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With the emergence of Digital Imaging, development of the now eclipsed film based SLR cameras has paused. The quality and convenient work flow of excellent digital equipment was made affordable for advanced users by the middle of the first decade of our Twenty-first Century. Offering excellent equipment of style and substance over the last half century, Pentax developed a huge pool of faithful SLR camera followers. From its series of time-honored classic Manual Focus bodies, such as the K, KM, and KA mount models, with almost three decades of cult-like devotion to its first true professional system camera--the great PENTAX LX professional SLR camera onward to achieving loyalties stimulated from user-sensitive auto focus camera designs: Pentax has earned a renowned place for Pentax system advocates' great expectations.
The Japanese camera industry recognized that Pentax had emerged as a true professional systems camera maker with the LX: as established from its overbuilt robust mechanisms; broadest of accurate range integral light meters (reading right up to the point of shutter closing through extremely long exposure readings); TTL flash measured off the film plane; full motor drive capacities; many viewfinder options; available extended system components; placed as extended in hand excellent hand-to-eye coordination ergonomics; orchestrated best possible shutter construction composition and lifespan; and well-developed lens system options. Great expectations then became a Pentax legacy, as with the other Japanese 35 mm system leaders well employed systems cameras.
After the LX stopped production, in the last years of the last century, and through special releases leading into 2000, the first question which arose in Pentax users' minds (as digital photography eclipsed film photography) was how would Pentax digital camera SLR offerings measure up to the LX?
Though consumer DSLR designs came forth from Pentax since 2003, only since the 2007 award-winning K10D, presented in 2006, has this question begun to be adequately answered. Thereby trusting Pentax total system reliability once more, advanced users returned to Pentax. With the 2008 release of the K20D instant classic, a unique imaging origination sensor developed of an engineering partnership with the Korean Samsung electronics conglomerate addressed the haunting optics image rendering CA error factors of past CCD sensor based DSLR images. The lens tests posted from past CCD sensor based Pentax DSLRs are corrected in large measure by the new CMOS K20D SLR imaging sensor. This Image Quality development accompanied ongoing planned Pentax DA professional series dust resistant optics true-to-format lens releases for advanced user requirements. Pentax has shown a commitment to the careful consideration of advanced user best interests by proving its long term DSLR systems goals since 2006.
The body design in particular, of the K10D and K20D, is to be coveted for its staunch photography-enabling presence in all environments. Pentax DSLR Body weather and dust seals are improved even over the LX classic film camera, as upgraded along with the K20Ds long life shutter, large 2.7 inch viewscreen, programmable user friendly technical options, on-camera dual RAW selections, in-camera RAW to JPEG or TIFF transfers, a wide range of JPEG quality options, hand reachable quick shooting mode change features, full information Pentaprism viewfinder, live-view and video out features, metal alloy body and stainless steel core, rugged camera finish, available flash systems, optional battery pack with second shutter release feature, unique editorial use JPEG 1.6MB render 21 fps high burst rate, and color constancy, noise reduction, and sharpness adjustment in camera processing. Horizontal and Vertical in-camera shake reduction is improved over the K10D (allowing the hand held use of many long lenses without special in lens focus motors or image stabilization), as are the dual dust removal and on sensor flagging for sensor cleaning alert systems. At 14.1 MP this camera IQ (Image Quality) outshines the competition in this pricerange, easily approaching the 3 to 6 times higher priced other manufacturer professional grade systems (in early 2008). These developments, from Pentax, represent DSLR systems classic camera foundations. There are other models too for price and hand size consideration. Kudos to Pentax. If your desire is to dispose of your Pentax cameras or their accompanying accessories and/or you are looking for a used model (or even for any of Pentax DSLR system components), please use a separate section of our PIM MIR-provided photographic sites, as is offered for a higher traffic volume for this purpose; please use the Free Trade Zone for such purposes, instead of this user forum. The Photography In Malaysia (PIM) on-line photography service organization has no Guestbook of its own, because its own foundation is an integral part of all MIR sites. But, if you want to leave a note on your experience visiting this site, you may use the MIR's (Malasyan Intenet Resources) Guestbook found at another server window: by clicking on this Guestbook Link.
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Website is also continued for its excellent MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVES KEY WORD SEARCH FEATURE of all past advanced user inquiries and answers to the complex questions arising on using the Pentax K-mount based LX camera system and many other components (as technique, lenses, flash, camera support, cases, etc.). This site introductory page on "Establishing the Classic Pentax DSLR" and that one are interactively linked due to the inquiries any advanced Pentax SLR system user may have about what is available from the past and present Pentax SLR systems--and still of present use.
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1. From : Lauri Conlon (lauri188@aol.com)
Url : http://
Date : 07:06 AM Thursday 14 May, 2009
I have a Pentex Optio E50.
I have installed the software but I cannot get any pictures to display on my computer.
A friend was able to load the pictures by taking the memory card and putting it in a card reader, but she couldn't load the pictures direct from the camera.
Any suggestions?2. From : Jay (jibcom@onebox.com)
Url : http://
Date : 10:35 AM Monday 27 October, 2008
Sony now has a 24+MP full frame DSLR, with image quality rated below the K20D. How so? The image processing lacks illuminace and chrominance quality, with overcorrected noise at some ISO ratings, and too much noise at others. It is another CMOS wonder as to adding the resolution capacity, but, without the in camera image processing to grant maximal image quality, who cares if it has a 5fps at resolution?
What is found then in newer innovations is not quite an advance in all types of processing technology keeping up with the forefront advance of MP count, while permitting using old Konica Minolta optics for the body. This leaves Pentax and Olympus, as two of the major five namebrands, to not have a full frame DSLR. Nor does Pentax or Olympus have a full frame current autofocus complete lens line. In the present economic development climate, it is doubtful that Pentax will shift to full frame, but, continue to upgrade the APS-C body types with newer innovations and capacities.
If I had no investment in a camera line, in this case Pentax, with plenty of accessories which carry over to their DSLRs, at this juncture I clearly would not shift to another brand for full 35mm sensor capacity. Euro for Euro and image for image the APS-C bodies with 14+ MP are the current way to go for image quality, and this would leave only two choices at this time, Canon and Pentax. Build quality per price point being a factor, this would leave Pentax. I can say that I could fully support it as a system, even without a substantial investment made in past optics.
A third party manufacturer, Tamron, has recently added a 10-24mm f 3.5-4.5, which may eclipse range availability for the DA series 12-24mm. Lens tests and sales price will help decide the verdict on this possibility. This may pressure Hoya to release the 10-16mm f2.8 Tokina ATX as a Pentax branded DA optic in order to differentiate from Tamron option. If the Tamron holds up to the DA 12-24mm, only the faster ATX would offer more to KD advanced users (with its excellent reviews, fast, and constant aperture). --J.3. From : Jay (jaych.1@juno.com)
Url : http://
Date : 03:13 PM Thursday 02 October, 2008
Pentax has done it again, by shrinking the quality DSLR, as in the past with film SLRS: now with the K-m (K2000 in the USA; recall the Pentax M series 35mm SLRs, with M series small optics of the 1970s?). This is an advanced 10MP CCD sensor camera which essentially miniaturizes the same stuff found in the K10D and K200D camera bodies, with fewer moisture seals, and includes the prior camera line move away from a 22bit internal image processing unit(of the K10D) to the emerging industry standard 14bit in camera image processor (also in the K20D, which improved rendering snap and contrast while still employing the PRIME Pentax labeling of its own internal to camera image processing unit). It remains interesting that the top of the line full 35mm frame Canon DSLR, though current MP King at 22MP, has a lesser FPS rate than the K20D. It seems that high FPS rates with a given resolution are achieved, at least in JPEG, by limiting file sizes--even of the superfine resolution outputs.
As Canon is now in its 4th generation processor, since introducing the good Canon D-50, 15 MP sharp light-gathering APS-C CMOS sensor camera--with full resolution 6FPS high burst rate image processing (achieved in JPEG by limiting the file size throughput) and with live view HD DSLR video output (and an HDMI video connector)--I predict that the top of the line emerging Pentax DSLRs will jump ahead with similar features with a new advanced user DSLR in 2009. The Pentax/Samsung 15 MP sensor (14.6 in use) was an advance that Canon could not let rest, for sure. Pentax and Samsung did lead the way on that APS-C sensor development: which seems better than the Canon 50D's in comparing some scenic shots outcomes.
This next gen advanced user Pentax DSLR will include a new imaging processor (Prime II?) to solve the occasional white pixel presenting in a pure black in-scene transition border problem of the K20D, and address the lower burst rate fps of the K10 and K20. Will it shrink the top of the line DSLR sizing as well? As compared to Nikon, Canon, Olympus, and now Sony DSLR imaging, the K20 D is still "highly recommended" as being an image quality advanced user camera built like a tank (by the Image Quality preferences testing processes of Digital Photography Review). Just touch up big prints output with a sharpee black marker on those tiny rendering in black transition area sensor and processed image occasional white pixel appearing anomalies of the K20D, and the problem is solved by old technology. The one I shoot has never had this problem.
Since marrying Hoya, a few new DA lenses have also been released, some of which bring the number of DA star lenses--with optimal imaging quality glass and internal focus motors--now up to seven. These, of course, are in addition to a dozen or so other DAs presently out there, some with internal motors.
The K-m will find its way to the marketplace with two new DA-L (light weight but image quality) zooms to form a perfect traveler's kit. There is mention of these having quiet internal focusing motors too. So, the Pentax advanced imaging landscape on the horizon, as is predicable from this DSLR release, will take on the big two manufactuers; this will occur with its and Hoya's very detailed quality control and solid build technologies. We vote for the world economies captialist investment markets stablizing for this to happen with success. Stainless steel is still in the inner structure of the new K body, though it is positioned for its light weight, travel adaptation, and the like. Consider how to carve a nitch in the ever-innovating camera marketplace--when all companies are now offering unique features--to get new buyers on board (without looking back to whatever caught their loyalties in the past, where SLR users become very loyal indeed). Weight and size, while maintaining build quality rated to date above Nikon and Canon, euro for euro, are now Pentax approaches to the challenge. Another thing, unlike some manufacturers, people representing Pentax distribution care, and go the extra mile to interact effectively with Pentax DSLR advanced system users (seen as family)--Jay4. From : Jay (ibcom@onebox.com)
Url : http://
Date : 10:38 AM Sunday 25 May, 2008
A question on long response time in low light for the shutter activation on a K10D is hereby brought over from the LX site. Here is the answer....
Low light sensitivity is not the claim to fame of the K10D; it is indeed slow to respond based on its processing of exposure data in such very low light situations. This is true of most DSLR CCD type sensors, and is a place where CMOS sensors, as on the K20D generally score better. Most DSLR low light and normal light TTL metering happens prior to exposure. A shutter opening response too, of course, depends on reading light at the selected ISO, and available light in a scene, where scaling the ISO up to 400 or beyond brings a much faster shutter response time (after DSLR Preexposure TTL metering). Also, having a lens set to its widest aperture value helps shorten the PTTL time involved prior to the camera opening the shutter--where f2.8, for example, is larger and lets much more light onto the sensor at a given shutter speed than what seems to be larger value, of say, f16. This is because the 2.8 is actually 1/2.8th the (aperture) diaphragm opening width value of the lens total focal length. The f16 is actually 1/16th the like value of the focal length. Clearly 1/2.8 lets more light through "faster" than a 1/16 f stop opening. f stops represent fractions of the total focal length of a lens as set for a given picture (set perpendicularly to the given focal length, in other words set sideways to the total focal length as to achieving a related theoretical diaphragm opening).
When all the above is resolved for a shot for the lowest light needs, then read your DSLR manual on low light exposures. Unlike the digital SLR, the Pentax LX film camera reads exposure during, not before, the taking of the picture; so it immediately starts the clicking or shutter opening process right away, as with a few film cameras which read light values coming to the film plane during actual shutter opening during low light exposures. This is certainly one area where such film cameras, at a given low ISO, can outperform a digital camera in response time in long low light exposures.
If you read the reviews, very few DSLRs are low light kings, without upping the ISO value for such subjects, or without offering true during actual in camera exposure light reading. Even then, a problem of DSLRs is that digital noise in renders increases as ISO values increase.
The K20D is very good on handling noise from ISO 100-400, not great at ISO 800, being better at ISO 1600 and 3200. Why is 800 more noisy than 1600? Each sensor and in camera processor of each and every DSLR will have its strengths and weaknesses at certain ISO ratings as preprogrammed for in camera compensation when dealing with available light photography. Actually the K20D does slightly better with full range exposure and color renders at ISO 200 than 100, because the CMOS sensor is base rated for best and proper exposure at ISO 200 from the getgo. This is similar to a film ISO rating as being a base exposure value for optimal results with a given film emulsion. The film always wants to have its ISO light value coming through to its emulsion to achieve an optimal exposure, hence, one varies the shutter opening time and/or the f stop to always achieve such an exposure in reference to its given ISO (as so metered) light value.
All sensors have such a base rating, where going up or down from it changes optimal results. Bigger sensors compensate better for in-camera electronics changing their base ISO optimal exposure rating to achieve higher ISOs than smaller sensors. This is why a 10MP DSLR will get better results than a 10MP point and shoot. There is more light gathering ability with the larger of the two sensors involved.
The K20D does better than most bodies now and prior in the marketplace on the exposure, luminence, and chromanence balancing acts in changing base ISO up or down for lighting scene capture requirements as light changes. Also, because the K20D scaled down its basic in camera renders encoding data bit processing to 14 or 12,per channel, depending on imaging encoding type (from the K10D's 22 bit unusual standard) exposure snap and saturation has improved a great deal over the K10D. The K10d'S 22bit processing was scaled down for the emerging industry image processing software standards. The 22 bit render spread was not snappy and proved dull. The emerging Adobe RAW standard becoming industry-wide has had something to do with such in camera image processing data path control processor design establishments. So, if I were buying a 10MP camera today, it would be a K200D for this and other reasons.
What I want to know is why the K20D can achieve an almost film motion shutter rate of 21fps for 1.6MP low res JPEG encoding rendering, but has not yet offered say a 5 or 6 fps render for 3 or 6 MP encoding renders? I am hoping that a firmware update addresses this possiblity, along with offering other features through camera user programming opportunities for the K20D live view feature(after such a firmware update then granting a histogram and other information on the screen presently lacking with liveview). Early reviews of the K20D stated that there were mechanical restrictions which limited the 14.6MP high quality output to 3fps on the K20D; Even so, do the math, why not a 5 to 6 fps possibility with medium JPEG quality? It is early in the release and impact of the K20D, already acclaimed for IQ (image quality). It is not too late to change the firmware to accomlish what is suggested above. Such upgrades, without buying yet another future KDSLR with such features would really support the advanced users of Pentax DSLRs with a head's up acknowledgement from Pentax.--Jay - Jay
5. From : Jay (ibcom@onebox.com)
Url : http://
Date : 05:17 AM Monday 14 April, 2008
The updated (through 2008) Pentax Digital Imaging lens roadmap can be located at http://www.pentax.jp/english/imaging/digital/lens/roadmap.pdf.
35mm lens equivalencies now are posted from 15 to 450mm. The 600mm f4 FA is still posted on the Pentax Japan website as an order-available optic, with the equivalency of a 900mm optic. Noteable is that the Hoya Corp Tokina Division lens, 11-16mm f2.8 lens now released as an ATX Pro series optic for Canon and Nikon, is not yet in the Pentax available arsenal. It is widely known that most Tokina ATX optics developed since 2005 were codeveloped with what was then the Pentax Corp. With the merger, are other ATX focal lengths to come over to the Pentax barrels and mount under the Pentax brandname?
It is just a matter of time, in 2009, that Pentax will move forward to broader planning of optics and systems related professional gear. They have been careful to not advertise any camera as more than an Advanced User unit to this point in Pentax history. Hoya Corp was roughly five times larger than Pentax, now enveloping Pentax. What new gains are on the horizon for the DSLRs as a result of the merger?
6. From : Jay (ibcom@onebox.com)
Url : http://GISScience.com
Date : 01:31 AM Sunday 13 April, 2008
The fix is in! The K20D and K200D are outstanding cameras--as across the web rated so now by hundreds of new Pentax System Advanced Users. The K20D jumps ahead of the competition in early Spring 2008 with the 14.6 CMOS sensor, and improvements over the K10D in the areas of dust removal, image processing, robust build, and image stabilizing features. The dust and moisture sealed Advanced Users new lens offerings for the APS-C sensor of this camera are proving strong contenders for professional quality digital imaging. Look for more single focal length offerings on the horizon. Look for a fully featured Professional DSLR, now under development, by 2009. But, there is no need to wait, get the K20D and enjoy the Advanced Users best interests advantages at a remarkable price. --Jay7. From : Jay (ibcom@juno.com)
Url : http://
Date : 03:14 AM Saturday 15 March, 2008
MIR TEAM please change the introductory specifications on the sensor pixel count from 14.1 to 14.6 MP, for the K20D. Jay hart should be changed to Jay Hart.
Other site posted copy will be forwarded to address what is below the postings, as is needing some sentence grammar correction.
Good interactive Pentax systems linkage is found here: thanks to the MIR team!
Are the LX maintainers the maintainers here, as posted? Mico and Globetrotter use Canon and Nikon systems, so need removal from this site as named maintainers. If we could get a present e-mail address update on Phil, he may be included. He seems to have dropped off the map.8. From : Jay (ibcom@onebox.com)
Url : http://
Date : 01:48 PM Friday 29 February, 2008
The K20D is now on sale in the US, Britain, and most of western Europe. In the USA it can be purchased--body only--from $1100.00 to $1299.00. Early user reviews are outstanding. Finally a Pentax matirx designed sensor (with Samsung), which brings Pentax optics resolution, light gathering, and color-gathering capacity to its digital systems fullest. Stay tuned for working through all the details of user struggle and triumph with this new Advanced Users/Professional grade body. Like the LX, its construction is second to none, is innovative in many attributes, and at a price-point ideal for the advanced user to usher in the Hoya/Pentax year.--Jay9. From : TEST (3rd@test.com)
Url : http://www.TEST.com
Date : 04:19 PM Thursday 28 February, 2008
TESTING 3rd time 28th February 200810. From : Test TWO (stage@one.com)PAGE | 1 2
Url : http://www.MIRnet.com.my/contact
Date : 12:42 AM Tuesday 29 January, 2008
Testing STAGE TWO by leo.
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