New DSLR - Pentax K5

[GeoffWessex]

Oh! Was it me that started this thread! LOL..... it's such a long time ago!

[HinFrance]

Well Mr Bump, sounds like you're going in for some really cracking lenses there.

My K5 has finally been shipped form the UK, so I am hopeful I'll get it this week sometime. I bet you get yours first . .

[Mr Bump]

Originally Posted by GeoffWessex

Oh! Was it me that started this thread! LOL..... it's such a long time ago!

Indeed it is, but nevertheless you started an immensely popular thread Geoff. By the way, are you tempted by the K5?

Much of the early weeks of the thread were before the K5 was generally available in the UK so there was quite a lot of conjecture and general Pentax discussion - not to mention the eager wait for expert reviews. The K5 has since been selling strongly here so there are a lot of new owners who may be willing to post their user reports and perhaps answer queries. Sue Allen has already posted some welcome feedback in this thread.

I wonder what everyone feels about possibly starting a new thread - 'The Pentax K5 in use' or similar?

[GeoffWessex]

Oh, I'd really like one but 'Tempted' doesn't come in to it..... I don't have the spare moolah. End of story, for me.
Good idea with the new thread.
Glad the K5 is selling well in the UK - it's only just getting into the shops here in Canada. Pentax is way behind Canikon here but Pentaxians seem to stick together - I have three camera club chums that had K10s and now use Pentax K20s and they're definitely getting the K5.

[Sue Allen]

It will be interesting to see if your impressions of the camera are the same as mine. Had an unexpected afternoon off yesterday and took advantage of the sunshine - really heavy frost that lingered all day gave a lovely 'winter wonderland' feel to everything [and hid some of the less scenic aspects of my regular walk!] - there really was a crisp blue haze over the water. As I only had the 55-300 with me, that had to suffice. I did a few quick edits - impressed once more by out of camera JPEGs and impressed by how responsive and fast the camera feels in use- a few samples with usual apologies for indifferent re-sizing/uploading skills!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greypoi...th/5241863047/

[HinFrance]

That 55-300 might whirr and clank a lot, but the optics look like they punch well above asking price to me.

I'm now told my K5 won't be arriving until 17th now. It's a long and not very interesting story.

[Sue Allen]

I have'nt done any scientific tests involving brick walls or charts with lots of lines on them, but in actual use, I think the 55-300 stands up optically against the Nikon 70-300vr - the Nikon has the advantage of AF-S - the Pentax has the advantage of giving you a bit more at the short end whilst at the same time being a lot smaller and lighter - neither seems to have a problem with purple fringing.

[Mr Bump]

Originally Posted by HinFrance

I'm now told my K5 won't be arriving until 17th now. It's a long and not very interesting story.

That must be quite disappointing H.

Mine arrived yesterday but having no previous Pentax DSLR experience I may well still be reading the very comprehensive operating manual when you are taking your first shots

I have to say that it is so much more convenient having a decent printed manual like this rather than the PDF file on disk often provided with equipment these days.

p.s. I just noticed that this thread has streaked past the 5000 views barrier and is clearly going for a world record. I'm offering a special prize for anyone who can prove they have read all 147 posts - just write your name and address on the back of a five pound note and send it to me at................

[HinFrance]

Originally Posted by Mr Bump

That must be quite disappointing H.

Mine arrived yesterday but having no previous Pentax DSLR experience I may well still be reading the very comprehensive operating manual when you are taking your first shots

Yes, and I doubt it.

Meanwhile, don't forget to do get the firmware update installed.

[Sue Allen]

Manual? I don't understand the concept......