If you re going to leave, then goodbye and good riddance, but please, do not spoil it for us Pentaxians that want to stay here and like it here, you are giving Pentax a bad publicity, just leave!
@M Tech You know, USA was founded by people that wanted to be different, now in Puerto Rico, we want to separate from the USA empire, because we are a group of people that do not want to follow the flock, and want to be our own herd. That is our reality and we will defend it, like in 1776. You want to be part of the SonyCaNikon flock, of royalists, be my guest. We, will build our own republic, The Pentaxian Republic.
@@carlosencarnacion9667 A camera is not a personal identity. Use whatever lets you capture the images you want to capture, but at the end of the day it's a tool, whether it's Sony or Canon or Nikon or Pentax or Leica or Hasselblad, whether it's crop sensor or full frame or medium format, whether it's DSLR or mirrorless or film. There's use in comparing the benefits and drawbacks of all these things for various applications, but keep a level head about what they actually are. Do carpenters get this emotional about their preferred hammer brands?
@@sethsez Pentaxians are a community that share a preference for a particular brand that delivers the features that we want on a system. Your wife is not your personal identity, but you would not like to see someone putting her down so you would leave her. Besides, the message suggests that those who do not want to switch brands, or switch from pentaprism to mirrorless are not smart enough for not joining the flock. The opening statement is in itself a put down to base the rest of the comment and make an attitude look silly.
@@carlosencarnacion9667 My camera is not my wife (husband actually, but regardless). It is not a person. It does not have feelings I need to protect. It's a product I purchased from a major multi-national corporation. I also don't understand people who get emotionally attached to their cellphones, computers, speakers, cars, video game consoles, cooking implements, or what have you. I certainly have my preferences on those topics, some of them much stronger than others, but none of them approach the kind of bond I would have with another human being. I also didn't see anything in this attacking people who continue to like and use Pentax. It's one guy explaining his own choices based on his own usage and requirements, he's not putting you down for prioritizing things differently.
@@sethsez OK Seth we assume things so I assumed Seth is a boy's name, then again, I am assuming that you are not, but these days that is a risky supposition. You could be a boy that has a husband. "A camera is not a personal identity." is the statement on which the put down is based, I am not responding on the attitude of the person that made the video, I am responding to your put down or talk down attitude. It is extremely obvious that a camera is not a personal identity. And that is not the point. I never said it was, but you used that as he base for your comment. What I am trying to tell the poster is that Pentax is the brand that has the features that we want in a system and that we do not need anyone undermining the brand by convincing others to leave, then we would be forced to go to the other brands as a flock. Most people do not use their own criteria, they emulate the flock, good for a learning child, not good for an adult.
I have so many Pentax lenses, mostly vintage k and m42 screw mount, along with adapters for microscopes, so I'm one of those manual focus guys. As a (old) hobbyist, I don't have the pressure to get that high hit rate and I can take my time. I have been looking for an updated body for a while, but decided on getting a kp after seeing the price of the new k3iii. So far I'm happy with the kp. I think your right about selecting equipment that's best suited to your work and style of shooting.
I use the Nikon Z system a lot these days, but I'll never give up my Pentaxes. EVFs have a number of advantages, but one can't beat an OVF on a bright day, or when one has to keep one's eye to the viewfinder for extended periods. I shall buy the K-3 III when (if?) it is released, to partner my K-1.
John this is a great video to show what's the huge difference - If I'd do event photography or kids portraits, like you do, I would have done the transition long ago. For me doing portraits with adults, which don't quite move that fast, reportage, and little landscape, the K1 does an incredible job. I just went through my two last studio portrait sessions, and I had about a 98% hitrate in terms of AF - and two time the strobe misfired which I don't know was the camera or the trigger. If I'd do a change, I definitely would need a working AF adapter - because the three ltd lenses are the ones I do 90% my work with, and I just love em. That pentax zooms are quite generic, so no need to keep them. Great job John.
100% agree Stephen. It's funny because photography can be so utterly specific. There is a HUGE difference to what John is doing in studio compared to say Ian or Bruce. Adults have patience, and recompose and take instructions well. Kids are so much more about the spontaneity and I have already felt this weakness within the Pentax system (and am nowhere near John's level of child portraiture). John's simply finding a better tool for his job, however to be fair to Pentax they don't advertise to being a kiddy studio camera, its landscape baby all the way. We're just bummed out that they can't fix this AF issue enough to catch up to this kinda level, because if they did... other brands should be quaking in their boots!
John, this was a very helpful video, thank you mate. Originally a Canon user - my first DSRL (I'm still quite young). Over my first few years of practice, I got bored with Canon as my skill level improved. I tried a lot of their lenses and pro bodies, but still never progressed until I flirted with film and many different types of cameras. Most recetly, Pentax. A 90s film AF SLR and my prized beautiful FA* lens. I heavily desire a K-1 (might wait until mkiii, might get a K1 for cheap - not sure) as I really enjoy photographing with this (K full frame) system, and many lenses seem great. Alternatively, there's the Sony a7. An atractively spec'd camera that seems very pro-oriented. They are great, but I still prefer SLRs for stills. I feel like the "pro" comprimise choice would be to own both, no camera is so versatile that it will do everything. And I feel a real passionate photographer who engages with many aspects of photography should be able to weild two primary cameras for work + play. This is my plan, especially with the prospect of an AF K mount adapter for Sony E-Mount. People love Pentax for the glass mainly, it seems. Sorry some of the toxic fans got here before me.
Glad you found it helpful...you might have seen in my later video I've made a full switch to Sony...I tried using two systems but found it an expensive route and I was reaching for the K-1 less and less ... It's currently on eBay if you're interested ;-) rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575378759&campid=5338273189&customid=&icep_item=114800666423&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229508&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg&toolid=11111
I have a pentax k70 and a pentax k01 which I purchased in singapore. Both excellent cameras . I love using pentax pancake lenses . Sony make also very good cameras, not cheap at all . Pentax have been around for years . The name Sony is great for a TV , DVD player but not for a camera .
I watched this video because I have a Pentax outfit but use the small, light Sony A6000 as a daily carry. A very even handed view, I thought; thank you John.
Hi John. Ignore the haters. You make some very good points. I've been a pro Pentaxian since the 80s and am about to switch entirely to Sony (and I have an enormous amount of Pentax gear). It's just practical. Despite my fondness, no, love for the brand, as a full-time commercial shooter Pentax simply hasn't kept up (especially with auto-focus, even on the new K-3iii), and I need to be 100% confident when I show up to a shoot and I need to shoot fast and efficiently. Thanks for being brave.
I went Pentax K-1 after 30 years using Canon DSLRs. Before buying the K-1 ii I extensively tested a Sony a7 R3. Great AF, but I totally hated the EVF. There was a noticeable lag (for me, others say there is no lag, which is BS. There is, your eyes are just too slow to notice it...). And in bright Greek sunlight the EVF was a real pain, too dark and not even comparable to a good pentaprism. AF was never a problem for me, I grew up with manual focus and photographed 30 years with Canon cameras, none of which had a better AF than the K-1. And in post processing the Pentax RAWs just offer more possibilities. After years of experience in an analog photo lab pp is creatively really important to me and Sony just lags behind Pentax in IQ in post. Happy for you, if the Sony works for you.
I can't really afford to run two systems, and over time as I mention in my most recent video I just wasn't reaching for the Pentax anymore... so half my Pentax gear is now sold and the rest is on ebay as we speak www.ebay.co.uk/sch/sundeniro/m.html
@@JohnJBloomfield Fair point. My gear is probably not in the same league as yours so not so much of an issue for me! I do wish that independents would make more lenses in Pentax fitting. With Sigma dropping Pentax last year I'm sure it convinced more people to leave the Pentax brand. Their cameras are great but lenses are expensive and limited. Keep up the good work!
@@Beckkerable I have the D FA* 50mm f/1.4, and was able to check the 85mm a little bit. I'd say the D FA* 50mm's SDM is slightly faster (at least end to end), but not enough to make a difference. The lens matters a lot, including for AF. Now my lenses are held behind by the camera...
I'd love to have this lens but the Pentax af is so terrible. People say the 50mm dfa* has great AF, but that's highly relative statement. It's miles off other camera brands AF. It's like not even comparable. Unfortunately!
Yeah the lens options 3rd party at least doesn't seem like an issue that is going to be solved anytime soon, either. if you're happy with Vintage of Pentax modern stuff you are pretty well covered unless you're shooting birds....but when you know a lens is a Tamron design with some small tweaks and a doubled price it does stick in the throat a bit.
Knuckle clearance...I tried the Sony cameras and found that to be a problem for me. Annoyingly so. Honestly, I have found that Pentax works very well for me, so I never had a wandering eye clamoring for other options. I am a professional portrait photographer using the K-1 and K-3 and have never had any issues creating exceptional photos.
@@JohnJBloomfield No, I did. You said that when you first started using it your knuckled would rub? What have you done since to avoid this or is this still a problem for you?
Hi David, As I said in the video obviously not clearly :-) sorry ( ua-cam.com/video/qXtIAOIiXww/v-deo.html ) I simply adapted subconsciously really quickly - no real thought about it it just stopped happening I assume I adjusted how I hold the camera with out realizing it.
Hey, if Sony floats your boat good for you. Personally, I hate the ergonomics of Sony. In my opinion, they are not fun to use. All three of my Pentax cameras (K-1, K-3 and K-3ii) are a joy. And I have all the lenses I will ever need. I also use the Fuji XT-3 for video and travel. But if it’s a money landscape, it will be a Pentax, especially the K-1. Why would I leave? No reason.
Great video John. Especially on how to get the kids to react ha. Jokes aside, I think lots of Pentaxians are in the same boat, your spot on with your assessment of the Pentax af.c & af in general, I've had to come up with makeshift ways to capture focused action shots, I tend to get a decent keeper rate, but at the cost of missing potentially much better shots due to the way I shoot action. Like you say until you try other brands your not really exposed to how far behind the Pentax af really is, can the k3 iii bridge the gap? I'm still stuck moving forward, I personally need the weather sealing but I also would benefit from the modern af features of Sony or even a D500. I was drawn to Pentax initially because of the features & value they offered in comparison to the mainstream brands, plus that sort of fits my personality, head or heart much the same as you.
I think the A9 in the Sony range would probably suit your Dog Photography pretty damn well - the A9iii is due out soon so I suspect the A9ii and original A9 will be going for a song.
I have and shoot with Pentax K1 Mk2,and I have NO issues with AF.I shoot a lot in the streets of NYC,and I take my time,move my feet,and compose.Of course the Pentax is NOT a spray and pray camera,like the Nikon D810,because it's not supposed to.
If Af is important, pentax cameras is not the anwer. I moved from the K3 to the fuji XT1 + the XF 35mm f1.4 ( a lens famous for the great IQ and slow AF) and the fuji was far ahead the K3. Even with the 16-50 kit lens in AFC i had better result.. But i understand the struggle of selling the pentax: i felt like a traitor for months.
Great assessment John. For the Sony just get the monster lens adapter, then you can use your Pentax Lenses on the Sony and keep the AF. 🙂 I've been thinking really deep regarding switching or staying, I'm going to grab the K-3 III and depending on how it is will be my deciding factor going forward. I'll give them 1 more shot so to speak.
As I said in the video the adapter has no appeal to me, the biggest advantage of the Sony is the AF and that's always weaker on adapted glass as many Canikonians can testify.
@@JohnJBloomfield That may currently be the case. But Monster might change that expectation. Who knows. The adapter isn't out just yet. But it's coming very soon.
Yeah I know I mentioned it in the video the adapter has no appeal to me, the biggest advantage of the Sony is the AF and that's always weaker on adapted glass as many Canikonians can testify.
@@JohnJBloomfield sure all adapters hinder the OEM AF but I would probably bet it will still out perform the Pentax AF system. I for one am grabbing this adapter as soon as it comes out as I'm heavily invested in Pentax glass. Sure I can and will eventually sell some but not the limited lenses.
I think it's a reasonable video you've made. I'm not thus far swayed, but then I am not a pro who's been paid for his photography, and I'm not on a big quest for the perfect solution. And I love the OVF concept and the attention to ergonomics Pentax has paid. I'm curious to hear how you continue on, how you like Sony as you become more deeply inured in their system. Good luck to you.
Hi John, I honestly never shared the idea of having/using one system exclusively. Why sell the Pentax? It could indeed bring some money on the table, but not so much that you could have a great investment in Sony. Also, you would lose the emotional element for half a Sony lens, or so. I would suggest to keep the Pentax and to gradually add Sony gear to your Sony kit (or is your current gear really insufficient for you work?). In the meantime, both systems are complementary, as you say. Personally, I am also thinking about another system. But I would add it to my Pentax gear. I don't really believe that another system would suddenly invalidate the value and use of the first system. Whatever your decision, good luck and keep making these honest videos, please! ;-)
Yeah there is no rush to change and I haven't really committed either way to be honest. In the studio two systems isn't a big issue to be fair unless your confidence starts to slip in one...they K-1 I'm still choosing when I go out if the weather isn't great. The main issue with two systems is when you go do an on location job I'll always carry two bodies but don't really want to carry two sets of glass. My Pentax Gear if sold should bring at least £4,000 so it would certainly get me an a7r3 as a second body and a couple of key lenses. Still don't know though and no reason to rush.
Not to add any pressure, but it is as the Grail Knight (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade) said : "Choose wisely, for while the true Grail will bring you life, the false Grail will take it from you." :-p
Really useful assessment. Currently doing a short photography course by evening class and online. Currently using my old K5 then picked up a K70 for £450 in the new year sales to use with my collection of 8 lovely Pentax lenses. I am thinking of going semi-pro and know I'll need to go FF at that point but realise the K1 will not hack it. Like you I will probably be fine getting two f2.8 lenses to cover 24-200mm with probably an f1.4 portrait prime. I will keep the Pentax for holidays and landscapes when I don't want to risk my work equipment. This will be for reliable AF, but also mirrorless for weight. The best info from this video is for event and portrait work I could probably get away with just one lens! (at least to start with)
I added the Tamron 70-180 f2.8 at Christmas so I'm 99.99% covered for most of what I do...a macro could probably be useful for event details if you do weddings and such but certainly not essential. I'm thinking about giving the new Monster Adapter if it ever becomes available to buy! as the used market prices of Pentax Glass (and I have a lot) is a bit depressing for sellers at the moment.
I used to shoot Pentax. Went to Sony but the body size, reliability, and ergonomics were terrible. Ended up switching to the Lumix S series and I gotta say this is the closest I've seen a camera system get to feeling like how my K-3 was.
Good well rounded video and many good comments. I've heard great things about the Sony AF and hope to see for myself soon. I have the K-1 and I love it. While I acknowledge that AF isn't Pentax's strong suit, I'm not ready to call AF-C on the K-1 (or the K-3 for that matter), useless. I shoot a variety of sports in my news media work, including soccer, American football, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, auto racing, even rodeo! The key is finding a method that works, and lime you, I use the back AF button, but I do use AF-C and I have done better shooting sports. But I might try the the AF-S approach a try and see what happens. But bottom line, so far so good. But is the faster Sony AF worth switching systems? For my money, no. There are far too many things the Pentax system can do very that benefit a photojournalist such as myself. And while I understand that using Pentax requires great patience and that dilemma compelled some people to switch, I will not be joining them. But as always you need to do what's best for you and the goals you have. Best wishes either way.
Yes. I've shot sports with a 50-135mm lens and worked perfectly for me! I don't understand why people say the AF is useless or nonsenses like that. I do mostly studio work but on the field, a K-3ii has worked perfect.
Today I tried an A7 III. I loved the auto focus. It's a cool little camera. I REALLY hated the EVF. I thought it was pretty terrible. I wonder if the A7R IV EVF is a lot better? If the size of the camera were bigger and the EVF were better I would be really interested. But it's hard to imagine giving up the rugged build, weather sealing, OVF etc. just for autofocus for me personally, especially with what I felt is a poor experience in the viewfinder. Are you still using the A7III or have you upgraded to another Sony body? If so, how is that going?
I have an A7RIV as well...the viewfinder is better though I have no issues with the a7iii the grip is also deeper and both cameras are weather sealed. You might find the newer a7iv more appealing deeper grip, better viewfinder and upgraded sealing.
Nice review. I picked up the A9 a few years ago and my K-1 sat on a shelf for about 2 years before I decided to sell it. There are several things about Sony that I don't like, but at the end of the day the AF is excellent and the deciding factor. When you don't have to focus and recompose and you don't have to take multiple shots of the same group to make sure (hope) one of them will be pin sharp, it really frees up time and you can move a lot faster. If you are on the clock shooting portraits or events, the Sony (or just about any modern mirrorless) will pay for itself over the K-1. You should give the Panasonic S1R a test run. I like the bigger body of the Panasonic and the controls are better than the Sony. AF isn't in the same league as the Sony, but still miles ahead of the K-1. I have not had any client complaints about the 24MP files from the A9. You should also give the Sony 100mm STF a shot. If you control your own light its a great portrait lens. I've been hoping Ricoh would develop some type of hybrid OVF that will allow for eye-AF and improved tracking, but that might be just a dream. With the 50MP+ A9III or A9r (whatever Sony is calling it) expected to launch in the very, very near future I think there will be some good deals on used A7rIVs and A9 bodies this year. Cheers and good luck in 2021.
Already some good deals on the a7riii around at the moment you might be right about the IV dropping at least in the used market when the a9iii drops. I'm quite interested in the specs of the a7iv the a7iii is good enough for most things but would like a resolution closer to the k-1 too...so if the a7iv comes out at 30/36 mpx that would do me fine.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Lately I'm having the same doubts and for the same reasons: willing to buy the D FA* 85 but it's so more expensive than the 85's in other brands, and there's no cheaper alternative in Pentax that is less than 10 years old (I myself own a Sigma EX 85 right now which was made in 2010). And of course, the AF as well, I can still bear it but it's painful to have no AFC and to miss/soften a consistent number of shots even if you are aware of your system and are careful about this point, while the standards in other brands are way higher. Can't blame you for moving towards Sony, you can't play the "passion" trump card when it comes to paid shots, especially now that you know the difference. I have a question for you though: would you suggest Sony a7III over K-1 for fashion/lifestyle, or do you consider these genres way less action-oriented so that they wouldn't actually benefit from the AF leap of Sony?
In all honesty I think anything with a Human face in it will benefit from the AF whether it's enough to justify a shift if you already had a K-1 probably hard to say but when you look at the cost of new Pentax Glass like the 85 then at the Sigma 85DN and think actually this could be close to cost neutral if I was going to buy the 85 anyway.
Good luck with Sony. I have always felt that there’s something missing with their cameras , great sensors and technology but somehow a bit soulless, if that makes any sense and I’ve never been comfortable with how often they update their cameras, the polar opposite of Pentax! Who’re too far the other way. I wonder about the longevity of Sony bodies when next versions come out so frequently. Have you considered manual focus setting up a zone focus area using a prime lens then you can forget about focussing as long your subjects stay within the zone ? For the K-1 I mean.
@@JohnJBloomfield I just picked it up one day and it wouldn’t power up the lcd would wink on when I did and the camera would power down in less than a second. It’s the ltd like yours just out of warranty This has happened twice this year . John Pye the uk repair centre took three weeks to answer my email so I went With AJ Johnstone In Glasgow who replaced DC power board quickly once they got parts from Ricoh France and all was well. Then what appeared to be the same fault recurred mid November and it has been with them since. Parts required ordered November 23rd still waiting. Thank goodness for my indestructible K-5 Not good enough if your camera is earning your living.
You have to go with what works for you. I have an emotional attachment to Pentax but I use a Z7 which isnt brilliant at autofocus but works for my photography. You need the best autofocus for your work but get what you havent got and upgrade what you have already later. Zenit weighs more than my car ha ha brilliant!
While all said have grounds, we still need to be fair and congratulate Pentax to came so far. How old K1 really is in term of technology? 10+ years I would say, they might start developing it in Nikon D700 era. Than years after (IMX094) sensor was sold enough in Sony a7R and D800/810 and become cheap, they put it in and tweak K3's AF and release camera. In a way Sony a7iii might really be revolution and 15 years ahead K1. But than a7iii itself is revolutionary even against own predecessors sine only one mark model earlyer (a7ii) with very same lens you have I found it inferior to K3ii. In the end it is important what you need as you said. I shoot weeding and rely on AF, too. Also for family/kids it is hard to not have reliable AF. I remember my begginimg using K-r with kit lens and struggling. Best moment in 1st two shots were miss focused, next shot flash not fired due to charging, forth shot was fine, but people lost interest or just moment was lost. I also had Fuji S9500PRO bridge camera before, and was rageous with DSLR how much it misses out. But knowing now that camera had crop factor of 4.33 it is not fair to complain. F2.8 on FF is really like f12 on that bridge camera and f4 on K-r. 4x more DOF for same distance of shooting. Normally everything was in focus, like with smartphone. I reckon SAFOX 12 on FF just caught what SAFOX 11 already offered on APS-C, due to same reason. I never used K1 with any lens other than Tamron 70-200, so I can't tell or compare. I wonder what they will stuff in new K3 body. They must be aware to what they compare today regardless how old nowadays K3iii design already is. That might be reason behind delay for releasing, since they try to narrow gap other make with new models. While other brands just sell every development stage as mark models and earn in the way to fund further development, Pentax ironing out perfect camera endlessly in the backstage, loosing our interest and market potential.
Great video. I've recently started using an OM-D E-M1 Mk II with 100-400mm lens for wildlife but still keep my Pentax cameras for everything else (landscapes / astro / site work)
How are the used prices on Olympus glass since everyone started panicking about the sale? I'm not convinced it really is the end for Olympus but time will tell....but even if it is if the gear is doing what you want I'd definitely stick with it.
@@JohnJBloomfield I work in Civil Engineering \ Geotechnics so the K3 II and 18-135mm is an ideal combination for keeping records of what is going on around site. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 mk 2 was bought used and the Olympus 100-400mm lens was bought new and I find the combo very useful - unfortunately I haven't had the time to put it through it's paces properly but the AF / IBIS is really good. As for second hand prices I'm not going to worry yet. As an aside I like to buy used cameras/lenses to try out and then sell off if I don't like them - it works out cheaper than rental and sometimes makes a profit.
@@JohnJBloomfield I too have Olympus gear, and I keep a close eye on used prices here in Australia. I’ve not noticed any significant differences since the announcement or subsequent releases on the agreement. A little drop on used E-M1 prices during the last month, which I would put down to the various end of year promotions around (cash back or free Pro lens). My EM1ii simply doesn’t capture the image quality of my K1ii, but it’s probably only noticeable to picky people. I cannot get the reach of M43 with the Pentax gear I own though. Pics from the crop sensor are better than cropped pics from my K1.
I'm barely using the Pentax at the moment to be honest. i shot my kids the other day (as they're the only people I can during lockdown!) and I only used the Pentax at the end as I kind of felt I should not because I needed to or especially wanted to :-(
It's a constant debate, I'm hardly using the Pentax at the moment...I'm tempted to get the 'Monster Adapter' just for kicks to try my Pentax stuff on the Sony before letting any of it go.
When it comes to work, I think everyone would understand the need to jump ship. I've seen it over the years with people complaining about the auto focus in Pentax, and them jumping ship to Nikon or Canon. Someone in the comment thread did mention that they owned the A7 mark 2 and its af was pretty ordinary. Most of the youtube reviewers were saying that the mark 3 was where it was at finally. Pentax is an excellent system, IQ, build quality, weather resistance, astrotracer, pixel shift and great lenses. It auto focus has been too far behind, but auto focus doesn't stop people buying Leica cameras and manual focus lenses. I remember "That Nikon Guy" Matt Granger showing us the cameras he uses, and he once shot Sony then went back to Nikon and bangs on about the auto focus in every camera that he reviews. He shows us his Nikon cameras and lenses, and then pulls out a Leica and some lenses, and I was like WHAT, you bang on about the importance of auto focus and pull out your Leica. I get Leica, I just can't afford it and I prefer having some form of auto focus anyway. I have a car for work, and a car for the weekend. I don't shoot professionally so I'm happy with my Pentax gear and not so happy with my Fuji gear. I would like to get a 6x9 camera for that medium format look. Capturing an image that looks 3 dimensional and makes you feel like you are right there is what I'm after. I was at the supermarket the other day, and they had a Santa setup, and photographer with strobes, and she was shooting portraits with a Canon 70D. If you're not happy with your K-1 then you gotta do what you gotta do. If you think you'll also get more work from it then do it.
I think Matt Granger has switched again a couple of weeks ago...but I think for review centred channels ... you do know that Leica does AF - I've had a play with an SL-2 and to be honest I thought the AF-C was pretty decent it isn't Sony good but certainly drastically better than Pentax. ua-cam.com/video/cpVaernkTnA/v-deo.html
Really valuable and interesting food for thoughts, and highly plausible reasoning. Interestingly, the Pentax fanboy counter (the thumb-down button) is reasonably well behaved, that surprises me a little 😄
We're in the same situation buddy! Sony lend me a Sony a7ii for a few months to use and try. I hike a lot so for me the Sony advantage is mainly portability and autofocus. I found the IQ on the a7ii very close to the k1. The af wasn't great but I know it is great on the a7iii. My heart also says stick with Pentax so I might get both systems. But then I have to save up first. Might sell a few Pentax lenses. I also shoot fuji but won't sell any gear here 🤩
@@JohnJBloomfield finally pulled the trigger and bought the A7iii with 28-75 tamron and 55 1.8 zeiss. the af is insanely much better than the K1 and the A7ii. Think I'll keep my K-1, but maybe sell a few lenses. Going to get the Tamron70-180 eventually.
@@norwegianoutdoors4437 I got the 70-180 as a Christmas present - seems like a great lens! Yeah it's really hard to explain how mind blowingly better the AF is....you have to feel it to believe it. I'm still debating on whether to let my K-1 and gear go or not....I do find parting with stuff difficult. As a second body I think I would like something higher resolution than my A7iii - an A7IV if it comes out with 30-36MPX will be enough if not I think an A7R3/4 will be on the cards then maybe I'll be ready to let the Pentax go .....Maybe
@@JohnJBloomfield Wow, how do you compare it to the dfa 70-200? The 70-200 is in my opinion the best Pentax lens I have among 20 lenses. Downside is you need a tractor to transport it. For me it's also hard to part with the K-1. It's a charming company and system. I would keep it! A new high res a7rx series camera house isnt that expensive either way. It's the lenses that cost :)
Sony are only in the camera game because they bought Minolta out - they're like the Milton Keynes Dons of camera companies. That was a comedy rant, as I've only owned a camera for two years. I kept getting people telling me my flip phone camera landscape photos were really good, so I was curious how good I could get with an actual camera. Two years later, I'm still trying to work the buttons and controls out. Luckily, according to camera knowy people, I inadvertently chose well by going with Pentax, as their menus are really straightforward. I'm still in the "how easy is it to use?" phase, for sure. Oh, oh, oh - I nearly forgot - about six months ago, I was given a first generation Sony RX100, by a pal who'd updated. All I'd heard about it was how good it is, but I found it to be a real bucking bronco, control-wise, compared to my Pentax Q. Not impressed at all. Cheers.
I am interested in John's view on the question of battery life. I recall an oft-cited critique of the original A7 was that it was a battery eater, whereas the K-1's OVF is less intensive on it's battery (which is also larger than the A7's). What has been your experience? On the question of autofocus it strikes me that as sensor resolution has escalated achieving critical focus has become so much more important, a 36 MP sensor is very unforgiving because you can see the focus has been missed in a way you couldn't have on a 35mm film or a 10MP sensor. Are you using OVF or LV with face detect and focus peaking on the K-1ii in the studio?
In studio always OVF the k-1 LV is too awkward to switch between LV and OVF as settings don't transfer between the two they're totally independent...it's easier to switch between the two on the Sony as the settings don't change. I also find the LV face detect on Pentax unreliable, most people's eyes are not equal size and it always goes for the bigger one not the one closest to camera. I totally agree with you on the critical focus and sensor resolution...also when I shot film I would never have considered shooting a portrait wide open on a fast prime...in the digital age we expect to achieve this. On the Battery it's hard for me to say because I usually only shoot a couple of hours at a time. The Sony shows a % of battery and it's usually around 80% after a 2 hour shoot. The Pentax lasts longer no doubt but the Sony certainly isn't an issue for me. One thing I about the Sony I thought odd coming from Pentax was that the Sony doesn't come with a battery charger (you can buy them) instead it charges by usb c in camera...which is obviously to save money e it annoyed me but it's actually proven to be seriously convenient, like most people I have a phone charger on my desk so I just plug it in when I get home no chance of picking up a battery free camera by mistake.
I owned a K10D from 2007 till 2014. I got tired of waiting for Pentax to sort out who they were going to be owned by and whether or not they wanted to build a full frame camera. I bought a Sony A7 and never looked back. Not sorry at all. Will not be switching back.
Buy a Zenit with Zenitar 50/1.7 Lens to remember tour Dad, keep your Pentax k1 to preserve tour marriage, ditch Sony, and everything willl be just fine.... K3III
@@tjompen1968 All said hold truth. But John specifically need one feature on camera that Pentax is sadly mot the greatest at. Autofocus. My view is Pentax lost so many opportunities to market this values. Nowadays all mentioned are already achieved on other brands. Everything what they seemed important. How many times did you used pixelshift (Sony introduced it as Mayflies - came and passed by). It seems even Pentax kicked out astrotracer now. SR is not 5-axis as standard. WR is standard as well. Many users - me included - complained about "bright" viewfinder to not be good representation of focus. Some changed/hacked focus glass for Canon one, that offered much better representation of DOF and where focus is. I can affirm I mighht twist f1.4 lens like mad and hardly spot any difference. Have magnifying eyepiece to barely help. I put some expectation on new K3iii VF though. Well unfortunately there is little for Pentax to be different or better or only nowadays. Sure K3iii will be even better. But how much better ...
@@cdmikelis I have bought a Focussingscreen.com focus screen (its a hacked Canon one) for my K3. It works really well with fast glass, but as was the case with old film SLRs once you get to f4 it is too dim. I keep my K3 for fast MF lenses and my KP for slower lenses.
I always felt that Sony's color science is the worst of the bunch. It seems that Sony are much more concerned with the tech aspect, and chasing numbers. Indeed, that does make for extremely powerful and capable cameras, but I've always felt that their images just look too clinical and sterile, no matter how processed. If I were going to go ML and leave Pentax, I'd go for an R5, hands down - and I say that as someone who never did like a Canon. Of course, I'm not switching. XD
With an X-Rite colour passport you get a really balanced starting point - I recently drop some portraits of the same person same lighting taken on the K-1 and A7III into a Facebook group for ex-pentax shooters and only one person from quite a large number was able to spot the Pentax image....and everyone's favourite was a Sony image....but not because it came of a Sony it just had the best fall of light and composition.
There is a middle way. Keep the K1 and 2 or 3 beloved lenses. Sell the rest to do the switch. You love the K1. Your wife bought it you for Xmas one year, she may be offended if you sell it on - even if she says otherwise - not worth the risk! Even if you were single, if you love something and sell it on you may end up regretting it and end up buying it again, not a very economic course of action. I would not hold out much hope for the K3iii. It looks as if it is going to be overpriced and will probably be a disappointment spec. wise. I am also a Pentax lover, shoot mostly still life, close up and landscape so AF not an issue, and I am rather gloomy about the brand's future as this latest model seems to be too little too late and a catch up attempt with the D500. IMO they should have spent their resources on a more imaginative product, say a Df type camera of a FF version of the KP. They are not going to make any money by trying to lure professionals away from their current systems. As a brand Pentax have become a niche within a niche without even trying. Why not do something different if they wish to survive?
I honestly think they're just holding on to be the last DSLR maker in the belief that there will always be a segment of photographers that don't like OVF etc. I think this is a generally good strategy BUT only if they also keep pushing the tech envelope of what DSLR can do AND I don't think they actually intend to do that so ultimately I fear it will end in failure for them...the K3III has to be better than a Nikon D500 to give their strategy any credibility and based on what i have seen so far it won't be and the D500 is hardly 'new tech'
@@JohnJBloomfield Yes. Like you I think the strategy is right, but the K3iii looks like being the wrong product to fulfill Pentax ambitions IMO. I also shoot Fuji x cameras, and whilst I appreciate the better AF and the lighter weight, I can tell you I find looking through a proper optical finder far nicer! Not only that I do a lot of manual flash work and using a mirrorless design makes this a real PIA as the EVF or rear screen is invariably too dark to use - one has to open the aperture wide open to focus and compose - then close down again. Even then it can be difficult to focus in low light.
Thanks for the video John. I also do mostly portrait photography in my studio with a K-1. For the most part I shoot adults, with the occasional family. I would love to have the eye focusing ability of something like the Sony A7Riii as well. Plus it sounds great for the occasional video. I am guessing that will also be the direction I take since it seems that Pentax is not likely to ever catch up with the likes of Sony, especially since Ricoh says they are never going mirrorless.
A few comments, if I may: - build quality: Sony's issue on the actual model you were handling seems less important than Pentax' issues on other (older, cheaper) models. I don't think that makes sense. - you speak about size, but have a grip on the K-1 - throwing "fanboys" around isn't nice; aren't they just people who disagreed with you? If Sony works best for you, that's great; however, such videos... I don't see their purpose, other than to "inspire" people of jumping ship, too.
- As I said I can't qualify the build quality as it's hard to know how prevalent it is but what I was trying to point out is that the Pentax issue has been prevalent on multiple models and they seem to have done little about it and frankly show no interest at all once the warranty has expired....Sony on the other hand have the issue on one model seem to repair it outside of warranty without any issues and it hasn't occurred on others. Yet Sony tend to be the one to be criticised for build quality, and Pentax praised. - Fair point, there isn't actually much difference in weight - I'm likely influenced by the fact the Tamron is a light lens too. - Fanboy's simply means people someone who can see and say no negative under any circumstances - I think most people understand that. - The purpose is to share my experience....I don't see why if you don't see the purpose you would watch :-D have a great day.
@@JohnJBloomfield Build quality is loosely related, but not the same as reliability - and clearly not the same as out of warranty repairs. This being said, IMO Ricoh Imaging should work hard to build a reputation of supporting their customers. Sony... had their blunders, strictly about build quality - like the mount issues on the older A7 models, light leaks, partial weather sealing. I see this not as much as a negative, but as a consequence for the ultra-compact design. IMHO there's no unfairness to give the win to Pentax! I still have to find someone who doesn't see any negative under any circumstance about Pentax products! People who cannot see any positive, I've seen a few.
@@JohnJBloomfield As for your opinion, I'm often interested in what experienced photographers have to say... I won't criticize you for going Sony; that's on Pentax, they're too slow. And while I can wait for the new AF, many can't. I hope when the K-3 Mark III will be available, people like you would give it fair reviews!
@@alexsarbu3978 K-1's hotshoe is the cameras Achilles heel in terms of build quality. I have seen countless images showing the hotshoe completely coming away from the cameras shell as a result of a minor trauma when the flash was mounted. Typically we'd want the flash to be the weakest part and suffer the damage, not a $3k camera, and when its broken as bad as that it is practically a right off. Never seen a hotshoe peel off with part of the camera body shell on any other brand before (but plenty broken flashes and triggers at the base). As for John's video and intent, I find it useful and interesting (mainly because I am in a similar boat to John) and its nice to actually hear from someone who made that leap whether the AF etc was worth it or all smoke and mirrors. Also if Pentax do watch and listen it can give them valuable feedback from loyal customers and why their user base is shrinking. We do need more 'why i switched to Pentax' stories tho because they do exist, but you'll likely find those people are landscapers where Pentax punches the hardest.
@@eddysummersphotography6299 Plastic top to allow for a GPS antenna. Won't be an issue with the K-3 Mark III; and sorry, but the shoddy lens mount on the Sony is IMO much worse. Oh, I've seen it happening on other brands as well. Yeah, that's the thing: people switching to Pentax are doing it quietly... people are getting the impression that everyone is leaving the brand, which is untrue. It seems - for example - that the KP brought quite a few new customers (per the General Sales Manager for Ricoh Imaging Europe), but we're not hearing about that!
I had a K-1 and have been enjoying event photography and missing proper focus too often. So decided I needed better focus in low light so got a secondhand A9 and the tracking AF compared to the K-1 is night and day. The A9 images of burlesque shows are great and the raw shot are nearly pointless in most cases but for landscapes the K-1 images please me far more.
I like your accent. But in general, I find English accents tiring to listen to. Are you from Ireland? If so, that would explain the difference to my ears.
The bottom line is Sony has to make a move (ie a change) or Fujifilm will begin to dominate them as their cameras are moving into video production at a much faster pace than Panasonics' Lumix cameras are. Yes, not all studio fotogs are heavily into video - yet, but social norms are changing fast and movement beyond stills is coming. Everything considered, in this market environment of merge or die, I'd like to see Sony just buy Pentax from Ricoh, drop the Sony name and merge what they are doing with Pentax's story line - just move it ahead at a faster pace than Pentax has ever moved before. That would blow the doors off of Canon and Nikon but, more importantly, it would salvage a future of there only being Fujifilm and Panasonic drip-feeding video tech to studio fotogs and end the death by a gazillion incremental Canon/Nikon labyrinth of naming contortions one has to go through when moving from stills to video in a traditional sense. Heck, Ricoh is already buying Sony components, I've seen moments where Pentax sensors were sourced through them - so why are they dragging their feet? Do they think the Playstation's success will lead to brand loyalty which will spill over to their camera branding? If so, they're in for a massive shock - most of the world is not like Brazil where familial naming cross pollinates branding.
A year on from your comment (sorry I missed it) and it's interesting to see as a Studio Tog I am shooting a lot of video for clients now...the main reason is simply I now have gear with Sony that makes it feasible. And you were certainly right about video starting to push stills out in the commercial space. Clients of mine are getting so much traction on instagram etc with the reels I make for them over the stills it is quite staggering. It'll be interesting to see how Fuji develops now that sigma are producing for their lens and some fuji shooters I know are telling me that those lenses are better for video than Fuji's own.
I bought my oldest daughter a Sony, it's an inferior product, my K3ii is older and has never let me down, my daughters Sony has had to be repaired twice now.
@@JohnJBloomfield a7iii has internal reliability problems where some crucial sensor and IBIS parts are made of plastic and are prone to breaking. They just made the exterior nicer.
Sony is garbage. Panasonic and Fujifilm are legit though. If you use a Panasonic s1r for 15 minutes you will run to sell everything else, and they're much cheaper used, I got mine for $1,850
![Pentax K1 MKii [My Favorite Camera]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/jJSKtsa5P00/mqdefault.jpg)
If you re going to leave, then goodbye and good riddance, but please, do not spoil it for us Pentaxians that want to stay here and like it here, you are giving Pentax a bad publicity, just leave!
@M Tech You know, USA was founded by people that wanted to be different, now in Puerto Rico, we want to separate from the USA empire, because we are a group of people that do not want to follow the flock, and want to be our own herd. That is our reality and we will defend it, like in 1776. You want to be part of the SonyCaNikon flock, of royalists, be my guest. We, will build our own republic, The Pentaxian Republic.
@@carlosencarnacion9667 A camera is not a personal identity. Use whatever lets you capture the images you want to capture, but at the end of the day it's a tool, whether it's Sony or Canon or Nikon or Pentax or Leica or Hasselblad, whether it's crop sensor or full frame or medium format, whether it's DSLR or mirrorless or film. There's use in comparing the benefits and drawbacks of all these things for various applications, but keep a level head about what they actually are.
Do carpenters get this emotional about their preferred hammer brands?
@@sethsez Pentaxians are a community that share a preference for a particular brand that delivers the features that we want on a system. Your wife is not your personal identity, but you would not like to see someone putting her down so you would leave her. Besides, the message suggests that those who do not want to switch brands, or switch from pentaprism to mirrorless are not smart enough for not joining the flock. The opening statement is in itself a put down to base the rest of the comment and make an attitude look silly.
@@carlosencarnacion9667 My camera is not my wife (husband actually, but regardless). It is not a person. It does not have feelings I need to protect. It's a product I purchased from a major multi-national corporation. I also don't understand people who get emotionally attached to their cellphones, computers, speakers, cars, video game consoles, cooking implements, or what have you. I certainly have my preferences on those topics, some of them much stronger than others, but none of them approach the kind of bond I would have with another human being.
I also didn't see anything in this attacking people who continue to like and use Pentax. It's one guy explaining his own choices based on his own usage and requirements, he's not putting you down for prioritizing things differently.
@@sethsez OK Seth we assume things so I assumed Seth is a boy's name, then again, I am assuming that you are not, but these days that is a risky supposition. You could be a boy that has a husband. "A camera is not a personal identity." is the statement on which the put down is based, I am not responding on the attitude of the person that made the video, I am responding to your put down or talk down attitude. It is extremely obvious that a camera is not a personal identity. And that is not the point. I never said it was, but you used that as he base for your comment. What I am trying to tell the poster is that Pentax is the brand that has the features that we want in a system and that we do not need anyone undermining the brand by convincing others to leave, then we would be forced to go to the other brands as a flock. Most people do not use their own criteria, they emulate the flock, good for a learning child, not good for an adult.
I have so many Pentax lenses, mostly vintage k and m42 screw mount, along with adapters for microscopes, so I'm one of those manual focus guys. As a (old) hobbyist, I don't have the pressure to get that high hit rate and I can take my time. I have been looking for an updated body for a while, but decided on getting a kp after seeing the price of the new k3iii. So far I'm happy with the kp. I think your right about selecting equipment that's best suited to your work and style of shooting.
I use the Nikon Z system a lot these days, but I'll never give up my Pentaxes. EVFs have a number of advantages, but one can't beat an OVF on a bright day, or when one has to keep one's eye to the viewfinder for extended periods. I shall buy the K-3 III when (if?) it is released, to partner my K-1.
As a owner of both the K1ii and the Sony A7Riv I agree with everything you said 100%, especially regarding the AF.
Thank @ruaire appreciate that as I really expected a bit of a backlash.
John this is a great video to show what's the huge difference - If I'd do event photography or kids portraits, like you do, I would have done the transition long ago. For me doing portraits with adults, which don't quite move that fast, reportage, and little landscape, the K1 does an incredible job. I just went through my two last studio portrait sessions, and I had about a 98% hitrate in terms of AF - and two time the strobe misfired which I don't know was the camera or the trigger. If I'd do a change, I definitely would need a working AF adapter - because the three ltd lenses are the ones I do 90% my work with, and I just love em. That pentax zooms are quite generic, so no need to keep them. Great job John.
100% agree Stephen. It's funny because photography can be so utterly specific. There is a HUGE difference to what John is doing in studio compared to say Ian or Bruce. Adults have patience, and recompose and take instructions well. Kids are so much more about the spontaneity and I have already felt this weakness within the Pentax system (and am nowhere near John's level of child portraiture). John's simply finding a better tool for his job, however to be fair to Pentax they don't advertise to being a kiddy studio camera, its landscape baby all the way. We're just bummed out that they can't fix this AF issue enough to catch up to this kinda level, because if they did... other brands should be quaking in their boots!
John, this was a very helpful video, thank you mate.
Originally a Canon user - my first DSRL (I'm still quite young).
Over my first few years of practice, I got bored with Canon as my skill level improved. I tried a lot of their lenses and pro bodies, but still never progressed until I flirted with film and many different types of cameras.
Most recetly, Pentax. A 90s film AF SLR and my prized beautiful FA* lens.
I heavily desire a K-1 (might wait until mkiii, might get a K1 for cheap - not sure) as I really enjoy photographing with this (K full frame) system, and many lenses seem great.
Alternatively, there's the Sony a7.
An atractively spec'd camera that seems very pro-oriented. They are great, but I still prefer SLRs for stills.
I feel like the "pro" comprimise choice would be to own both, no camera is so versatile that it will do everything. And I feel a real passionate photographer who engages with many aspects of photography should be able to weild two primary cameras for work + play.
This is my plan, especially with the prospect of an AF K mount adapter for Sony E-Mount.
People love Pentax for the glass mainly, it seems.
Sorry some of the toxic fans got here before me.
Glad you found it helpful...you might have seen in my later video I've made a full switch to Sony...I tried using two systems but found it an expensive route and I was reaching for the K-1 less and less ... It's currently on eBay if you're interested ;-) rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575378759&campid=5338273189&customid=&icep_item=114800666423&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229508&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg&toolid=11111
I have a pentax k70 and a pentax k01 which I purchased in singapore. Both excellent cameras . I love using pentax pancake lenses . Sony make also very good cameras, not cheap at all . Pentax have been around for years . The name Sony is great for a TV , DVD player but not for a camera .
I watched this video because I have a Pentax outfit but use the small, light Sony A6000 as a daily carry. A very even handed view, I thought; thank you John.
Thanks, glad you thought it was reasonable...I wish all commenters felt the same :-)
I have both DSLR and Mirrorless system, but I still love DSLR for photos, OVF makes you feel the view.
Hi John, Only just got to finish watching (started a few days back), great honest assessment of your experiences vs the two systems.
Hi John. Ignore the haters. You make some very good points. I've been a pro Pentaxian since the 80s and am about to switch entirely to Sony (and I have an enormous amount of Pentax gear). It's just practical. Despite my fondness, no, love for the brand, as a full-time commercial shooter Pentax simply hasn't kept up (especially with auto-focus, even on the new K-3iii), and I need to be 100% confident when I show up to a shoot and I need to shoot fast and efficiently. Thanks for being brave.
Thanks
It's been about a year now and zero regrets that aren't purely sentimental
@@JohnJBloomfield I'm 62 and still going 100mph. No time for sentiment, LOL.
Had an A7III and RIII. I ended up switching to a Canon R6 and haven’t looked back. I’ll pick up an R5 soon.
But
I went Pentax K-1 after 30 years using Canon DSLRs. Before buying the K-1 ii I extensively tested a Sony a7 R3. Great AF, but I totally hated the EVF. There was a noticeable lag (for me, others say there is no lag, which is BS. There is, your eyes are just too slow to notice it...). And in bright Greek sunlight the EVF was a real pain, too dark and not even comparable to a good pentaprism. AF was never a problem for me, I grew up with manual focus and photographed 30 years with Canon cameras, none of which had a better AF than the K-1. And in post processing the Pentax RAWs just offer more possibilities. After years of experience in an analog photo lab pp is creatively really important to me and Sony just lags behind Pentax in IQ in post.
Happy for you, if the Sony works for you.
I also switched to Pentax from Sony and Fuji. I guess the grass is Airways greener on the other side.
Nice review. IMO there is not one camera that does it all. I have Pentax and Sony systems for different reasons and different shoots. Keep them both!
I can't really afford to run two systems, and over time as I mention in my most recent video I just wasn't reaching for the Pentax anymore... so half my Pentax gear is now sold and the rest is on ebay as we speak www.ebay.co.uk/sch/sundeniro/m.html
@@JohnJBloomfield Fair point. My gear is probably not in the same league as yours so not so much of an issue for me! I do wish that independents would make more lenses in Pentax fitting. With Sigma dropping Pentax last year I'm sure it convinced more people to leave the Pentax brand. Their cameras are great but lenses are expensive and limited. Keep up the good work!
I just purchased the DFA*85 85 1.4 for my K-1. It is absolutely stunning.
I totally agree. Outstanding! Incl. increased AF.
@@Beckkerable I have the D FA* 50mm f/1.4, and was able to check the 85mm a little bit. I'd say the D FA* 50mm's SDM is slightly faster (at least end to end), but not enough to make a difference.
The lens matters a lot, including for AF. Now my lenses are held behind by the camera...
@@alexsarbu3978 I agree. I know the little gap as well. In the D FA* 85 mm there are heavier elements to be shifted. That may cause the difference.
@@Beckkerable Sure; the D FA* 85mm actually has a stronger SDM motor to compensate for that.
I'd love to have this lens but the Pentax af is so terrible. People say the 50mm dfa* has great AF, but that's highly relative statement. It's miles off other camera brands AF. It's like not even comparable. Unfortunately!
Ive owned K1 since it came out. Its still one of the most capable DSLR's out ever but sadly crippled by lens options. Extremely frustrating!!!
Yeah the lens options 3rd party at least doesn't seem like an issue that is going to be solved anytime soon, either.
if you're happy with Vintage of Pentax modern stuff you are pretty well covered unless you're shooting birds....but when you know a lens is a Tamron design with some small tweaks and a doubled price it does stick in the throat a bit.
Knuckle clearance...I tried the Sony cameras and found that to be a problem for me. Annoyingly so. Honestly, I have found that Pentax works very well for me, so I never had a wandering eye clamoring for other options. I am a professional portrait photographer using the K-1 and K-3 and have never had any issues creating exceptional photos.
Knuckle clearance specifically covered in the video so guessing that you didn't actually watch
@@JohnJBloomfield No, I did. You said that when you first started using it your knuckled would rub? What have you done since to avoid this or is this still a problem for you?
Hi David,
As I said in the video obviously not clearly :-) sorry ( ua-cam.com/video/qXtIAOIiXww/v-deo.html ) I simply adapted subconsciously really quickly - no real thought about it it just stopped happening I assume I adjusted how I hold the camera with out realizing it.
Hey, if Sony floats your boat good for you. Personally, I hate the ergonomics of Sony. In my opinion, they are not fun to use. All three of my Pentax cameras (K-1, K-3 and K-3ii) are a joy. And I have all the lenses I will ever need. I also use the Fuji XT-3 for video and travel. But if it’s a money landscape, it will be a Pentax, especially the K-1. Why would I leave? No reason.
Yeah the Pentax is definitely ergonomically better no doubt but your hand adapts surprisingly quickly. By the third shoot no problem.
You can use them both. I have a Sony a6600 that I use for videos but I will Never ditch my Pentax Gear.
Great video John. Especially on how to get the kids to react ha. Jokes aside, I think lots of Pentaxians are in the same boat, your spot on with your assessment of the Pentax af.c & af in general, I've had to come up with makeshift ways to capture focused action shots, I tend to get a decent keeper rate, but at the cost of missing potentially much better shots due to the way I shoot action. Like you say until you try other brands your not really exposed to how far behind the Pentax af really is, can the k3 iii bridge the gap?
I'm still stuck moving forward, I personally need the weather sealing but I also would benefit from the modern af features of Sony or even a D500. I was drawn to Pentax initially because of the features & value they offered in comparison to the mainstream brands, plus that sort of fits my personality, head or heart much the same as you.
I think the A9 in the Sony range would probably suit your Dog Photography pretty damn well - the A9iii is due out soon so I suspect the A9ii and original A9 will be going for a song.
@@JohnJBloomfield I'll have to keep an eye on the used A9's when Sony drops the A9iii.
I have and shoot with Pentax K1 Mk2,and I have NO issues with AF.I shoot a lot in the streets of NYC,and I take my time,move my feet,and compose.Of course the Pentax is NOT a spray and pray camera,like the Nikon D810,because it's not supposed to.
@@michaels5166 Try & shoot a dog running towards you or a dirt bike. Hopefully the K3 iii can do this well?
If Af is important, pentax cameras is not the anwer. I moved from the K3 to the fuji XT1 + the XF 35mm f1.4 ( a lens famous for the great IQ and slow AF) and the fuji was far ahead the K3. Even with the 16-50 kit lens in AFC i had better result.. But i understand the struggle of selling the pentax: i felt like a traitor for months.
Yeah still feeling like a traitor and I haven't sold the K-1 or any FF glass!
@@JohnJBloomfield i still have the analog cameras and lenses.. 🤣 Recently I got a K2dmd for 35€
@@edoardobattistini3013 I never shot Pentax film but I have some bodies in a draw that came in a box of lenses maybe I should do a giveaway
Great assessment John. For the Sony just get the monster lens adapter, then you can use your Pentax Lenses on the Sony and keep the AF. 🙂 I've been thinking really deep regarding switching or staying, I'm going to grab the K-3 III and depending on how it is will be my deciding factor going forward. I'll give them 1 more shot so to speak.
As I said in the video the adapter has no appeal to me, the biggest advantage of the Sony is the AF and that's always weaker on adapted glass as many Canikonians can testify.
@@JohnJBloomfield That may currently be the case. But Monster might change that expectation. Who knows. The adapter isn't out just yet. But it's coming very soon.
We shall see but it hasn't worked great for any of the other mounts
@@JohnJBloomfield Oh, didn't realize it was out for other mounts already. That sucks if it's not working well.
@@KobieMC no the monster one they are an unknown company but there have been multiple available for canon and Nikon for years, metabones etc.
There is a new adapter that allows you to use pentax glass on Sony too. Good thing about Sony is the open mount. Everyone can make lenses for it
Yeah I know I mentioned it in the video the adapter has no appeal to me, the biggest advantage of the Sony is the AF and that's always weaker on adapted glass as many Canikonians can testify.
@@JohnJBloomfield sure all adapters hinder the OEM AF but I would probably bet it will still out perform the Pentax AF system. I for one am grabbing this adapter as soon as it comes out as I'm heavily invested in Pentax glass. Sure I can and will eventually sell some but not the limited lenses.
For sure it'll beat Pentax AF no doubt but I think I'd be happier with native...not that I've committed to move fully to Sony anyway
@@JohnJBloomfield don't look past the Sigma Art line for Sony either as some of there lenses are actually out performing the GM line.
Yeah Sony opening up the mount specs so third parties don't need to reverse engineer has opened up a lot of options
I think it's a reasonable video you've made. I'm not thus far swayed, but then I am not a pro who's been paid for his photography, and I'm not on a big quest for the perfect solution. And I love the OVF concept and the attention to ergonomics Pentax has paid. I'm curious to hear how you continue on, how you like Sony as you become more deeply inured in their system. Good luck to you.
Hi John, I honestly never shared the idea of having/using one system exclusively. Why sell the Pentax? It could indeed bring some money on the table, but not so much that you could have a great investment in Sony. Also, you would lose the emotional element for half a Sony lens, or so. I would suggest to keep the Pentax and to gradually add Sony gear to your Sony kit (or is your current gear really insufficient for you work?). In the meantime, both systems are complementary, as you say. Personally, I am also thinking about another system. But I would add it to my Pentax gear. I don't really believe that another system would suddenly invalidate the value and use of the first system.
Whatever your decision, good luck and keep making these honest videos, please! ;-)
Yeah there is no rush to change and I haven't really committed either way to be honest.
In the studio two systems isn't a big issue to be fair unless your confidence starts to slip in one...they K-1 I'm still choosing when I go out if the weather isn't great.
The main issue with two systems is when you go do an on location job I'll always carry two bodies but don't really want to carry two sets of glass.
My Pentax Gear if sold should bring at least £4,000 so it would certainly get me an a7r3 as a second body and a couple of key lenses.
Still don't know though and no reason to rush.
Not to add any pressure, but it is as the Grail Knight (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade) said : "Choose wisely, for while the true Grail will bring you life, the false Grail will take it from you." :-p
Haha....I don't take gear quite that seriously.
@@JohnJBloomfield I hope so :-)
Really useful assessment. Currently doing a short photography course by evening class and online. Currently using my old K5 then picked up a K70 for £450 in the new year sales to use with my collection of 8 lovely Pentax lenses. I am thinking of going semi-pro and know I'll need to go FF at that point but realise the K1 will not hack it. Like you I will probably be fine getting two f2.8 lenses to cover 24-200mm with probably an f1.4 portrait prime. I will keep the Pentax for holidays and landscapes when I don't want to risk my work equipment. This will be for reliable AF, but also mirrorless for weight. The best info from this video is for event and portrait work I could probably get away with just one lens! (at least to start with)
I added the Tamron 70-180 f2.8 at Christmas so I'm 99.99% covered for most of what I do...a macro could probably be useful for event details if you do weddings and such but certainly not essential.
I'm thinking about giving the new Monster Adapter if it ever becomes available to buy! as the used market prices of Pentax Glass (and I have a lot) is a bit depressing for sellers at the moment.
I used to shoot Pentax. Went to Sony but the body size, reliability, and ergonomics were terrible. Ended up switching to the Lumix S series and I gotta say this is the closest I've seen a camera system get to feeling like how my K-3 was.
I've heard others say similar about the s1
Good well rounded video and many good comments. I've heard great things about the Sony AF and hope to see for myself soon. I have the K-1 and I love it. While I acknowledge that AF isn't Pentax's strong suit, I'm not ready to call AF-C on the K-1 (or the K-3 for that matter), useless. I shoot a variety of sports in my news media work, including soccer, American football, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, auto racing, even rodeo! The key is finding a method that works, and lime you, I use the back AF button, but I do use AF-C and I have done better shooting sports. But I might try the the AF-S approach a try and see what happens. But bottom line, so far so good. But is the faster Sony AF worth switching systems? For my money, no. There are far too many things the Pentax system can do very that benefit a photojournalist such as myself. And while I understand that using Pentax requires great patience and that dilemma compelled some people to switch, I will not be joining them. But as always you need to do what's best for you and the goals you have. Best wishes either way.
Yes. I've shot sports with a 50-135mm lens and worked perfectly for me! I don't understand why people say the AF is useless or nonsenses like that. I do mostly studio work but on the field, a K-3ii has worked perfect.
Today I tried an A7 III. I loved the auto focus. It's a cool little camera. I REALLY hated the EVF. I thought it was pretty terrible. I wonder if the A7R IV EVF is a lot better? If the size of the camera were bigger and the EVF were better I would be really interested. But it's hard to imagine giving up the rugged build, weather sealing, OVF etc. just for autofocus for me personally, especially with what I felt is a poor experience in the viewfinder. Are you still using the A7III or have you upgraded to another Sony body? If so, how is that going?
I have an A7RIV as well...the viewfinder is better though I have no issues with the a7iii the grip is also deeper and both cameras are weather sealed.
You might find the newer a7iv more appealing deeper grip, better viewfinder and upgraded sealing.
@@JohnJBloomfield Thanks!
Nice review. I picked up the A9 a few years ago and my K-1 sat on a shelf for about 2 years before I decided to sell it. There are several things about Sony that I don't like, but at the end of the day the AF is excellent and the deciding factor. When you don't have to focus and recompose and you don't have to take multiple shots of the same group to make sure (hope) one of them will be pin sharp, it really frees up time and you can move a lot faster. If you are on the clock shooting portraits or events, the Sony (or just about any modern mirrorless) will pay for itself over the K-1. You should give the Panasonic S1R a test run. I like the bigger body of the Panasonic and the controls are better than the Sony. AF isn't in the same league as the Sony, but still miles ahead of the K-1. I have not had any client complaints about the 24MP files from the A9. You should also give the Sony 100mm STF a shot. If you control your own light its a great portrait lens. I've been hoping Ricoh would develop some type of hybrid OVF that will allow for eye-AF and improved tracking, but that might be just a dream. With the 50MP+ A9III or A9r (whatever Sony is calling it) expected to launch in the very, very near future I think there will be some good deals on used A7rIVs and A9 bodies this year. Cheers and good luck in 2021.
Already some good deals on the a7riii around at the moment you might be right about the IV dropping at least in the used market when the a9iii drops.
I'm quite interested in the specs of the a7iv the a7iii is good enough for most things but would like a resolution closer to the k-1 too...so if the a7iv comes out at 30/36 mpx that would do me fine.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Lately I'm having the same doubts and for the same reasons: willing to buy the D FA* 85 but it's so more expensive than the 85's in other brands, and there's no cheaper alternative in Pentax that is less than 10 years old (I myself own a Sigma EX 85 right now which was made in 2010). And of course, the AF as well, I can still bear it but it's painful to have no AFC and to miss/soften a consistent number of shots even if you are aware of your system and are careful about this point, while the standards in other brands are way higher. Can't blame you for moving towards Sony, you can't play the "passion" trump card when it comes to paid shots, especially now that you know the difference.
I have a question for you though: would you suggest Sony a7III over K-1 for fashion/lifestyle, or do you consider these genres way less action-oriented so that they wouldn't actually benefit from the AF leap of Sony?
In all honesty I think anything with a Human face in it will benefit from the AF whether it's enough to justify a shift if you already had a K-1 probably hard to say but when you look at the cost of new Pentax Glass like the 85 then at the Sigma 85DN and think actually this could be close to cost neutral if I was going to buy the 85 anyway.
Good luck with Sony. I have always felt that there’s something missing with their cameras , great sensors and technology but somehow a bit soulless, if that makes any sense and I’ve never been comfortable with how often they update their cameras, the polar opposite of Pentax! Who’re too far the other way. I wonder about the longevity of Sony bodies when next versions come out so frequently.
Have you considered manual focus setting up a zone focus area using a prime lens then you can forget about focussing as long your subjects stay within the zone ? For the K-1 I mean.
Even at f8-11 you won't get sufficient dof in a studio where due to lighting arrangements your only 2-3m away from the subject
@@JohnJBloomfield Well good luck John . I’m having a crisis of confidence in my own K-1 which has failed twice with similar faults within weeks .
What's happened...and how has the repair process gone.
@@JohnJBloomfield I just picked it up one day and it wouldn’t power up the lcd would wink on when I did and the camera would power down in less than a second. It’s the ltd like yours just out of warranty This has happened twice this year . John Pye the uk repair centre took three weeks to answer my email so I went With AJ Johnstone In Glasgow who replaced DC power board quickly once they got parts from Ricoh France and all was well. Then what appeared to be the same fault recurred mid November and it has been with them since. Parts required ordered November 23rd still waiting. Thank goodness for my indestructible K-5 Not good enough if your camera is earning your living.
@@williamdocherty1437 shocking....John Pye has always struck me as an odd choice for a service centre as they appear to mainly be an auction house.
You have to go with what works for you.
I have an emotional attachment to Pentax but I use a Z7 which isnt brilliant at autofocus but works for my photography.
You need the best autofocus for your work but get what you havent got and upgrade what you have already later.
Zenit weighs more than my car ha ha brilliant!
While all said have grounds, we still need to be fair and congratulate Pentax to came so far. How old K1 really is in term of technology? 10+ years I would say, they might start developing it in Nikon D700 era. Than years after (IMX094) sensor was sold enough in Sony a7R and D800/810 and become cheap, they put it in and tweak K3's AF and release camera. In a way Sony a7iii might really be revolution and 15 years ahead K1. But than a7iii itself is revolutionary even against own predecessors sine only one mark model earlyer (a7ii) with very same lens you have I found it inferior to K3ii. In the end it is important what you need as you said. I shoot weeding and rely on AF, too. Also for family/kids it is hard to not have reliable AF. I remember my begginimg using K-r with kit lens and struggling. Best moment in 1st two shots were miss focused, next shot flash not fired due to charging, forth shot was fine, but people lost interest or just moment was lost. I also had Fuji S9500PRO bridge camera before, and was rageous with DSLR how much it misses out. But knowing now that camera had crop factor of 4.33 it is not fair to complain. F2.8 on FF is really like f12 on that bridge camera and f4 on K-r. 4x more DOF for same distance of shooting. Normally everything was in focus, like with smartphone. I reckon SAFOX 12 on FF just caught what SAFOX 11 already offered on APS-C, due to same reason. I never used K1 with any lens other than Tamron 70-200, so I can't tell or compare. I wonder what they will stuff in new K3 body. They must be aware to what they compare today regardless how old nowadays K3iii design already is. That might be reason behind delay for releasing, since they try to narrow gap other make with new models. While other brands just sell every development stage as mark models and earn in the way to fund further development, Pentax ironing out perfect camera endlessly in the backstage, loosing our interest and market potential.
Great video. I've recently started using an OM-D E-M1 Mk II with 100-400mm lens for wildlife but still keep my Pentax cameras for everything else (landscapes / astro / site work)
How are the used prices on Olympus glass since everyone started panicking about the sale? I'm not convinced it really is the end for Olympus but time will tell....but even if it is if the gear is doing what you want I'd definitely stick with it.
@@JohnJBloomfield I work in Civil Engineering \ Geotechnics so the K3 II and 18-135mm is an ideal combination for keeping records of what is going on around site. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 mk 2 was bought used and the Olympus 100-400mm lens was bought new and I find the combo very useful - unfortunately I haven't had the time to put it through it's paces properly but the AF / IBIS is really good. As for second hand prices I'm not going to worry yet. As an aside I like to buy used cameras/lenses to try out and then sell off if I don't like them - it works out cheaper than rental and sometimes makes a profit.
@@JohnJBloomfield I too have Olympus gear, and I keep a close eye on used prices here in Australia. I’ve not noticed any significant differences since the announcement or subsequent releases on the agreement. A little drop on used E-M1 prices during the last month, which I would put down to the various end of year promotions around (cash back or free Pro lens).
My EM1ii simply doesn’t capture the image quality of my K1ii, but it’s probably only noticeable to picky people. I cannot get the reach of M43 with the Pentax gear I own though. Pics from the crop sensor are better than cropped pics from my K1.
Heart rules the head. Personally I think you will feel more with the Pentax in the long run but then I am not a pro!
I'm barely using the Pentax at the moment to be honest.
i shot my kids the other day (as they're the only people I can during lockdown!) and I only used the Pentax at the end as I kind of felt I should not because I needed to or especially wanted to :-(
So just curious what did John Bloomfiend end up getting, and getting rid of? There are so many nice cameras out there now days.
A7III and A7R4
Why don't you sell some of the Pentax gear towards a second sony body (+ a lens perhaps)? and keep the K1
It's a constant debate, I'm hardly using the Pentax at the moment...I'm tempted to get the 'Monster Adapter' just for kicks to try my Pentax stuff on the Sony before letting any of it go.
When it comes to work, I think everyone would understand the need to jump ship. I've seen it over the years with people complaining about the auto focus in Pentax, and them jumping ship to Nikon or Canon. Someone in the comment thread did mention that they owned the A7 mark 2 and its af was pretty ordinary. Most of the youtube reviewers were saying that the mark 3 was where it was at finally.
Pentax is an excellent system, IQ, build quality, weather resistance, astrotracer, pixel shift and great lenses. It auto focus has been too far behind, but auto focus doesn't stop people buying Leica cameras and manual focus lenses. I remember "That Nikon Guy" Matt Granger showing us the cameras he uses, and he once shot Sony then went back to Nikon and bangs on about the auto focus in every camera that he reviews. He shows us his Nikon cameras and lenses, and then pulls out a Leica and some lenses, and I was like WHAT, you bang on about the importance of auto focus and pull out your Leica. I get Leica, I just can't afford it and I prefer having some form of auto focus anyway.
I have a car for work, and a car for the weekend. I don't shoot professionally so I'm happy with my Pentax gear and not so happy with my Fuji gear. I would like to get a 6x9 camera for that medium format look. Capturing an image that looks 3 dimensional and makes you feel like you are right there is what I'm after.
I was at the supermarket the other day, and they had a Santa setup, and photographer with strobes, and she was shooting portraits with a Canon 70D.
If you're not happy with your K-1 then you gotta do what you gotta do. If you think you'll also get more work from it then do it.
I think Matt Granger has switched again a couple of weeks ago...but I think for review centred channels ... you do know that Leica does AF - I've had a play with an SL-2 and to be honest I thought the AF-C was pretty decent it isn't Sony good but certainly drastically better than Pentax. ua-cam.com/video/cpVaernkTnA/v-deo.html
going to sell my a7r ii for pentax
Really valuable and interesting food for thoughts, and highly plausible reasoning.
Interestingly, the Pentax fanboy counter (the thumb-down button) is reasonably well behaved, that surprises me a little 😄
I hope it's a sign people realise I'm not brand bashing just talking about my perspective :-)
We're in the same situation buddy! Sony lend me a Sony a7ii for a few months to use and try. I hike a lot so for me the Sony advantage is mainly portability and autofocus. I found the IQ on the a7ii very close to the k1. The af wasn't great but I know it is great on the a7iii. My heart also says stick with Pentax so I might get both systems. But then I have to save up first. Might sell a few Pentax lenses. I also shoot fuji but won't sell any gear here 🤩
I would certainly like to give a higher resolution body a try.
@@JohnJBloomfield finally pulled the trigger and bought the A7iii with 28-75 tamron and 55 1.8 zeiss. the af is insanely much better than the K1 and the A7ii. Think I'll keep my K-1, but maybe sell a few lenses. Going to get the Tamron70-180 eventually.
@@norwegianoutdoors4437 I got the 70-180 as a Christmas present - seems like a great lens!
Yeah it's really hard to explain how mind blowingly better the AF is....you have to feel it to believe it.
I'm still debating on whether to let my K-1 and gear go or not....I do find parting with stuff difficult.
As a second body I think I would like something higher resolution than my A7iii - an A7IV if it comes out with 30-36MPX will be enough if not I think an A7R3/4 will be on the cards then maybe I'll be ready to let the Pentax go .....Maybe
@@JohnJBloomfield Wow, how do you compare it to the dfa 70-200? The 70-200 is in my opinion the best Pentax lens I have among 20 lenses. Downside is you need a tractor to transport it. For me it's also hard to part with the K-1. It's a charming company and system. I would keep it! A new high res a7rx series camera house isnt that expensive either way. It's the lenses that cost :)
I've not used it enough to make a fair judgment with the lockdown the studio is closed
Sony are only in the camera game because they bought Minolta out - they're like the Milton Keynes Dons of camera companies. That was a comedy rant, as I've only owned a camera for two years. I kept getting people telling me my flip phone camera landscape photos were really good, so I was curious how good I could get with an actual camera. Two years later, I'm still trying to work the buttons and controls out. Luckily, according to camera knowy people, I inadvertently chose well by going with Pentax, as their menus are really straightforward. I'm still in the "how easy is it to use?" phase, for sure. Oh, oh, oh - I nearly forgot - about six months ago, I was given a first generation Sony RX100, by a pal who'd updated. All I'd heard about it was how good it is, but I found it to be a real bucking bronco, control-wise, compared to my Pentax Q. Not impressed at all. Cheers.
Go mirrorless no prob but why SONY?
AF and lens range...been about a year now. Zero regrets
I am interested in John's view on the question of battery life. I recall an oft-cited critique of the original A7 was that it was a battery eater, whereas the K-1's OVF is less intensive on it's battery (which is also larger than the A7's). What has been your experience? On the question of autofocus it strikes me that as sensor resolution has escalated achieving critical focus has become so much more important, a 36 MP sensor is very unforgiving because you can see the focus has been missed in a way you couldn't have on a 35mm film or a 10MP sensor. Are you using OVF or LV with face detect and focus peaking on the K-1ii in the studio?
In studio always OVF the k-1 LV is too awkward to switch between LV and OVF as settings don't transfer between the two they're totally independent...it's easier to switch between the two on the Sony as the settings don't change.
I also find the LV face detect on Pentax unreliable, most people's eyes are not equal size and it always goes for the bigger one not the one closest to camera.
I totally agree with you on the critical focus and sensor resolution...also when I shot film I would never have considered shooting a portrait wide open on a fast prime...in the digital age we expect to achieve this.
On the Battery it's hard for me to say because I usually only shoot a couple of hours at a time. The Sony shows a % of battery and it's usually around 80% after a 2 hour shoot. The Pentax lasts longer no doubt but the Sony certainly isn't an issue for me.
One thing I about the Sony I thought odd coming from Pentax was that the Sony doesn't come with a battery charger (you can buy them) instead it charges by usb c in camera...which is obviously to save money e it annoyed me but it's actually proven to be seriously convenient, like most people I have a phone charger on my desk so I just plug it in when I get home no chance of picking up a battery free camera by mistake.
I owned a K10D from 2007 till 2014. I got tired of waiting for Pentax to sort out who they were going to be owned by and whether or not they wanted to build a full frame camera. I bought a Sony A7 and never looked back. Not sorry at all. Will not be switching back.
Buy a Zenit with Zenitar 50/1.7 Lens to remember tour Dad, keep your Pentax k1 to preserve tour marriage, ditch Sony, and everything willl be just fine.... K3III
I still have the Zenit
Seems many have this problem loving Pentax for some undescribeable reason 🤔
@@tjompen1968 All said hold truth. But John specifically need one feature on camera that Pentax is sadly mot the greatest at. Autofocus. My view is Pentax lost so many opportunities to market this values. Nowadays all mentioned are already achieved on other brands. Everything what they seemed important. How many times did you used pixelshift (Sony introduced it as Mayflies - came and passed by). It seems even Pentax kicked out astrotracer now. SR is not 5-axis as standard. WR is standard as well. Many users - me included - complained about "bright" viewfinder to not be good representation of focus. Some changed/hacked focus glass for Canon one, that offered much better representation of DOF and where focus is. I can affirm I mighht twist f1.4 lens like mad and hardly spot any difference. Have magnifying eyepiece to barely help. I put some expectation on new K3iii VF though. Well unfortunately there is little for Pentax to be different or better or only nowadays. Sure K3iii will be even better. But how much better ...
@@cdmikelis I have bought a Focussingscreen.com focus screen (its a hacked Canon one) for my K3. It works really well with fast glass, but as was the case with old film SLRs once you get to f4 it is too dim. I keep my K3 for fast MF lenses and my KP for slower lenses.
I always felt that Sony's color science is the worst of the bunch. It seems that Sony are much more concerned with the tech aspect, and chasing numbers. Indeed, that does make for extremely powerful and capable cameras, but I've always felt that their images just look too clinical and sterile, no matter how processed. If I were going to go ML and leave Pentax, I'd go for an R5, hands down - and I say that as someone who never did like a Canon. Of course, I'm not switching. XD
With an X-Rite colour passport you get a really balanced starting point - I recently drop some portraits of the same person same lighting taken on the K-1 and A7III into a Facebook group for ex-pentax shooters and only one person from quite a large number was able to spot the Pentax image....and everyone's favourite was a Sony image....but not because it came of a Sony it just had the best fall of light and composition.
There is a middle way. Keep the K1 and 2 or 3 beloved lenses. Sell the rest to do the switch. You love the K1. Your wife bought it you for Xmas one year, she may be offended if you sell it on - even if she says otherwise - not worth the risk! Even if you were single, if you love something and sell it on you may end up regretting it and end up buying it again, not a very economic course of action.
I would not hold out much hope for the K3iii. It looks as if it is going to be overpriced and will probably be a disappointment spec. wise. I am also a Pentax lover, shoot mostly still life, close up and landscape so AF not an issue, and I am rather gloomy about the brand's future as this latest model seems to be too little too late and a catch up attempt with the D500. IMO they should have spent their resources on a more imaginative product, say a Df type camera of a FF version of the KP. They are not going to make any money by trying to lure professionals away from their current systems. As a brand Pentax have become a niche within a niche without even trying. Why not do something different if they wish to survive?
I honestly think they're just holding on to be the last DSLR maker in the belief that there will always be a segment of photographers that don't like OVF etc.
I think this is a generally good strategy BUT only if they also keep pushing the tech envelope of what DSLR can do AND I don't think they actually intend to do that so ultimately I fear it will end in failure for them...the K3III has to be better than a Nikon D500 to give their strategy any credibility and based on what i have seen so far it won't be and the D500 is hardly 'new tech'
@@JohnJBloomfield Yes. Like you I think the strategy is right, but the K3iii looks like being the wrong product to fulfill Pentax ambitions IMO.
I also shoot Fuji x cameras, and whilst I appreciate the better AF and the lighter weight, I can tell you I find looking through a proper optical finder far nicer! Not only that I do a lot of manual flash work and using a mirrorless design makes this a real PIA as the EVF or rear screen is invariably too dark to use - one has to open the aperture wide open to focus and compose - then close down again. Even then it can be difficult to focus in low light.
Sony's open up to full brightness as soon as you attach a flash which is useful in studio
Thanks for the video John. I also do mostly portrait photography in my studio with a K-1. For the most part I shoot adults, with the occasional family. I would love to have the eye focusing ability of something like the Sony A7Riii as well. Plus it sounds great for the occasional video. I am guessing that will also be the direction I take since it seems that Pentax is not likely to ever catch up with the likes of Sony, especially since Ricoh says they are never going mirrorless.
I've made the switch in full now....listing my Pentax gear for sale tomorrow!
A few comments, if I may:
- build quality: Sony's issue on the actual model you were handling seems less important than Pentax' issues on other (older, cheaper) models. I don't think that makes sense.
- you speak about size, but have a grip on the K-1
- throwing "fanboys" around isn't nice; aren't they just people who disagreed with you?
If Sony works best for you, that's great; however, such videos... I don't see their purpose, other than to "inspire" people of jumping ship, too.
- As I said I can't qualify the build quality as it's hard to know how prevalent it is but what I was trying to point out is that the Pentax issue has been prevalent on multiple models and they seem to have done little about it and frankly show no interest at all once the warranty has expired....Sony on the other hand have the issue on one model seem to repair it outside of warranty without any issues and it hasn't occurred on others. Yet Sony tend to be the one to be criticised for build quality, and Pentax praised.
- Fair point, there isn't actually much difference in weight - I'm likely influenced by the fact the Tamron is a light lens too.
- Fanboy's simply means people someone who can see and say no negative under any circumstances - I think most people understand that.
- The purpose is to share my experience....I don't see why if you don't see the purpose you would watch :-D
have a great day.
@@JohnJBloomfield Build quality is loosely related, but not the same as reliability - and clearly not the same as out of warranty repairs. This being said, IMO Ricoh Imaging should work hard to build a reputation of supporting their customers.
Sony... had their blunders, strictly about build quality - like the mount issues on the older A7 models, light leaks, partial weather sealing. I see this not as much as a negative, but as a consequence for the ultra-compact design. IMHO there's no unfairness to give the win to Pentax!
I still have to find someone who doesn't see any negative under any circumstance about Pentax products! People who cannot see any positive, I've seen a few.
@@JohnJBloomfield As for your opinion, I'm often interested in what experienced photographers have to say...
I won't criticize you for going Sony; that's on Pentax, they're too slow. And while I can wait for the new AF, many can't.
I hope when the K-3 Mark III will be available, people like you would give it fair reviews!
@@alexsarbu3978 K-1's hotshoe is the cameras Achilles heel in terms of build quality. I have seen countless images showing the hotshoe completely coming away from the cameras shell as a result of a minor trauma when the flash was mounted. Typically we'd want the flash to be the weakest part and suffer the damage, not a $3k camera, and when its broken as bad as that it is practically a right off. Never seen a hotshoe peel off with part of the camera body shell on any other brand before (but plenty broken flashes and triggers at the base).
As for John's video and intent, I find it useful and interesting (mainly because I am in a similar boat to John) and its nice to actually hear from someone who made that leap whether the AF etc was worth it or all smoke and mirrors. Also if Pentax do watch and listen it can give them valuable feedback from loyal customers and why their user base is shrinking.
We do need more 'why i switched to Pentax' stories tho because they do exist, but you'll likely find those people are landscapers where Pentax punches the hardest.
@@eddysummersphotography6299 Plastic top to allow for a GPS antenna. Won't be an issue with the K-3 Mark III; and sorry, but the shoddy lens mount on the Sony is IMO much worse. Oh, I've seen it happening on other brands as well.
Yeah, that's the thing: people switching to Pentax are doing it quietly... people are getting the impression that everyone is leaving the brand, which is untrue. It seems - for example - that the KP brought quite a few new customers (per the General Sales Manager for Ricoh Imaging Europe), but we're not hearing about that!
I had a K-1 and have been enjoying event photography and missing proper focus too often. So decided I needed better focus in low light so got a secondhand A9 and the tracking AF compared to the K-1 is night and day. The A9 images of burlesque shows are great and the raw shot are nearly pointless in most cases but for landscapes the K-1 images please me far more.
Yeah I am of the same mindset I think.
I like your accent.
But in general, I find English accents tiring to listen to.
Are you from Ireland?
If so, that would explain the difference to my ears.
No I'm English from the North East of England
The bottom line is Sony has to make a move (ie a change) or Fujifilm will begin to dominate them as their cameras are moving into video production at a much faster pace than Panasonics' Lumix cameras are. Yes, not all studio fotogs are heavily into video - yet, but social norms are changing fast and movement beyond stills is coming. Everything considered, in this market environment of merge or die, I'd like to see Sony just buy Pentax from Ricoh, drop the Sony name and merge what they are doing with Pentax's story line - just move it ahead at a faster pace than Pentax has ever moved before. That would blow the doors off of Canon and Nikon but, more importantly, it would salvage a future of there only being Fujifilm and Panasonic drip-feeding video tech to studio fotogs and end the death by a gazillion incremental Canon/Nikon labyrinth of naming contortions one has to go through when moving from stills to video in a traditional sense. Heck, Ricoh is already buying Sony components, I've seen moments where Pentax sensors were sourced through them - so why are they dragging their feet? Do they think the Playstation's success will lead to brand loyalty which will spill over to their camera branding? If so, they're in for a massive shock - most of the world is not like Brazil where familial naming cross pollinates branding.
A year on from your comment (sorry I missed it) and it's interesting to see as a Studio Tog I am shooting a lot of video for clients now...the main reason is simply I now have gear with Sony that makes it feasible. And you were certainly right about video starting to push stills out in the commercial space. Clients of mine are getting so much traction on instagram etc with the reels I make for them over the stills it is quite staggering.
It'll be interesting to see how Fuji develops now that sigma are producing for their lens and some fuji shooters I know are telling me that those lenses are better for video than Fuji's own.
I bought my oldest daughter a Sony, it's an inferior product, my K3ii is older and has never let me down, my daughters Sony has had to be repaired twice now.
Which Sony..."a Sony" doesn't really tell much.
@@JohnJBloomfield Alfa 7, very shoddy build quality
1st generation I think they've come a long way since then.
@@JohnJBloomfield a7iii has internal reliability problems where some crucial sensor and IBIS parts are made of plastic and are prone to breaking. They just made the exterior nicer.
Sony is garbage. Panasonic and Fujifilm are legit though. If you use a Panasonic s1r for 15 minutes you will run to sell everything else, and they're much cheaper used, I got mine for $1,850
I tried one - I felt the AF just wasn't anywhere near Sony's and that was my primary reason for moving...zero regrets.