Pentax?
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You are currently reading a thread in /p/ - Photography
You are currently reading a thread in /p/ - Photography
Hello /p/. I've had a Sony DSLR from the alpha series for a few years, and have enjoyed it, though I would like to take a step up. I've been looking into and considering taking on the Pentax line, and would like some recommendations, reviews, and comments you guys may have with regards to Pentax.
My intended first model might be the K3-II. Please let me know,
Thanks!
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make SONY Camera Model DSLR-A900 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop CS5 Windows Maximum Lens Aperture f/2.8 Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 50 mm Image-Specific Properties: Image Width 5845 Image Height 3732 Number of Bits Per Component 8, 8, 8 Compression Scheme Uncompressed Pixel Composition RGB Image Orientation Top, Left-Hand Horizontal Resolution 300 dpi Vertical Resolution 300 dpi Image Data Arrangement Chunky Format Image Created 2014:03:22 18:30:18 Exposure Time 1/125 sec F-Number f/11.0 Exposure Program Manual ISO Speed Rating 2500 Lens Aperture f/11.0 Brightness -2.1 EV Exposure Bias -0.3 EV Metering Mode Pattern Light Source Daylight Flash Flash, Compulsory Focal Length 50.00 mm Color Space Information sRGB Image Width 1200 Image Height 766 Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Manual White Balance Manual Scene Capture Type Standard Contrast Hard Saturation High Sharpness Normal
>>2725019
I just noticed the coincidence of the exif data for this photo provided. It's not mine, but I do like it a lot.
My Sony is on the lower end of the line.
>>2725019
For what.
What are the limitations of your current camera that are making you want to step "up" to a Pentax?
>>2725024
First of all, I want to change to a different product line (Pentax looks good), and secondly mine is lower end so I want increased quality.
I see absolutely no reason to keep going higher, as something like the K3-II is totally fine.
I'm assuming as a whole, you guys would know much more about them, as a product, a line, and a company, than I would.
>>2725025
We know a lot, but none of is relevant. What is relevant is what you shoot, and why you are having trouble shooting it with what you have. What do you currently have, why is it not good enough for you any more, and what excites you about the K3mk2?
>>2725025
Image quality isn't any better (Pentax use sony sensors), lenses are only better if you buy into the expensive ltd range. The only other draw is pentaxs weather sealing, but apart from the kit lens you will again be giving over lots of cash.
A sony a7 or Nikon d610 would be the cheapest actual step up in image quality.
>>2725029
I shoot a variety, depends what I'm interested in at the time. I'm not having trouble shooting anything, I just want an upgrade. One of the things I want improvement on is MP count, which in my case would go from 16ish to 24ish making this switch.
What excites me is the improvement and I like the idea of it being weather resistant and strong.
>>2725032
Interesting, would you care to elaborate?
This is why I'm here...
What benefits do I get in physical usage, physical design, software, and image output between different brands and models?
>>2725034
I also quite like the idea of a Pentaprism.
>>2725032
>changing body instead of lens is not an step up in IQ
>buy a new body for a step up in IQ
lol wut
>>2725019
OP I have the K-3 which is almost the same as the K-3II. It is comfortable to use, has great features, I particularly like the GPS for the simple astrophotography it offers and it is integrated in the K-3II.
I shot in heavy rain with WR lens and not a single bit of vapor got into the camera.
I say go for it, you won't be disappointed, especially if you want to use older lenses.
I use the Pentax magnifying viewfinder for better details and the focus assists and catch in focus features help a lot.
There are lots of budget options for lenses with great IQ plus third party options.
All in all this camera is easy and comfortable to use, everything is in close reach and feels more like an extension of you then a clunky thing you are holding.
>>2725040
Pardon. In the future I will direct my questions there.
>>2725038
Thanks for the information. Can you share some images you took with your K3 please?
I'm not sure why the lenses would be inherently more expensive, relative to other brands and their in-company lenses, but I did read you can use older lenses on the Pentax, as well as having the Pentaprism, which I'm drawn to.
>>2725042
1
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. Camera Model PENTAX K-3 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.6 (Windows) Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 300 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 240 dpi Vertical Resolution 240 dpi Image Created 2015:11:26 13:43:45 Exposure Time 1/2000 sec F-Number f/5.6 Exposure Program Shutter Priority ISO Speed Rating 100 Lens Aperture f/5.6 Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Pattern Flash No Flash, Compulsory Focal Length 200.00 mm Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Auto White Balance Manual Scene Capture Type Standard Contrast Hard Saturation Normal Sharpness Hard Subject Distance Range Distant View
>>2725048
2
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. Camera Model PENTAX K-3 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.6 (Windows) Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 300 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 240 dpi Vertical Resolution 240 dpi Image Created 2015:11:26 13:44:03 Exposure Time 1/2000 sec F-Number f/5.6 Exposure Program Shutter Priority ISO Speed Rating 200 Lens Aperture f/5.6 Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Pattern Flash No Flash, Compulsory Focal Length 200.00 mm Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Auto White Balance Manual Scene Capture Type Standard Contrast Hard Saturation Normal Sharpness Hard Subject Distance Range Distant View
>>2725050
3
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. Camera Model PENTAX K-3 Camera Software paint.net 4.0.6 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 132 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 240 dpi Vertical Resolution 240 dpi Image Created 2015:11:29 23:46:51 Exposure Time 1/180 sec F-Number f/4.5 Exposure Program Shutter Priority ISO Speed Rating 6400 Lens Aperture f/4.5 Exposure Bias -0.7 EV Metering Mode Pattern Flash Flash, Compulsory Focal Length 87.50 mm Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Manual White Balance Auto Scene Capture Type Standard Contrast Hard Saturation Normal Sharpness Hard Subject Distance Range Close View
>>2725053
4
>>2725052
Well, I chose Pentax because normal everyday photography didn't even cross my mind until I got the camera in my hands. I wanted to do astrophotography and it was the most budget friendly option. I tried out a Canon 40D and 70D and a Nikon D7100. All these are fine but using the camera itself felt off after using mine. Nikon felt huge and the mirror flap and shutter was loud clunks compared to the muffled clicks of the Pentax. Canon felt too big in my hand, probably due to the grip, and wasn't as comfortable to set things during shooting. The buttons were way out of reach, had to shift my hold to set AF points etc...
The best I can recommend is to try them all and see for yourself. Everyone has their different preferences.
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. Camera Model PENTAX K-3 Camera Software paint.net 4.0.6 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 300 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 240 dpi Vertical Resolution 240 dpi Image Created 2015:11:30 00:04:48 Exposure Time 1/500 sec F-Number f/5.6 Exposure Program Not Defined ISO Speed Rating 800 Lens Aperture f/5.6 Exposure Bias 0 EV Metering Mode Pattern Flash No Flash, Compulsory Focal Length 200.00 mm Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Auto White Balance Manual Scene Capture Type Standard Contrast Hard Saturation Normal Sharpness Hard Subject Distance Range Distant View
>>2725059
From what the website and reviews state, as well as your information, it sounds like I'd be quite at home with it.
>>2725059
What do you do about lenses for it? Oddly the site doesn't list any K-Mount lenses, so it requires deeper research to determine compatibility between things.
>>2725061
Look here for lens informations
http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/
http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/
If you don't find good example photos for a lens, just search for it on Flickr.
I got my lenses from ebay, shops here mostly trying to push Canon superzooms on me, no matter what I ask for.
>>2725063
With more observation I think that their selections are probably designed for compatibility will all non-specific cameras, such as 645 category for 645 mounts, and perhaps any other DA/FA's for well, everything else, except for "Q" mounts.
>>2725065
Yes, you can adapt all their lenses with little to no effort to most modern bodies.
Also Pentax is the only one offering a teleconverter with AF. As in normal teleconverter you put on a manual focus lens but the moving elements in the TC will do focusing. Turns your manual lens into AF lens.
Some of these specialised stuff become widely used amongst Pentax users.
>>2725066
Do you guys have any camera bag suggestions?
I would like to be able to hold a telephoto zoom lens, the body with a small prime lens on, and perhaps some other components like cords, caps, filters, remotes, a hood, spare batteries, etc.
>>2725070
Literally any cheap bag those things fit into you can find at a shop. If you are looking for a backpack, try one of the NatGeo lines.
>>2725038
Changing body from crop to full frame is a step up. As 800 iso images are still super clean. From crop to crop is a sidestep.
>>2725034
Benefits of changing from one crop body to another - ergonomics, burst speed
Changing lenses - there's different lenses for every need, you will learn what you need through shooting 50k shots on the kit lens.
Software - fuck all
All but canon cameras use sony sensors, canon sensors are technically about a decade behind. The camera body is almost as irrelevant as it was in the days of film.
>>2725124
Gearfag
>>2725126
>Calls body selection irrelevant
>gearfag
>>2725034
>I'm not having trouble shooting anything, I just want an upgrade.
Retard. Enjoy your first experience throwing a bunch of your money at something you'll get no benefit from. Don't feel bad. it's a very regular occurrence around here. But don't say you weren't warned.
Pro Tip: If your current gear isn't holding you back, focus less on other equipment, and focus more on photos. If you have no idea what photos you like to shoot and only do "it depends on what I'm interested in at the time" then you don't like your current photos, and think more megapixels, or more bokeh, or more low light abilities, will make you like your photography more. It won't. You need to improve your approach, and improve your subject matter. Gear will never improve your photography.
>>2725124
>>2725126
>>2725194
Let me get this straight...
I started a thread asking for assistance, some anons kindly provide it, and you jump in and toss a word at him like there's something wrong here? Kek. I think you know how to tie the rope.
To the helpful guy, thanks, appreciate the information. I'm going to look more into that as it seems oddly interesting.
>>2725196
Yes and no.
I /could/ have sex with a 1 inch dick, but it just wouldn't be the same as a 5 inch dick. :^)
Jokes aside, to assume that a gear upgrade is never worth it, is just retarded. I will agree that lots of people buy gear, whether it be for photography or not, massively above what they actually need and use as an individual, and therefore overpaid, and get very little effective use out of it. I am not that kind of person, and have somewhat intentionally withheld certain information from you. I'm very certain about what I enjoy photographing and am well passionate about it. However, I believe I've come already to some form of a decision thanks to the information provided in this thread.
Thanks for your post anyway. Cheers!
>>2725034
>One of the things I want improvement on is MP count, which in my case would go from 16ish to 24ish making this switch.
Why the fuck do you need an extra 8MP? You're not going to be printing out huge posters, you're going to upload your images to fakebook where mummy canthen tell you how much of a pro photographer you are. MP is probably the least important shit, have fun spending money on pointless gear, you idiot.
