All Forum Comments
Comment by Gajan posted on Happy upgrading to K-1? at 15/09/2016 - 11:41
Comment by Gajan posted on A few local waterscapes at 15/09/2016 - 08:56
I use the built-in flash on my K5 where necessary and when the subject is within range. This is something I am going to miss from K-1.
Where I cannot use flash, I correct shadows in LR using the Adjustment Brush, it helps, though the effect would not be same as using proper lighting.
As you pointed out in detail, there is no point in increasing ISO when the scene has high dynamic range. I think the better low light capability of K-1 can bring out more details during post processing. I view histogram of each shot on the camera to ensure there is no or minimal clipping with exposure.
I have noticed your guide on Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System, which, I think, will be very useful for me to go through.
Comment by Gajan posted on Happy upgrading to K-1? at 14/09/2016 - 17:55
I do see the points above. It is also to do with the photographer not just the equipment. I keep improving my skills as I shoot more and more. I can see Nigel has managed some brilliant shots with relatively old equipment.
When I switched from K100D Super to K5 it was a pleasant experience. It was a big jump from 6MP to 16MP sensor as well as great improvements on IQ, handling and features.
I hope I will have a similar experience with K-1 going for it directly from K5 (not having experienced K5 IIs, K3 or K3 II etc).
Cost wise, the K5 was not a big investment over K100D Super. It is not going to be same with K-1 though.
From your comments, I can see there are lots of benefits with the K-1 (low light performance, better resolution, focusing etc). I can also see that the IQ is noticeable when presented on a relevant medium such as a larger print or display. As with David 's comment, the decision to upgrade is going to be more about 'want' than 'need' for me.
Who wouldn't wish to own a new toy loaded with the latest stuff anyway?
Comment by Gajan posted on Happy upgrading to K-1? at 12/09/2016 - 23:00
With the full frame K-1 available in the market now, I am wondering whether it will be worth the extra investment to upgrade. I want to hear from those who have upgraded from APS-C. Are you happy with the upgrade?
I am attracted to the features like Astrotracer, GPS, larger view finder etc. I also have a collection of old M and A lenses in very good condition.
I use my K-5 with 18-135 WR which gives reasonable quality images. Is it worth investing on some DA* or Limited lenses instead, to get super sharp pictures? Will they a good investment in the long run?
I would appreciate to hear your thoughts on this.
Thanks
Gajan
Comment by Gajan posted on Happy upgrading to K-1? at 12/09/2016 - 11:10
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Fill flash works with the K-1 too Nigel....
Obviously there are other benefits to be gained from such an upgrade, I appreciate that .... it might be improved AF, the interface, dynamic range that might help even in 'fill flash' situations, or more detail ... although I'm not personally worried about forensic details on my little kids faces.
But going back to Gajan and Robs replys, the real point I'm making here is about looking at our own personal technical needs to help with the right equipment choices. Possibly Rob may never need more clarity and detail than he can get from the K50 with that 50mm lens on a tripod .... but if he didn't own the tripod, or didn't know the techniques to take a very still picture, would we advise him to get a K1, or suggest the tripod and practising the techniques with the camera he had first ... ?
Likewise with my flash examples ..... its something I do a lot of, and I'm happy with the results from my current camera mostly .... however, of course, I know that if I'm thinking about indoors flash situations, and trying to balance low ambient light with flash, then yes, of course, I'd be very pleased to have a new K1 !
So again, if someone, for example, didn't have a flash and didn't know the techniques for using it .... but wanted to improve their outdoor portraits.... would we advise them to get a K1, or would it be more effective to suggest learning about the flash techniques and equipment ? I think that would give the most 'bang per buck' in terms of real improvements to their images.
A new lens can give a real boost as well ..... I was delighted to try out the D FA 28-105 in the playground the other day, using the usual flash techniques to balance the light, and it really does make a difference as well ....
Whether it is worth 'upgrading' to a K1 from a K5 depends to a great extent upon how you want to present your photographs. 16MP is ample for most purposes. If you mainly view photographs on a screen, moving to full frame will probably not transform your experience. The K5 also produces very decent prints at A3. The definition of a K1 or any other full-frame camera will offer greater scope for printing large (provided a good lens is attached). Of course the K1 has bells and whistles unavailable on the K5, but fundamentally you are likely to notice an incremental rather than marked difference in your output solely as a result of buying it.