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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 12-20-2018, 12:27 PM

From Fuji to Pentax? May be yes, may be not.
Posted By mikesbike

Replies: 311
Views: 28,933

You may find some disappointment with your Oly possibly because you're used to shooting with a Fuji APS-C outfit. I believe we went over and over again about these differences. But if you want a truly smaller camera and lenses setup, 4/3 will do it, with as we said before, some compromises. Going smaller has some disadvantages after a certain point. Just as the Fuji APS-C mirrorless system, at near the same size as certain Pentax models, offers the EVF (if you prefer it) instead of the OVF, but has other compromises compared to certain Pentax models, such as in control features and IBStabilization. If you are happy with your little Oly system ,just keep using it.

Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 12-12-2018, 09:11 PM

From Fuji to Pentax? May be yes, may be not.
Posted By mikesbike

Replies: 311
Views: 28,933

The K-70 certainly does feature live view for stills. So does the extra-small, lightweight K-S2 for that matter. Forget LV with the K-5 series or K-30. But again, I caution about buying used cameras that are not flagship models, other than the KP. They are simply not as durable, though the more recent ones by Pentax are better built than similar priced models of other brands. Other than used flagship, that leaves a new K-70, the best features and performance at a budget price. For being extra small, yet quite full-featured, I do like my K-S2, but I got a very good deal on a new one, with a super-compact 18-50 WR DC kit lens.

Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 12-11-2018, 02:18 PM

From Fuji to Pentax? May be yes, may be not.
Posted By mikesbike

Replies: 311
Views: 28,933

I've been informed the new DFA* 50mm f/1.4 will AF fine with a K-5 series camera. It has a DC motor, not PLM.

As to the K-30, it would likewise work with the new 50mm lens, but I do not recommend buying used other than flagship models, except for the likewise premium-built unique KP. If the lesser camera is proven to be very lightly used, that might be ok.

Oops, I was thinking of the DA* 11-18mm f/2.8 lens being compatible. perhaps the new 50mm is not. I don't think that is a concern here, however, since both are very expensive. The only one possibly of concern might be the DA 55-300mm PLM. But then the previous DA 55-30mm WR is still available and is a good alternative.

The K-70 has no issue at all regarding these lenses.

Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 12-11-2018, 01:56 PM

From Fuji to Pentax? May be yes, may be not.
Posted By mikesbike

Replies: 311
Views: 28,933

The K-3 has more resolution for larger prints or screens at 24mp instead of 16mp, and has no AA filter for greater detail in images. The other two 16mp models both have the AA filter. The K-5 series has been shown as being slightly better at higher ISO than the newer K-3, and having slightly better dynamic range also. The K-5 II features an improved AF system over the K-5, while the K-3 is better yet, but some reports have indicated a bit more fussy. If wanting to stay with the K-5 series, the K-5 IIs also omits the AA filter.

You have expressed a need to shoot clean images at at least ISO 3200. The K-5 IIs can do this while retaining excellent detail. Although noise is well-handled with this setting, it can look even better with good post-process treatment. For at least one stop improvement over this, and with your budget concerns, the K-70 fits into the top-notch position. It provides 24mp, superior ISO performance, and will certainly beat the Olys. The K-30 is ok, but not up to a K-5 IIs in any way.

Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 12-08-2018, 04:22 PM

From Fuji to Pentax? May be yes, may be not.
Posted By mikesbike

Replies: 311
Views: 28,933

For having high-ISO performance in the most-advanced category for APS-C, while at the least cost, Pentax has done it with the K-70. The K-70 is also very well built with WR construction, and many advanced features, including 14 bit RAW, and much more. It is a remarkable performance/value bargain. Since a very constrained budget is involved, this savings would also allow for some extra glass. B&H does feature a kit with this camera and the DA 18-135mm zoom lens at a huge savings off the lens price. Add the very sharp DA 35mm f/2.4, and perhaps the DA 50mm f/1.8 lenses, for low light and faster-action use to maximize the camera's low-light capability even more, and you've got one great setup at very reasonable prices.

No other brand offers an "entry-level" model that is this capable and this well-built at such a price point.

Getting the most high end, premium equipment, that is also at the current cutting edge for higher ISO performance, yet having a very modest budget- does not compute.

Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 12-05-2018, 06:11 PM

From Fuji to Pentax? May be yes, may be not.
Posted By mikesbike

Replies: 311
Views: 28,933

I mainly shoot with the KP these days, but still have my K-S2 of some 3 years now, and my longer-owned K-5 IIs, all bought new. Although the KP is the top-performer, I still use the other two without any hesitation. That is how enduringly good they are. While the K-5 IIs is amazingly rugged in build, the K-S2 is well-built but amazingly small and lightweight. With its super-compact 18-50mm kit lens, it is unbelievably so. Imaging is very good with this lens too, and it has quiet, accurate, fast AF and WR. Then all that is needed for high-level imaging is- add the inexpensive DA 35mm f/2.4 (now at $97 at B&H) and the DA 70mm f/2.4 Limited (the silver version now on sale at B&H for $420). Two extremely sharp compact lenses new for $517 from B&H is not bad, and those two combined with a good deal on an A-1 shape used K-S2 (Maybe with the 18-50mm kit lens) would provide terrific imaging capability. This outfit could be very good as indication to anyone who is knowledgeable in equipment use, just how good the imaging of a Pentax system can be.

That DA 70mm LTD is one wow of a lens, great for so many uses, great for portraits. Top-notch imaging. The newer current HD version, which I have, is an improvement with its rounded blades for better bokeh. I found buying a silver compact Limited lens before I got the KP, and putting it on my black K-S2 looked great to me, very classy. Much better than the off-white Canon L-lenses on their black bodies.

Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 12-05-2018, 02:09 PM

From Fuji to Pentax? May be yes, may be not.
Posted By mikesbike

Replies: 311
Views: 28,933

I can't agree regarding the K-7. It is not a bad camera, but I passed on it and took a great 1/2 price deal on a left-over new K20D instead. Tests and comments indicated the then new K-7 performance in every way was no better, in fact slightly worse for noise at higher ISO. It was the first of the new compact designs. The next afterwards, the K-5, was a whole other ballgame. Major improvement. Of those, the K-5 IIs yields the sharpest results, and with an upgraded AF system. Prices should be modest for any of these models, even if in fine shape. If wanting to go for a cheapie, and smaller yet, I'd say go for a K-S2.

Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 12-04-2018, 06:16 PM

From Fuji to Pentax? May be yes, may be not.
Posted By mikesbike

Replies: 311
Views: 28,933

I have an experienced friend who shoots with Olympus 4/3 and the cameras he has are impressive in their smaller size. IQ is very good, but with some relative compromises. I am impressed one can get a fast f/2.8 constant aperture zoom lens, a FL roughly equivalent to say the Pentax 16-50mm but much smaller and lighter. All that said, however, there are inevitable penalties to some degree as one descends in sensor size. The 4/3 size is yet more compromise in quality matters of noise, IQ, DOF, etc that is a shade or two below that of APS-C, which is a shade or two below a good FF sensor. But the gap between APS-C and FF quality has been in many ways tightened up quite a bit during the last few years.

So it depends on how much in compromise one wants to accept and still find satisfaction with the resultant imaging. My friend is satisfied with the feel of the equipment, the features offered, and the results he gets. That is all that matters. In handling his equipment, I would not be. He gets good imaging, but I think mine is visibly better. For me, I like compactness, but from handing the alternatives and their controls, my sensation was that getting smaller but getting too small, and going too far in reducing controls layout, and reducing IQ quality, etc. taken all together gets into a realm less satisfying to me than what I am used to.

As in his case, each person has to determine what meets his or her needs, and is adequate in IQ issues, features, controls, and handling of those controls. Sometimes ergonomics are so small, or alternatively so sparse as to be a pain in the operational aspect. Again, this is an individual matter as to what is needed or expected.

Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 11-30-2018, 03:29 PM

From Fuji to Pentax? May be yes, may be not.
Posted By mikesbike

Replies: 311
Views: 28,933

The KP is the ultimate in imaging for APS-C! Haven't even gotten into pixel-shift imaging yet, and much more!

Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 11-30-2018, 02:47 PM

From Fuji to Pentax? May be yes, may be not.
Posted By mikesbike

Replies: 311
Views: 28,933

The K-r is a nice little camera. I had one as my junior little DSLR for a number of years, my smaller alternative to my K-5 IIs. I finally gave it to friends, in perfect condition, and they like it. This was after I bought its replacement- the KS-2. I got a good deal on it, since the K-70 was coming out. Big difference for little money. For just one thing, the K-r has the smaller, dimmer, cheaper pentamirror VF, a better quality one, but still it is the typical amateur-oriented VF. The KS-2, however, has the pro-style glass pentaprism VF and 100% coverage of the frame, and very good magnification. It also has both finger and thumb separate control dials, which are great for a number of reasons, including access to the wonderful exclusive Pentax Hyper System. It is even better for low light/higher ISO with fine results. It is also of WR construction. And 20mp vs.12mp. No comparison between the two cameras! The K-S2 is clearly superior in every way! At the time of its entry into the Pentax lineup, as the K-r disappeared, Pentax became the only brand to offer these high-end features in their full lineup, even entry-level.

I still have my K-S2, and still enjoy shooting with it, in addition to my K-5 IIs and my KP! It remains my smallest DSLR, remarkably compact for all it offers, especially with the super-compact 18-50mm kit lens, which has quiet, accurate AF and WR construction! I can actually fit this ensemble into a large jacket pocket. Imagine that- a full-featured DSLR with a zoom lens!

Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 11-28-2018, 09:44 PM

From Fuji to Pentax? May be yes, may be not.
Posted By mikesbike

Replies: 311
Views: 28,933

@btnapa- If you like getting good JPEGs right out of the camera, the KP does a remarkable job with these if you implement "Fine Sharpening" in the Custom Image menus. Some test reviews of the camera took notice of this. I usually shoot with the camera set to the default "Bright" Custom Image category, with "Fine Sharpening" activated, and I get excellent results with JPEG images.

Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 11-28-2018, 06:03 PM

From Fuji to Pentax? May be yes, may be not.
Posted By mikesbike

Replies: 311
Views: 28,933

I think you might mean the Fuji XT-3, which is listed as their current top mirrorless APS-C model. The K-1, as has been said, is a completely different animal. It is not of APS-C format, but the larger full-frame sensor. Your image size in the frame using a lens of the same focal length will not be the same. The full frame (FF) sensor will present a wider field of view (VOF). It also has an optical VF instead of an electronic one, so it is not mirrorless. The camera will also of necessity be larger and heavier. There are some FF mirrorless designs, the most prominent, I believe, are by Sony. Many people own cameras of both formats due to each having certain advantages.

Fuji specializes in mirrorless APS-C designs, while Pentax specializes in APS-C models of DSLR, which means having an optical viewfinder as apposed to an electronic one. Again, each has its own advantages. With an EVF, you get an electronic representation of reality, while with an OVF you are looking through the lens directly at reality. The EVF can be electronically manipulated, including illumination, or zooming, since it is a representation. With the OVF, it is what it is, but it is reality. Because of the OVF assembly, APS-C DSLR cameras are generally larger and heavier somewhat, compared to mirrorless designs.

As far as changing to Pentax as your over-all system, much would depend on whether you have specific shooting interests and what those might be. For instance, if you are much into sports or other action shooting, and do a lot of burst shooting, and continuous AF, the Fuji XT-3 has outstanding specs for that. Its video AF performance will no doubt be better.

But you bring up a more retro design, which of course includes controls. My observation of the XT-3 is its controls are indeed retro, reminiscent of manual-focus 35mm film bodies of the 1970's. I see the shutter speed knob on top, with also an ISO setting knob, and one for exposure comp. Very straight forward, as it was then. But there are disadvantages too. I see the setting jumps are in full stops, while my Pentax DSLR bodies can be set for 1/2 or 1/3 stop jumps. Considerably more sophistication.

The APS-C DSLR closest to being similar size and retro look as the XT-3, offered by Pentax, is the KP. It of course has its OVF. Its VF spec states a magnification of .95x which is better than the .75x of the XT-3. It also has a built-in flash, handy for immediate needs, such as daylight fill flash. Yet it is very close to the same size and weight. About the same dimensions, and 1.5lb. with card and battery vs 1.2lb. for the XT-3. Just as easy to set shutter speed with the KP via the front finger dial, and shown both in the VF and on the rear screen. Actually, with the exclusive Pentax Hyper System, you can instantly change either shutter speed or aperture, using the thumb or finger dials even when in Program mode, which instantly shifts the camera to aperture or shutter priority, and returns to full Program operation with a touch of a button. The KP's controls are exceptionally efficient and offer enormous options. No touch-screen though. Many of us do not prefer such, and with the KP's fine controls it is not needed. As to the weight, depending on lenses, sometimes the Pentax KP DSLR ensemble is equal or lighter than the Fuji XT-3 ensemble. The excellent Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 tele zoom lens on the KP is at least as light as a Fuji's similar lens on the XT-3. The KP also features in-body image stabilization, which will be in effect with any lens, even very good vintage lenses, some of which can be had at low cost.

So again, much depends on personal shooting needs.

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