What would you like to see in a Pentax compact camera?

**barondla** · 04-11-2010, 08:13 PM

Pentax seems to be showing up with more competitive P&S cameras than in the past. What would you like to see?

For me it would be a camera with manual overide and ultra high image quality. Some thing that would make me lay the Panasonic LX2 down!

thanks
barondla

Check out POINT & SHOOT CONTEST #29 in compact camera forum. Enter #30. Any brand camera. Enter now!

Shoot on Pentaxium/World Pentax day. Apr. 17th.

RioRico · 04-12-2010, 03:10 AM

I just glanced at the DPR listings and specs for the H90, i10, W90, and X90, and I'm mentally comparing them with the K20D and my long-used Sony DSC-V1 and -P20, and I come up with a few desires:

* RAW/JPG/GIF outputs
* P, A, S, M, B modes
* 1/4000 - 60 sec shutter
* 10x optical zoom (20-200 equivalent)
* wired remote, including zoom control
* fewer megapickles, less sensor density
* better (more grain-like) high-ISO noise
* ultra-low grainless ISO
* IR-capable (hot.filter/720nm/900nm dial)
* top flash hotshoe
* slow-sync & trailing curtain flash
* 1 cm macro focusing
* image stabilization
* still aspects: 3:2, 4:3, 5:4, 16:9, 1:1
* all the usual video aspects & stuff
* full data/control and A/V I/O
* onboard stereo mics
* imageless audio recording
* +-3 EV adjustment & bracketing
* weighted & matrix & spot AE/AF
* selectable/visible AE/AF points
* selectable single/continuous AF
* manual/selectable focus
* AE and focus lock
* catch-in-focus
* IR AF assist
* usual & manual WB
* EVF w/rangefinder
* program line for auto priorities
* greyscale & B-W filter effects
* contrast/saturation/sharpness settings
* the usual review/info/histogram display
* timer/drive modes w/ intervalometer

Stuff I don't care about (now, anyway):

* human/animal face recognition
* onboard pano/matrix stitching
* zillions of scene modes & HDR
* onboard A/V editing & DPOE
* Bluetooth / WiFi I/O & GPS

That's not an exhaustive specification list, just what I'd like to have (but probably won't). And it's not in order of my priorities. Hell, I want it ALL!!! I've omitted some highly unlikely stuff, like extended spectral response with selectable filtration, sensor tilt-shift for perspective control, laser ranging, fisheye mode, open-source firmware, MP3 player, altimeter, etc. Those will have to wait another couple years.

Pentaxie · 04-12-2010, 08:49 PM

My wish list for a Pentax compact camera :
* P, A, S, M, B modes
* 1/4000 - 60 sec shutter
* 8x optical zoom (20-200 equivalent)
* better and higher ISO
* slow-sync & trailing curtain flash
* image stabilization (as always, the SR function is very useful)
* imageless audio recording
* +-3 EV adjustment & bracketing
* weighted & matrix & spot AE/AF
* selectable/visible AE/AF points
* manual focus (like my Optio M20)
* AE and focus lock
* IR AF assist
* manual WB (also selectable WB in Kelvin mode)
* contrast/saturation/sharpness settings
* the usual review/info/histogram display
* the usual b&w, colours filter (found in existing Pentax compact)

The above is not an exhaustive, just what I would want a compact camera to have others than the "normal" features. (Note: The above also is not in order of my priority).

Cheers.

GerryL · 04-13-2010, 09:51 AM

I know a compact camera can't be a DSLR so I would only ask for things that can be done or changed.
- A little manual control
- Bracketing so HDR can be used
- Better noise reduction firmware (as better ISO performance would not happen on a smallish sensor)
- A bit larger lens for better low light performance.
I'm not the type who would be asking too much that can't be done or is next to impossible to do.
* More waterproofing and shock absorbency! (*Priority)

RioRico · 04-14-2010, 12:08 AM

Shockproofing and weatherproofing are impossible with zooms that extend out, and I doubt that an 8x or greater zoom can be built with only internal moving elements, to cover a large enough sensor to give us any satisfaction. And FAST little zooms aren't so little. How big can this splendid P&S be? And with how many batteries?

Just about everything I mentioned above either exists in other P&S's or in dSLR firmware. I don't ask for major hardware bolt-ons, other than switchable IR filters. It WOULD be nice to grow the sensor size a little but reduce the pixel density: fewer, fatter, juicier, QUIETER megapickles. And high-ISO noise should look more like grain.

I know that Canon loves making cams (P&S and dSLR) with crippled features, to drive consumers to buy the Next Great Upgrade. The capabilities exist; they're just not implemented in firmware, or internal flags switch them off. IMHO this is about as bad as Planned Obsolescence. I hope Pentax isn't playing this game.

bdery · 04-14-2010, 05:19 AM

I'd like a camera exactly like the w80 that we do have, but with SR and possibly a manual exposure mode. Other than that, for the uses I put the camera to, it's just what I want.

eigelb · 04-14-2010, 05:25 AM

- aps-c sensor
- 35mm f1,8 lens

G.T · 04-14-2010, 09:58 AM

I'l like a better automatic white balance, a bit stronger optical zoom (I'm struggling with a 4x), and more "shortcut functions" available with the green button. One is not enough to get a quick & clean setup. Either you shot (and may have to spend time on correcting it with Photoshop or other) either you miss the instant.

Pentaxie · 04-15-2010, 02:42 AM

Originally posted by RioRico

Shockproofing and weatherproofing are impossible with zooms that extend out, and I doubt that an 8x or greater zoom can be built with only internal moving elements, to cover a large enough sensor to give us any satisfaction. And FAST little zooms aren't so little. How big can this splendid P&S be? And with how many batteries?

What about shockproofing and weatherproofing with 2 prime lens on a P&S?
That sounds like a swell idea, IMO.
Of course, if zooming function is on the P&S, one cannot perform the shockproofing and weatherproofing, therefore I would suggest to have maybe 2 primes or the most is 3 primes.

RioRico · 04-15-2010, 04:55 AM

Originally posted by Pentaxie

What about shockproofing and weatherproofing with 2 prime lens on a P&S?
That sounds like a swell idea, IMO.
Of course, if zooming function is on the P&S, one cannot perform the shockproofing and weatherproofing, therefore I would suggest to have maybe 2 primes or the most is 3 primes.

Old 8mm cine cams, and some Russian 35mm still cams, had lens turrets with 3 or 5 primes on the turret. Spin the turret to select the prime. This was before zooms, of course. And those turret+primes rigs weren't exactly shock- or weather-proof. Bother. More recently, Kodah had a digital P&S with two lenses, wide and longer, to give an extended FL range. I don't know if it sold well, or how damage-proof it was.

mel · 04-15-2010, 10:51 AM

I really want a compact camera that shoots RAW and has manual controls. So much so that I'm looking at other brands that do. If Pentax would just make one I could stop looking. Most of the other stuff on the various wishlists are why I shoot a DSLR. A compact would be perfect for when I don't want to lug that around (like while running or rollerblading) but I just can't bring myself to shoot jpegs. It's like it's almost offensive to me or something.

G.T · 04-15-2010, 12:30 PM

Mel,

That's the reason why I stick to P&S cameras : their compacity. I like bringing it on parties, fitting in a pocket. I just keep JPEG quality to the highest possible - I don't have the skill to find the advantages of RAW over (good) JPEGs.

Of course, the P&S concept makes me fight against the relative weakness of the zoom. Optical zoom I mean, I usually have no need of digital zoom. And I remember it's a long way and great progress since the Kodak 126 which was a standard for my parents.

mel · 04-15-2010, 12:40 PM

I like to tinker with my images. Editing and resaving jpegs is really not a good idea. I love shooting a DSLR but I can't take it running (too heavy) nor blading (too risky). So for my own personal preferences, I want raw and manual abilities. Because I like to tinker.

G.T · 04-15-2010, 12:59 PM

I'll keep your explanation about RAW for my personal culture. I'll remember this when I'll be about to buy a dSLR, in a decade or two

'till then I'll keep my JPEGs, on which I use to perform just minor changes (levels, noise attenuation) - when it's bigger I use PSD files. Disk space is not an option

**monochrome** · 04-15-2010, 01:56 PM

It's pretty simple for me. I use a campact camera as a pocket camera. If I truly need HQ IQ images I use the dSLR. everything is a compromise. Here's what I'd want:

Great Optics
Superb image quality, especially in low light
without bumping ISO to the noisy point
Very good battery life
Compact size - need not be an Altoids Tin camera
Complete manual control possibility
Punt the MODES

Frequently I just use an ancient Olympus XA and get better (non-flash) images than I ever could with my wife's Optio A40. It's all in the Zuiko 28/2.8 fixed lens, fixed ASA (film

) and full-manual control.

04-11-2010, 08:13 PM	#1
barondla Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: midwest, United States Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,714	What would you like to see in a Pentax compact camera? Pentax seems to be showing up with more competitive P&S cameras than in the past. What would you like to see? For me it would be a camera with manual overide and ultra high image quality. Some thing that would make me lay the Panasonic LX2 down! thanks barondla Check out POINT & SHOOT CONTEST #29 in compact camera forum. Enter #30. Any brand camera. Enter now! Shoot on Pentaxium/World Pentax day. Apr. 17th.

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04-12-2010, 03:10 AM	#2
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	I just glanced at the DPR listings and specs for the H90, i10, W90, and X90, and I'm mentally comparing them with the K20D and my long-used Sony DSC-V1 and -P20, and I come up with a few desires: * RAW/JPG/GIF outputs * P, A, S, M, B modes * 1/4000 - 60 sec shutter * 10x optical zoom (20-200 equivalent) * wired remote, including zoom control * fewer megapickles, less sensor density * better (more grain-like) high-ISO noise * ultra-low grainless ISO * IR-capable (hot.filter/720nm/900nm dial) * top flash hotshoe * slow-sync & trailing curtain flash * 1 cm macro focusing * image stabilization * still aspects: 3:2, 4:3, 5:4, 16:9, 1:1 * all the usual video aspects & stuff * full data/control and A/V I/O * onboard stereo mics * imageless audio recording * +-3 EV adjustment & bracketing * weighted & matrix & spot AE/AF * selectable/visible AE/AF points * selectable single/continuous AF * manual/selectable focus * AE and focus lock * catch-in-focus * IR AF assist * usual & manual WB * EVF w/rangefinder * program line for auto priorities * greyscale & B-W filter effects * contrast/saturation/sharpness settings * the usual review/info/histogram display * timer/drive modes w/ intervalometer Stuff I don't care about (now, anyway): * human/animal face recognition * onboard pano/matrix stitching * zillions of scene modes & HDR * onboard A/V editing & DPOE * Bluetooth / WiFi I/O & GPS That's not an exhaustive specification list, just what I'd like to have (but probably won't). And it's not in order of my priorities. Hell, I want it ALL!!! I've omitted some highly unlikely stuff, like extended spectral response with selectable filtration, sensor tilt-shift for perspective control, laser ranging, fisheye mode, open-source firmware, MP3 player, altimeter, etc. Those will have to wait another couple years.

04-12-2010, 08:49 PM	#3
Pentaxie Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Photos: Gallery Posts: 429	My wish list for a Pentax compact camera : * P, A, S, M, B modes * 1/4000 - 60 sec shutter * 8x optical zoom (20-200 equivalent) * better and higher ISO * slow-sync & trailing curtain flash * image stabilization (as always, the SR function is very useful) * imageless audio recording * +-3 EV adjustment & bracketing * weighted & matrix & spot AE/AF * selectable/visible AE/AF points * manual focus (like my Optio M20) * AE and focus lock * IR AF assist * manual WB (also selectable WB in Kelvin mode) * contrast/saturation/sharpness settings * the usual review/info/histogram display * the usual b&w, colours filter (found in existing Pentax compact) The above is not an exhaustive, just what I would want a compact camera to have others than the "normal" features. (Note: The above also is not in order of my priority). Cheers.

04-13-2010, 09:51 AM	#4
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	I know a compact camera can't be a DSLR so I would only ask for things that can be done or changed. - A little manual control - Bracketing so HDR can be used - Better noise reduction firmware (as better ISO performance would not happen on a smallish sensor) - A bit larger lens for better low light performance. I'm not the type who would be asking too much that can't be done or is next to impossible to do. * More waterproofing and shock absorbency! (*Priority)

04-14-2010, 12:08 AM	#5
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Shockproofing and weatherproofing are impossible with zooms that extend out, and I doubt that an 8x or greater zoom can be built with only internal moving elements, to cover a large enough sensor to give us any satisfaction. And FAST little zooms aren't so little. How big can this splendid P&S be? And with how many batteries? Just about everything I mentioned above either exists in other P&S's or in dSLR firmware. I don't ask for major hardware bolt-ons, other than switchable IR filters. It WOULD be nice to grow the sensor size a little but reduce the pixel density: fewer, fatter, juicier, QUIETER megapickles. And high-ISO noise should look more like grain. I know that Canon loves making cams (P&S and dSLR) with crippled features, to drive consumers to buy the Next Great Upgrade. The capabilities exist; they're just not implemented in firmware, or internal flags switch them off. IMHO this is about as bad as Planned Obsolescence. I hope Pentax isn't playing this game.

04-14-2010, 05:19 AM	#6
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	I'd like a camera exactly like the w80 that we do have, but with SR and possibly a manual exposure mode. Other than that, for the uses I put the camera to, it's just what I want.

04-14-2010, 05:25 AM	#7
eigelb Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Italy Posts: 174	- aps-c sensor - 35mm f1,8 lens

04-14-2010, 09:58 AM	#8
G.T Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 367	I'l like a better automatic white balance, a bit stronger optical zoom (I'm struggling with a 4x), and more "shortcut functions" available with the green button. One is not enough to get a quick & clean setup. Either you shot (and may have to spend time on correcting it with Photoshop or other) either you miss the instant.

04-15-2010, 02:42 AM	#9
Pentaxie Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Photos: Gallery Posts: 429	Originally posted by RioRico Shockproofing and weatherproofing are impossible with zooms that extend out, and I doubt that an 8x or greater zoom can be built with only internal moving elements, to cover a large enough sensor to give us any satisfaction. And FAST little zooms aren't so little. How big can this splendid P&S be? And with how many batteries? What about shockproofing and weatherproofing with 2 prime lens on a P&S? That sounds like a swell idea, IMO. Of course, if zooming function is on the P&S, one cannot perform the shockproofing and weatherproofing, therefore I would suggest to have maybe 2 primes or the most is 3 primes.

04-15-2010, 04:55 AM	#10
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by Pentaxie What about shockproofing and weatherproofing with 2 prime lens on a P&S? That sounds like a swell idea, IMO. Of course, if zooming function is on the P&S, one cannot perform the shockproofing and weatherproofing, therefore I would suggest to have maybe 2 primes or the most is 3 primes. Old 8mm cine cams, and some Russian 35mm still cams, had lens turrets with 3 or 5 primes on the turret. Spin the turret to select the prime. This was before zooms, of course. And those turret+primes rigs weren't exactly shock- or weather-proof. Bother. More recently, Kodah had a digital P&S with two lenses, wide and longer, to give an extended FL range. I don't know if it sold well, or how damage-proof it was.

04-15-2010, 10:51 AM	#11
mel Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,531	I really want a compact camera that shoots RAW and has manual controls. So much so that I'm looking at other brands that do. If Pentax would just make one I could stop looking. Most of the other stuff on the various wishlists are why I shoot a DSLR. A compact would be perfect for when I don't want to lug that around (like while running or rollerblading) but I just can't bring myself to shoot jpegs. It's like it's almost offensive to me or something.

04-15-2010, 12:30 PM	#12
G.T Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 367	Mel, That's the reason why I stick to P&S cameras : their compacity. I like bringing it on parties, fitting in a pocket. I just keep JPEG quality to the highest possible - I don't have the skill to find the advantages of RAW over (good) JPEGs. Of course, the P&S concept makes me fight against the relative weakness of the zoom. Optical zoom I mean, I usually have no need of digital zoom. And I remember it's a long way and great progress since the Kodak 126 which was a standard for my parents.

04-15-2010, 12:40 PM	#13
mel Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,531	I like to tinker with my images. Editing and resaving jpegs is really not a good idea. I love shooting a DSLR but I can't take it running (too heavy) nor blading (too risky). So for my own personal preferences, I want raw and manual abilities. Because I like to tinker.

04-15-2010, 12:59 PM	#14
G.T Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 367	I'll keep your explanation about RAW for my personal culture. I'll remember this when I'll be about to buy a dSLR, in a decade or two 'till then I'll keep my JPEGs, on which I use to perform just minor changes (levels, noise attenuation) - when it's bigger I use PSD files. Disk space is not an option

04-15-2010, 01:56 PM	#15
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	It's pretty simple for me. I use a campact camera as a pocket camera. If I truly need HQ IQ images I use the dSLR. everything is a compromise. Here's what I'd want: Great Optics Superb image quality, especially in low light without bumping ISO to the noisy point Very good battery life Compact size - need not be an Altoids Tin camera Complete manual control possibility Punt the MODES Frequently I just use an ancient Olympus XA and get better (non-flash) images than I ever could with my wife's Optio A40. It's all in the Zuiko 28/2.8 fixed lens, fixed ASA (film ) and full-manual control.