVanya** · 10-01-2020, 02:47 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Per PF K-3II review:

K-3 = 3.5 stops
K-3II = 4.5 stops

The K-1/K-1ii and KP went to 5-axis SRII. I could not find much for earlier models.

Steve

There were articles at the time that suggested that particular improvement may have been in paper only as Pentax changed the measurement standard they used when the k-3ii came out. I can't however find any at the moment.

vonBaloney · 10-01-2020, 05:20 PM

The KP is unquestionably better than the K-5 in this regard.

**ramseybuckeye** · 10-01-2020, 05:37 PM

I don't know if the KP is better or if somehow I am just steadier than I used to be.

/s

seriously, I think it is much improved over the K-50& K-30.

bobmaxja · 10-01-2020, 06:13 PM

I got the K-5 and now the KP, the KP is overall better in SR and everything else

swanlefitte · 10-01-2020, 06:46 PM

It won't get better than 6.3 stops. That is unless you can slow the earth rotation.
Earth’s Rotation Limits IBIS Performance to 6.3 Stops – The Center Column

vonBaloney · 10-01-2020, 07:56 PM

Originally posted by swanlefitte

It won't get better than 6.3 stops. That is unless you can slow the earth rotation.
Earth’s Rotation Limits IBIS Performance to 6.3 Stops – The Center Column

That's ok, recent improvements in neural networks (i.e. software) will pick up the slack.

**clackers** · 10-01-2020, 09:28 PM

5-way instead of 3-way, Allcaps ... good for people with shakier hands!

Breakfastographer · 10-02-2020, 01:14 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by vonBaloney

That's ok, recent improvements in neural networks (i.e. software) will pick up the slack.

Huh? To get beyond 6.3 stops, all you need is 2D electronic balance, compass, and GPS. Neural networks have nothing to do with it. "Neural networks" is not a buzzword for "software":
Artificial neural network - Wikipedia

10-01-2020, 12:38 PM	#1
ALLCAPS Forum Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 52	Have Pentax IBIS capabilities improved with successive generations? Happy 6 year k5iis user here. One of the things that drew me to the brand was the in body stabilization. I have "nervous hands," and my recent freehand use of longer focal lengths has been a challenge. For those of you who have used the older cameras as well as the latest generations of Pentax gear, have you noticed improvements in the effectiveness of the IBIS systems? A more effective IBIS system and better AF in the k-new would almost clinch a purchase from me.

10-01-2020, 02:08 PM	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by BigMackCam If I remember correctly, the K-5 series SR was effective at up to 3 or 3.5 stops. Per PF K-3II review: K-3 = 3.5 stops K-3II = 4.5 stops The K-1/K-1ii and KP went to 5-axis SRII. I could not find much for earlier models. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 10-01-2020 at 02:24 PM.

10-01-2020, 02:47 PM	#8
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,454	Originally posted by stevebrot Per PF K-3II review: K-3 = 3.5 stops K-3II = 4.5 stops The K-1/K-1ii and KP went to 5-axis SRII. I could not find much for earlier models. Steve There were articles at the time that suggested that particular improvement may have been in paper only as Pentax changed the measurement standard they used when the k-3ii came out. I can't however find any at the moment.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Question about properly using Pentax IBIS - has it improved ?	aslyfox	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	17	02-22-2020 02:56 PM
About IBIS - Which company started IBIS in DSLR's ? Curiosity question.	jpzk	Pentax DSLR Discussion	30	06-13-2019 04:56 PM
How could I have improved this?	Zephos	Photographic Technique	19	02-11-2015 09:12 AM
Nature Ibis, Ibis, everywhere	photolady95	Post Your Photos!	9	05-11-2011 08:38 AM
Any bags that have a drying capabilities?	Pentaxtic	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	7	05-18-2009 04:52 PM

10-01-2020, 12:49 PM - 3 Likes	#2
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,691	The improvements with each generation have been quite significant. If I remember correctly, the K-5 series SR was effective at up to 3 or 3.5 stops. The KP and K-1 series increase that to around 5 stops. That said, the effectiveness is limited or maximised by technique. "Nervous hands" can be controlled to some considerable extent with good hold, support, stance, breathing and shutter control - plus, of course, practice. If you're absolutely confident that your technique is already optimal, then a newer camera could improve your chances with more effective SR. Otherwise, you'll probably gain at least a stop (perhaps more) of shutter speed latitude by improving your technique...

10-01-2020, 12:49 PM	#3
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	Yes, definitely.

10-01-2020, 01:03 PM	#4
cdw2000 Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: New Hampshire Photos: Albums Posts: 244	The KP is supposed to have a more advanced IBIS than previous APS-C cameras. From Ricoh's website: "The PENTAX KP comes equipped with the innovative sensor-shift-type SR II (Shake Reduction II), which assures optimum compensation effect for all lenses. In addition to common camera shake caused by pitch and yaw, this five-axis mechanism also compensates for camera shake caused by horizontal and vertical shift (often generated in macro photography) and camera shake caused by roll, which is difficult to handle by lens-installed shake reduction mechanisms. Thanks to a wide compensation range of five shutter steps,* it benefits a number of handheld applications, such as when using a telephoto lens or shooting in poorly-lit locations, to capture sharp, blur-free images." DP Review has charts comparing picture usability with SR on and SR off, though they also say that it only provides a small improvement over the previous SR system: Pentax KP Review: Digital Photography Review

10-01-2020, 01:52 PM	#5
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Short answer...Yes. Steve

10-01-2020, 02:28 PM - 1 Like	#7
kypfer Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Jersey C.I. Posts: 3,596	The newer models may well have better Shake Reduction, I've not made any directly comparisons, but I do know the newer models have much lower hi-ISO noise, so I can effectively use a higher shutter speed without worrying about degrading the picture

10-01-2020, 05:20 PM	#9
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	The KP is unquestionably better than the K-5 in this regard.

10-01-2020, 05:37 PM	#10
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,295	I don't know if the KP is better or if somehow I am just steadier than I used to be. /s seriously, I think it is much improved over the K-50& K-30.

10-01-2020, 06:13 PM	#11
bobmaxja Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Laval, Quebec Canada Posts: 2,171	I got the K-5 and now the KP, the KP is overall better in SR and everything else

10-01-2020, 06:46 PM	#12
swanlefitte Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,068	It won't get better than 6.3 stops. That is unless you can slow the earth rotation. Earth’s Rotation Limits IBIS Performance to 6.3 Stops – The Center Column

10-01-2020, 07:56 PM	#13
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	Originally posted by swanlefitte It won't get better than 6.3 stops. That is unless you can slow the earth rotation. Earth’s Rotation Limits IBIS Performance to 6.3 Stops – The Center Column That's ok, recent improvements in neural networks (i.e. software) will pick up the slack.

10-01-2020, 09:28 PM	#14
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	5-way instead of 3-way, Allcaps ... good for people with shakier hands!

10-02-2020, 01:14 AM - 1 Like	#15
Breakfastographer Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2018 Posts: 673	Originally posted by vonBaloney That's ok, recent improvements in neural networks (i.e. software) will pick up the slack. Huh? To get beyond 6.3 stops, all you need is 2D electronic balance, compass, and GPS. Neural networks have nothing to do with it. "Neural networks" is not a buzzword for "software": Artificial neural network - Wikipedia