What makes an image?

Pentax K7, Pentax 50mm, RAW, Silkypix.

Pentax K7, Sigma 30mm, RAW, Lightroom.

Pentax K7, Pentax 50mm, JPG.

Pentax K7, Sigma 30mm, JPG

In all cases above we have a third party sensor.

With the Pentax lens, we have a direct input from Pentax as to IQ.
Shooting RAW and assuming a “non-processed” file is then processed in Silkypix software we have an image with Pentax DNA only with the lens. (1)

With the Sigma lens there is nothing in the image attributed to Pentax with the exception of RAW data minimal processing. (0)

With the Pentax lens and JPG output we have the lens and the Pentax in camera software strands in the DNA. (2)

With the Sigma lens we have only the in camera software strand in the DNA. (1)

The 645D has two strands by default (lens and JPG processing) and should hold that as I don’t know of third party glass that fits the 645D.

NCS can boast three strands in some of their cameras.

My own opinion is that there is more to it than I have said above but I always like to look at what actually goes to make an image. Individual component parts can make or break an image. In general terms, a duff lens is the most that any of us will experience wrt IQ, assuming all else is done correctly, exposure etc.

Always worth stopping to give thought to what you actually mean when you say “I shoot with a Pentax”.

This is not a show stopper post; it’s intended to get the logic working.

Best regards

notwithstanding remotes, I have to press a Pentax button in order to take the shot.

"Behave yourself Erol, put the kettle on and make a cup of tea"

Best regards

Tea!!!


Vile stuff.

I'm a coffee imbiber extraordinaire

WTF is Erol

The camera contributes the AF system (unless you use manual focus) and metering system. In the case of Pentax it also contributions Shake Reduction. All three can make a direct contribution to the quality of your image, to a greater or lesser extent depending on the circumstances.

Additionally there are many other camera properties which might play a vital part in enabling you to capture the image you want in particular situations: Continuous shooting speed, Weatherproof body, Live view mode (when you need to be 6'2" but are only 5'6" as I discovered for one particular shot a few days ago), Electronic Level Function (yes, this can make a difference, particularly when lens distortions make it difficult to line up a shot accurately in the viewfinder), Composition Adjustment, Ergonomics as has already been mentioned. I'm sure there are a bunch more I haven't thought of off the top of my head.

Then there are the JPEG-only as-you-shoot image processing functions which are too numerous to mention. They needn't be useless to a RAW shooter, either - personally I shoot in RAW+ and use the various JPEG features as I see fit. That way if the camera produces a JPEG that's close enough to what I want (with maybe some minor tweaking), I save time by not having to touch the RAW file and I reap the benefits of these features.

Of course if you don't use these features you don't get the benefit of them, but to me that's a pointless argument. The features are there for a reason and can make a difference if you allow them to.

Errol (corrected the spelling here)is one of Bricktops henchmen from the film Snatch. Bricktop would correct or dismiss a statement and ask him to put the kettle on.....

Whats it got to do with the OP. Nothing Tommy, it's tip top.

Best regards

Features. I have never and will never use the video function on my K7 or D7000. In camera SR, sometimes use it but remember its a Minolta inception that is also used by Sony.

By IQ, I am looking at light to sensor components. After which you have processing either in camera (JPEG) or out (RAW to JPEG). Not looking at RAW vs Jpeg as each to their own, either way, the OP does show that if RAW and converted in other software that its not PENTAX processed is it? Hefty makes a similar point above.

It's all perception. For the non PC savy, RAW is a non starter. Its the same as home developing and printing used to be. Done by a few compared to thousands putting a film through a lab. That said, very few home developers had tha skills of burning and dodging.

Previously, IQ was down to lens and film type, all we have done is "fix" the film type by way of a digital sensor. In real terms we have lost a choice.

Best regards

Absolutely.

I doubt few people buy a camera for colour quality though, they buy through adverts, word of mouth etc. or to do a specific task.

Best regards

Agreed,
I think this series of post`s demonstrates the futility of the "which system is best" argument, there are so many variables the question is unanswerable.Somewhat similar to the "what was there before the big bang" question,both are invalid questions because there can be no definitive answer.
hang on my head is starting to hurt.
Davex.

Yet Sony and Canon have their sensor, their camera and their lenses, Nikon have their bodies and lenses and their "design" sensors.

Pentax have their bodies and lenses. So in agreement with you about third party components, does that mean that with a K7 and Sigma lens, the only Pentax finger in the pie is the camera firmware/software? Is that the Pentax image quality?

Best regards

Not sure where you got your Nikon sensor information but Pentax have input into Sony's sensor design as well. In fact Pentax do better with the same Sony sensors than Nikon does. It has been the same each time they have used the same sensor.

Not sure where you got your Nikon sensor information but Pentax have input into Sony's sensor design as well. In fact Pentax do better with the same Sony sensors than Nikon does. It has been the same each time they have used the same sensor.[/quote]Not sure whether you mean Nikon don't or do? link

link

We discussed the above before.

The only common sensor that I know of between Pentax and Nikon is the K5 and D7000. I don't think Nikon used Samsung sensors? Which other Pentax/Nikon cameras have shared a Sony sensor?

I am not comparing the K5 and D7000, I have a D7000 and am well happy with it just as I am with my Pentax's.

So for a common sensor and non Pentax lens, do you agree that the only Pentax input to IQ is the in camera software? Your statement above leads me to think you do?

Best regards