Definitely impresses by the K5

Just a quick comment on my newly acquired K5. Having at last had chance to put it to good use yesterday I'm now 100% convinced that the move from K20D to K5 was well worthwhile.

I had a wander around the Dinorwic Slate quarry above Llanberis during the day and took a range of shots in pretty varied lighting, quite a bit of contrast to deal with. I shot several with -2.5 stops EV to capture detail in the sky and having quickly processed one or two of them the K5 really is impressive at allowing shadow detail to be "lifted", even at Iso 100/200 there's no discernable noise despite adding 2-3 stops of "fill light".

I'll post a couple of examples when I get chance.

On a slight negative I have noticed that whilst the viewfinder may show 100% of the scene, my final image is actually a slightly cropped version of this so I need to allow a little extra around the edges of the frame when composing the shot if I have important detail etc. The K20D was the other way around - I always ended up with more in the final version that I saw through the viewfinder - no real problem just something to get used to!!


Simon

It took me about ten seconds, what took you so long

Wait till you try its low light capabilities

Sounds daft, but one of the biggest improvements is the SDHC Card door. Used to need two hands to open it... now it's one, although the card is a bit too stiff in the slot.

The card is a negative for me. So much more awkward than the K-x

I've never understood the problem with access to the card- just a couple of finger flicks and it's released- Those with giant hands and fingers could struggle I guess.

I preferred the card door on the K20D.

It's the only thing I preferred on the K20D over the K5.

I agree Gwyn. There isn't enough space allowed on the K-5 to make removing the card easy. It's a small thing, but it could do with attending to.

The card door is a little fiddly, but it's OK.

My one change would be the cable release socket door - I preferred the solid K20 version to the little rubber thing.

With the K-5 you have to move your finger out of the way as quickly as possible as soon as you've pushed it in to release the catch. This way the card springs out as much as possible under it's own steam... then just pull it the last few mm's

I know the technique, Algi, but I don't like it.

As a recent convert (see my username), I had the opportunity to give my K5 a real test last weekend and I must say I am really pleased with my K5 (no2) and DA*300 and DA 50-200 (I think I have a really good copy). Not really sure what to make of the DA18-55. Is it a poor copy or is it just a very average lens (?? below average kit lens compared to the competition). The strange thing is I have filters in my other two lenses and not on the 18-55.

From what I have read as a kit lens the 18-55 WR is quite highly regarded against similar offerings from other manufacturers. I am very happy with mine stopped down a bit. I am looking to get a DA*16-50 but will keep the 18-55 because it is so lightweight and great for walking. Weather Sealing is a big bonus at this price point.

You may have a duff copy (it is equally possible you have higher standards than me though:wink

My K5 SD card was very hard to get out when I first got it. It has loosened up somewhat, I now hardly ever swear at it.

It's a pretty average lens... good enough stopped down and a WR lens for £50? I can forgive it's shortcomings. But it probably shouldn't ship with an expensive high end camera like the K5.

Stop moaning about the K5 card door & slot until you've tried to remove a CF card from the istD

But yes the K10/20D was much better although I am getting used to the K5 and as Tim says it does loosen up a bit with use.