Deciding between K1-ii and Panasonic S5 - (please no MILC vs DSLR)

flektogon wrote:

miles green wrote:

John Cal wrote:

Go with what feels best in your hands ✋. Ergonomics are so important, either camera will serve you well. If you want a video centric camera the Panasonic has an advantage in this area. I do also like the advantage of image review though an evf a real boon in sunny conditions. Im sure an image review function could be engineered into a DSLR come on Pentax!

I'm missing something here.

The K1 can review images, automatically or not, with all sorts of metrics as an option, even in B&W if you're shooting that way. And you can adjust the screen illumination so you can see when it's sunny, or when you're shooting at night.

I'm not being sarcastic, i just don't get it (yet).

Hi Miles I am referring diopter adjustment via the EVF being able to review images through the EVF without the need to use spectacles or contact lens is what I'm referring to, as well as the benefit of completely shading the image from the sun or bright lighting, glare is something I miss when shooting with any DSLR., image review is vastlty simpfied for those without 20/20 vision like myself. I hope you get  where I'm coming from now?

Good luck with your choice.

John for sure meant the advantage of an evf for shooting video! And I fully agree.

-- hide signature --

Regards,
Peter

A big thank you for all the feedback..

I decided to stay with my K5-II for the time being as it does the job pretty well... 
The S5, A7C, RP all are still entry level that can benefit from some more additions, will probably look into it next year when I seriously start looking into video

cd3000 wrote:

I've been looking at these camera's as well. First let me say I'm not a Pentax user. I have Fuji, Oly and Sigma dp merrill's. In my normal course of perusing gear on Flickr I got hooked by the K1 landscape and flower images. Playing with the K1's dynamic range in the raw file was mind blowing. While the S5 raw has a lot of DR range I did not think the overall image competed with the K1. Anyways, leaning towards the K1 or mark II.

Question I have is is there any reason to grab the K1 over the mark II? DPreview made a big deal about the loss of detail due to the noise filter in the mark 2. Is it really that noticeable? Original K1's are hard to find now.

I had k1 and now have k1ii. I didn't find anything different when viewing both files at 6400 iso .k1ii is even better after 6400 . I made a big print portrait of my wife. No lack of details. K1ii is even has better AF than k1 but not that huge. I recommend k1ii. It is better to grab it today not tomorrow because every thing in the world getting crazy hi price. K1ii successor will cost more than k3iii of sure if we are comparing todays prices. OM-1 is being sold at 2000+$ with tiny sensor.

cd3000 wrote:

Thanks for that info Zakaria. What's your opinion on the 28-105 kit zoom?

I had it first with the k1 .it is one of  best Pentax consumer lenses though I sold it with k1 .

I've found recently myself in a similar dilemma, fueled by a mix of GAS, bargain hunt and recently facing limitations while shooting (my very young children).

I got struck by the falling prices of the Panasonic S5, which triggered my curiosity, particularly with the 20-60 kit lens. The flip screen, video capabilities and focus tracking would all be a significant improvement for chasing my young children. Currently at around 1100 after a cashback (with kit lens!) it seems to be a steal around here...

But then of course the other day I see in a store a refurbished Sony a7c body for 1k...

I've been eyeing the K-1 and K-1 ii for the past 6 years, enticed by all its astro friendliness, but, I must admit, repelled by its bulk (last time I nearly purchased it I got the the new DA* 11-18 F2.8 instead, shortly after finding a Sigma 18-35 F1.8, both of which had been on my dreamlist for many long years).

While it is still somewhat pricey new around here, sometimes used K-1 pop at around 800, or even more rarely K-1 ii at 1k, which is always a bit tempting. But in light of a potential trip to Japan and with the recent crash of the Yen, prices for brand new K-1 ii have gotten really low, even with the kit lens thrown in, but there is the concern of warranty and service (even if I never had a problem in nearly 10 years with my K-5 iis I bought on a trip there).

JMvS00749 wrote:

I've found recently myself in a similar dilemma, fueled by a mix of GAS, bargain hunt and recently facing limitations while shooting (my very young children).

I got struck by the falling prices of the Panasonic S5, which triggered my curiosity, particularly with the 20-60 kit lens. The flip screen, video capabilities and focus tracking would all be a significant improvement for chasing my young children. Currently at around 1100 after a cashback (with kit lens!) it seems to be a steal around here...

That nice.. where is this deal for S5 ..please share
-- ## Thanks!

if you wanted what was originally asked for then k1 model is the choice.

if you need video instead, then the panasonics would be a better choice, in either mount they used.

Jhaakas wrote:

JMvS00749 wrote:

I've found recently myself in a similar dilemma, fueled by a mix of GAS, bargain hunt and recently facing limitations while shooting (my very young children).

I got struck by the falling prices of the Panasonic S5, which triggered my curiosity, particularly with the 20-60 kit lens. The flip screen, video capabilities and focus tracking would all be a significant improvement for chasing my young children. Currently at around 1100 after a cashback (with kit lens!) it seems to be a steal around here...

That nice.. where is this deal for S5 ..please share
-- ## Thanks!

It's available here in Switzerland trough a Black Friday super cashback from Panasonic. Until 30th november the ongoing cashback is doubled from 200 to 400, and I've seen the kit listed for 1499 in one of the partner shop.

I got interested in the system when I started seeing the kit going from 1300.- this summer, while facing the limitations of my current gear while trying to track candid shots of my kids.

cpolymeris wrote:

I sold my K-1 first gen about a year ago, because I felt it was too heavy, and recently got the S5, since I wanted back into the FF game.

Impressions, your mileage might vary:

- The S5 kit is indeed a lot lighter, and I am more willing to take it with me on random strolls, where I would have taken the Ricoh GR before.

- Ergonomics of the S5 feel abismal compared to Pentax, part of it might be my familiarity with Pentax controls... But, I shoot left eyed and my right eye is right on top of the focus controls making them very hard to use.

- The S5 kit lens is amazing for walking around. Every kit lens should go to 20 and be this light and compact

- But! There is a lack of interesting lenses otherwise. The Panasonics and Sigma Ci are all kinda sameish. Super sharp, but a bit bland. The Sigma Arts I haven't tried, but seem too bulky. I can't afford Leicas. I find myself using adapted Pentax Limiteds and similar more "interesting" lenses often.

- Which brings me to: Use of manual focus lenses on S5 feels like an afterthought, there is punch in view, but it's akward to use, and the EFV doesn't compared to a nice aftermarket focusing screen on an OVF

- Finally, price: I got the S5 + 20-60mm for $1000, new. That's an amazing deal for what it is, despite my complaints.

Thanks for the insights!

cpolymeris wrote:

I sold my K-1 first gen about a year ago, because I felt it was too heavy, and recently got the S5, since I wanted back into the FF game.

Impressions, your mileage might vary:

- The S5 kit is indeed a lot lighter, and I am more willing to take it with me on random strolls, where I would have taken the Ricoh GR before.

- Ergonomics of the S5 feel abismal compared to Pentax, part of it might be my familiarity with Pentax controls... But, I shoot left eyed and my right eye is right on top of the focus controls making them very hard to use.

- The S5 kit lens is amazing for walking around. Every kit lens should go to 20 and be this light and compact

- But! There is a lack of interesting lenses otherwise. The Panasonics and Sigma Ci are all kinda sameish. Super sharp, but a bit bland. The Sigma Arts I haven't tried, but seem too bulky. I can't afford Leicas. I find myself using adapted Pentax Limiteds and similar more "interesting" lenses often.

- Which brings me to: Use of manual focus lenses on S5 feels like an afterthought, there is punch in view, but it's akward to use, and the EFV doesn't compared to a nice aftermarket focusing screen on an OVF

- Finally, price: I got the S5 + 20-60mm for $1000, new. That's an amazing deal for what it is, despite my complaints.

Nie details... like the part about less weight and easy to carry around!

Where is the deal for $1k with 20-60 lens!

Hello, here's a link to the English Photographer he has done a very good analysis of this very comparison. I think he's done a very good job which will help you with your decision.

Good luck John.

https://youtu.be/pHk_MP483ao

Jhaakas wrote:

cpolymeris wrote:

I sold my K-1 first gen about a year ago, because I felt it was too heavy, and recently got the S5, since I wanted back into the FF game.

Impressions, your mileage might vary:

- The S5 kit is indeed a lot lighter, and I am more willing to take it with me on random strolls, where I would have taken the Ricoh GR before.

- Ergonomics of the S5 feel abismal compared to Pentax, part of it might be my familiarity with Pentax controls... But, I shoot left eyed and my right eye is right on top of the focus controls making them very hard to use.

- The S5 kit lens is amazing for walking around. Every kit lens should go to 20 and be this light and compact

- But! There is a lack of interesting lenses otherwise. The Panasonics and Sigma Ci are all kinda sameish. Super sharp, but a bit bland. The Sigma Arts I haven't tried, but seem too bulky. I can't afford Leicas. I find myself using adapted Pentax Limiteds and similar more "interesting" lenses often.

- Which brings me to: Use of manual focus lenses on S5 feels like an afterthought, there is punch in view, but it's akward to use, and the EFV doesn't compared to a nice aftermarket focusing screen on an OVF

- Finally, price: I got the S5 + 20-60mm for $1000, new. That's an amazing deal for what it is, despite my complaints.

Nie details... like the part about less weight and easy to carry around!

Where is the deal for $1k with 20-60 lens!

Having looked in the shops, and the camera was on special,including the kit lens, plus a free 85mm F1.8 for 2500 AUD. How could I not buy it for the video capabilites? Well now I'm in trouble with the wife.

After doing tons of research.. I finally ordered the Nikon Z5 with the kit lens.
The size is just small enough to carry and not be much conspicuous while other are filming with iphones..

It was a tough choice between A7c and Z5.. but having used Nikon D40 before.. I went back to my trusted brand!

My major decision came by reviewing the photos on Flickr taken by these cameras - the end result!

S5 seemed technically the best but somehow photos lacked the punch
K1 has everything . nice IQ but lost on weight, size and old AF
Sony A1c - a bit unusual colors for me
Canon has the best colors but still lost on sharpness and high iso

Nikon seems to have best of all from what I need!...
Size, AF, IQ, weight...

It has been such an educational, informative journey for the last 10 years when I got my K5ii in 2012! .. Very nice discussions, at times heated.. but always technical and scientific.. am going to miss all of that.

Have sold all my gear except K5ii +18-135.. soon will probably sell
BIG THANK to all in this Pentax Forum..!!!

Tough times...

While that S5 Kit 1100 deal is gone, I'm now seeing post Christmas sales combined with cashbacks on the likes of the Sony A7C Kit for 1040..., or the Canon EOS R6 Body for the same price...