Pentax K-01

You should try the new generation EVFs on the A77/A65 which are said to be significantly better, and the basis on which Sony are believed to be replacing OVFs on their upcoming FF model.

Indeed it would seem the sole reason the A55/A33 generation has been discontinued is to undertake a modest product revamp involving just replacing the EVFs.

As for the K-01 I quite the styling but I am in the market for a new camera, not a fashion accessory. And for that reason the lack of any kind of viewfinder rules it out for me, which means I might go for the new A5x if it uses the new version of the K5 sensor.

The obvious solution for the K-02 - lop off the phoney prism hump, and provide a clip on EVF as Ricoh have done with some of their own compacts. We can then have a choice.

As I understand it it's not quite that simple.

The relatively recent introduction of OLED displays has generally improved appearances greatly.

But a key reason the Sony EVFs are so good is they have some proprietary image processing technology around the sensor that enables the high responsiveness; without that even the best looking projected image is of questionable value.

Having handled the Nikon 1 and its 60 fps I am surprised the k-01 only managers 6, I thought it was the mirror box that slowed the frame rate down, particularly as the k-01 has an electronic shutter.

Shaky mentioned OLED screens, and they are really excellent for sure.

One of the things that we tend to overlook, probably understandably, is that a whole new generation of photographers have a totally different perspective. They are the iPhone generation, if you like, and I have to sdmit to being a huge fan of the way my iPhone has opened up communications.

Traditional concepts are being challenged daily and we are on a new path. One thing remains sure though and that is that the new K-01 is going to produce splendid images, in the right hands. It may well also appeal to a whole new generation of pentax Users, and without courting them now Pentax would only last as long as we do.

I say go for it Pentax. The more I think about it, the more this K-01 appeals to me and I think of new ways it can be used.

John might be right about new customers, but what about we old customers, our current DSLRs dosen't last for ever?

I am open to the idea that this camera may very well work well for a large percentage of the population. That may very well include me but I just don't know it yet. Currently think I won't like not having a view finder but I could be wrong.

Some serious whinging about the looks of the camera that I just don't get. Maybe I've always had a thing for a bit of strange , but I think theres something querky/different about it that I like.

Ultimately the proof will be in how the camera performs when it is released. And as some house mates at uni used to testify, the ugly ones always tended to perform better than those who relied on their looks for attention. Depends what your after really

Existing users can happily continue to use their K mount lenses, either on a Mirrorless Pentax or on a DSLR, as they prefer. That's more choice, not less?

I think its a great idea that they stuck with the k-mount, puts faith in lens buying.

Hmm. It's more choice right now, although I have to say I'm slightly anxious that the K-01 may be replacing the market segment previously held by the K-R and K-X, which I do think would be a great shame.

The fact is, the K-R is the entry level DSLR to get- build quality as good as (if not better than) D3100 & EOS 1100D, and features way ahead (Built in SR, focus motor, better high ISO etc). The K-01 appeals to a very different market.

Of course, if they release another entry level DSLR, or keep the K5 alive and drop the price a bit, then that isn't a problem.

I really can't see them dropping the K-5 price much more.
TBH it is a bit of a bargain now anyway when compared to the 7D/D7000 and if it went lower you would be putting it in K-01 territory which would be daft (Even for Pentax).

It's more choice providing there *is* a dSLR.

You don't shoot moving objects much, do you John? I think you're overestimating the usefulness of being able to use long lenses, but not having a viewfinder.

As a great-quality-images compact, I can see it having a niche.

But imagining that just because it can take K-mount lenses it can replace a K-5 seems a little naive. Not sure anyone's actually saying that, but there it is.

No, it doesn't. Not even remotely. You might as well compare a moped with a Land Rover and moan that the Land Rover is much too big. Your statement is extremely silly.

Got a point there i cannot use my phone remotely

Like the design, like keeping the K mount, but why no EVF?

We've got the Sony sensor, why not the Sony EVF?