Any K-5 users out there to convince me away from Nikon?

[gavinlg]

Originally Posted by Uwe_Nds

Actually, that's what I like about those old Pentax primes: tried and tested reliable old tech.

Cheers,
Uwe

Actually this isn't too far off the mark - Pentax is somewhat infamous for it's ultrasonic (SDM) focusing lenses failing.

The nikon and canon ultrasonic focusing is dead reliable though.

Edit: tongue in cheek! I actually really like the k5 and limiteds

[andersju]

Originally Posted by fdigital

- Good ergo's, but I wouldn't call them brilliant. I found the buttons a little plasticky and cheap feeling when pressed, and I found the body itself a little small and hard edged in my hands.

I agree with you. I've had a K-5 since November and while I do like the size - that's one of the reasons I bought it - I miss the ergonomics of the 5D2 I had before; much better for my big hands. It also feels more sluggish when for example browsing pictures (SDHC vs CF UDMA...).

I kind of regret selling the 5D2 but I will keep the K-5. I feel more confident about its weather sealing so I'm not the least bit careful, which is good, as I don't like worries about the equipment getting in the way of taking pictures. It's been out in -20c and soaked in rain and snow many times without ever complaining, so I'm happy.

[semordnilap]

Needed video controls and already had nikon lenses, so that made the decision for me. If I didn't, the pentax would have been very appealing.

How's the viewfinder? I'm happy with the d7000's 100% coverage, and good size.

[Frank Version Two]

It's all kind of Utopian because it's unlikely to come to be, but the interface of the Pentaxes looks rather clunky and aimed at the small fingered crowd. Not that the Nikon is much better but so far they have been the best of the Japanese, Canon's UI is a bizzaro world.

They all are crap. Look at the Pentax MFD body compared to the S2 (or any DSLR to an M9)... It shouldn't cost $16,000 extra to get a clean, logical user interface but it does.

(Now if they put a Droid or iOS interface into a DSLR so we could use different apps then I would jump in a heartbeat, that would be brilliant. And the first app to sell would be a really clean professional UI akin to Leica's).

[NickTrop]

Originally Posted by Frank Version Two

I got caught up in the X100 hysteria too but on reflection, when I really look at what pictures matter to me... the old ones shot on my old 6mp Nikon D70 at ISO 400 are great, I mix them in with all the film and later DSLR shots just fine, I bet you can't tell either. And even though I've upgraded and have tried most of the Nikon SLRs by now, I can't help but feel that the last or second-to-last generation cameras are really the best value.

One of the things I looked at is shooting at high ISOs. Like most people I assume that higher ISO performance and faster lenses are better.... But now I figure that if I need ISO 3200 or 6400 to get the shot, then the light is CRAP anyway and it will very rarely be anything worthwhile. (I am not a sports photographer or shooting things that really need high ISOs). In fact, for a grainy-noise look, the older cameras's files pressed up just until the point of banding look really good to me.

Same for lenses. Owned a couple Summiluxes but got the best shots with the Summarons, even in low light, indoors, TMZ1600, etc.

So take a deep breath, step back, and realize that you can find a Nikon D90 for $500 and a D300 for only $700 these days. If you can't do it with fine cameras like those then give up and go home.... haha sorry, but you get my point?

If you are a working professional, then what you ought to get is two of the same cameras, even if it means getting two cheapies. Expensive cameras fail too, and a real pro isn't going to be caught empty-handed. So I rather have two modest cameras than one honking pro body.

I know I am rationalizing here but in a good way during the coming tax season....

I completely agree on all counts. Great post.

[gavinlg]

Originally Posted by Frank Version Two

It's all kind of Utopian because it's unlikely to come to be, but the interface of the Pentaxes looks rather clunky and aimed at the small fingered crowd. Not that the Nikon is much better but so far they have been the best of the Japanese, Canon's UI is a bizzaro world.

Agreed - The pentax's buttons are really small and close together. Canon only feels bizzaro to a long time Nikon user - From a long time Canon user that spent a year with a Nikon d300 - I still don't get it!

Japanese software design is atrocious though in terms of user interface... I think that's the sole reason the iPhone is a huge global success. I still swoon when I have to go through the menus or apps in iOS4 - probably the effect of using Japanese software in electronics for the great portion of my life.

[semordnilap]

Originally Posted by Frank Version Two

(Now if they put a Droid or iOS interface into a DSLR so we could use different apps then I would jump in a heartbeat, that would be brilliant. And the first app to sell would be a really clean professional UI akin to Leica's).

That would be great. Really great. I too prefer the Nikon UI, though there are some basic things about the M8 that are just right, and missing from the Nikon. And vice versa. But ultimate customizability would be excellent.

In the D7000 I like the customizable menu, where you can pick and choose what features you want displayed, and what order they are in. Very useful.

[Mudman]

I switched from the K10d to the D300. AF, FPS and lens availablity (i.e. I got great deals on pro Nikon lenses, but couldn't find pro Pentax lenses in my area) and increased IQ, metering ability and flash capability drove my switch. I think they've fixed most of that with the new K5 iirc. I do miss the size and weight of the k10d and lenses I used with it. The D300 gripped, 80-200, 17-35, SB900, etc. get heavy.

[NickTrop]

The thing with user interfaces... I think people often confuse "controls" with "settings". The Nikon DSLR I have (my first), I kept reading all these quibbles about menus and submenus... All this kvetching about having to go into three menus to do stuff... Yes - tiz true, you do. But these are settings. I set the camera up with my preferred settings when I got it. Then, I almost never futz with any of it. I shoot the thing on AP most of the time, like it's a Yashica GSN. Variable ISO is a Godsend. All the controls I need - and there are only a couple - really, are easily controlled by my right thumb. Honestly, it couldn't be easier. I'm actually glad the settings are buried in menus... - Fewer buttons to get activated acidentally, break, and clutter things up. I'm appreciative that by putting settings in menus the cost of the camera is lower with the same control and image quality as the so-called "pro" versions of many of these cameras for the non-professional, like myself. It's a smart trade-off.

[shadowfox]

If K5 has the same chassis as K7, I find the grip too narrow and too deep.
This is not comfortable for long photo-sessions (hours).

Just saying, our hands are different, make sure you try both ergonomically before deciding.

[mabelsound]

Originally Posted by shadowfox

If K5 has the same chassis as K7, I find the grip too narrow and too deep.
This is not comfortable for long photo-sessions (hours).

Just saying, our hands are different, make sure you try both ergonomically before deciding.

Yeah, it's the same chassis.

Originally Posted by fdigital

Actually this isn't too far off the mark - Pentax is somewhat infamous for it's ultrasonic (SDM) focusing lenses failing

This is definitely true, but the new 18-135 has a new focusing system that is much improved.

[katgut@earthlink.net]

I just sold all my Pentax gear and if I need any digital equipment I'll stick with Canon or Nikon. While I have not used the K-5, I did have the k20 and tried a k7. In comparing them to other brands, it was obvious that Pentax had not put enough processing power in, leading to very slow previews. Shoot 5 shots and you wait 12 seconds. Canon and Nikon were almost instantaneous. The k-5 may well be faster, but reports I've seen indicate it still isn't up to the competition.

As good as my 50-135 was, the focus was, for what would be the centerpiece of a professional's system, infuriatingly slow. It's simply generations behind in motor speed. And the k20 took so long to confirm focus that it was simply impossible to use for candids (even in manual mode). Forget using this lens in low light at a wedding or to catch kids at play.

Pentax uses speak with misty eyes about their lenses, but frankly I didn't see that much that was special. My copy of the 70 2.4 had loads of color fringing--in fact much more than the 50-135. The zoom sometimes had decent bokeh, but often it was busy and swirly.

I also found the flash system to be fairly unreliable, and unsuitable for candids or social events.

[stevebrot]

I love these threads. They bring out both the complete fanboys and the bitter detractors!

I have been a K10D user since the camera debuted and it is still going strong with no issues to date. I demo'ed the K-7 (same form factor as the K-5) when it first came out and was very impressed with the build, weight, quiet shutter, etc.. The only down point from a usage POV was that the body is a little small for my out-sized hands. The optional grip helps, though. As noted above, it is good to test the ergonomics of ANY camera before purchase, it at all possible.

Also good to remember is that there is always the chance that a particular camera, regardless of specs, may not be a good fit for your photographic tasks or style*. Again, if you can demo the camera in advance with your anticipated lens choices, you are far ahead of the game.

On the matter of lenses...Yes, Pentax have the "Limiteds" and an impressive array of supported legacy and off-brand/unusual glass. 3rd-party support is also pretty good, though not as complete now that C/V/Z has abandoned the mount. Having said this, I still feel after several years of being a Pentax user that the lens lineup is pretty moth-eaten in regard to moderately priced "sweet spots". If it were not for my quiver of FSU and 3rd-party lenses, my bag would be pretty empty**. (I am too cheap to put out for the high end glass.) The comments above are well-made.

For me, when the K10D dies, the K-5 will likely be my first choice as a replacement. I have not been actively shopping, but of the cameras I have recently handled (Nikon and Canon in the same price range), the K-5 simply works better in my hands. And no, my current lens ownership is not a huge factor in the decision. Almost everything I own can be sold for the same or more than what I originally paid. If I am lucky, however; the K10D will last until I either win the lottery (will buy 645D) or Pentax comes out with a FF model (I guess that means an immortal K10D ).


Steve

*I have the well-regarded Pentax Super Program and despite its compact form and feature list, its features and control layout do not fit well with my shooting style. As a result, it is seldom used.

**I own the FA 77/1.8 Limited and can confirm that it is a sweet lens. I can also confirm that my $15 Helios 44M 58/2 provides very comparable results on APS-C! My current active mix out of the larger collection includes these two lenses plus:

• FA 35/2 (resident on the camera)
• KMZ MC Zenitar 16/2.8 Fisheye
• Tamron 70-150/3.5 (Adaptall-2)
• Sigma EX DG 50/2.8 Macro
• DA 18-55/3.5-5.6 (kit...yep, it comes in handy at times)

Notice the absence of DA* or DA Limited glass...

[sper]

I am officially a Pentaxian!

I ordered a K-5 kit today, as well as the 70mm 2.4 :Limited. I'm pretty excited about it, I can tell you. I'm not super thrilled about the 18-55 WR, but I didn't want to bank the 16-50 2.8 yet. I know, zooms are lame but I just want a standard range because I do shoot weddings. I also know they make some great f4 zooms but none of them are weather sealed! I figure why have a sealed body, if you don't have a sealed lens. (Costa Rica in the rainy season anyone?)

So yeah, thanks for all the great info. I'm really glad to be doing something different than buying a Nikon. I'll make sure to post some pics when I get it.

[vrgard]

Good for you, Mark. I'm still shooting with a K100D Super and am very tempted by the K-5. Do let us know how you like the K-5 once you get it and have had a chance to shoot with it.

-Randy

[mabelsound]

FYI, the 70/2.4 actually works great on film, if you have one of the late autoexposure cameras.

Enjoy the K-5!

[jpfisher]

Those Limited lenses are really attractive... 15mm, 31mm, 77mm all super compact...

The 31mm isn't that small... but it is one heck of a lens -- I sold mine a while back and do regret it from time to time... opined a bit about it recently on my blog (link in sig if you're interested in reading).

The 43mm, though -- that is a nice, compact lens with a fantastic look. If Pentax does ever jump into full-frame land, or if I ever get to the point where I'd rather use a film SLR than a film rangefinder for day-to-day shooting, I'll be rebuying the 43mm.

[jky]

I used to have the K7 & have played with the K5 - beautiful handling cameras with a robust build and such quiet shutters.

The AF however was hit & miss with both when indoors (outdoor bright daylight was fine) and this was a dealbreaker for me. If you were strictly using MF lenses then this shouldn't be a problem.

On the whole, I really like the K5. Again, that shutter is so quiet... can't believe it's from an SLR.

[jarski]

Originally Posted by sper

I am officially a Pentaxian!

congrats! K5 is very nice camera.

fyi: interesting DA-lens review about triplet: 21/40/70.

[kshapero]

Anyone out here still enjoying the K-5?

[ampguy]

The K-5 sure looks like a great deal, especially if you have a lot of K/M42 glass. Otherwise, the D5100 is a great option for Nikon lens users.

[Paddy C]

At the risk of being burnt at the stake (and I should quickly add that I'm fond of Pentax and love my 67), I see the K-5 and the Pentax lens line-up as being a purely subjective purchase.

Objectively, it's hard to rationalize. A number of other DSLRs will give equal IQ across the board, do a number of things better, and, with the exception of Sony, offer a broader choice of lenses. Not to mention all three main players offer the potential to upgrade to full-frame at some point.

I don't know that Pentax is in a position to offer full frame and compete with the other three because of price.

Still, I see the appeal. Just don't know I would go that route myself.

[mabelsound]

Sure, it's totally subjective. I like Pentax for their aesthetic as much as for their technical acumen...it is hard to go wrong with any brand these days.

I am still digging the K-5. It has been great for event photography, especially:
http://www.jrobertlennon.com/mfa11

(I am sure you'll be able to tell when I switched to the M9)