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Comment by 50mpCMOS posted on Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 DC HSM Lens at 21/10/2015 - 23:00
Algernon wrote:
Just as MF Roll film (6x6 etc. ) had an unexplainable one stop greater tonal range on the Grey Scale than 35mm. 24MP FF cameras such as the A7 can produce much better results than 24MP APS-C.
For this reason Pentax need to release TWO cameras.
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Correct.Just as MF Roll film (6x6 etc. ) had an unexplainable one stop greater tonal range on the Grey Scale than 35mm. 24MP FF cameras such as the A7 can produce much better results than 24MP APS-C.
For this reason Pentax need to release TWO cameras.
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Cannot find link yet. Nikon has published text and photographs that literally prove the same. Using full-frame mp compared to the same exact apsc mp count. Full-frame wins every time, because it's MORE about sensor size than mp count.
Two more cases in point... Take my Canon EOS 5RD R (50mp full-frame latest Canon model) against a Hasseldlbad 5d (50mp full-frame medium format). Obviously much different sensors, made at much different times (The Hasselblad has a much older sensor), there's also the price difference - the Hasselblad sensor cost over ten thousand plus more than the Canon camera.
Yet the Hasselblad wins every time: except in weight, size, ability to capture sports, etc...
Even some mobile phones have ultra small digital sensors that exceed the mp of most Pentax dslrs. Apple uses one of the best "resolution" sensors in their iPhones and even publishes those results to magazines, but... Outside of limited subject content, one probably will not be wishing to use their mobile phone to capture portraits or weddings
Comment by 50mpCMOS posted on Full Frame teaser - Spring 2016! at 07/10/2015 - 17:22
On any of the Pentax hardware that has the WR designation; has anyone had a chance to thoroughly test it out yet to see exactly how effective it is? After all the WR designation doesn't exactly include a scientific label of sorts; such as earning an IP label... WR can also mean many things, such as: resistance to water, certain types of rain, perhaps "bucket loads of rain" or even streaming water, dust, dirt, sand, and even severe temps.
On the two Pentax K3 variations; I've used them in most every type of weather, have never had a single failure. The grip seems to hold up equally as well, just as long as one does not remove the grip or attempt to change out the batteries before ensuring the devices are not wet (at all) or dirty. All of the Pentax aw flashed have the same exact level of resistance that the camera bodies with the aw designation do.
As for the lenses; I've been through all of them with the exception of the 560; again zero issues relating to the wr resistance.
In testing out the wr resistance the cameras and accessories have been to all sorts of extremes such as: Prolonger use in the cold (severe cold - far exceeding the manual specifications) in places such as Antarctica, Alaska, and the like. All of the hardware holds just fine; autofocus rarely gets a bit slower (but very trivially), manual focus also a bit slower, and zoom settings as well. But all still functions perfectly.
For the other extreme in temperature... Easily able to sustain forty degrees Celsius with one hundred percent hundred percent humidity, and even under direct sunlight. Could go further, but I haven't for prolonged use. Still would not suggest ever leaving higher end equipment in places such as a vehicle on a hot day.
Then there's dust, dirt, sand, etc... From dirt at construction sites, to equestrian events, to beach events. Have never had an issue.
Moisture and water resistance... I regularly expose my gear to salt water spray - zero effects. As for levels of items such as rain... I prefer not to use gear in sustained heavy downpour of rain, but the wr gear has received a thorough rain testing on more than a few occasions. for heavier rain would still suggest some sort of professional cover.
Still wishing that there could be a type of IP rating though.
On the two Pentax K3 variations; I've used them in most every type of weather, have never had a single failure. The grip seems to hold up equally as well, just as long as one does not remove the grip or attempt to change out the batteries before ensuring the devices are not wet (at all) or dirty. All of the Pentax aw flashed have the same exact level of resistance that the camera bodies with the aw designation do.
As for the lenses; I've been through all of them with the exception of the 560; again zero issues relating to the wr resistance.
In testing out the wr resistance the cameras and accessories have been to all sorts of extremes such as: Prolonger use in the cold (severe cold - far exceeding the manual specifications) in places such as Antarctica, Alaska, and the like. All of the hardware holds just fine; autofocus rarely gets a bit slower (but very trivially), manual focus also a bit slower, and zoom settings as well. But all still functions perfectly.
For the other extreme in temperature... Easily able to sustain forty degrees Celsius with one hundred percent hundred percent humidity, and even under direct sunlight. Could go further, but I haven't for prolonged use. Still would not suggest ever leaving higher end equipment in places such as a vehicle on a hot day.
Then there's dust, dirt, sand, etc... From dirt at construction sites, to equestrian events, to beach events. Have never had an issue.
Moisture and water resistance... I regularly expose my gear to salt water spray - zero effects. As for levels of items such as rain... I prefer not to use gear in sustained heavy downpour of rain, but the wr gear has received a thorough rain testing on more than a few occasions. for heavier rain would still suggest some sort of professional cover.
Still wishing that there could be a type of IP rating though.
Comment by 50mpCMOS posted on Ever had the chance to test out just how good the WR is ? at 06/10/2015 - 23:20
Not sure if this would be a difference in where they were assembled, or in different version runs using slightly different parts.
I have both versions of the Pentax FA77, the first one being assembled in Japan was literally one of the first serial numbers issued - in the first one hundred made via serial number. The more recent one was purchased less than two months ago and was assembled in Vietnam.
They both appear identical optically, same aperture and all, almost identical specs, but... For some reason the Japan made version is heavier by a few grams than the 269 gram Vietnam version. There does appear visually to be a better build quality for the Japan version, feels better in actual use.
So it would appear as though it is only cosmetic, and perhaps a change of materials at some point between different versions
I have both versions of the Pentax FA77, the first one being assembled in Japan was literally one of the first serial numbers issued - in the first one hundred made via serial number. The more recent one was purchased less than two months ago and was assembled in Vietnam.
They both appear identical optically, same aperture and all, almost identical specs, but... For some reason the Japan made version is heavier by a few grams than the 269 gram Vietnam version. There does appear visually to be a better build quality for the Japan version, feels better in actual use.
So it would appear as though it is only cosmetic, and perhaps a change of materials at some point between different versions
Comment by 50mpCMOS posted on Pentax 77mm limited at 05/10/2015 - 21:55
Quote:
I have only ever seen one digital medium format camera in the wild and it was a Pentax!
Most professional wedding photographers offer medium format; in which cases Mamiya and Hasselblad considerably dominate the market. Yet given the cost of such hardware; covering a wedding with a medium format camera the cost typically is 2k minimum.I have only ever seen one digital medium format camera in the wild and it was a Pentax!
Outside of medium format almost all wedding work on a professional level is done with full-frame. One could usually tell if it's a "part time weekend professional" if they would be using a non full-frame sensor.
Of course there are off the beaten path places to get married; such as the Caribbean or (worse) Las Vegas. Las Vegas typically only allows unionized photographers with sub-par results. Throughout the Caribbean one typically is not legally allowed to professionally photograph a wedding if not a resident (places such as Jamaica). Almost all of the so called wedding professionals in places like Jamaica rarely use full-frame
Comment by 50mpCMOS posted on Same old story - where is Pentax? at 05/10/2015 - 16:39
For possible replacements...
The Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 is one of the fastest focusing lenses that almost reaches that 17mm, yet not even close to what you were looking for in the more towards 50 range. Naturally, given the focal stop, it's quite incredible.
Then there's the Pentax DA* 16-50mm f2.8... But given the ever present issues that have plagued that very lens, throughout numerous factory runs... If one must purchase that lens and want to use it, also carry a spare lens - unless one truly likes going into manual settings.
The Pentax 12-24mm f4.o is also incredibly sharp and fast focusing, but also at a rather limited focal length range.
It all really depends upon what one is willing to sacrifice. Also noting that general starting range focal length, the sharpest lens wide open, but still a zoom would be limited in focal length range. For that limited range the Sigma 18-35 would still be the best bet
The Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 is one of the fastest focusing lenses that almost reaches that 17mm, yet not even close to what you were looking for in the more towards 50 range. Naturally, given the focal stop, it's quite incredible.
Then there's the Pentax DA* 16-50mm f2.8... But given the ever present issues that have plagued that very lens, throughout numerous factory runs... If one must purchase that lens and want to use it, also carry a spare lens - unless one truly likes going into manual settings.
The Pentax 12-24mm f4.o is also incredibly sharp and fast focusing, but also at a rather limited focal length range.
It all really depends upon what one is willing to sacrifice. Also noting that general starting range focal length, the sharpest lens wide open, but still a zoom would be limited in focal length range. For that limited range the Sigma 18-35 would still be the best bet
Comment by 50mpCMOS posted on Sharpest fast 17mm lens? at 05/10/2015 - 01:07
It could be worse though...
How many Olympus cameras are there in the wild? Also take a look at the prices for Olympus digital bodies, the very limited lens selection, and then also the extraordinary prices of Olympus lenses. The size of those 4/3 sensors almost makes the current Olympus line much like a 110 film interchangeable lens camera.
The same with the limited scope of the Fuji rangefinders. Quite an incredible camera, outside the fact that the sensor was even outdated before the camera was released.
On the flip side... Pentax/Ricoh would not last long if it was a camera only company.
How many Olympus cameras are there in the wild? Also take a look at the prices for Olympus digital bodies, the very limited lens selection, and then also the extraordinary prices of Olympus lenses. The size of those 4/3 sensors almost makes the current Olympus line much like a 110 film interchangeable lens camera.
The same with the limited scope of the Fuji rangefinders. Quite an incredible camera, outside the fact that the sensor was even outdated before the camera was released.
On the flip side... Pentax/Ricoh would not last long if it was a camera only company.
Comment by 50mpCMOS posted on Same old story - where is Pentax? at 03/10/2015 - 18:16
Pentax has a marketing department?
There is no way in the world it could add to perhaps ten employees throughout all of Europe, another (maybe) ten throughout the americas, but no more than forty people worldwide for Pentax marketing.
Throughout a majority of the world, imagine how many stores do not market Pentax on their shelves.
As for actually spotting a Pentax in the wild... The entire Pentax company (for cameras) amounts to less than FIVE PERCENT. Difficult to believe that less than one in twenty people will even use one.
There is no way in the world it could add to perhaps ten employees throughout all of Europe, another (maybe) ten throughout the americas, but no more than forty people worldwide for Pentax marketing.
Throughout a majority of the world, imagine how many stores do not market Pentax on their shelves.
As for actually spotting a Pentax in the wild... The entire Pentax company (for cameras) amounts to less than FIVE PERCENT. Difficult to believe that less than one in twenty people will even use one.
Comment by 50mpCMOS posted on Same old story - where is Pentax? at 03/10/2015 - 05:15
Full-frame bellow would not be a bad idea
Novoflex makes bellows for current (and future) PK, although they are quite pricey.
Novoflex makes bellows for current (and future) PK, although they are quite pricey.
Comment by 50mpCMOS posted on HD Pentax-DA AF Rear Converter 1.4x AW on FF at 01/10/2015 - 02:01
I've also noticed that flash setting need a lot of adjustment when not using the brand labels on cameras such as Pentax and Sony.
Depending on items such as subject and distance... One has the option of adjusting the flash output via the flash itself (although a bit harder on units such as the Pentax 201 (effective on size of flash, but lack of choice of settings), or adjust in camera. Usually best to adjust in camera via bracketing.
On a side note... IF the subject allows and one has a steady enough tripod... The sensor shift technology is an interesting addition.
To conclude... Cannot think of much I do not like about either of the versions of the Pentax K3. It will be interesting to see what the choices will be for the fill flash on future lines of Pentax camera bodies
Depending on items such as subject and distance... One has the option of adjusting the flash output via the flash itself (although a bit harder on units such as the Pentax 201 (effective on size of flash, but lack of choice of settings), or adjust in camera. Usually best to adjust in camera via bracketing.
On a side note... IF the subject allows and one has a steady enough tripod... The sensor shift technology is an interesting addition.
To conclude... Cannot think of much I do not like about either of the versions of the Pentax K3. It will be interesting to see what the choices will be for the fill flash on future lines of Pentax camera bodies
Comment by 50mpCMOS posted on K-3 II I've taken the plunge and the risk at 30/09/2015 - 17:13
One of my most frequently used lenses, and never have experienced one single issue with it. Out of every currently lens for sale in PK it's one of the fastest focusing, and also most accurate focusing. The only single (pk) lens that focuses faster is the Sigma 35mm f1.4 .
Other comparisons... Technically the Sigma 24-70 DG f2.8 is somehow able to focus more accurately, doesn't quite have the aperture of the 18-35, but for all of the eventual PK full-frame fans out there, it does not get any better with full frame zoom for PK.
Have tried it on most every digital Pentax camera body, even the K-01, also both versions of the K3. Not one single item I'd change about the 18-35 except that it is not full-frame. One of the best choices for aspc though