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Forum: Pentax KP
12-16-2018, 07:53 PM
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I know some KP users are fond of larger lenses but I don't number myself among them: my lenses range from the minuscule (DA 40 Ltd) to the smallish pancake (DA 21mm Ltd) to my seemingly enormous DA 10-17mm fisheye zoom (which to my surprise was barely larger than another Rokinon fisheye I used to own for a micro-four-thirds camera). None of which require either a larger battery grip or the largest size interchangeable grip that the camera came with.
All in all, from my perspective - as a former K200d user who has now sold his K200d and totally converted to being a quite happy (so far) KP fan(atic) and user, the camera is doing quite nicely in the two areas I was initially worried (or wondering) about---color rendition....and OVF viewfinder brilliance-general usability.
The RAW (DNG) files from my KP are every bit as good as those from my old K200d (which, I have to say, again, weren't merely good but, between 100-200 ISO, were superb) --- and the Pentaprism is slightly-but-noticeably brighter than that of the K200d's supposedly inferior pentamirror. Though, truth be told, in my side-by-side comparison viewings with the KP and the K200d, it (the Pentaprism) wasn't ALL that much brighter (to my eyes, at least) than its (pentamirror) K200d sibling.
Bottom line: in my admittedly prejudiced opinion, it (my KP) is a beautifully designed camera.....which is delivering fine images.
This one was taken with the DA 40.
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Forum: Pentax KP
11-16-2018, 10:20 PM
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My THANKS again to everyone for thoughtful and illuminating responses. After much cogitation - and some luck from the C.P.G.'s (Camera Purchase Gods) - I have just pulled the trigger on an extremely lightly used (a 'demo' model) KP, from a large and reputable Camera store. It's en route to me even as I write these words, so I'm looking forwards to putting theory into practice -
And seeing how its new (and improved) OVF viewfinder compares with that in my none-too-young K200D -
And last but definitely not least, seeing how its RAW files turn out in my digital darkroom (aka my Desktop Mac).
Of course, I realize that the look and rendering of photographs is just as dependent on the glass and the lens itself, and that the camera and sensor are only part of the equation but ---- I'm optimistic.
Will report back once I have some photos worthy (hopefully) of showing.
Incidentally, for anyone curious as to why I like the output of my K200d, here's the link to a recent (and blessedly short) collection of images, taken with the K200d + the SMC DA 21 Ltd.
Talent, Oregon, November 2018 – MIGUEL TEJADA-FLORES. PHOTOS. |
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Forum: Pentax KP
11-14-2018, 11:58 PM
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This is interesting to me, sqrrl, thank you!
I should amend my original post to say that the OVF on my K200d is quite fine and more than adequate in most daylight conditions...although, honestly, I wouldn't ever have called it stellar.
In interiors, depending on the lens used, it can seem rather dim. I understand many OVF's exhibit this behavior. It seems brighter looking through a 50mm f/1.8 lens - than through the f/3.2 aperture of my DA 21. BUT I wouldn't call it bright by any means. So I'm pleased to hear your subjective impressions, sqrrl.
Hmmmm. That makes sense, since the K10d is actually, if my memory serves me well, significantly larger (and heavier) than my K200d - which from what I can tell is close to the same dimensions, almost, as the KP. I suspect the KP may be slightly heavier than the K200d but that's not a deal breaker.
Hmmmmm. Interesting. I have long partially known that with RAW files, one can do a lot of tweaking. On the other hand, it helps to start out with something that you like more, if that makes any sense.
I can like with battery life. The K200d is weather-sealed as well and though I've never had it in extreme elements with a WR lens, it's survived a few downpours. I'm honestly not sure what camera I would really trust, though.
Thanks again for your observations.
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Forum: Pentax KP
11-14-2018, 11:20 AM
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This is fascinating, caliscouser - thank you!
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Forum: Pentax KP
11-13-2018, 11:01 PM
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My current Pentax is a K200d, my second one. I bought it not because of its high ISO capabilities or its modern massive multi megapixel sensor - but actually because, like its predecessor the K10d, the K200d had one of the last older generation CCD sensors which, to my admittedly subjective perspective, always has seemed to produce remarkable colors. If my memory serves me well, the ancient Olympus E-1 and also a handful of old Leicas (the M8, the Digilux?) also had CCD sensors and...remarkable colors. Obviously the glass you put on your camera has a lot to do with it as well, it ain't just the sensor, but, still---these days I use my K200d for daylight photography and low ISO's and coupled with a lens like the DA 21, it still creates remarkable colors---
I know generations of more modern CMOS-sensor equipped Pentaxes have supposedly vastly improved everything - and the design of the KP, a relatively modern Pentax, reminds me a lot of my favorite old analog Pentaxes - the MX's and Spotmatics --- but I'm curious how its color-producing capabilities are? when compared to an old school K200d or K10d CCD image?
I know, I know, I know - it's a totally subjective and stupid question. But I'd love to get some responses from KP owners. Any and all answers welcome.
Question #2 has to do with the optical viewfinder. I spent decades using optical viewfinders on old analog pentaprism-equipped Pentaxes with no complaints. They weren't quite up to the quality of the ancient massive Nikon F's but they were just fine. But nowadays, in the modern digital age, when I shoot through the viewfinder of my K200d, it seems....well....a little DIM. I know, supposedly, this has something to do with cheaper pentamirrors (which my K200d has) and more expensive and better Pentaprisms, like the K10d and K20d and, from what I've heard, many of the modern iterations of Pentax DSLR's. BUT (and it's a problem) I like in a tiny town far far far from any camera stores - so it's impractical for me to go and simply do a physical look-through-the-damn-viewfinder-myself-so-I-can-actually-see-the-difference test right now---
So, Subjective Question #2: how much brighter (more visible) is the viewfinder of the KP --- than that of my venerable K200d?
As I said earlier, I really miss my old MX's. And my Spotmatics. And the KP is the first semi-modern Pentax DSLR which actually looks like it might come close to their feel. So, yeah, I'm tempted. But the viewfinder (did I mention I wear glasses?) and color rendition are my two big questions....and I hope someone can give me some clarification.
Muchas gracias to all you KPers, in advance!
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