Pentax K-01 images -- what do you think?

<p>As you may have read dozen of other places? I welcome the new camera but there are certain missing details that still baffle me especially the absence of view-finder, the detail info and picture about the LCD and the kind of AF mechanics, and any magics besides the new look ....</p>

<p>Source from mirror-less rumors, picture link to source<br /> <a href="http://www.mirrorlessrumors.com/hot-first-real-pictures-of-the-pentac-k-01-mirrorless-camera/"><img src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj524/picrumors/K01_ST120.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="438" /></a></p>

<p>Sourced from clubsnap, picture links to sources<br /> <a href="http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/pentax/1039690-pentax-k-01-smc-pentax-da-40mmf2-8-xs-official-embargo-date-2-2-2012-a-3.html"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6t-pEPtSx8c/TylI7oLruaI/AAAAAAAAAhg/-vnL3TP8oB8/w500-h318-k/K01%2526DAlens_b1.jpg" alt="" width="499" height="318" /></a></p>

<p>The new 40 XS mounted probably on a K-5 special -- the lens looks great in the old bodies. I am guessing that the new lens (extra small) will work on the old bodies and it is KAF mount. I <strong>can't be sure until actual release.</strong><br /> <a href="http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/pentax/1039690-pentax-k-01-smc-pentax-da-40mmf2-8-xs-official-embargo-date-2-2-2012-a-3.html"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Fkrxy2FAku4/TylI7rKtXYI/AAAAAAAAAhk/KEJd0EPjCrg/w812-h609-k/K-5_SE_40xs_silver3_front-top.jpg" alt="" width="720" /></a></p>

<p>The mother of all thin pancake, picture links to source in PF News forums<br /> <a href="http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/173677-pics-k-01-a.html"><img src="http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/attachments/pentax-news-rumors/116237d1328110918-pics-k-01-k013.jpg" alt="" width="486" height="479" /></a></p>

<p>Pictures link to source in clupsnap<br /> <a href="http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/pentax/1039690-pentax-k-01-smc-pentax-da-40mmf2-8-xs-official-embargo-date-2-2-2012-a-3.html"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7VHwEm5TDpo/TylT4ZajXHI/AAAAAAAAAlc/x4VdWOf4TCA/s0-d/K01_B%2526B_b_1.jpg" alt="" width="650" /></a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/pentax/1039690-pentax-k-01-smc-pentax-da-40mmf2-8-xs-official-embargo-date-2-2-2012-a-3.html"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hv1MPO1iuHs/TylYae6-O7I/AAAAAAAAAmc/65JjpGvhrFI/s0-d/K01_B%2526B_1.jpg" alt="" width="650" /></a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/pentax/1039690-pentax-k-01-smc-pentax-da-40mmf2-8-xs-official-embargo-date-2-2-2012-a-3.html"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oLAvcRXd5YY/TylWQVFpeTI/AAAAAAAAAl8/CxbVio4dJYY/s0-d/K01_B%2526B_e_1.jpg" alt="" width="650" /></a></p>

<p>The control wheel is very different now, picture links to source in mirror-less rumor<br /> <a href="http://www.mirrorlessrumors.com/hot-first-real-pictures-of-the-pentac-k-01-mirrorless-camera/"><img src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj524/picrumors/122841_1328111514.jpg" alt="" width="650" /></a></p>

<p>And though we lack the complete back picture, it comes as a surprise to me that the LCD is not a tilt-able one. </p>

<p>I quoted Andrew's inputs and comments in an earlier thread. Andrew has great wits in his quick observations and hence the quote here.</p>

 

<blockquote>

<p>New rumors: More <a rel="nofollow" href="http://photorumors.com/2012/02/01/19814/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PhotoRumors+%28PhotoRumors.com%29" target="_blank">credible leaks regarding K-01</a> including what appears to be real photos of the product (looks like that lame name might stick after all).<br />I am very encouraged, I think it's pretty good looking, reminds me a bit of M-series with the angled prism sides and return to the older-style typeface. (YES!) Digging the strap, too.<br /><br />To me the DA40/2.8 XS appears to be an even smaller lens, probably optically the same, I'm guessing is intended to reduce cost vs. the Limited lens, has no focusing scale, either. They show an image of it mounted on the K-5 as well, so maybe there is no compatibility issue?<br /><br />A bunch more pics <a rel="nofollow" href="http://forum.xitek.com/thread-964554-1-1-2.html" target="_blank">here</a> & <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/pentax/1039690-pentax-k-01-smc-pentax-da-40mmf2-8-xs-official-embargo-date-2-2-2012-a-3.html" target="_blank">here</a> that reveal a lot more, including:</p>

<ul>

<li>HDR on mode dial</li>

<li>Single top-mounted, rear-facing e-dial</li>

<li>Flash-disabled mode on mode dial?</li>

<li>green and red buttons on top panel. How configurable remains to be seen but I'd imagine green button is typical Pentax 'reset/auto' button, and red is probably one-touch video record.</li>

<li>Possible ergonomic fail, looks like it might be hard to press & hold Ev comp (aperture in manual mode) while spinning e-dial, may have to be click-then-spin. Hard to say until holding it though--maybe you can click that button with index finger while spinning with thumb.</li>

<li>Design looks very grippy.</li>

<li>Has "SR" badge, so probably maintains sensor-shake SR.</li>

<li>I don't think there's any provision for an EVF (hard to know for sure yet) or variable-angle rear LCD</li>

</ul>

<p>I like that Pentax has a photo with it including the whole system -- which would easily be the most comprehensive native lens lineup for mirrorless bodies at this time.</p>

 

</blockquote>

<p>I really like the yellow model. It reminds me of the Hasselblad yellow. But I wish the rest of the camera was all black, with the yellow leathers. I'm not fond of the three-tone look.</p>

<p>The whole camera is a good concept, especially when Pentax already has some of the smallest high-quality lenses available on any format. I will be tempted to add one of these cameras to go with my Pentax K5. The K-01 might actually be the best choice for using my manual-focus glass. Hopefully the viewfinder and manual-focus assist are well done on the K-01.</p>

<p>@David, with the information flowing around, there is no view-finder except the fixed 3" LCD on the back that share the same resolution like the K-5. The battery is shared with K5/K7. I hope to hear more information about the Auto Focusing in K-01. And I don't see any confirmed information if it is WR in the body. SR is obviously there in the leaked pictures.</p>

<p>On the other hand, the more it looks like a toy, the easier it is to get into rock concerts. "Professional" equipment it typically prohibited, although P&S cameras typically are not.<br>

<br />The sole defining factor, of course, is whether the security guy at the door thinks it <em>looks</em> "professional" or not...<br /><br />(Last I tried, taking the battery grip off a K10, and mounting a 50mm A lens on it still looked too "professional" - I don't own any pancakes yet...) </p>

<p>Oooh, and no protrusion out the front to interfere with the observatory's focal reducer, or Justin's shift lens!</p>

<p>@Matthew, if you get the yellow one, the security guy has a good chance to let you go through.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>@Matthew, if you get the yellow one, the security guy has a good chance to let you go through.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>*Like*<br>

A yellow K-01 w/ the DA 70mm F2.4 Limited just might fit the bill!</p>

<p>picture links to sources</p>

<p><img src="http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/attachments/pentax-news-rumors/116261d1328130659-pics-k-01-18889_1328112394.jpeg" alt="" width="400" /><a href="http://www.mirrorlessrumors.com/hot-first-real-pictures-of-the-pentac-k-01-mirrorless-camera/"><img src="http://i1266.photobucket.com/albums/jj524/picrumors/122841_1328111514.jpg" alt="" width="280" /></a></p>

<ul>

<li>PL --> Play</li>

<li>AF/A --> AF/AE-L, I think</li>

<li>IN --> INFO</li>

<li>ME --> Menu</li>

</ul>

<p>Picture links to sources, a PLAY button. Any wild guess other than the usual playback function. It is in unusual blue color and it matches the top dial labels for thumbnails and zoom. And I have the wishful thinking that it will play out a song for you ... or fold out itself with a invisible view finder in the sky and a tilt-able screen to play with....</p>

<p><a href="http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/172213-new-k-01-mirrorless-camera-coming-103.html"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/Xof4C.jpg" alt="" width="650" /></a></p>

<p>This is a drawing from someone with wishful thinking. Based of all the information gathered, there is no EVF, OVF or finder of any kind other than the LCD. I hope the mis-information can be clarified later in the actual release. <br>

<br />Picture links to source.<br>

<a href="http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-news-rumors/173677-pics-k-01-a-6.html"><img src="http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/8537/k01gm.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="412" /></a></p>

<p>I think it has potential, although if there is no viewfinder at all, that will be limiting.<br>

That da40sx sure looks slick!</p>

<p>I do not want to be a spoiler, but I do not really see the point, other than "me too". Is not much smaller than a reflex, I guess not much cheaper, and not having a VF is a killer for me, as it negates the use of any serious tele in most conditions where the subject is moving. To gain what?<br>

And it's quite chubby, and... ugly, I said it. I prefer very much the esthetics of the latest retro models such as the latest Fuji.</p>

<p>I like the design of the K-01... It reminds me a lot of my ZX-M. The 40mm SX is also interesting as well. I <em>really</em> am awaiting the release of a DA 70/2.4 in an UnLimited version to match my DA 35/2.4 UnLimited. :-)</p>

<p>I can't see any reason for the "prism bump" unless there is a VF of some sort there. Even if it's an EVF I'll take it over a ridiculous LCD-Only design.</p>

<p>Now... Any guesses as to what the price <em>will</em> be? What it <em>should</em> be?</p>

<p>Jeremiah, what should the price be? A free one for me because I am such a loyal Pentax customer. Don't care what the rest of you pay. I was hoping it might be a better looking new toy. Design constraints? Lens to sensor distance required for K mount lenses? Anyway, my Pentax Limited primes have had their trip to Eek Bay postponed until further notice. </p>

Up here in Canada, it will be about $900 for the body and $150 for the lens ...

<p>Harvey, that puts the K-01 in direct competition with the Fuji x100. It had better have similar stats and <em>better</em> AF if it wants to succeed in that group. </p>

<p>I don't think that this unit will take a bite out of sales from the K5 at that price point either. It's obviously designed to do a different job despite sharing it's sensor with the K5. No hotshoe and no VF might to make it harder to use than the K5, but it might make a good companion for it. </p>

<p>Anyone else want to entertain any guesses on the price point?</p>

<p>The E-PM1 package was $450 during holidays ($50 off). I think it defines the new price bar for entry level cameras. And it's a competent tool - the only thing it lacks compared to the high end model are extra controls, but sensor and processing is the same (unlike the case for entry-level and high-end Pentax DSLRS).</p>

<p>The K-01 should look good because everything else is not very interesting:<br>

- doesn't sound like it will be as inexpensive as the E-PM1<br />- uses the K mount, which doesn't make much sense for a MILC<br />- was reported to use K-5 sensor technology, which wasn't very promising for a MILC, given the LiveView performance of Pentax DSLRs</p>

<p>Fortunately, we just have one more day to wait for some official details to be announced. I hope it's better than the rumors make it to be.</p>

<p>I don't know how much the 'K-5 sensor technology' relates to AF capability, but I am also a bit concerned about live view AF performance, though Pentax had improved it somewhat for the K-5 (vs. K-7) so they've had yet more time to work on it. Personally I don't need it to be 'superb' because frankly my expectations for Pentax AF have never been that high -- I would expect it to be very accurate, hopefully it will be reasonably hunt-resistant. Perhaps encouraging is that Sony has used 'K-5 sensor technology' in a few NEX models, and I haven't heard people calling that insufficient--though of course Sony wasn't burdened with making it work with an AF lens system designed in the late 1980's.</p>

<p>The K-r was listed at USD $700 with the 18-55 kit lens, right? I expect this may cost a bit more, but I would expect it to stay under US $900 for the kit. Not sure why it should cost more than a K-r, as it is kind of like a K-r minus some parts...though I suspect its design, maybe build, and its better sensor probably make it more expensive--plus, like the Q, Pentax probably wants to recoup some of their investment and are counting on people to pay a bit more for the novelty of the thing.</p>

<p>In case you want to find the latest, you should try this count down link from PF a few hours from this posting.</p>

<ul>

<li><a href="http://www.pentaxforums.com/news/pentax-k-01-unveiling-countdown.html#page_1">http://www.pentaxforums.com/news/pentax-k-01-unveiling-countdown.html#page_1</a></li>

</ul>

<p>And it looks like BHPhoto has sent out an early email and the page has some spec. of info</p>

<ul>

<li><a href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/Pentax/K01/prweb9160747.htm">http://www.prweb.com/releases/Pentax/K01/prweb9160747.htm</a></li>

</ul>

<p>There is no mentioning of viewfinder but the two noted points in</p>

<ul>

<li> Fast 6 FPS burst mode is ideal for fast-action photography.</li>

<li>Focus peaking mode provides fast and accurate manual focusing for critical focus applications.</li>

</ul>

<p>I'll be getting up at 4am (my time) to post something on PN. Hooray!</p>

<p>1min 30 sec to go :)<br>

Pete</p>

<p>Makes me wonder if I should start buying all the old k-mount lenses that I have always wanted now, before the demand goes any higher with the release of this camera...</p>

<blockquote>

<p>Andrew wrote:<br>

I don't know how much the 'K-5 sensor technology' relates to AF capability</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I think it would be relevant to read-out speed, which for contrast-detect AF is important.</p>