Cheap DSLR Pro

The Pentax K-01 A Blockbuster camera

2012-02-02T11:10:00.000-08:00

Here it is Everybody!!! The K-01 the first serious mirroless camera from our longtime friends at Pentax.

Here is why you want one.

1. Uses the K-5 sensor. Currently the best ranking APS-C sensor available on the market. Image quality should destroy any M4/3 rds camera. The only comparable mirrorless cameras in image quality are the the Sony Nex 7 ( $300 more), Fuji X system ( $900 more), and the Samsung NX200 ( Same price but sensor is still not as good though).

2. Uses the full line of K mount lenses with auto focus. This is a huge advantage as Pentax has something like 100+ compared to 28 for M4/3rds.

3. Cheaper than most of its competition. The Pentax with kit lens will come in at $900. The Nex 7 will be $1200. The Fuji X100 is $1200 ( and you can't change lenses). The new Fuji X system camera will be $1700 and will only have 3 lenses at start ( and who knows what the cost will be). The Canon G1x almost as expensive ($800) but has less features , is bigger, and lower performance. Comparable M4/3 rds camera are almost as expensive ( The Panasonic GX1 and Olympus E-P3 are both $900) .

The Pentax K-01 give you the quality of K-5, at a lower price than its competition, with more lenses and features. Don't believe me. Follow this link to the DP review camera comparisons to verify.

DP Review Camera Comparisons

and here is the Prices from B&H

B&H Photo Mirrorless Price Comparison

Pentax Q Vs Nikon V1 Vs Canon S100 Vs Fuji X10 Vs Olympus E-PM1

2011-09-21T19:39:00.000-07:00

Okay Now here comes the real battle. Which compact system camera offers the most. Here are the contestants

Pentax Q - $799

Main advantages -

Smallest/Lightest
Traditional controls
1080P video with full manual controls
Electronic and Leaf Shutter
Pop up Flash and Hot Shoe ( sync up to 1/2000)
High quality prime lenses
Can adapt almost any lens
5.5 crop creates incredible telephoto possibilities
Very good quality output ( considering sensor size)
Ergonomically well designed/ Easy to use

Disadvantages
Sensor Size ( Image quality and DOF limitations)
Expensive

Your Decision- Does the size, features, and ergonomics make up for the price and sensor size.

The Nikon V1 - $899

Main Advantages -

Its a Nikon so it will be available everywhere
High quality Electronic viewfinder and LCD Screen ( over 1 million dots)
Capable of 10FPS continuous drive
Mechanical and Electronic shutter ( capable up to 1/6000)
F mount adapter
Auto focus will probably be good
1080P video mode

Disadvantages -

Its the largest of all the cameras
No pop up flash just a rather strange looking clip on flash
No traditional controls ( menu driven)
Despite larger size, sensor size is smaller than M/3rds
The most expensive of all the systems
UGLY

Your Decision- Does the built in viewfinder and fast continuous drive make up for the fact that you can get an Olympus E-P3 ( which has a larger sensor, more lenses, ultra fast autofocus, and is only slightly bigger) for the same price?

Canon S100 - approximately $500

Main Advantages -

Super small ( will fit into a pocket)
New sensor and higher mp so should be better than the already excellent S95 ( bigger than Q)
Added a 1080p video mode
Very easy to use
Its a Canon so you will be able to find it everywhere

Disadvantages
$500 is expensive for a point and shoot ( no matter the quality)
How much better can it really be than the S95
Can not change lenses ( although the lens it has is very good)
No traditional controls ( but they added the micro grip)
While the cheapest option, it is the most limited.

Fuji X10 - $599

Main Advantages -

It looks Cool
Manual controls
Optical viewfinder
Very useful manual zoom lens
2/3 size sensor is larger than the Q and the S100
Can do 10-FPS in continuous drive
1080P video

Disadvantages
It the second largest camera with a relatively small sensor
The Optical viewfinder will have paralax issues and only covers 85% of the image
Can not change lenses ( lens looks great going from f2 to 2.8)
May end up being more style than substance

Olympus E-PM1 -$499

Main advantages -

Comes in Purple ! ( actually six different colors including traditional black)
Larger sensor size of all m
Very small ( Not pocket size though)
Very very fast autofocus ( fastest of any camera currently)
Large selection of M/4/3rds lenses available now
Can adapt a lot of lenses ( but not everything)
$499 is a great price and really cheap

Disadvantages

No traditional controls
While sensor is larger, it is still based on three year old technology
No manual control in video
Build quality will be average

So what should you choose. Every camera has their reason and here are mine.

Pick the Pentax Q is you want the absolutely smallest possible system that will still give you the flexibility of a DSLR. You have to be willing to accept that the image quality will not equal a DSLR.

Pick the Nikon V1 if you want a small system with a build in viewfinder. Image quality should equal m4/3rds. It will also be easily availble. You need to accept the fact that it is not a DSLR , the image quality will be good but not the equal of an APS-C sensor. Lens choice will also be limited ( for a while). Price is high relative to what you get..

Pick the Canon S100 if you just want a high quality Point and shoot camera that has many of the same controls of a DSLR. Its main advantage is convenience and of course the Canon name. It will deliver excellent quality considering the sensor size.

Pick the Fuji X10 if you want something that resembles a traditional camera. The sensor size should deliver better quality that the Q and S100. The price is good too. Just do not expect to deliver images as good as a DSLR.

Pick the Olympus E-PM1 if you want the best of all worlds with the least compromise. $499 is an excellent price considering its only real limitation is the lack of manual controls. It is a great choice for the casual photographer.

My choices overall

Pentax Q for size and flexibility
Fuji X10 for tradition and price
Olympus E-PM1 for value and least amount of compromises

Pentax Q Time Lapse

2011-09-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

One of the Pentax Q's secret weapon's is its 1080P video mode. It is feature rich with a very nifty and surprisingly high quality time lapse function. Dubious, then check out this video in the original settings.

The best Pentax Q videos - Reviews and Demos!!

2011-09-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

After much searching, These are what I would consider the Best videos for the Pentax Q you can find. They vary from demo's to complete reviews but in general they really demonstrate what an amazing system the Q really is . Watch and appreciate.

Pentax Q unboxing video!!!

2011-09-05T20:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am a complete mark for the Q. Interesting video ( unfortunately completely in Japaneses)

Pentax Q is Outstanding !!!

2011-09-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

This video was just published a few days ago. It really shows off the video and still capabilities of the Q.

There is also a blog which contains more material and commentary. It is HERE if you want to check it out. from the samples I have seen, the Q is near equal to most of the M4/3rd's cameras available currently ( exception of course to the Panasonic GH1 and 2). What is really surprising is the quality of the toy lenses. Definitely check out the blog and video.

Pentax Q reviews : Out standing Performance!

2011-09-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

There has been a great deal of excitement surrounding the Q. Tech Radar has already released a rather extensive review of the camera and its only been out one day! This is very unusual since it typically takes several weeks. Here is the Full Review if you want to peruse it in depth.

The important points.

1. This camera is really small!!. When compared directly with a GF3 , you can really get an idea. It is definitely a major engineering accomplishment.

2. The DR is equal to the Sony Nex 3C. Considering the Nex uses an APS-c sized sensor. This is a big surprise.

3.High ISO is very good. Looking at their noise charts, it looks like the Q would be considered to be very usable up to 1000 ISO in the RAW mode. It could probably be pushed up to 2000 with satisfactory results

Pentax Q with C mount

2011-08-30T10:46:00.001-07:00

Here they are:

And

While the quality is debatable, what is most interesting is that if you translate the comments, they used a C mount lens. Obviously a C mount Adapter is available . This is another plus for the Q system

Pentax Q video sample

2011-08-26T22:10:00.001-07:00

One of the under appreciate features of the Pentax Q is that it can do 1080P with full manual controls. All the art filter can also be used with the camera as well. Considering that Video DSLR with full manual controls start at $800, the price of the Pentax Q actually starts to make a lot more sense.

Well here is the first video demonstration of the Pentax Q's video mode. While unfortunately they did not upload a 1080P sample, the 720P gives a more than adequate representation of its abilities. What is nice about this test is that they also try out some of the art filters as well.

The Best Pentax Q Samples - High ISO and Night Pics!!!

2011-08-26T21:48:00.001-07:00

With much effort, I found this Blog that has some Pentax Q samples under more demanding conditions than those shown on the official Pentax Q site. All the photos were taken at night, using ISO's from 125 to 1600. Here are a few samples.

If you go to the Blog, you can see full sized samples as well.

My impressions so far is that the lens is of excellent quality. Easily the best of any compact camera out there. The results from the higher ISO's look good. You can tell that there is a lot of noise reduction when you look at the expanded versions. I think though if one keeps the print sizes reasonable ( 8 X 10 and under), the results are more than satisfactory. This can be best seen in the ISO 1250 to125 comparison shots .

ISO 1250

ISO 125

When you look at the expanded examples, you can see the differences.

More Pentax Q samples - Extremely impressive !!!!

2011-08-25T20:40:00.000-07:00

If you have not seem them yet, Pentax has posted a few official samples from the Q. You can see them here at the Pentax Q site. All were shot with the 47mm equivalent prime lens that it ships in the kit package.

Here is a sample image, but I would recommend going to the Pentax page so you can see all the exif information. You can also blow up the image without losing any detail.

The first thing that I notice is that the lens is GREAT. This may be the best lens on small camera period. The images also have a lot of detail. The Bokeh we see in the cat photo I don't think is from the Bokeh filter function ( It is hard to tell with only four samples). It looks ok to me.

I am not worried anymore about the Pentax Q being a viable system. With its superior controls, full 1080p video with manual setting, Excellent image quality, and recently announced Pentax K to Q adapter, this is definitely a winner..

Hey Canon, can you build me one of these please.

2011-07-24T22:53:00.000-07:00

or maybe

I would love to have a digital Canon P or Canonet. It can't be THAT hard to put one of these together . Do you want to leave it all just to Leica and those M 4/3 rd rangefinder wannabees? Oh lets not forget the Fuji X100. I think the world can do without another digital Rebel variation.

Medium Format Digital Rangefinder: Crazy Idea for Pentax or ...

2011-07-24T22:41:00.000-07:00

For those of you not in the know, Pentax builds this Beast.

It's the 645D, a 40 mp medium format camera. Now what if you could stick this inside

Its a Mamiya 7, a medium format rangefinder. C'mom Pentax-Ricoh, you know that it is an awesome idea.

1. It would be way cheaper than any other Digital Medium format camera.

2. Image quality would trounce any full frame from Canon/Nikon/Sony/Leica

3.There is nothing like it on the Market.

4. Performance would be very comparable to current film MF rangefinders.

5. I would buy one.

In all seriousness, for the other camera firms ( ie every except Canon /Nikon) you have to some serious out of the box thinking if you want to survive. You have to be able to bring products to market that are radically diferent than what is being currently offered. While they may not all succeed, the ones that do succeed big. Fuji X100, and the Olympus E-P1 come to mind. C'mom Pentax lets do something really different.

Pentax Q VS Panasonic GF3: the Winner is

2011-07-24T13:12:00.001-07:00

The battle begins now.

1. Sensor Size and Image Quality - GF3 winner

The revamped Panasonic M 4/3rd's sensor takes this one down easily

2. Auto Focus Speed - GF3 winner

Panasonic has radically improved autofocus speed on all of their M 4/3rd's model. Pentax traditional lags in this department.

3. Lenses -Panasonic winner

The reason why Panasonic is the winner is not because Pentax makes bad lenses but that there are more lenses available currently for the M 4/3rd's format.

4. Price - Tie ( yes , really)

While it may appear on the surface that the GF3 wins coming in at $699 with the kit zoom compared to the Q at $799, people forget that the Q comes with a prime lens and a zoom. If you price the GF3 body ($499 ) with the Panasonic 20mm or 14mm ( $379 and $329 respectively), the total price comes out above that of the Q. In this case we will call it it a draw since it is not directly comparable.

5. Screen - Tie again

The GF3 has a 3 inch, 460K. The Pentax Q has a 3 inch, 460K. Tie

6. Video - Pentax Q winner

The GF3 has a 1080I video mode with no manual controls. The Pentax Q does 1080P with manual video controls.

7. Flash - Pentax Q winner

The GF3 has a small flash built into the unit with no flash hotshoe. The Q has a built flash and a hotshoe to allow external flashes to be used. It can also sync up to 1/2000.

8. Size and Weight - Pentax Q winner

GF3 come in at 475 grams with lens, battery, and SD included. Q come in at 200 grams.

9. Controls -Pentax Q winner

The GF3 is almost entirely menu driven through its touchcreen. The Pentax Q has traditional manual controls ( scroll wheels, mode dials, etc)

10. Frames per Second-Pentax Q winner

The GF3 shoots at 3.8 fps. The Q can do 5fps.

11. ISO- Winner Pentax Q

While both cameras will go up to 6400, the Q has more total ISO settings ( 18 as compared to 8)

12. Grip - Pentax Q winner

The Q has one. The GF3 has a small ledge.

13. Build Quality - Pentax Q

The Pentax Q is magnesium. The GF3 is plastic and aluminium.

So that is GF3 3, tie 2, Pentax Q 8. What we can draw from this simple comparison is that while the GF3 may seem to offer more on the surface than the Q, in reality it offers less. I am certain both cameras will deliver terrific pictures but as far as actual usable features though, there is a big difference.

The GF3 could be best described as a super point and shoot in that offer great image quality in a very simple to use package. It is not really designed for someone who wants to customize their shooting. In many ways Panasonic's LX5 has more to offer at $200 in controls and performance.

The Pentax Q is designed for someone who wants and DSLR put into a point and shoot. It gives you all the controls and performance you would expect from a DSLR with a compromise on image quality.

Which compromise are you willing to take

Are DSLR's Dead?

2011-07-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

Despite all the hype, DLSR's are probably not going to be made irrelevant anytime soon. The reasons are very simple.

1. Canon and Nikon ( who represent probably 80%+ of the enthusiast market) are too invested in this technology. They are not going to make any serious move into Mirrorless until forced. Producing a Mirrorless camera would cut into their DSLR Sales and forced them to compete with Panasonic, Olympus, and Samsung who are already well entrenched in this market segment.

2. A lot of users still want a traditional SLR setup. The design has been around for 60 years and hasn't changed that much. In many ways, it is ideal set for many situation. Technology does change as do the needs/desires of photographers.

3.There is just too much SLR gear out there right now. Too many users are invested in these systems and are not willing to change either for financial or emotional reasons. People are rigid in their ways.

4. Other formats just do not offer a better price to performance ratio. While SLR' are still kings in this area, with the rapidly increasing performance of Mirrorless ( just see the Panasonic G3 reviews) and the ever decreasing cost of Medium format ( We will see Medium format under $6000 sooner than you think), this will change. At the moment though they are still safe.

Most likely DSLR's will go by the way of Rangefinders. They will be another option but not the option if you want to be a serious photographer.

Olympus E-P3 has absolutely INSANE Autofocus Speed

2011-07-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

I had heard a lot of hype on how the new Olympus E-P3 had the fastest autofocus now available While I like M 4/3rds products in general, I have never really thought of them as really high performance cameras. This video from Digital Rev changed my mind quickly

This camera is really impressive. I really love how that integrated the touchscreen as well. The demo of Kai using was really impressive. If the E-PM1 touchscreen can perform like this, then I just might have to pick one up

Cheapest DSLR's Available now!

2011-07-21T10:51:00.000-07:00

For those of y'all who are budget minded, here are all the cheapest DSLR's now available. These are all from legitimate dealers and represent the best deals in digital photography as of 7/21/11.

Canon

T3 $519 at Buy.com
T2i $569 at B&H Photo
T1i $410 at Sears ( You will need to call around to see if its available in your area)

Nikon

D5000 $499. at B&H Photo
D3000 $399 at National Camera Exchange

Pentax

KX $439 from B&H Photo
KR $585 from Abes of Maine

Olympus

E-420 only $279 at this very reliable EBAY vendor
E-PL1 $299 at Cameta Cameras

Sony

NEX 3 for $498 at Buy.com

Samsung

NX100 for $399 at Abe's of Maine

If you have a Tiger Direct store in your town, you can possible get it for $299. Call your location.

Olympus E-PM1: is this the camera to beat?

2011-07-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

Olympus has been busy of late. They have decided to introduce three new models into their M 4/3 rds line. The one that particularly interest me is the the E-PM1. It is tiny, the body being just slightly bigger than their premium compact the XZ-1. Taking a cue from Pentax, they have also decided to introduce five colors as well. Auto Focus is said to have increased dramatically on this unit as well.

What I really like about this camera

+ Small form factor
+ Sensor size (Bigger than an Advanced compact and better quality too)
+ Full features ( High ISO, Flash Hotshoe, full manual controls)
+ Really nice JPEG output
+ The ability to use almost any lens made

It all sounds like the perfect compact camera BUT I do have some questions

+ How much is it going to cost ( Please under $500)
+ How are the controls and User Interface ( no touchscreens please)
+ How much is the image quality been improved ( M 4/3rds are good but most entry level DSLR's are much better and have full features and better ergonomics)

Time will tell as it has not been released yet.

Some Pentax Q samples and commentary

2011-07-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

Okay here they are for the world. The first real images from the Q.

Done with 47mm at F4, ISO 400. And here is a crop

Everything the same but at ISO 800

While noy so obvious at these sizes, there is definitely a lot of noise reduction being used at 800. Still though I think the image looks really good and is more than usable. Here is a link to The Pentax Q User Blog with more sample and comentary

Cheapest DSLR available NOW!!

2011-07-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, here is a list for all you students out there. Theses are the cheapest New/Refurbished DSLR's available right now. All are from reputable dealers and represent a great value in price and quality. Remember its not the camera but the photographer who makes the picture.

Olympus E-420 with 2 lens only $359.95 ( from Ebay)
Adorama also has this same deal but at $379 ( still a great price)

Canon XS with kit lens $399 from Adorama
Canon XSI body only at $394 from again Adorama
Canon T1i with Kit lens only $539 at Adorama

And if you are very lucky, Sears has limited stock of these at $410 ( Incredible deal ). You will have to call your local store to see if they have any. Very much worth the effort
$410 Canon T1i at Sears

Nikon D3000 for $449 at Walmart
Nikon D5000 for $499 at B&H photo

Pentax KX for $439 at B&H Photo

And for those of you on a real budget, a Sony A100 for $199 at Adorama

Pentax Q wishlist

2011-07-14T22:15:00.001-07:00

While I am convinced of the value of the Q system, I do think there are few things that Pentax or third party manufacturers could introduced that would just add even more to this great system.

1. A 100 to 500 super telephoto. It should relatively tiny compared to what is currently available.

2. C mount Adapter. Fairly obvious and should be very easy.

3. Microscope and Telescope adapters.

4. Macro Lens.

5. Fast Primes in 35 and 85.

6. K mount adapter ( although I don't know if this would really work all that well)

7. Stedicam ( The Q can do 1080p video with manual controls)

8. The widest angle lens you can make. ( I know there are limitations, but a 24 would be nice and possible)

9.Underwater housing

10. A completely crazy F.95 lens in whatever length provides the best image quality. I know this is possible because Pentax currently make a C mount Zoom that is well rated and is F.95. So go ahead and make one for the Q.

11. Electronic viewfinder

anyway enough of the wish list

A great deal from Canon- Powershot S95 $319

2011-07-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

Now this is a great deal. You can get direct from Canon, their premier Powershot , the S95 for only $319.

http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_276388_-1?utm_source=google&utm_medium=Product_Search&utm_campaign=Google_Product_Feed

More Deals- Panasonic GF1 $350

2011-07-11T09:17:00.000-07:00

Another great deal as well. A Panasonic GF1 for $350. Only one so get it while you can.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GF1-12-1-MP-Best-Price-/330587271874?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item4cf88972c2

Todays Deals: Canon 60D $1017

2011-07-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know there it is a lot of Canon Lover's out there, so here the best deal I could find .

http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EOS-EOS-60D-Digital-SLR-Camera-Body-Kit-NEW-/170576147591?pt=Digital_Cameras&hash=item27b7217487

Looking for a Cheap and Good DSLR

2011-07-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

Well then you have come to the right place. Here are my top choices. All take great pictures and can be had fair cheaply compared to the latest models.

Olympus E-420

The smallest DSLR currently. Its great for travel, students or anyone needing a small camera. They can be found for under $300 on Ebay.

Nikon D5000

The best value for a Nikon camera out there. This is great all around DSLR that will cover pretty much all of your need. It can be found for under $500.

Canon XS

This is an older entry in the Canon family of DSLR but still very useful. You can find them for$400 refurbished. I great cheap way to get into the Canon System

Pentax Kx

The newest camera of all listed. They are excellent performers at a fantastic price. They can be found for under $450.

All of these are great cheap DSLR's to start off with.