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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
08-07-2018, 04:07 AM
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Do you have ACR (Adobe Camera Raw) 9.10? It was released last year (free) and was the first version to support the KP. If you look at the list of new lenses supported, you'll see that Adobe doesn't seem to give up on anything...even a Helios.
ACR 9.10 now available
I don't have a KP, but in what way does the software do a poor job on RAW in LR.....relative to another camera? Initially raw (compared to jpegs) is always going to be unsharp, low contrast, low color saturation, and in need of work in curves or levels. And I've also found that with better or larger sensors, the more lens or operator caused imperfections will be seen.
It makes sense that you are testing, comparing, and considering non-Pentax cameras; I would too. On the other hand, if a K3iii would be a contender and you're not in a rush, I believe it's pending release is more fact than fiction.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
08-06-2018, 06:04 AM
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Yes, I know of many pro photographers that use Pentax. When I was a pro, I shot with Pentax, and now that I teach photography, I continue to buy and use Pentax.
Yes, most pros use Canon or Nikon, but it is not because of the AF system or a swivel viewfinder, etc. Also, the OP states that he is not a pro and considers himself a novice.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
08-02-2018, 05:05 AM
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Sorry, but I can't agree with "they're only minor updates". I have a K-50 that works fine and is not "failing because they used cheap parts"....although I am aware of the aperture solenoid issue others have reported. Here's some perspective:
The K-50 was release in mid-2013. Since then, Pentax has released their 'entry-level' K-S1, K-S2, and K-70...2 out of 3 which are not minor updates. But most serious photographers would upgrade in 5 years to other DSLRs they've released since the K-50 such as the K-3, K-3ii, K-P, K-1, K-1ii, or even the 645Z.
In classes I teach, I see over 200 student DSLRs each year. When the entry-level K-50 was new:
a) Canon came out with their entry-level EOS Rebel T5i. The next year they released a cheaper but worse camera, the T5. I would take a new K-70 over a Canon T7 any day.
b) Nikon's entry-level D3200 was in 2012 and didn't release the D3300 until 2014. Their newest entry-level camera, the D3400 was new in 2016.
c) Sony's DSLT a-58 in 2013 and their latest DSLT a-68 updated in 2015.
If the most important functions of a camera is the AF and video, then I'd highly recommend you consider not shooting any DSLR, or pony-up for a Nikon D500 or a Sony mirrorless. And although Pentax is smaller compared to Canon, Nikon, or Sony, I can't agree that their updates were minor and they use cheap parts. And where is Canikony's medium format?
Bottomline: The OP has a clean slate and can pick the system that best suits his or her needs. No one know the future, but Pentax will be around in two years and will probably be alive for decades to come. Ultimately these are just tools and I appreciate Ricoh for carrying the torch on a brand that uses legacy glass, uses weather-sealing, pentaprisms, dual wheels, SR, and other innovative features such as pixel-shift, astro-tracer, etc.
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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion
06-19-2018, 11:16 AM
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Bill, sorry for your loss. When it happened to me, I lost 4 cameras and 6 lenses, which was my entire system. It was all Minolta film gear, and with the help of insurance, I came to the decision that I would be better off with two systems: Nikon 35mm AND Pentax 645.
With that said, unless there is something significant that was amiss in your Pentax system, I wouldn't switch because there is a lot of value in your familiarity with Pentax.
If you print 16x20" or larger, often crop, shoot more wide and landscapes vs. telephoto and wildlife or sports, tend to prefer shallow depth of field over great, then I would go directly to a K-1ii. However, if most of the above is not your style, then a Pentax APS-C makes the most sense. Emotionally, from a loss like this, I think it's best emotionally to replace the lost gear with something new/different. Turn a bad thing into a good thing. BUT if you had a camera or lens that did exactly what you wanted and would miss it, then I would just replace it with the same.
And if weight and $$$$ are not an issue for you, I would go with a 645Z system.
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