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Forum: General Talk
04-08-2010, 12:04 AM
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Hey Adam! Cool idea :)
All the best for the new era of post 1,000,000 posts around here.
Long time reader, but rare poster. Always happy to participate in the most civil and informative Pentax forum around!
Mark
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
10-10-2009, 12:46 PM
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MR is extremely accomplished, and I've always enjoyed reading his very informative site. However, he is human, and we all have our own personal preferences. Since MR practically raved about the K10D, it seems extremely odd that the better in so many ways K-7 wouldn't elicit a similar response from him. They both represent a tremendous price point/feature value... and fare quite well against the more expensive Nikon D200/300. He mentioned that very positively in the K10D review, but not here..... why? What's different now?
To me, there seems only one answer, and he's actually alluded to it several times in this K-7 report. He doesn't like the more compact body. Period. Most of his negative thoughts focused directly on that (even to the point that he AGAIN brought up the smaller *ist). He's used to shooting with heavy kit like MF cameras and the top end C/N stuff and is quite comfortable and proficient doing so (he usually has some comment about shooting with gloves). IMHO when he's looking for smaller kit, he's going for something much smaller like his Leica M or the new micro 4/3rds stuff. That would explain the "middle child" comment, and why he just didn't feel compelled to spend enough time delving into a body that wasn't immediately as comfortable to him as the K10D/20D was. It also might explain the repeated the comment "...it doesn't have any one aspect of its design or performance that makes it stand out" without thinking it through in regards to his K10D comments (or how the new body actually does stand out as being unique).
Ain't no accounting for taste, and the feel of a camera is very personal. It's unfortunate that it didn't float his boat ergonomically, which didn't entice him to spend more time investigating it. Obviously his update is spin... but it's hard to fault a guy for trying to defend himself on his own site. Had he realized the potential of the K-7 with a few great primes, he may have been swayed to post something with a completely different flavor.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
07-12-2009, 05:35 PM
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Sorry if I got us OT ;) You know, math is inherently a language, the language of science... but there are certainly lots of artistic and elegant things about trying to explain the universe. That's one of the reasons lots of mathematicians become professional musicians (myself included)! Folks who are mathematically inclined are frequently proficient in languages and music. Now who created math is much deeper philosophical discussion :)
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
07-12-2009, 04:10 PM
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I was not aware of that thread, however, that does not change the fact that Oleg's conclusions are suspect and arrogant. Gordon and anyone else who cares to check the math can certainly verify it from THAT year old thread. Whether or not using ONLY that method tells the entire story is another discussion. The thread you previously linked to had zero verifiable evidence to back up the asserted conclusion. Without references it's not scientific, and THAT thread from your original post is where my opinion that you disdain came from (and all other recent threads I'm aware of).
I see the kindergarten class has moved here as well. Nice. You lose all credibility yourself when you go out of your way with personal attacks vis a vis RMabo, who certainly seems well informed of Pentax's company line. Whether or not he's 100% infallible doesn't give you the right to try petty baiting tactics.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
07-12-2009, 12:38 AM
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The problem with most noisepeeper analysis threads is not the analysis itself, but the invariable wild conclusions drawn (not necessarily by the OP). From what I've seen, that's one of the main differences between Gordon and Oleg. These threads invariably bring out the "anti-fanboy" anthem of declaring that those who THEY call "fanboys" have been disproven, which is in fact not necessarily the case at all. BTW, what is with all the name calling over there? Are we all in kindergarten again?
A major part of science is being able to draw reasonable conclusions from statistical data. For digital photography, what REAL WORLD impact does it have? What does the data actually mean, and is it relevant? Has the data been gathered reasonably? Also, is the test itself valid? If an inexperienced doctor reads your MRI, he might miss-diagnose something that could kill you (either from mistreatment or not being treated at all). Science is all about having an open mind and proving theories about the physical universe (which bad scientists and pseudo scientists NEVER do). Photography is basically a marriage between art and science, and as we all know, marriages tend to foster highly emotional responses. Instead of whining about how green the grass is on the other side, learn to live with what you have like a REAL photographer/husband/wife etc do. *little personal rant* As someone raised in a scientific household and trained to follow in those footsteps (even though my profession has taken me far away from that), it's a giant pet peeve of mine when pseudo science and plain false quotes are attributed as "absolute irrefutable scientific proof" just to further someone's agenda.
For the two links given by the OP here, Gordon has much more credibility because he's explained his test methods before, and has generally sound conclusions (whether or not they affect your usage in the least is for you to decide). Oleg (IMHO) seems to be another story. Sometimes has interesting data, but none shown here (it's not valid scientifically unless the test can be replicated, which constitutes hearsay) and an extreme conclusion which is flawed based on his inaccurate theory (that Pentax does on chip NR but Nikon doesn’t, which everyone knows is not the case... Nikon is just better at it at this point). Just because someone can run a test doesn’t make his conclusions valid.
The other problem with these types of threads is the rotten egg syndrome (yes, I made that up). Once you get a certain off putting smell in your nose, it's very easy to fixate on it and smell it everywhere. Public forums tend to exaggerate minor details into insurmountable problems. Analysis is great if it turns up something that can be adjusted in firmware. Not so great when misread or misquoted. I think all reasonable thinkers realize that for the VAST majority of applications these findings really won’t affect our real world shots, just interesting data about the limits of the K7’s performance. ALL cameras have limits that must be learned so we can work within and around them. If a particular camera doesn’t provide the specific item for your own extreme needs, the obvious choice is to find one that does.
I’m really looking forward to getting a K7 at some point, as it is obviously a much more capable camera than its predecessors in multiple ways (even if this particular point is basically the same as the K20D).
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Forum: Photographic Technique
04-02-2009, 11:03 PM
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Picked! Ranked 68 at this point. Pentaxians and Arkansawyers have to stick together :)
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
11-11-2008, 04:00 PM
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Interestingly enough, I had a discussion with a local mom & pop photo shop owner near Boston about this a few days ago. He stocks the Pentax K200D, and usually has a little old glass (and even film bodies), but NO Canon or Nikon to be seen. Odd huh? His explanation was that Pentax doesn't force him to stock a minimum $ amount in the store, but allows him to order anything he wants. The big 2 have small shops like his locked out because of minimum requirements.
Frankly, I'd rather pay slightly more and have a relationship with the owners instead of buying from some barely passing high school student at a giant store, or take the risk of getting caught in the endless back and forth mailing of merchandise from an internet store. Yeah, old fashioned I know, but so much more satisfying. For accessories I'm always on the net.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
06-20-2008, 03:21 PM
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Actually, they DID a preview when the K20D first came out. This preview was supposed to be a stop gap for Pentax enthusiasts while they redo their tests with the new firmware. No doubt it will be up soon. Why in the world do you place such importance on their opinion? IMO we've already gotten opinions here on this forum that should carry more weight. :)
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
02-25-2008, 04:03 PM
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If the highlight end is better, I don't think there is any reason at all to be pessimistic here. It is MUCH easier for the eye to see differences in highlights than similar differences in the darkest shadows. We will just need to take a more Canonic type of approach and get used to exposing to the right again. Personally, I find that easier than spending all of my time bringing up the shadows anyway. It's much more satisfying to save a seemingly blown out sky than getting a teensy bit of extra detail out of the shadows.
Just my opinion, but I think we're jumping the gun a little relying on Gordon's thoughts about DR (from a camera he doesn't own). He's really technical and comes up with some great stuff, but shouldn't we wait for an actual scientific controlled test? Even though DR typically drops with higher mgpxls, I'm guessing we may get a nice surprise once the real tests appear.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
01-30-2008, 04:48 AM
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I really don't understand. You read the reviews, not just the recommendation, right? Even at that, I don't know where you got this idea.
"The EF-S 17-85mm is a major step up from Canon’s EF-S 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 II kit lens, adding an extended focal length range, image stabilisation, fast and silent autofocus with a decent manual focus option, and substantially improved build quality."
Really nice reviews of the two Pentax lenses. Looking forward to their take on the new DA* lenses :)
EDIT: Ooops... I see now. That statement I quoted doesn't compare it to the IS version, but version II. However, I think you may be confusing the recommendation for a kit lens as compared with the reserved recommendation for a lens in a higher quality range. Not really apples to apples.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
12-09-2007, 01:44 AM
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How exactly is it "snooty" if you can get better results on ANY camera using RAW? Seems to me it's just using common sense :)
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
12-07-2007, 07:20 PM
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LOL! Pantex MUST be the new name from the merge with Hoya... and the obviously high tech lens is surely a product of the merger as well. I'm sure we can expect the availability to be much better as well. Oh, and look at the weathersealing! NICE ;)
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
12-07-2007, 02:32 PM
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Thanks for all the replies, Richard and everyone.
That's pretty much what I figured. Just shows the excitement being generated about the new stuff! :)
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
12-07-2007, 02:30 PM
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Thanks, Jeff! I can't explain how excited I am to be able to get out there again (and pain free YAY!). :) Just a matter of time to recoup the work and bank losses, and I'll be back to normal LBA and salivating for the new K20D body (well, the salivating has already started). hehe...
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
12-06-2007, 11:02 PM
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With all the buzz about the new groundbreaking Pentax offerings hopefully coming in January, it was inevitable the mock up shots would start popping up (and the ensuing debates about their authenticity). Just happened to notice this one.... and since you folks here seem to be the most knowledgeable Pentax users around the net, I thought I'd post the link and watch the fun. :)
Pentax K20D on show at PMA 2008 - Stock Photo market and Creative Digital Photography guide
PS. My enthusiasm for the K10D was hampered this summer due to a spinal injury, eventual surgery and health costs that have been testing my patience. Good news is that the surgery was an amazing success (even to the neurosurgeon), and I'll be back in the market just at the right time for the new goodies!
Best regards,
Mark
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
10-26-2007, 08:53 PM
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Thanks to Steve and Ben for the exciting news! Sounds like a wonderful and action packed trip. :) The news about new production times could be huge for Pentax fans!
I was frustrated in my Pentax lust due to unforseen circumstances (don't ask... but I'm much better now! LOL). However, I'm excited that things should be sorted out just in time for the enticing things coming after the new year. Who knows? I may still stick with the original K10D idea since it offers everything I need, and is becoming more affordable with each passing day. Meanwhile, the old glass sits and waits....
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
05-05-2007, 02:05 AM
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So Ben...... Any thoughts about how well the two new offerings will interface with the new DA* lenses? You may not be able to comment about that yet, but I'm hoping that both (whether lower or higher end models to the K10D) will be able to take advantage of the faster SDM focusing system.
I'm definitely looking to get at least the 16-50mm for the wedding stuff to start off (low light and faster AF right?). Have you had a chance to test these yet? The samples I've seen look great, and I have high hopes!
Best regards,
Mark
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
05-05-2007, 01:52 AM
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I was thinking about going the other way and opening a snow cone stand in Nome, Alaska. :cool:
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
05-05-2007, 01:32 AM
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HAHA.... point taken, and I shouldn't have let myself be baited. All along I was trying to to make the point that the thread was getting off topic, and now I've added to it. :o
I differ to your Kosher Deli wisdom! ;)
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
05-05-2007, 01:18 AM
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No, actually I wasn't. I used a commonly known fact as an example of how easy it is to get people riled up by preaching doom and gloom. I could have used many politicians who use that tactic as an example, but he happened to be the most prominent in mind at the moment. It was a direct response to ricehigh's trying to stir it up instead of the very practical and helpful direction of the OP. Bringing Bush into it and obviously trying to "call me out" was uncalled for, and of course would be responded to.
Back to the topic now? :)
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
05-05-2007, 01:04 AM
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Where the #$(#*$&!(*& did that come from? If anyone is showing their ignorance, that would most certainly be you. Alluding to Gore's ignorance as example has NOTHING to do with my personal feelings about W one way or the other (who btw actually has a higher IQ score). As a matter of fact all real scientists know what a farce Gore has been putting on with absolutely no understanding and pitifully little knowledge of the issues he constantly brings up, in an ineffectual grab at garnering more attention (yes, I trained as a scientist, and everyone in my family are scientists in various fields). If you have been swallowing his drivel, then you have had the wool pulled firmly over your eyes.
What a lovely addition you've given the thread. Bush-bashing? Please, this is supposed to be about Pentax! (mini-rant over)
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
05-04-2007, 09:19 AM
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Parroting what you've read without any clue as to what you're talking about hardly makes you an authority. ANYONE can quote perfectly reasonable sources and turn it into any ridiculous conclusion they want to.
As an interested K10D buyer (and Pentax shooter from 30 years back), I've followed all of the news on the subject. The fact is, NOTHING has been decided, and anything you say is pure conjecture! It's very easy to preach doom and gloom and get lots of attention without having any inside knowledge (just look at Al Gore).
Your assertion that "no new buyers will be interested" is preposterous. The fact still remains that the K10D offers the best bang for the buck on the market. That will only continue to be MORE true as the year goes on and prices continue to drop. I'm officially proving you wrong by buying one myself at my earliest convenience. :)
Thanks for trying to take over a very interesting and informative thread..... let's please get back to the OT and the very helpful insight and advice from the professionals and people who ACTUALLY HAVE INSIDE INFO and know what they're talking about.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
05-03-2007, 08:53 PM
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Thanks for the response, Ben!
I've had my eye on the K10D for some time, but obviously my curiosity was peaked about the future. Your praise and skillful use of it is certainly a great recommendation! Despite being sidetracked for a bit, as soon as I light in one place for a moment, a new shiney K10D will be a priority. Even including one of the new DA* lenses and some appropriate flashes (my old stuff really needs an update), the entire kit should still come in much cheaper than a Canon 5D with a decent lens (and be more versatile). Plus, it'll be fun to use some of my old glass. :)
Again, thanks for your input. I'm really looking forward to seeing that mag in June! Your work certainly speaks for itself. I actually pointed it out to some very impressed colleagues in Italy a few weeks ago. ;)
Best regards,
Mark
BTW, good to see *isteve being his helpful self over here as well!
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
05-03-2007, 02:42 PM
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Great news, Ben!
I've been waiting to pick up a K10D until I finish my present gig (which keeps getting pushed out further into the summer). Any hints as to whether or not the new higher end model would be more appropriate for part time wedding work? The K10D would be a great all-rounder, but since it looks like I won't be home until August, I could wait a little more if it makes more sense. I'm more interested in final output and usability than price (within reason). Either way, I'm sold on the new Pentax offerings!
I'm so glad Pentax is reclaiming its position in the digital world and renewing that great reputation (I started with Pentax back in the 70's and 80's).
I've been lurking here for a while ;) but have really enjoyed all the great info you all have to share. Dpreview forums have been steadily slipping since so many helpful folks seem to be migrating here (by choice or otherwise).
Best regards,
Mark
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