Image quality: dpreview.com says pentax k10d image quality is not as good as canon xti, nikon d80 even sony alpha 100 - any comments?
626653
The camera has the exact same image sensor as the D80 and A100, so the 'native' image quality is the same, as you will find if you shoot RAW and process in the same converter (e.g. Adobe Camera Raw). Thus, any differences are simply in the built-in JPEG processor and its settings. What Phil Askey at DPReview.com found is that the K10D's image processor chooses to not apply that much sharpening to the image in its default 'Natural' setting. Even turning the sharpening parameter to its maximum in this mode does not produce a very sharpened image. However, the K10D also has another mode, 'Bright'. This mode boosts the saturation and sharpening to provide pleasing consumer-quality JPEGs 'out of the box'. On Pentax' cheaper cameras, 'Bright' is the default. I think Pentax expects that more serious photographers prefer a less enhanced image that's more suitable for post-processing, so that's the default mode. If you'd rather have a consumer-type bright, sharpened image, 'Bright' mode is available. As far as I can tell, 'Bright' images are comparable to out-of-the-camera JPEGs from Sony Alpha and Nikon. As to image noise, the K10D JPEG processor controls noise better than the A100 but not as much as the D80. However, it also retains more detail. From what I've seen, the K10D exceeds the A100 in JPEG quality; whether you prefer the D80 or K10D depends on your noise-handling preference. The XTi has a sensor that's a little better at ISO 1600 than the Sony sensor used by the others. However, I personally prefer the color and overall image look of the other cameras, and the build quality of all three Sony-sensor cameras is better than the XTi.
2073936
I just read your posting and it has been a month since you put it up so I don't know if your still interested in a comparison, so I will keep it brief. I got the X100 in July and the S95 a year ago but by coincidence I just took some test shots in the back yard this morning to compare the two as I will be using both at a BBQ on Sunday. The S95 looks good until you see it next to the x100. The X100 is the first digital camera I have owned where the photos look a bit more real than the other digital cameras I have used. I also have a Nikon D7000 and did some test shots while on vacation using it and the Nikon 12-24mm lens ( set at 23mm) and the X100 looks better, sharper than the $1000 Nikon12-24 lens. There are some down sides as is mentioned on many websites, but you can get used to them, or at least I did. On the video, I like the S95 by far as it is easier to get usable footage. The X100 is sharper and cleaner by a little bit, but the focus is not as good as the S95. The X100 is a great camera for what it is, and I really like mine.
1634146
Pentax K-5II autofocus is excellent. I locked myself in a dark closet to see how good it was and I was able to focus and shoot pretty fast. I moved from a Pentax K20D and had the same issue with the camera... loved the pics but the autofocus sucked. I know people who have moved from the Nikon 60D and Cannon 5D to the Pentax K-5ii impressed by the AF speed. Hope this helps. Good luck!
784609
The K-01 comes only in the yellow/black, black/black, and white/black versions. It has been discontinued by pentax. It is a good camera. Get one while still possible.
1536568
Ah, then you should be pretty much at home with the basic functions of the K200D. The LCD also displays setting information.BTW, if you have any screwmount lenses, make sure to get the official Pentax adapter since the 3rd party adapters may lose infinity focus. Also get some good NiMH rechargeable AA batteries (like Eneloops) and a charger.
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I came to this camera from a D90. Ive only had a few moments to work with it, but the pictures I have so far blow the D90 away in terms of overall IQ.This camera will also expose flaws in your shooting technique which is a possible explanation for many of the complaints.Now, as far as the "comparison" to the D700 goes, you just simply can not compare the two as they are two entirely different imaging systems.
660621
The D4 is a very good camera. The D4s is slightly better at high ISOs. Its seem to track focus on moving subjects a bit faster. Go to DXO website and they do a great comparison on cameras and you can compare the two cameras. The picture quality is the same I think over all again with some improvement at high ISOs. I do not know what you shoot or how you photograph so it is very hard to give advice on upgrading. If I had to do it again, I think I would stay with the D4 and which I still use right along with the D4s and wait for the next big change in camera bodies.
1291323
Have you tried the ZD710?? I bought one at Walmart also, a few weeks ago. I returned it. I personally didn't like it. I didn't like how noisy the pictures were and they really weren't that sharp. I am not sure if that was just my experience or I had to high of expectations for the ZD710 camera. I also didn't like trying to take any shots when any one was moving because the pictures turned out awful. So anyway, I returned it and am looking for something else.
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The 30D, as noted by others, is a much sturdier camera. In addition, keep in mind that it shoots at a faster rate (5 fps), has a more ergonomic set of controls, and shoots better in low light-- ranging all the way up to 3200 ISO after expansion.I wouldn't be surprised to see Canon offer a similar jump to 10.1 MP or higher in this price range soon, more to compete with Nikon's D80 and D200 than to compete with their own product.That said, I'm adding the XTi as a backup to my existing 20D.
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@Jeffrey... I will agree with you that the Nikon D3100 feels better than the T3 in the hand. Actually the most solid-feeling entry-level DSLR out there right now is the Pentax K-r but that's beside the point. It does have more intuitively laid-out controls. However I have shot with both the D3100 and the T3 and had a much more enjoyable shooting experience with the T3 than the D3100. The T3 seems faster in just about every aspect than the D3100, it has a better viewfinder, and despite its screen being low-res, I actually didn't think it was that bad and it's better than the D3100's. And it has impressive photo quality (even with the kit lens). I think Canon was smart to only have the sensor @ 12mp. So I think overall the T3 is the better DSLR. However, I think Canon should be worried about the Nikon D5100 as a competitor to their T3i.
199736
Pentaprism vs pentamirror. D7100 has better viewfinder. That's important as the viewfinder is used (almost) every time one takes a photo.
1844999
I'm using with K-5 and it is storing geo information in DNG files. Since most people using RAW I assume it shouldn't be any different with all Pentax cameras.
1298989
To cut to the chase on the K3 is like this: the K3 model is the BEST DSLR Pentax/Ricoh camera body made by them, bar none. The cost difference in between the K3 and the others is a moot subject compared to the large and small details that has been added. If I only one of the changes to pick as best, I would pick image resolution because no other Pentax DSLR can come close to the K3. To my judgment, the money was well spent for it. This camera makes your Pentax system 50% better instantly! I hope this helps your choice.
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DxOMark's scores, unfortunately, just don't predict real world performance very well(there are many examples of this, e.g., Nikon D5000 vs. Canon 7D). Specs look very good, though, and I'm looking forward to reading the professional reviews to see how it stacks up.
2277110
I would use a flatbed scanner. The Pentax WILL produce good images but I think a flatbed scanner would be better.
1332015
No. The Pentax K1000 is not a DSLR camera. The D stands for digital camera and the pentax is a film camera. You're better off looking into the Canon Rebel eos. It's DSLR and good for beginners.
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ePHOTOzine.com just published their full review of the K-5. Looks as if real-world performance matches the expectations raised by DXO. And the rest of the camera performs at that level. Hoya has succeeded in bringing Pentax along very nicely - this model competes very well indeed in the $1,000 to $2,000 price range. Canon and Nikon will have to work harder now and that competition is good for all of us.