Initial thought on new K3

As far as stability goes then then the benefit stems from the increased points of contact that the larger surface area provides ... More skin to camera contact equals more movement feedback, and higher tactile response ... It enhances the man-machine interface by deepening the physical relationship.

Because of this enhanced ' closeness' the handling becomes more natural, the camera more an extension of the hands rather than something to be held.

So when it comes to physical relationships, bigger is better !

Mate that's some hippy content right there.

Personally I would use a battery grip when I needed more battery power. I think my DSLR is large enough already without needing to add more weight to balance a heavy lens.

I do know the angle you are coming from, I just agree with John in that one of Pentax's strengths is it's size, and adding a honking grip on it heads it back towards the big boys versions.

Our brain learns and builds up a kind of tactile memory of these things, and that affects what each individual perceives as ' 'normal''. Because I never use my camera without a grip, the combination is felt as one ... that IS the camera. Removing the grip makes it feel toy-like, fiddly, less secure ...I see that as being just as much pointless as others see the grip as such.

The extra battery capacity is just a secondary benefit to its main purpose of increasing the amount of contact surface. Also the vertical controls are an essential part for me now ... It just feels ridiculous to have to twist my right wrist downwards and stretch the index finger out to reach the shutter button in this orientation, like some sort of contortion.

I bought a third party grip for my K10, used it once then discarded it. The slight benefit in handling was far outweighed by the increased bulk. An already heavy camera was made even heavier. Anything which puts me off taking/carrying/using a camera has to be a bad idea.

Maybe something like one of the latest CSC Sony or Fuji cameras with an APSC sensor, tilting screen and improved EVF represents the best compromise of weight/size vs. performance. As long as you don't then hang a great big zoom on the front...

Funny. I thought that when you wrote the following:
"Weight can also equal stability, and for many situations that is a valuable plus. Why not add the battery grip? That may in fact create a better experience with the big lens due to better grip and balancing."
you were saying that the additional weight of the grip was helpful. I obviously misunderstood.

It seems that for you the small size and weight of the Pentax, which many of us treasure, is actually a disadvantage. That's a shame, but we shouldn't expect one size to fit all. Perhaps there is a 645D in your future.

I'm very glad you gave me the opportunity to further refine my point about the weight/surface area relationship As in your quote there ' due to better grip and stability'. The weight increase will vary depending on whether we had the AA batteries in. I don't usually need these, so I find the extra weight insignificant. What matters is the extra contact surface for the hands ... This is the primary benefit, weight secondary.

I accept that with an already big heavy zoom then simply adding weight may not help ... But when the weight comes as part of the increased surface area, tactile boost and the added man-machine closeness I wrote about earlier, then it is no longer a negative.

Are you in advertising, Nigel? If not, your talents are misdirected.

G

My thoughts exactly

no, not in advertising, but I do strive to find an outlet wherever I go

Here's another example of added weight as a secondary consequence of a primary benefit ...our flashguns! It's rare to hear photographers complain that they won't use a flashing because its all too heavy and big. But in fact a flash adds significant weight (more than a grip) and its not good for balance either ... But it can mean getting otherwise impossible shots or massively improving shots (such as bounced light for portraits) . We happily accept the price of the weight because the primary benefit is so valuable. It's the same for grips ... The weight is the secondary to the primary benefits (the tactile, contact stuff etc), but in the case of a grip it can be positive in stability terms (unlike a flashgun) ....yet we only hear complaints about grips, not flashes.....

That's because we only put a flashgun on the camera when we actually need it. We don't go around with it permanently attached, and nor do we try to convince ourselves that the additional weight and bulk aid handling.

G

Well I do have the grip permanently attached, because I find I need that. No convincing required ... It's just the natural way of things. I do hope the choice continues to be offered, because I don't want a smaller camera.

Nigel, I accept that it works for you, and for a number of other people. It would be sad if we were all the same.

Do you have a picture of the place where Sergeant Troy took a swim?

Cheers

G

It's possible, if it was near Swanage in Dorset. Can you narrow it down?

I always thought it was Lulworth Cove, but some say it was Durdle Dor (which is almost the same thing). It's pertinent because a new film of Far From the Madding Crowd is coming out next month. A must-see for Hardy-lovers.

G

where does going into portrait position create contortion Nigel , i just turn the camera 90 degrees anti clockwise , my grip on it does not alter ,my right hand just goes from vertical to horizontal , the left hand does not move just stays as the support hand