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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-26-2011, 03:49 PM
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As someone who just made the decision to acquire Nikon for my particular needs, I'm not about to suggest that Pentax does not have a place in the world of photography.
That being said, I've migrated through the Pentax line including the K100d. I would suggest that you consider the K20. Arguably the image quality of the K100 is better, but the K20 is not very far behind (if at all) and gives you considerable improvements in focusing speed and accuracy, higher ISO performance (about one stop), write speed etc. Along with the improvements mentioned also consider the next tier body with much more user control including the ability to adjust the ISO in 1/3 stops, dual program wheels and a much more robustly built body, weather sealed and so on.
With Pentax asking a premium price for the K5 to allow the user to get to the performance of the last generation of Nikon and soon to be eclipsed once again with the release of their next generation. The price of a used K20 is very attractive. I would expect to pay somewhere in the $500.00 range for a good used example. If you can live without the better focusing and low light performance of cameras in the K5/D300/D7000 realm then the K20 should be an ideal choice for you.
FRANK
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
02-24-2011, 07:03 PM
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I shoot stock cars at dirt tracks and have similar requirements. I've faced that same dilemma several times over that past few years, and I always ended up staying with Pentax. This time however, the introduction of the K5 and the promise of closing the gap with Nikon regarding both focusing speed / accuracy and low light performance (focusing), the opening price of the K5 in the neighborhood of $1500 caused me to re-think my allegiance to Pentax. My thoughts were that if I was to invest that much money on Pentax with Nikon also due for replacements to their D300 and D700 lines I would once again be a generation behind them shortly. For less money than the K5 would have cost me, I decided to buy into the Nikon system with a used D300 and a few lenses to get me going. I was also able to pick up an SB600 flash, all for less than the cost of the K5 body only.
I do believe that I gave the Pentax system plenty of time to catch up investing thousands of dollars owning and having shot with a 1st, K100D, K20 and a Kx taking tens of thousands of images and published regularly in enthusiast magazines and trade papers. I finally realized that my requirements do not fall into the category of shooting that Pentax is targeting.
It became very frustrating when somebody would show up with a nine year old Nikon D100 with a kit lens and get a higher percentage of keepers due to focus issues than I was able to attain with any of my Pentax cameras. Although I have never been one to blindly follow the masses, there is a reason why Nikon has such an overwhelming presence in the infields of race tracks and other sports venues across the country, now I'm one of them. I intend to still use the Pentax at times, victory lane shots etc, but after my next upgrade they will probably be relegated to the closet.
I'm not turning this into a Pentax vs brand X debate and readily admit that Pentax offers a lot of bang for the buck, but must concede that they simply do not meet my requirements.
FRANK
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
01-16-2011, 03:06 PM
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You can not go wrong with any of the first generation Pentax 6mp DSLR's. I've shot extensively with the *ist DL, K100d, K20 and the Kx.
The *ist DL and the K100d share their sensor with the Nikon D100. All of them produce very good high ISO images for the times.
K100d ISO 1600
*ist DL ISO 1600
And for shooting at ISO 3200 both the *ist DL and the K100d offer similar results.
*ist DL ISO 3200. Click image for larger view
FRANK
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
12-06-2010, 11:34 PM
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I've got a K100 as well as an Ist* DL, K20 and a Kx.
Your choices are all very good cameras but by far the best bang for the buck for upgrading from the K100 is the K20. You will realize over twice as many MP's and about a one stop higher ISO improvement with similar image quality to the K100.
Although a much better body with weather sealing, more control etc, the K10 will give you more MP's but lower ISO performance. The K200 will give you the same sensor as the K10 with more MP's and lessor ISO performance with the same camera body & controls as the K100. With either of these, you will be trading your K100's higher ISO performance for MP's, almost a lateral move.
With the K20 you will gain higher ISO performance from a much more robust camera body than the K100. You will get the second generation of the K10 body with a larger 14.6MP sensor, weather sealing and many more options than the K100 or the K200 along with more and easier to navigate controls.
Although not mentioned, the Kx is a very good camera and arguably having the best high ISO performance for an APS-C sensor. It's still an entry level camera and I find it lacking in features that I've grown accustomed too.
Good Luck!
FRANK
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
11-06-2010, 07:11 AM
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I have an ist DL along with a k100d, Kx and K20. The ist uses the same sensor as the K100d (and I believe the Nikon d100). Fairly basic with no image stabilization, sensor cleaning and some of the features of the later generations. All "K" mount lenses will work, with some limits as to extra features for example, power zoom lenses will have to be zoomed manually, the SMD lenses will use the in body focus motor instead of the focus motor in the lens.
The image quality from that camera is very good within it's limits. The 6.2 mp sensor can result in outstanding prints up to 8x10.
Think of theist as the grandfather of the Kr, very similar in feature sets, build quality and similar in size.
Pentax ist, approx 200mm(Sigma 70-300), iso800, f8, 1/1000sec
FRANK
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
10-09-2010, 07:17 PM
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It's been said that Pentax and sports shooting don't mix.
I started shooting auto racing a while back using Pentax digital strictly for economic reasons. That being said, it is what it is. I've been trying to get the best that I can from what I've got and have been doing pretty well at it. I've been regularly published in weekly enthusiast papers as well as national monthly magazines. Add to that quite a few web based venues.
My latest achievement has been a feature article in a new web based magazine. All of the photos used for the article including the cover shot, table of contents page and back cover are mine.
The photos used in this article were taken with either a 1stDL, Kx or a K20. Various lenses were used and flash was probably a Metz 60CT-4
Click HERE to see the September issue of the Short Track U.S.A. This page is Flash based and takes a bit to load, give it a minute. The article starts on page 18.
Check it out!
Thanks,
FRANK
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
05-25-2010, 08:30 AM
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First of all, thank you John and Groucho for chiming in with your take on this. Groucho in particular has experience shooting at these types of venues.
This track has state of the art Musco lighting. They have it in place for the televised World of Outlaws events. This lighting is the same as used in sports stadiums and is very bright. The lighting on this side of the track is located behind the grandstands to illuminate the sides of the cars facing the fans, lighting from the other side where we shoot from is very low. As we all learned in photography 101 when shooting with a flash, the flash in effect provides your exposure by being a very short burst of light measured in the thousands of a second. However with the sync speed of an slr physically limited to a shutter speed of somewhere in the 1/160th to 1/250th of a second there will be a measure of ambient light reaching the sensor.
Now with that being understood, wherever there is ambient light (the light lighting the track) you will have motion blur as the camera is panned to follow the subject, this would be the track surface but the fence poles and the wall beneath them are not lit by the ambient light therefore they would not be blurred by the panning of the camera. The light "spilling" into the wheelwells is not spilling but rather it is being shot into the shadows by the flash. Fill flash 101.
Of course the sides of the cars are reflecting light, flash is being used. See above.
The motion of the wheels is frozen by the flash with it's duration measured in the thousands of a second. Again refer to the above paragraph. There is no ambient light reaching this side of the car to give any "motion blur". Take a look at the other photos posted above. There are several that were taken in the daylight with no flash. In these cases even with the shutter speed over 1/1000 of a second there is "motion blur" and I can assure you that the cars in these photos are not standing still but going anywhere from 100mph to over 140mph.
And finally, of course the photos were taken at different angles. This was not a planned shot it just so happened that we both took a shot of the same action at virtually the same time. Cory was standing about 20 or 30 ft to my left and was on an area of the infield that was slightly higher than where I was standing.
I would suggest that before you so quickly call out somebody with your "expert" opinion that you do some research on the subject of which you're critiquing. It is obvious that you need to brush up on the effects of flash photography and on this subject in particular.
FRANK
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
05-25-2010, 07:32 AM
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Mr. or Mrs. Kilowatt I take offense at your accusations. If you would have taken as much time to look at my profile as you did to defame me, you would have seen that this kind of photography is what I do, what I do very well and what I have done for a quite a while. I am published regularly in various racing publications and have been published in national magazines.
The example I posted above is not one of my better shots by any means and I did not submit it for critique by the forum in general nor you in particular. I can see the problems with the technological aspects of the shot. I will however stand by my statement that that shot is exactly as it came from the camera with the exception of re-sizing and adding the watermark.
I never stated that the K20 is a better camera than the D700 I would love to be able to afford one with an assortment of accessories. But rather I made an observation that under certain conditions that the K20 will provide you with shots just as usable as one of the flagships from the Nikon line at one fourth the cost.
And to make it a bit easier for you to research me take a look at the photos below that I have previously posted to these forums over the last couple of years. If you'd like to see more of what I do click any of the photos. Every one of the photos below has been taken with either the K100 or the 1st. I left the bottom photos very large to make it easier for your "pixel peeping"
Once I can attain the skill level with the K20 that I had reached with the old 6mp Pentax line I'll be happy.
FRANK
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
05-25-2010, 02:20 AM
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O-K here's a non scientific comparison between these two cameras. A brand new Nikon D700 with it's full frame sensor versus a used generation old Pentax K20 with it's APS-C sensor. The D700 used the brand new lower line Nikon 70-300 lens while my K20 had a well used bottom end Sigma 70-300. I believe the D700 was at ISO 4000, f5.6, 1/250 sec with a Nikon SB800 flash.
I haven't got the EXIF data available on this computer but I think I was at ISO 2000+/-, f5.6, 1/180sec using a Metz 60-CT4 about 1/8 power.
A little background. I've been shooting Dirt Track Racing for several years migrating through the DSLR's up from a Pentax 1st, K100, Kx and finally to the K20. I've had the K20 for about a week and a half thanks to forum member Scott (pghwarrior23). This was my second outing with this camera. I still have a bit of shaking out to do with it to get my own settings nailed down. My results will get better as I refine my technique with this camera. I see that I've got to work on my white balance and maybe a bit of noise reduction.
The D700 is used by a friend of mine, Cory Stivison the track photographer from Lernerville Speedway. He purchased his camera at the beginning of the season and as can be seen below, has it pretty well figured out.
My images are directly from the camera with only resizing and the watermark added, as far as I know Cory's are the same.
Ironically it appears that we both took the same shot within a split second of each other, what a better comparison?
More shots of the same event from both cameras can be seen HERE or click either photo below
K20
D700
By the way, I paid $600 for the K20 while the D700 cost $2300, almost four times as much.
Comments please.
FRANK |
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
04-15-2009, 07:47 PM
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Thank you for the comments.
I don't know about the Metz 58, I do have and occasionally use a Pro Master 7500DX, I prefer something other than a "hot shoe" flash due to the environment. According to the guide number the 58 and the 60CT4 should be similar, but the robust construction of the "hammerhead" style of the 45 CT/CL series and the 60 CT series have made these the flash units of choice for many. Something about a quarter inch bolt holding the flash to the camera instead of just a spindly slide on hot shoe I guess :) The hammerhead units feel a bit better balanced to me as well.
I already have and often use a 45 CL4. I tend to use it earlier in the evening as the light just begins to go down. I don't need as much light from the flash at that point and re-cycle times are less of an issue. Being on the other side of 50 yrs old makes the lighter weight of the 45 and not carrying a battery pack around an advantage too.
Once the sun goes completely down and I need more light from the flash, the 60CT4 goes on. I also get the added advantage of quicker re-cycle times when I need it with the larger battery pack.
I do have the appropriate connector and module for both the 45CL4 and the 60CT4 but have had spotty results when using them under these conditions. Too many variables with the wide range of car colors and reflections from the track lights, dark shadows etc,. My results have been very inconstant. Myself and most others using these Metz' systems typically have better results using the manual settings. Under different (better) conditions I've had much better results with the SCA system and P-TTL.
If your looking for the latest and the greatest, remember that the 45 series and the 60 series have been available for quite a few years and many feel that today's technology has past them by.
I would think the next logical upgrade path from Metz would be the 76 MZ-5 or the 45 CL4 digital.
FRANK
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
04-13-2009, 10:17 PM
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So do I
Click the photo to see more
Seriously, use the damn thing
Click the photo below to see more of what I do with mine
FRANK
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
04-12-2009, 08:46 PM
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A little coffee? no problem.
Try this:
Click the photo to see more
A whole account of this event can be read HERE
Over 69,000 total shutter actuations and about 23,000 since the indecent, the shutter release as of last night is no longer working and locks up the camera. To the shop tomorrow.
The down side is that another photographer lent me his back up D80 and I must say that the Nikon shooters have it too easy. There is no comparison as to the AF speed. If my K100 is done I may have to revisit my allegiance to Pentax. In a field that is dominated by Nikon and Canon I only know of about four Pentax users in this realm. One of whom I personally steered to the Pentax line.
In a field that is very hard on equipment we're always looking toward our next purchase. I've had my eye on the K20 as my primary camera and relegate my K100 to back up status along with my Ist.
I shoot many events through the year and carry credentials for several traveling series including the World Racing Group (World of Oultaws) and others. I'm published weekly in various racing publications from the local to the national level. I carry credentials to and can be found at such nationally renowned racetracks as Lernerville Speedway, Pennsylvania Motor Speedway and, Tyler County Speedway etc. I stand side by side with the "heavy Hitters" of the profession with their Nikons and Canons and am contacted by guys starting out for my recommendations. Since I am not viewed as a "professional" photographer because I don't derive the bulk of my income from this endeavor I don't count. However my photos are seen by thousands of people weekly.
I contacted Pentax after this indecent and related my story. I told them how pleased I was with the durability of their equipment. Although I've tried to be an ambassador for the Pentax brand, they could not even be bothered to reply. A hat would have been nice.
FRANK
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
01-25-2008, 08:28 PM
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Here are a couple from last October. It was very dusty which causes complications with the reflection of the dust from the flash. The best way to combat this is to reduce the flash output (Metz 60 CT-4) and kick the ISO up. On top of that, it was the end of a long weekend and the temps were dropping quickly into the 30's by the time these shots were taken.
Both of these cars were doing in excess of 100mph as they crossed beneath the flags.
K100D 18-55 kit lens f5.6 160sec ISO3200
K100D 18-55 kit lens f5.6 125sec ISO3200
Good Luck,
FRANK
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
01-21-2008, 11:51 PM
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I usually shoot race cars during a much warmer time of year. Last night I was on my way in and noticed the crystal clear sky and a full moon. Ignoring the bitter 3 degree temps I gave it a shot.
This is a JPEG as it came out of the camera with only a crop to 8x10. I started at "sunny 16" and worked down to "Looney 11" I ended up with this.
K100d, Sigma 70-300 (the cheap one), ISO 200, f11, 1/200. 2sec delay, remote cord
Examples of something that I'm more comfortable with can be seen here;
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/11711-fast-cars-poor-lig...html#post93684
Thanks for looking,
FRANK
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
09-10-2007, 07:46 PM
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When we have those real dusty nights, what works for me is to kick the ISO up to 1600 or even 3200 if you dare and turn the flash down. I have used the ProMaster 7500DX flash and although I found it to be a bit cumbersome and somewhat inconsistent, when all of the "planets were aligned" it did a good job for about half the price of the larger Pentax unit.
At a track like Lernerville with it's good lighting you can often shoot with no flash at night. Don't expect to get the same quality shots as you would get on a nice daytime shot with the sun over your shoulder with the ISO at 200, f4 and the shutter at 1/1000 but it will still give you "seat time" with the camera and help make the quick on the fly adjustments become second nature. The more shots you get with varying aperture, ISO and shutter speed settings the better understanding you'll get as to the effects of each.
I'm still on my way up the learning curve but after this coming weekend hopefully I'll know just a little bit more.
Good luck,
FRANK
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
09-10-2007, 12:52 AM
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Thank you all for the positive reviews, it is very much appreciated.
I've dug up the exif data for the above shots and is is as follows;
All shots were made with a Pentax K100d.
flash when used was a ProMaster 7000(?)
The exif data for those shots on the forum are as follows;
All photos were shot at 6mp highest quality.
Schatz,
7:33pm
exposure- 1/180s
f-8
ISO 400
focal length 108mm
manual flash (fill flash, it brings out some of the details from the shadows)
continuous auto focus with spot metering
second photo,
6:56pm
exposure- 1/160s
f-5.6
ISO 400
focal length 80mm
manual flash (as above)
continuous auto focus with spot metering
McMahan,
6:56pm
exposure- 1/160s
f-5.6
ISO 400
focal length 150mm
manual flash (as above)
continuous auto focus with spot metering
Meyers,
7:22pm
exposure- 1/200s
f-4
ISO 400
focal length 120mm
no flash
Garvin & Briggs late models,
9:41pm
exposure- 1/160s
f-4.5
ISO 800
focal length 70mm
manual flash
continuous auto focus with spot metering
Sam Stiles coming at you,
7:39pm
exposure- 1/320s
f-8
ISO 800
focal length 150mm
no flash
continuous auto focus with spot metering
If you are so inclined you can see more of my stuff at
fww56 - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Just click the link above then choose the event you'd like to see.
Let me know what you think
Thanks,
FRANK
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
09-09-2007, 03:17 PM
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Some of what I do in my spare time with my K1000d.
World of Outlaw Sprint cars at Lernerville Speedway;
the start of a wild ride
Dirt Late Models;
Sometimes things don't work out very well
The driver walked away from this.
FRANK
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