Pentax K-01
Posted 02/02/2012 - 16:58
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It really is dreadful, its as though he has had no preparation what so ever, I bet he hasnt even handled one yet...
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Currently on a Pentax hiatus until an FF Pentax is released
Posted 02/02/2012 - 17:02
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Don wrote:
there are already pro solutions available..the inclusion of an hdmi out on the k-01 means there are countless options from laptops to pro field monitors to these: link d-slr solutions...
Dargh, but you're gonna have to shoot with that big rubber flappy thing hanging open - all the ports are under it! Honestly this is, at its core, a good product featurewise, and (if I was looking for a bare-bones K-mount shooter) I could cope with the bulk and lack of EVF if the price is right - but in some ways Marc Newson really has managed to make it less user friendly and slightly embarrassing looking....
there are already pro solutions available..the inclusion of an hdmi out on the k-01 means there are countless options from laptops to pro field monitors to these: link d-slr solutions...
Posted 02/02/2012 - 17:08
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cabstar wrote:
I really really do sometimes wonder what is going on with Pentax, do they not have any PR company on hand at all, this interview with Pentax UK's general manager Johnathon Martin is just woeful...
link
No PR person would allow this to happen...
BJP: But for a compact interchangeable lens camera, don't you think it's too big?
Jonathan Martin: No I don't think so. I think the size of the product is outweighted by the range of lensesthat you can use on the product.
BJP: But how are you going to convince people that have a DSLR camera to go with something that is almost similar in size to a DSLR?
Jonathan Martin: Well, it's whether they want to go with mirrorless features rather than a traditional DSLR.
BJP: What are these mirrorless features that you don't find in a DSLR?
Jonathan Martin: ... design, really. Design.
BJP: So you're basicaly banking on design?
Jonathan Martin: We're banking on design, and on the fact that they are - we know because we've done market research - a lot of Pentax users that have been waiting for a K-mount mirrorless product.
It seems a bit of a clumsy first step. Everything points to the fact that they didn't think of size as a major consideration everything but the fact that they went on and re-designed one of their already smallest lenses and made it smaller still... I really really do sometimes wonder what is going on with Pentax, do they not have any PR company on hand at all, this interview with Pentax UK's general manager Johnathon Martin is just woeful...
link
No PR person would allow this to happen...
BJP: But for a compact interchangeable lens camera, don't you think it's too big?
Jonathan Martin: No I don't think so. I think the size of the product is outweighted by the range of lensesthat you can use on the product.
BJP: But how are you going to convince people that have a DSLR camera to go with something that is almost similar in size to a DSLR?
Jonathan Martin: Well, it's whether they want to go with mirrorless features rather than a traditional DSLR.
BJP: What are these mirrorless features that you don't find in a DSLR?
Jonathan Martin: ... design, really. Design.
BJP: So you're basicaly banking on design?
Jonathan Martin: We're banking on design, and on the fact that they are - we know because we've done market research - a lot of Pentax users that have been waiting for a K-mount mirrorless product.
If the body size is the price you have to pay to keep the k-mount (I am not convinced about that) then they should have communicated that.
It wouldn't have been that bad had they bothered to re-design at least one of their zoom lenses and shrunk that. However my K-5 + my 40mm is really not that much bigger than the K01... Hm
Posted 02/02/2012 - 17:12
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Here in Finland, the price estimation is 700,- €.
My first impression was: old fashion design.
Good thing is K-mount and traditional Pentax hot shoe. Big minus (on my mind) is lack of view finder, optical or even electrical.
if I were buying a DSLR camera now, I probably wouldn't buy Pentax, if they can't offer any entry level DSRL in the future (with view finder) like K-r.
But, lyckily I have K-x and I hope Ricoh can offer DSLRs in two classes also in the future.
My first impression was: old fashion design.
Good thing is K-mount and traditional Pentax hot shoe. Big minus (on my mind) is lack of view finder, optical or even electrical.
if I were buying a DSLR camera now, I probably wouldn't buy Pentax, if they can't offer any entry level DSRL in the future (with view finder) like K-r.
But, lyckily I have K-x and I hope Ricoh can offer DSLRs in two classes also in the future.
Best Regards
Jukka
flickr
"If your photographs aren't good enough, you're not close enough." - Robert Capa
Jukka
flickr
"If your photographs aren't good enough, you're not close enough." - Robert Capa
Posted 02/02/2012 - 17:15
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If they could have designed out the bulk of the 'mirror box', so the body of the camera was thinner except for the lens mount, it would have looked much smaller... But what Jonathan Martin needed to stress was that there are other advantages to mirrorless than size, and a DSLR sized camera is actually, ergonomically, a better size for some people. If Pentax users want a small mirrorless camera with a new mount, there are plenty of options out there already....
Posted 02/02/2012 - 17:16
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Couldn't resist...
[IMG]http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t244/chris5gd/110770strip.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t244/chris5gd/110770strip.jpg[/IMG]
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Pentax K-3, DA18-135, DA35 F2.4, DA17-70, DA55-300, FA28-200, A50 F1.7, A100 F4 Macro, A400 F5.6, Sigma 10-20 EXDC, 50-500 F4.5-6.3 APO DG OS Samsung flash SEF-54PZF(x2)
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Pentax K-3, DA18-135, DA35 F2.4, DA17-70, DA55-300, FA28-200, A50 F1.7, A100 F4 Macro, A400 F5.6, Sigma 10-20 EXDC, 50-500 F4.5-6.3 APO DG OS Samsung flash SEF-54PZF(x2)
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Posted 02/02/2012 - 17:21
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I was hoping this launch would make me think about getting rid of the Olympus EP1 that I recently acquired- but it certainly has not, for sure this will take better pictures but I have a K5 for that.
I do like the look of the new lens roadmap
I do like the look of the new lens roadmap
Posted 02/02/2012 - 17:23
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The essence of the K-01 is that the mirrorless design removes the complication of the mirror box and assembly. To make all K mount lenses usable is brilliant as there only needs to be one range and one mount. The quality of design of the K mount is a huge thing for Pentax. Other makers have had to change their mounts, only Nikon keeping much of the compatibility, but without the elegance of the Pentax design.
There are possibilities for this new camera and both this and the Q I might well find a use for in time. At the moment I am unlikely to buy at the higher introductory price level, but later I might well do so.
There also seem to be more lenses moving forwards, so that too will be interesting.
We asked for a digital Auto 110, we got it, we asked for a mirrorless camera, we've got it, we asked for more lenses, they are clearly in the planning stage. I wouldn't personally be at all critical of that. Things are definitely on the move.
There are possibilities for this new camera and both this and the Q I might well find a use for in time. At the moment I am unlikely to buy at the higher introductory price level, but later I might well do so.
There also seem to be more lenses moving forwards, so that too will be interesting.
We asked for a digital Auto 110, we got it, we asked for a mirrorless camera, we've got it, we asked for more lenses, they are clearly in the planning stage. I wouldn't personally be at all critical of that. Things are definitely on the move.
Best regards, John
Posted 02/02/2012 - 17:36
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johnriley wrote:
The essence of the K-01 is that the mirrorless design removes the complication of the mirror box and assembly. To make all K mount lenses usable is brilliant as there only needs to be one range and one mount.
I agree 100%, it just bothers me that they have so obviously tried to make it look smaller, and failed. Why not just flick the Vs to Sony and make it a big, comfortable to hold mirrorless, with that nice, ergonomic grip of the Kr? And pass on to us the cost saving of not including a mirror or EVF!
The essence of the K-01 is that the mirrorless design removes the complication of the mirror box and assembly. To make all K mount lenses usable is brilliant as there only needs to be one range and one mount.
Posted 02/02/2012 - 17:40
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John I am not criticaL of product development, I can see myself buying and using th k-01, but once again the press & media department at Pentax are once again showing to be lacking in commercial nouse...
PPG Wedding photography Flickr
Concert photography
Currently on a Pentax hiatus until an FF Pentax is released
Concert photography
Currently on a Pentax hiatus until an FF Pentax is released
Posted 02/02/2012 - 17:50
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They are not going to win over many existing Pentax users, or indeed any serious photographers using other brands, by stating that it's primary feature is "fashion and design". I find that totally bizarre.
Or perhaps it's really clever: get loads of people who've never thought about photography to buy a camera as a fashion statement, and then they find out it actually takes very good pictures, so they get interested in photography and they are now Pentax users. Apple have followed a similar philosophy, and they have done alright. I'd never buy an Iphone myself, but I seem to be in a minority.
Or perhaps it's really clever: get loads of people who've never thought about photography to buy a camera as a fashion statement, and then they find out it actually takes very good pictures, so they get interested in photography and they are now Pentax users. Apple have followed a similar philosophy, and they have done alright. I'd never buy an Iphone myself, but I seem to be in a minority.
Posted 02/02/2012 - 17:58
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That just sounded like Jonathan Martin desperately trying to 'excuse' the oddness of the K-01.
I would have preferred him to say something like 'we appreciate this camera isn't as small as other mirrorless cameras, but our customers have expressed a wish for a relatively compact back-up or video body, with a low cost, simple operation, support for existing lenses and outstanding IQ. We also think this body would be an excellent value entry for new users into the Pentax K-mount system'.
I would have preferred him to say something like 'we appreciate this camera isn't as small as other mirrorless cameras, but our customers have expressed a wish for a relatively compact back-up or video body, with a low cost, simple operation, support for existing lenses and outstanding IQ. We also think this body would be an excellent value entry for new users into the Pentax K-mount system'.
Posted 02/02/2012 - 18:04
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Pentaxophile wrote:
That just sounded like Jonathan Martin desperately trying to 'excuse' the oddness of the K-01.
I would have preferred him to say something like 'we appreciate this camera isn't as small as other mirrorless cameras, but our customers have expressed a wish for a relatively compact back-up or video body, with a low cost, simple operation, support for existing lenses and outstanding IQ. We also think this body would be an excellent value entry for new users into the Pentax K-mount system'.
You are absolutely right...as someone who has just bought another manufacturers camera, it doesn't work for me either...
That just sounded like Jonathan Martin desperately trying to 'excuse' the oddness of the K-01.
I would have preferred him to say something like 'we appreciate this camera isn't as small as other mirrorless cameras, but our customers have expressed a wish for a relatively compact back-up or video body, with a low cost, simple operation, support for existing lenses and outstanding IQ. We also think this body would be an excellent value entry for new users into the Pentax K-mount system'.
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13627 posts
18 years
Hythe,
Hampshire UK
I really really do sometimes wonder what is going on with Pentax, do they not have any PR company on hand at all, this interview with Pentax UK's general manager Johnathon Martin is just woeful...
It never occurred to Pentax that yes we have been waiting for a mirrorless camera because of the smaller size.
Personally I couldn't give a 4x about the design (within reason of course).