Skip to main content

The Pentax K-01 guessing game...

EDIT, my opinion of the camera here:
http://photographybanzai.com/2012/02/02/my-thoughts-on-the-pentax-k-01/

In about 24 hours, we will find out what this new Pentax K-01 is all about. Until then, I’ve been trying to figure out what it might be like. You have tons of information on Pentax Forums. As well as places like here (Club Snap) and here.

From Club Snap:
They say that the only viewfinder is the 3 inch LCD as the K-5 and that the body design should be rugged.
-“The camera body is compact and trim whilst preserving all the functions of a professional camera.”
-“The materials convey quality and honesty.”
-“Machined aluminum and rubber provide user with a tactile and durable piece of technology.”

I’ll give it a +1 for mentioning professional camera and +1 for aluminum body. Maybe this will be to Pentax what the iPhone was to Apple?
EDIT: It looks like the body casing is plastic, which is a negative in my opinion. I find it odd why Pentax doesn’t mention this.

I could see this as a decent sidekick to the K-5 considering I “dual wield” two camera bodies with prime lenses often at events. Assuming it does have more control in video mode (no I don’t mean physical controls, I mean ISO and shutter speed manual control at least).

Here is my best guess so far on the camera:
– Basically a semi-downgraded K-5. It seems smart on various levels. They have more volume on parts and use existing technical assets. The K-5 specs are still solid.
– Lacks a viewfinder and magnesium alloy casing, but uses Aluminum that is more appealing than plastic for sure.
– Might have weather sealing…
– Keeps SR, K-mount, great 16mp sensor, speed of the K-5 (buffer, etc).
– Improves live-view focus speed and adds focus options for quicker area selection. Also improves on other things like video mode. Various firmware improvements.

What worries me is the 1/4000th maximum shutter speed mentioned in the rumors. If it is a minimal K-5, then it should have 1/8000th…. and if it did have 1/8000 it’s already better than ALL mirrorless I care to look at out there at the moment. NEX-7… 1/4000th… Fuji PRO 1/4000th… etc. 1/8000th IS important with fast lenses outdoors when I want to maximize background blur. I don’t see any reason they couldn’t use the K-5 shutter unless they wanted to go cheap or go completely electronic.

EDIT: Update found here.
Focus peaking, nice.
Shutter max 1/4000th…ugh
1080p at 30fps, 720p 60fps Also has h.264… Sounds good.
6fps (more than sufficient)
ISO range…100-25,600 doesn’t show 80 or 51200, probably still in there considering those are an option to enable on the K-5.
Has an “aluminum frame” but doesn’t mention exterior material.
No mention of a viewfinder as expected…

Popular posts from this blog

First look at the Sigma 18-50mm F/2.8 for Sony E-mount bought from KEH

I've use a Sony Alpha A6000 and the PZ 16–50mm F/3.5–5.6 OSS kit lens with my computer as a webcam for a long time now. It's a lower cost option that has been very consistent outputting 1080p at 30 FPS to a USB based HDMI capture device. The kit lens is generally fine, but it has a few quirks. The biggest issue is that throughout the zoom range the maximum aperture value is not fixed. This introduces technical challenges when I want to show detailed views of product or similar use cases. There are also other considerations I'll talk about later in this article. So I decided to buy the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | C lens in E-mount as a replacement.  Links in this article are a mix of paid and through my affiliates. I earn from each in different ways. One is a flat fee and the others I earn from qualifying purchases. Considering them for your purchasing needs helps make the creation of this information viable!   I made a video unboxing the lens and trying it out with Open Br

Viltrox AF FE 28mm f/4.5 VCM ASPH ED Lens Overview

Viltrox asked me if I wanted to take a look at this unique compact autofocus full-frame prime lens with a focal length of 28mm and a fixed f/4.5 aperture for Sony E-mount cameras. Viltrox agreed to my standard collaboration terms before sending me the lens.    In the video I talk about features, how it works in practice, and show photos I had taken on a photo walk with the Sony a7S as well as the APS-C a6000. Viltrox is starting this off as an Indiegogo campaign. They told me that it will eventually be sold through normal retailers: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/viltrox-af-28mm-f4-5-fe-chips-size-ultra-thin-lens They said it will be $99 USD or 109 Euros with discounts during the crowdfunding period. Check out Indiegogo for details. I am not an affiliate of that website. You can check on the status of availability through my usual affiliates: B&H Photo Video Amazon As an affiliate of these shops, I earn from qualifying purchases!    The front of the lens. Key Specifications:

7Artisans 85mm f/1.8 for Nikon Z-mount Overview

Let's take a look at the 7Artisans 85mm f/1.8 for Nikon Z-mount and compare it to the official Nikon 85mm f/1.8s lens. 7Artisans sent me this lens, but had to agree to my collaboration terms . They had no say in any content I produced and were not allowed to preview anything. My  full video on YouTube Check the lens out through 7Artisans official website store: https://7artisans.store/products/af-85mm-f1-8-full-frame-lens-for-z I am not affiliated with their website and online shop. I make no commissions through them.  See the 7artisans Photoelectric 85mm f/1.8 AF Lens through my links: Amazon.com ebay.com B&H Photo Video Adorama.com As an affiliate of these shops, I earn from qualifying purchases!   Build Quality and Features The 7Artisans lens comes with a metal casing and a metal mount. It also has a USB port in the mount for potential future firmware updates. The Nikon lens is on the left. It's got a manual focus ring, an aperture ring, and a focus mode switch. The Ni