Living with the K5 - my impression is different than the general forum impression

[tcom]

I could not agree more.

While the K-5 is not my main camera anymore, it fits very well my need as travel camera or any occasion where I want a small and light package delivering great photos in most conditions. It also fits very well the needs when not wanting to get too much attention.

Doing more and more sports and music events, I needed however a camera with especially faster AF in low light and depending on the situation, also better flash handling. The D4 now fits this needs. But a problem I noticed pretty soon with the D4, it is hard not to get the attention. Last weekend, I had the chance to shoot at a small fashion show, nothing special, but for me the opportunity to try something I never did before just as a test without the need to deliver any photos. The problem was however, I took the D4 and I was pretty soon in the center of attention of the parents of the models as my photos look just so much better than theirs on their iphone...

A few month ago I mentionned to the Pentax rep here that Pentax will have a hard time ahead. The replacement of the K-5 will really need some serious arguments to make me and the other K-5 owners switch for a newer model.

--
Dominique

International Press Association
http://ipaimpress.com/author/dominique/

http://www.pbase.com/tcom
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dschreckling/

 

[iTrax]

my switching moment was the introduction of KX, my first DSLR, I was hooked.
Could use old M42 lenses, very advanced brilliant body, excellent indoors.
then used K7 came, logical ergonomics, even more enjoyable.
the Q, what's a marvel of engineering, extremely capable but addictive

now I managed to find used K5 with still 6 months warranty left, on its way to me.
What else can I say, I admire and respect Pentax.

I always give myself with every new photographic equipment ample time to learn new ability and how to utilise them for my needs and if something does not match my expectation and produce poor results, I can always find the logical reason.

One needs to use common sense, there is always some solution to any possible limitation in your photographic tools, step back , think twice and enjoy Pentax.

 

[Tom__Brown]

Then, probably you may want to change the tread tittle t osmething like "my impression is similar to the majority of k-5 users"

The thread title is: " Living with the K5 - my impression is different than the general forum impression"

I made no mention of a majority of users, only the general forum impression. Because of this, I must conclude that your post is incorrect and disagree with you.

Kind regards,
--
-- Tom

 

[Tom__Brown]

Don't know how to improve after K5?
Hm.... I am sure the next camera can have:

improved video, manual video control (60 FPS for 1080p, 120FPS for 720p);
A dedicated video button?
improved audio recording;

improved SDxc card read/write speed to utilize the fastest card (95MB/sec), dual slots?;
improved ISO and DR;
improved AF;

improved battery life (higher capacity battery + make the electronics more energy efficient);
include focus peaking like the one in K-01?
build in optional GPS?
brighter and bigger view finder?

Most importantly, don't take away what K5 already have! like the missing TAv on the K-01.
I'm excited to see what come next for Pentax.
Well.... hopefully the forever rumor FF... LOL

I too would probably go for a Pentax FF but I certainly don't need it. The only thing I can see that might be necessary for some is improved video capability. The K5 is no video camera replacement, although it's close for some situations.

You just rattled off a bunch of benchmarketing nonsense. "Give us more of everything."

My question to you is: do you need more?

I don't.

Kind regards,

Lee

--
-- Tom

 

[jimrpdx]

One's perspective can really make a difference on forums, that's for sure. I can nitpick two or three things that each happened once or twice on my K-5 in the past five months, or I can assess its overall performance and say it feels like the ideal tool for my use. It's like blaming a golf club for a bad swing in the middle of a very good round.

--
Jim in Oregon -- a200 veteran, now G1 + K-5
talking to myself: http://granitix.blogspot.com

 

[bduncan]

It's been a few months for me. I held out because I liked the ergonomics of the K10/K20 so much.

After some getting used to, I love the K5. Only very minor issues really and many mentioned before by others.

Prefer the door for the SD card on the k10/k20. The one on the K5 seems flimsy, ill-conceived.

The menu modes are inconsistent I find. Sometimes it's enough to press the OK button, sometimes the Menu button. Should make it one or the other. Still getting used to that.

The strap rings were a big plus however, I was wearing out the straps on the k20d. Also the grip and weight/balance seems better on the K5. I usually carry it in my hand with the strap wrapped around my hand a few times. The K5 wins here.

Fingers are still getting used to where things are, liked changing the ISO with the OK button and front wheel for example, since I'm often in Av mode. Was easier for my thumb to move than my finger. Also I often get the ISO into a mode flip by mistake, so that it "sticks" in ISO mode rather than just while the button is pressed. Bad move when you get into this when you're in a hurry and are trying to then adjust aperture. (Still in ISO mode, damn!).

Image quality, sensitivity, DR, 7fps, shutter sound, features; goes without saying. Love it. Thanks Pentax.

--
Bill, Toronto, Canada