Richness of Pentax images

**psoo** · 09-15-2021, 09:20 AM

I find that the photos I've taken over many decades with Pentax cameras are very rich in color, which I like. Sometimes when I use a non-Pentax lens on a Pentax the lack of rich colors is immediately noticeable. Is this feature a result of Pentax lens coatings or because of the rendering of the image by Pentax software? Do other brands of DSLRs produce similar rich colors? What say ye learned Pentaxians?

normhead · 09-15-2021, 09:24 AM

Originally posted by psoo

I find that the photos I've taken over many decades with Pentax cameras are very rich in color, which I like. Sometimes when I use a non-Pentax lens on a Pentax the lack of rich colors is immediately noticeable. Is this feature a result of Pentax lens coatings or because of the rendering of the image by Pentax software? Do other brands of DSLRs produce similar rich colors? What say ye learned Pentaxians?

It's matter of preference. Personally, I don't generally like Nikon's colours, they seem to me a bit blue. I don't like the colours from my ZS 100, they seem overdone, even the raw right off the camera. But, I suspect it's matter of what you're used to. You just never hear Canon users comparing about Canon colours, or Nikon users complaining about Nikon colours. You learn to live with what you use. But I've many time heard off brand users complain about the colour renditions from other companies. They take some getting used to.

**FozzFoster** · 09-15-2021, 09:29 AM - **1 Like**

Colours are weird things for me.

From the very few samples I've personally taken with brands, I've noticed that Pentax colours are generally 'warmer'.
However, I shoot in RAW and will modify my colour profiles, white balance, and calibrations to match how I want to presented my image's message effectively.

So the whole 'colour science' spin that some people hold to just doesn't make sense to me, unless you exclusively shoot JPEGs I guess.

I'm also a wee bit (red-green deficit) colour blind :P

swanlefitte · 09-15-2021, 09:51 AM - **4 Likes**

You may find this of interest.
Lens Rentals | Blog

As stated at the begining:
"This is a Geek Level 3 Article. It has no useful information about photography or videography. If you’re a lens geek, though, it’s kind of cool."

swanlefitte · 09-15-2021, 09:58 AM - **3 Likes**

Follow up blog post.
Lens Rentals | Blog

pschlute · 09-15-2021, 12:54 PM

Originally posted by psoo

I find that the photos I've taken over many decades with Pentax cameras are very rich in color, which I like. Sometimes when I use a non-Pentax lens on a Pentax the lack of rich colors is immediately noticeable. Is this feature a result of Pentax lens coatings or because of the rendering of the image by Pentax software? Do other brands of DSLRs produce similar rich colors? What say ye learned Pentaxians?

Not enough information to say.

stevebrot · 09-15-2021, 01:13 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by psoo

What say ye learned Pentaxians?

Different people perceive color differently and there is a ton of variability in regards to display media. Default JPEGs from a Pentax camera are cooked to certain look, but I am unwilling to lay claim to a consistent "Pentax color" through more than six decades of lens manufacture.

Steve

(...falls into the same pot of silliness as "Zeiss look" and "Leica look"...)

**SelrahCharleS** · 09-15-2021, 02:16 PM

Originally posted by swanlefitte

Follow up blog post.
Lens Rentals | Blog

Thanks for those. Super interesting blog posts.

**DWS1** · 09-15-2021, 06:08 PM

I loved the Kodak colors from the Kodak CCD sensors. I have a Kodak ZD710 bridge camera from around 2007 or 2008, one of the last models produced by the original Eastman Kodak before they went belly up. Even today with my Pentax kit I've been unable to reproduce the color depth and richness that my Kodak puts out.

**psoo** · 09-15-2021, 06:32 PM

So you think the colors are a result of the sensors and not the lens coatings?

ZombieArmy · 09-15-2021, 06:46 PM

Originally posted by psoo

So you think the colors are a result of the sensors and not the lens coatings?

It's for sure both. The optical path will have influence on the spectra I'm sure, as well as the sensor.

**clickclick** · 09-15-2021, 07:24 PM

Originally posted by psoo

ometimes when I use a non-Pentax lens on a Pentax the lack of rich colors is immediately noticeable

I think you mostly answered your own question. If you're just changing the lens, then your seeing a difference in optics and coatings. I think my Sigma lenses are cooler than my Pentax lenses. The sensor and how the files are generated by the camera certainly has impact too. I'm going to guess that the different manufacturers have developed target color profiles. I feel like the way a camera renders red is often talked about in reviews.

Jonathan Mac · 09-16-2021, 02:08 AM

Colours are a product of many things - sensors, processing settings, processing engine, lens design, lens coatings, the light itself...

I do like Pentax colours generally, I think they're one of the real strengths of the system. I also like the colours from my Fujifilm gear, although they're different. Canon are generally very good too. I don't like Nikon colours at all. I've heard that Olympus are very good and that Sony and Panasonic are generally poor. Of course, those are SOOC, you can do anything you like with a bit of PP.

A lot of it is down to preference.

house · 09-16-2021, 04:41 AM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

Colours are a product of many things - sensors, processing settings, processing engine, lens design, lens coatings, the light itself...

I do like Pentax colours generally, I think they're one of the real strengths of the system. I also like the colours from my Fujifilm gear, although they're different. Canon are generally very good too. I don't like Nikon colours at all. I've heard that Olympus are very good and that Sony and Panasonic are generally poor. Of course, those are SOOC, you can do anything you like with a bit of PP.

A lot of it is down to preference.

Jonathan do you find any difference in malleability of raw files across the lenses you use? I've realised that some lenses seem fine but can't handle pushing and pulling in post as well as others. For me this is largely related to vintage vs newer lenses but I'm wondering how this is across brands.

I understand many don't push their files and I'd rather not myself but dynamic range is often such that I have to underexpose significantly to avoid blown detail where I need it.

**psoo** · 09-17-2021, 03:22 AM

Originally posted by ZombieArmy

It's for sure both. The optical path will have influence on the spectra I'm sure, as well as the sensor.

I'm sure you're right. I often hear people talk about the SMC coatings on Pentax lenses and I believe they refer to the warmth they give. Since I usually use Pentax lenses it explains why I like images I get. If a camera adds to this richness you get an extra benefit.

09-15-2021, 09:20 AM	#1
psoo Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 485	Richness of Pentax images I find that the photos I've taken over many decades with Pentax cameras are very rich in color, which I like. Sometimes when I use a non-Pentax lens on a Pentax the lack of rich colors is immediately noticeable. Is this feature a result of Pentax lens coatings or because of the rendering of the image by Pentax software? Do other brands of DSLRs produce similar rich colors? What say ye learned Pentaxians?

09-15-2021, 09:29 AM - 1 Like	#3
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Colours are weird things for me. From the very few samples I've personally taken with brands, I've noticed that Pentax colours are generally 'warmer'. However, I shoot in RAW and will modify my colour profiles, white balance, and calibrations to match how I want to presented my image's message effectively. So the whole 'colour science' spin that some people hold to just doesn't make sense to me, unless you exclusively shoot JPEGs I guess. I'm also a wee bit (red-green deficit) colour blind :P Last edited by FozzFoster; 09-15-2021 at 10:44 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Thematic Theta 360 images - post your Theta images here!	RobG	Mini-Challenges, Games, and Photo Stories	3	11-30-2019 05:19 AM
Landscape The richness of autumn	Velja	Photo Critique	8	11-25-2019 09:06 AM
How do Pentax K1 pixel shift images compare with Fuji GFX images?	Fenwoodian	Pentax K-1 & K-1 II	75	04-06-2017 06:31 AM
richness of Nature	Velja	Monthly Photo Contests	2	11-10-2015 01:50 PM
Error Marketplace images - PF refuses to load images	interested_observer	Site Suggestions and Help	5	12-07-2014 03:30 PM

09-15-2021, 09:24 AM	#2
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by psoo I find that the photos I've taken over many decades with Pentax cameras are very rich in color, which I like. Sometimes when I use a non-Pentax lens on a Pentax the lack of rich colors is immediately noticeable. Is this feature a result of Pentax lens coatings or because of the rendering of the image by Pentax software? Do other brands of DSLRs produce similar rich colors? What say ye learned Pentaxians? It's matter of preference. Personally, I don't generally like Nikon's colours, they seem to me a bit blue. I don't like the colours from my ZS 100, they seem overdone, even the raw right off the camera. But, I suspect it's matter of what you're used to. You just never hear Canon users comparing about Canon colours, or Nikon users complaining about Nikon colours. You learn to live with what you use. But I've many time heard off brand users complain about the colour renditions from other companies. They take some getting used to.

09-15-2021, 09:51 AM - 4 Likes	#4
swanlefitte Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,068	You may find this of interest. Lens Rentals \| Blog As stated at the begining: "This is a Geek Level 3 Article. It has no useful information about photography or videography. If you’re a lens geek, though, it’s kind of cool."

09-15-2021, 09:58 AM - 3 Likes	#5
swanlefitte Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,068	Follow up blog post. Lens Rentals \| Blog

09-15-2021, 12:54 PM	#6
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,192	Originally posted by psoo I find that the photos I've taken over many decades with Pentax cameras are very rich in color, which I like. Sometimes when I use a non-Pentax lens on a Pentax the lack of rich colors is immediately noticeable. Is this feature a result of Pentax lens coatings or because of the rendering of the image by Pentax software? Do other brands of DSLRs produce similar rich colors? What say ye learned Pentaxians? Not enough information to say.

09-15-2021, 01:13 PM - 1 Like	#7
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by psoo What say ye learned Pentaxians? Different people perceive color differently and there is a ton of variability in regards to display media. Default JPEGs from a Pentax camera are cooked to certain look, but I am unwilling to lay claim to a consistent "Pentax color" through more than six decades of lens manufacture. Steve (...falls into the same pot of silliness as "Zeiss look" and "Leica look"...)

09-15-2021, 02:16 PM	#8
SelrahCharleS Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 935	Originally posted by swanlefitte Follow up blog post. Lens Rentals \| Blog Thanks for those. Super interesting blog posts.

09-15-2021, 06:08 PM	#9
DWS1 Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Arkansas, USA Posts: 1,169	I loved the Kodak colors from the Kodak CCD sensors. I have a Kodak ZD710 bridge camera from around 2007 or 2008, one of the last models produced by the original Eastman Kodak before they went belly up. Even today with my Pentax kit I've been unable to reproduce the color depth and richness that my Kodak puts out.

09-15-2021, 06:32 PM	#10
psoo Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 485 Original Poster	So you think the colors are a result of the sensors and not the lens coatings?

09-15-2021, 06:46 PM	#11
ZombieArmy Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 3,210	Originally posted by psoo So you think the colors are a result of the sensors and not the lens coatings? It's for sure both. The optical path will have influence on the spectra I'm sure, as well as the sensor.

09-15-2021, 07:24 PM	#12
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,903	Originally posted by psoo ometimes when I use a non-Pentax lens on a Pentax the lack of rich colors is immediately noticeable I think you mostly answered your own question. If you're just changing the lens, then your seeing a difference in optics and coatings. I think my Sigma lenses are cooler than my Pentax lenses. The sensor and how the files are generated by the camera certainly has impact too. I'm going to guess that the different manufacturers have developed target color profiles. I feel like the way a camera renders red is often talked about in reviews.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

09-16-2021, 02:08 AM	#13
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,887	Colours are a product of many things - sensors, processing settings, processing engine, lens design, lens coatings, the light itself... I do like Pentax colours generally, I think they're one of the real strengths of the system. I also like the colours from my Fujifilm gear, although they're different. Canon are generally very good too. I don't like Nikon colours at all. I've heard that Olympus are very good and that Sony and Panasonic are generally poor. Of course, those are SOOC, you can do anything you like with a bit of PP. A lot of it is down to preference.

09-16-2021, 04:41 AM	#14
house Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 3,306	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac Colours are a product of many things - sensors, processing settings, processing engine, lens design, lens coatings, the light itself... I do like Pentax colours generally, I think they're one of the real strengths of the system. I also like the colours from my Fujifilm gear, although they're different. Canon are generally very good too. I don't like Nikon colours at all. I've heard that Olympus are very good and that Sony and Panasonic are generally poor. Of course, those are SOOC, you can do anything you like with a bit of PP. A lot of it is down to preference. Jonathan do you find any difference in malleability of raw files across the lenses you use? I've realised that some lenses seem fine but can't handle pushing and pulling in post as well as others. For me this is largely related to vintage vs newer lenses but I'm wondering how this is across brands. I understand many don't push their files and I'd rather not myself but dynamic range is often such that I have to underexpose significantly to avoid blown detail where I need it.

09-17-2021, 03:22 AM	#15
psoo Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 485 Original Poster	Originally posted by ZombieArmy It's for sure both. The optical path will have influence on the spectra I'm sure, as well as the sensor. I'm sure you're right. I often hear people talk about the SMC coatings on Pentax lenses and I believe they refer to the warmth they give. Since I usually use Pentax lenses it explains why I like images I get. If a camera adds to this richness you get an extra benefit.