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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
07-25-2015, 07:27 PM
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I had a K3, switched to XT1 a month after it was released and a few months back came running back to Pentax to purchase a k3. Im now waiting on the Australia distributor to get shipment of the fixed k3ii.
I was seduced by the XT1 lenses and the large EVF. I don't really care for the retro look. I spent 12months with the XT1 before things like,slow AF, EVF issues (lag when shooting bursts and difficult to see in bright light), size/ergonomics (small camera doesn't work with bigger zooms, nothing to hold onto)
and processing RAF (to get maximum detail requires extra software and steps - LR does not process the xtrans files well. I would use Iridient to convert the RAF to TIFF and return to LR/PS for final processing) saw me switch back to Pentax. Oh, nearly forgot, battery life is poor. You need 2-4 batteries depending on how you shoot to get through a day..
The k3 ergonomics really work for me. I can pretty much keep the camera to me eye and control the camera with my right hand and concentrate on the photo. With the XT1 due to its small size and dials I would have to be pulling the camera down to check. The most irritating issue was 9/10 when moving the ISO dial I would accidentally move the shooting mode dial below. So i would find myself bracketing , doing pano's, in CH mode ...etc and would only realise after I took the next shot.. The buttons are awfully small don't even try using this camera with gloves. "Back button focusing" is not implement as per dslrs. You can use BBF and it works for single focus, but for continuous focus you still have to use the shutter button half press.
The K3 body is heavier but its built like a tank. The Kmount FA and limited primes are small just like the x-mount lens but not as fast. k3 has better flash implementation (pentax is not great but the XT1 flash functionality is extremely poor).
I did some astro on the XT1. The big issue is most of the x-mount lens have lots of coma when using f1.4 and need to be stopped down to f2.8 + to reduce or remove it. Pentax don't have fast lenses but they have the astro tracer which sort of negates the need for super fast lenses.. Obviously a fast lens with the astro tracer would be awesome.
ISO performance is similar. Looking at XT1 RAF files at ISO 3200 and 6400 they will look cleaner compared to k3 PEF's.. With the XT1 files there is some slight smudging which reduces the details but have a cleaner appearance . The k3 files look grainier but have more detail. If you run the K3 file through a decent NR utility you can reduce/remove the grain and end up with a better result.
So there are some of my experiences with the 2 systems. Im glad i tried mirrorless and the XT1. For me the XT1 didn't work out for others its a great solution.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
07-24-2015, 06:09 AM
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I go the Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art...
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
07-23-2015, 06:08 AM
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I was told last week they were hoping for a shipment of k3 ii's in 2-3 weeks.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
07-07-2015, 12:08 AM
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You ideally need the Pentax 16gig OFC-1 Flucard. This will integrate with the K3(ii) allowing you to also use the card for remote control in addition to file transfer..
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Forum: Photo Critique
05-21-2015, 01:51 AM
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Well done on the stitching. Really like the image.. Do you plan to print it?
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-20-2015, 07:05 PM
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The other reason why many of the pentax lenses are smaller is the use of screw mount ( FA limiteds, DA Limiteds...etc). Once you put DC motors into the lens it adds size too.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
05-19-2015, 11:49 PM
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Fuji have a 50-140 f2.8 which is there equivalent of the 70-210 f4 in 35mm terms. It weights just on 1000g.
One factor that will increase weight of lens is the amount of optical correction the designers want to included in the lens to reduce aberrations, distortion...etc. These corrections increase the number of elements leading to increase weight and cost.
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
05-12-2015, 09:51 PM
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Nice shot. Looks like the wb is a bit off, yellow/green cast.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
04-21-2015, 11:10 PM
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Im probably in the minority but I'm ok with the K3ii... I wasn't really expecting any massive change with the new FF being worked on . They also need some features to put in the K4 for next year..
Improved SR 3.5 - 4.5 is nice.
Improved AFC accuracy is not going to hurt anyone.
As i was thinking of getting the o-gps unit , having the builtin GPS unit is good. Only concern is out much battery it will use.. That is one advantage of the external unit having its own power.
High Res pixel shifting - its there and ill probably use it.
Not clear if there is a new sensor being used... Not that there is anything wrong with the current sensor in the K3.
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
04-21-2015, 01:11 PM
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New leak of specs from another site is indicating built in gps , no built in wifi. Along with hi res pixel shifting, AF improvements and no built in flash. SR improved to 4.5 stops too.
I wasn't expecting built in gps but am very happy as I do Astro. Other than the missing built in wifi, I'm happy if this is the k3ii
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
04-21-2015, 12:18 PM
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Well put. It's not just a pentaxian phenomenon , it's the same across all manufacturers.
The fact they are calling it k3 ii immediately suggests to me minor updates. So I'm not expecting huge changes as it's not a new model. The new FF I will be expecting something to rival or better NIkons 810e as its a completely new product.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
04-18-2015, 02:34 AM
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I also use the Black rapid curve. Worth every penny. They are much more comfortable and more secure. With 90% of the weight on my shoulder I find it much less tiring than when using a conventional neck strap.
I can never go back to those annoying neck straps again.
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Forum: Pentax K-3 & K-3 II
04-10-2015, 11:59 PM
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Leave some money over to get a nice wide gamut color accurate screen and calibration device. It makes a world of difference being able to see the correct colours on your screen and when printing. It also shows up those who run poorly calibrated monitors too..
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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
04-10-2015, 11:53 PM
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The CameraStore review of the NX1 ( YouTube) highlighted one big issue. AF. Very good in well lit situations, as soon as the light dropped slightly , lots of hunting and often failed to focus.
The NX1 is feature packed but they have overlooked one of the most important features of all- AF.
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Forum: Photo Critique
04-03-2015, 05:24 AM
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Last 2 are winners !! Tack sharp, nice lighting and nice poses from the models.
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Forum: Monthly Photo Contests
04-02-2015, 03:22 PM
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Very interesting "mirror image".
In the presented orientation i find it engaging and draws me in with the leading lines of the tile pattern. The puddle provides I nice frame to the scene.
Turn the image 180degs, and I find the image dull, boring and my eyes are draw away from the reflection buy the tile pattern.
Well done.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-28-2015, 06:01 AM
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Don't get the DFA 100mm macro or 35mm macro both are loud due to their long focus throws.
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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
03-28-2015, 05:46 AM
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Ive just returned to Pentax land after nearly a year with the XT1. Best thing i ever did was to get rid of the XT1.. I was sucked in by the retro looks and lenses. The lenses are very good, but the retro dials get old very quickly.. EVF is great but if you spend 1/2 days shooting through the EVF I would end up with a headache. Battery life is awful. Simple features like back button focusing arnt fully implemented...etc...etc . AFC tracking is just ok and low light performance is poor.
With the retro dials many people say its easier and they can just glance at the camera to see their settings.. I must be missing something because I can glance at the LCD display on the top of the camera and see my settings...
With all that said, I do like what Fuji are doing, but the system needs to mature some more. One area they have nailed are the lenses.. There primes 14,23,35,56,60 are amazing and the new XF f2.8 zooms 16-55 and 50-140 are incredible.
The small body of the XT1 is great for the smaller sized primes and zooms.. The new zooms 50-140 and 16-55 are large in comparison and without the battery grip the camera is very unbalanced. Even the new primes coming i.e. 16mm f1.4 and 90mm F2 are large and will need a grip too..
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-27-2015, 01:40 AM
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Yep Samyang 16 is APS-C i nearly clicked the buy button on this one before I realised it was aps-c... I wasn't aware the 24... ill have to check it out..
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-27-2015, 12:13 AM
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Im getting ready for the Pentax FF release later in the year or early next year... I currently have the FA 31mm, 43mm and DFA 100mm macro. Other than the old FA 20mm f2.8 there doesn't seem to be a FF wide angle lens currrently available. I think there is a DFA 24-70mm zoom on the road map but not primes. Surely Pentax need a new wide angle prime?
I wonder weather the current FA primes will get an update to DC motors to bring them in-line with the new DFA lens?
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Forum: Pentax News and Rumors
03-24-2015, 06:55 PM
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AU distributor is expecting first shipment mid- April.
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
03-24-2015, 02:07 AM
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Ive recently returned to Pentax (k3) after a trying a mirrorless option.. Best decision I've made. Hard to fault the K3 and at their current prices it pretty much a no brainer.
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
03-21-2015, 05:45 AM
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Congratulations on a superb photo... You MUST print it... Its would look great on anyones wall but even better on yours!!!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
03-14-2015, 05:14 PM
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Appreciate everyones input.
Well its seems the general consensus is that 50mm's are excellent but the 43ltd has something extra. Ive just ordered the 43ltd,
I'm not sure it will be ideal on the K3 (crop) but I think it will be great on FF, which I plan to get and use along side my K3.
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