K5II choice considerations - a new take

Just an update - I am currently working on the two RAW files from DPreview, comparing them at the input stage and looking at their recorded camera metadata. Then I will run them through the workflow to Capture Sharpening stage, eliminating any variables.

I will be ready to report on this first stage tonight, so watch this space... I can already promise some good stuff is coming!

Very good advice.

I've never known anyone turn the process of applying slightly more sharpness to one RAW file than the other RAW file into such gripping instalments with cliff hangers at the end of very episode. BBC3 should commission you to do photography shows

If more and more cameras with this sensor are now coming minus the AA filter layer surely the extra cost attributed to smaller runs is pretty much negated?

Previously like when Nikon have done it aye understandable.

It's not a factor when there's no choice. When there is a choice then both need to be handled separately so the relative numbers will be significant.

Thanks to everyone for their explanations, the technical side of the argument is much clearer now (no pun intended).

Regarding the financial and marketing angle..If both sensor/filter combinations are similar cost then why not just produce both versions at the same price and let the customer pick which he/she prefers in the same way that they might choose a white camera over a blue one or a red over a black. Manufacturers must have a good idea as to the likely split in demand for the two versions so that can't really be an excuse any more and if they get the balance slightly wrong well its unlikely either version is going to remain on the shelves from what has already been said.

"How do you like your K5...with or without more moire?"

McDonalds don't charge you more if you take the mayo or ketchup...neither do they give a discount if you don't want any extras.

Health & Safety implications here - there could be claims against Pentax User, for injuries caused to people who fall off the edge of their seats while waiting for the results!

Philip

They charge you extra for those special 'gourmet' (bwa ha ha ha) burgers they do in addition to the standard Big Macs etc. That's what the K5iis is - a gourmet camera for conoisseurs of sharpness!

The Nikon D800E sells for over 300 quid more than the standard D800. You can hardly blame Pentax for following suit, after Nikon established that many people will indeed pay extra.

You all think this is exciting ? Just wait until I launch the first ever Great Battery Grip Shootout !!

Must admit that I've not really read all this thread, I don't see any problem with the original K5 image sharpness and I print landscape shots up to 36x24 inch quite regularly.

Personally though I think the K5IIs is a "testing ground"/stop-gap model, firstly to generate a little more interest in what's now an old body (relatively speaking) and secondly to see how many people really want a non-AA filter model, I'm guessing if demand is high then we'll probably only see non-aa filter models in future

Ultimately though I won't be spending on another body until the K5 replacement comes along..which hopefully will be quite soon as it might quell my thoughts on moving elsewhere for a FF model.

Simon

Not before you do that 8 part documentary on comparing 2 skylight filters !!!

it'd be about as relevent

Simon, have just looked at your landscape photography website..absolutely first class...some really stunning imagery. Maybe asking professionals like yourself
how you have found the existing sensor technology is the way forward. It was the bit about regularly printing images up to 36x24 inches...can't be many people who need to go bigger than that.

With no disrespect to Pentax (owners), does anyone know how professional Nikon owners have reacted to the same question, given that as has been stated already the difference they are looking at is about £300. Do they view the dearer model as necessary or just desirable or are there a lot who manage quite well with just the standard model? Sheer weight of numbers with Nikon vis a vis Pentax might give a more accurate answer through greater sample size.

Thanks for the compliment although I don't class myself as professional, photography is still a part-time pursuit for me at the moment.

I think you make a valid point about Nikon owners though, might be worth anyone who is really concerned about the difference between AA & non AA cmeras having a browse over there, probably more user experience "data" available

Simon

I've just had a look and found remarkable lack of stress about it. No nay-sayers, no enthusiasts, it just is what it is.

No doubt if I kept looking I would find something of interest, but no time for that I'm afraid.