To trade or not to trade
Posted 02/03/2015 - 21:22
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JohnX wrote:
I bought a P&S (Fuji X20) to complement my Pentax DSLR's, but found that I tended to use it too much, which would have been ok if it could equal the Pentax kit for IQ, but it didn't.
The solution was to buy a K-S1 body, which paired with any of my Limiteds is almost as small as the Fuji but with far improved IQ (and disco lights!).
The issue is whether there's something about the Pentax kit that's getting between you and your hobby?
philstaff wrote:
I am considering buying a point and shoot camera. There seems to be some excellent reviews on the net
even comparing the IQ to the level of some digital SLR models. Would any one even consider trading a SLR in favour of a point and shoot.
Regards Ian
I am considering buying a point and shoot camera. There seems to be some excellent reviews on the net
even comparing the IQ to the level of some digital SLR models. Would any one even consider trading a SLR in favour of a point and shoot.
Regards Ian
I bought a P&S (Fuji X20) to complement my Pentax DSLR's, but found that I tended to use it too much, which would have been ok if it could equal the Pentax kit for IQ, but it didn't.
The solution was to buy a K-S1 body, which paired with any of my Limiteds is almost as small as the Fuji but with far improved IQ (and disco lights!).
The issue is whether there's something about the Pentax kit that's getting between you and your hobby?
Not really my problem is I am finding it hard to lug around the Digi SLR due to back and neck problems. I tried the Fuji in my local camera shop and liked it a lot.
Regards Ian
Posted 02/03/2015 - 21:28
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bwlchmawr wrote:
I always felt that compact cameras were a compromise, one which I was prepared to accept for the sake of convenience. But there was a so-so lens, lots of grain, weak colours and narrow dynamic range.
The MX-1 changed all that. For what I like to shoot (things which don't move much) in "normal" light it's well up to the job. I also never print, well I haven't printed anything since the turn of the century, so that's not an issue.
The MX-1 was the only camera I took on a recent trip to Tenerife and never regretted it.
I enjoy using a DSLR more and in many ways a proper viewfinder, with a nice lens, is easier and a more rewarding experience. I also prefer3:2 to 4:3, most of the time.
I reckon the "perfect" camera would be something like a Fuji X30 with a viewfinder/EVF, a tilting screen and a sensor of a similar quality to the MX-1 and perhaps a quicker operating system. It's also beautifully retro in feel. But very expensive.
The facility to clip and camera and case to my belt makes it worthwhile.
I always felt that compact cameras were a compromise, one which I was prepared to accept for the sake of convenience. But there was a so-so lens, lots of grain, weak colours and narrow dynamic range.
The MX-1 changed all that. For what I like to shoot (things which don't move much) in "normal" light it's well up to the job. I also never print, well I haven't printed anything since the turn of the century, so that's not an issue.
The MX-1 was the only camera I took on a recent trip to Tenerife and never regretted it.
I enjoy using a DSLR more and in many ways a proper viewfinder, with a nice lens, is easier and a more rewarding experience. I also prefer3:2 to 4:3, most of the time.
I reckon the "perfect" camera would be something like a Fuji X30 with a viewfinder/EVF, a tilting screen and a sensor of a similar quality to the MX-1 and perhaps a quicker operating system. It's also beautifully retro in feel. But very expensive.
The facility to clip and camera and case to my belt makes it worthwhile.
The Fuji is a lovely camera.
Regards Ian
Posted 02/03/2015 - 21:33
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Ive been shooting with the Q now for a month and have to say its a great package - it was made for street photography


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Posted 02/03/2015 - 22:15
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Damn right. I use a DSLR when I'm out specifically to make an image of high quality, what I would consider crafting a piece of artwork. That's the sort of thing where I want long exposures, fast shutter speeds, high iso capabilities etc for which I'll then come home and start editing the RAW file.
If I want to capture a moment, in good lighting, with everything in focus then I'll use an iPhone, which has real time continuous data connectivity, and which scales the image/video to submit to social networking channels, such as facebook or whatsapp messages etc.
I do think there is scope for a smaller high IQ device, smaller than a DSLR, and I'm very interested to see how mirrorless devices improve over time. Personally though I'd look to a cell phone for a portable and very small package at this stage though.
The iPhone 6 does smooth slow motion video at 120fps at 1080p and a whopping 240fps at 720p. GoPro's latest is similar, and takes 12MP stills at a burst rate of 30fps. Depending on what you're looking to shoot, a DSLR is not always the best image capture device. I think that point is worth mentioning also.
Posted 02/03/2015 - 23:22 - Helpful Comment
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If it's weight , rather than size, why go all the way down to a P & S ? I am finding I oft get a little weary , as well as achey, carrying my Pentax kit and 2-3 lenses. So I have found myself using my Canon 500D and kit lens more than I had and it's sooooo much lighter.
The rugged build of Pentax is an upside but does seem to bring with it the downside of weight. I don't think Pentax have had a light weight SLR in recent years ? Then there's always micro 4/3 rds - the sensor isn't hugely smaller. also the Samsung NX series is smaller than SLR and light.
I've gone off the MX-1 - Maybe I don't have a great copy.
The rugged build of Pentax is an upside but does seem to bring with it the downside of weight. I don't think Pentax have had a light weight SLR in recent years ? Then there's always micro 4/3 rds - the sensor isn't hugely smaller. also the Samsung NX series is smaller than SLR and light.
I've gone off the MX-1 - Maybe I don't have a great copy.
- -
Mike
Pentax K5 / Pentax K5 11/ Pentax K200D / Canon Rebel T1 i / Canon 650D / Pentax MX-1 / Fuji XF1 /Fuji X 10 / Canon EOS-M / Canon G10/ Pentax Mz-7 x 2
Mike
Pentax K5 / Pentax K5 11/ Pentax K200D / Canon Rebel T1 i / Canon 650D / Pentax MX-1 / Fuji XF1 /Fuji X 10 / Canon EOS-M / Canon G10/ Pentax Mz-7 x 2
Posted 02/03/2015 - 23:38
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judderman62 wrote:
If it's weight , rather than size, why go all the way down to a P & S ? I am finding I oft get a little weary , as well as achey, carrying my Pentax kit and 2-3 lenses. So I have found myself using my Canon 500D and kit lens more than I had and it's sooooo much lighter.
The rugged build of Pentax is an upside but does seem to bring with it the downside of weight. I don't think Pentax have had a light weight SLR in recent years ?
If it's weight , rather than size, why go all the way down to a P & S ? I am finding I oft get a little weary , as well as achey, carrying my Pentax kit and 2-3 lenses. So I have found myself using my Canon 500D and kit lens more than I had and it's sooooo much lighter.
The rugged build of Pentax is an upside but does seem to bring with it the downside of weight. I don't think Pentax have had a light weight SLR in recent years ?
My K30 is pretty light but doesn't feel cheap and nasty like some other makes - I'm sure the K50, KS-1, KS-2 etc are just has light weight.
My K30 with DA 21mm makes a light compact system!
Posted 02/03/2015 - 23:53
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a quick shuft on line shows the 500D being 20% lighter then the K30 or K50. The KS-1 gets a bit nearer though.
Also I've never felt my 500D , nor the 400D before it, ever felt "cheap and nasty"
Also I've never felt my 500D , nor the 400D before it, ever felt "cheap and nasty"
- -
Mike
Pentax K5 / Pentax K5 11/ Pentax K200D / Canon Rebel T1 i / Canon 650D / Pentax MX-1 / Fuji XF1 /Fuji X 10 / Canon EOS-M / Canon G10/ Pentax Mz-7 x 2
Mike
Pentax K5 / Pentax K5 11/ Pentax K200D / Canon Rebel T1 i / Canon 650D / Pentax MX-1 / Fuji XF1 /Fuji X 10 / Canon EOS-M / Canon G10/ Pentax Mz-7 x 2
Posted 02/03/2015 - 23:58
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I'm surprised that we think Pentax DSLRs are heavy. Compared to the SLRs we carried in the days of film, they are very light. Have we all become weaker?
A certain amount of weight is helpful though, because the lighter a camera is the harder it is to avoid camera shake. It's all a personal thing in the end and no doubt we would all balance the equation at a different point.
A certain amount of weight is helpful though, because the lighter a camera is the harder it is to avoid camera shake. It's all a personal thing in the end and no doubt we would all balance the equation at a different point.
Best regards, John
Posted 03/03/2015 - 00:11
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johnriley wrote:
I'm surprised that we think Pentax DSLRs are heavy. Compared to the SLRs we carried in the days of film, they are very light. Have we all become weaker?
A certain amount of weight is helpful though, because the lighter a camera is the harder it is to avoid camera shake. It's all a personal thing in the end and no doubt we would all balance the equation at a different point.
I'm surprised that we think Pentax DSLRs are heavy. Compared to the SLRs we carried in the days of film, they are very light. Have we all become weaker?
A certain amount of weight is helpful though, because the lighter a camera is the harder it is to avoid camera shake. It's all a personal thing in the end and no doubt we would all balance the equation at a different point.
The K10 coupled with the sigma 17/70 is one lump John.
Regards ian
Posted 03/03/2015 - 02:01
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I don't personally have an issue with the weight as such.
I've tried canons and found them very weak/plastically feeling, so I've got no issue with something being more solid.
It's the bulk that gets me. Once again not from a compared to other DSLR's perspective, especially as I don't use a battery grip. For me it's that I don't see a DSLR as something I'd take on a walk, as they bounce everywhere and require neck straps etc. Recently I took my GoPro out as my walkabout camera. It was completely weather proof and I slipped it into the outside pocket of my day pack.
There is a need for that sort of flexibility along with great IQ, rather than slimming a DSLR continuously for which it's never going to a competitor against a mirrorless device etc.
I've tried canons and found them very weak/plastically feeling, so I've got no issue with something being more solid.
It's the bulk that gets me. Once again not from a compared to other DSLR's perspective, especially as I don't use a battery grip. For me it's that I don't see a DSLR as something I'd take on a walk, as they bounce everywhere and require neck straps etc. Recently I took my GoPro out as my walkabout camera. It was completely weather proof and I slipped it into the outside pocket of my day pack.
There is a need for that sort of flexibility along with great IQ, rather than slimming a DSLR continuously for which it's never going to a competitor against a mirrorless device etc.
Posted 03/03/2015 - 06:40
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The weight/bulk argument is interesting. I love the weighty feel of my K10 and the density of the K5 but a K100 with, say, the M 28mm 3.5 or even a mk1 kit lens, is really very light. As Rich says, though, there's no getting away from the bulk. What you can't put into a pocket or strap comfortably to a belt is large and needs a shoulder bag or neck strap. Stray very far away from the car and a DSLR becomes an encumbrance.
There's also the point about discretion. A big camera draws attention. If you wish to blend in, then the smaller the better: people find compacts less intimidating, I suppose. I mean, you can't possibly be going to take anything serious with something so small, can you?
I don't have a 'phone with a camera but these have got to be the ultimate street/candid tool. The whole world walks around staring at the screen, eyes down: no one would have a clue whether you were taking a picture or sending a text but raise a DSLR to your eye and it's an intrusive event.
There's also the point about discretion. A big camera draws attention. If you wish to blend in, then the smaller the better: people find compacts less intimidating, I suppose. I mean, you can't possibly be going to take anything serious with something so small, can you?
I don't have a 'phone with a camera but these have got to be the ultimate street/candid tool. The whole world walks around staring at the screen, eyes down: no one would have a clue whether you were taking a picture or sending a text but raise a DSLR to your eye and it's an intrusive event.
Best wishes,
Andrew
"These places mean something and it's the job of a photographer to figure-out what the hell it is."
Robert Adams
"The camera doesn't make a bit of difference. All of them can record what you are seeing. But, you have to SEE."
Ernst Hass
My website: http://www.ephotozine.com/user/bwlchmawr-199050 http://s927.photobucket.com/home/ADC3440/index
https://www.flickr.com/photos/78898196@N05
Andrew
"These places mean something and it's the job of a photographer to figure-out what the hell it is."
Robert Adams
"The camera doesn't make a bit of difference. All of them can record what you are seeing. But, you have to SEE."
Ernst Hass
My website: http://www.ephotozine.com/user/bwlchmawr-199050 http://s927.photobucket.com/home/ADC3440/index
https://www.flickr.com/photos/78898196@N05
Posted 03/03/2015 - 07:59
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I tried a NEX camera, which was fun with Pentax lenses via an adapter, and had a 16mm pancake which made it pocketable. Made a nice light kit for holidays (I tend to go hand luggage only).
But the RX100 is a revelation. Genuinely competes with DSLRs on quality, tiny size, sharp f1.8 lens. The NEX seems a bit pointless now, although still has its place for using fast MF lenses at wide apertures (excellent focus peaking).
Having said that, there are still times where I will grab the K30 and 17-50 lens for casual snapping. It's just so much more engaging to use.
But the RX100 is a revelation. Genuinely competes with DSLRs on quality, tiny size, sharp f1.8 lens. The NEX seems a bit pointless now, although still has its place for using fast MF lenses at wide apertures (excellent focus peaking).
Having said that, there are still times where I will grab the K30 and 17-50 lens for casual snapping. It's just so much more engaging to use.
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Posted 03/03/2015 - 09:02
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philstaff wrote:
The K10 coupled with the sigma 17/70 is one lump John.
Regards ian
johnriley wrote:
I'm surprised that we think Pentax DSLRs are heavy. Compared to the SLRs we carried in the days of film, they are very light. Have we all become weaker?
A certain amount of weight is helpful though, because the lighter a camera is the harder it is to avoid camera shake. It's all a personal thing in the end and no doubt we would all balance the equation at a different point.
I'm surprised that we think Pentax DSLRs are heavy. Compared to the SLRs we carried in the days of film, they are very light. Have we all become weaker?
A certain amount of weight is helpful though, because the lighter a camera is the harder it is to avoid camera shake. It's all a personal thing in the end and no doubt we would all balance the equation at a different point.
The K10 coupled with the sigma 17/70 is one lump John.
Regards ian
i found my k10 to be to light so i alwys left the grip on infact it never came of the camera from the day i bought itand it was mainly coupled to my sigma 70/300
regards stu
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