Hello Larry,
Seems you had two main questions:
1) how many stops better is the K-x than the K20D.
Based on my limited testing, I'd say I don't really want to use the
K20D past 1600 if I can help it. The K-x I'd say 6400 is about where
I'd rather not go past. So the K-x seems to be at least 2 stops
better than the K20D.
2) Since I own a K20D, I would tend to use it whenever I didn't need
the high ISO. There are times when I wouldn't care to have the
bulk/weight (family outings, etc) that I would opt for the K-x. They
seem like a good complement for each other.
To be honest, I sat and thought about the situation, if I only had
the K-x, could I live with it, or would I really need the K20D/K7? I
did some of my testing with that in mind - so I was really trying the
kinds of things that I would normally use my K20D for.
Here are the most noticeable things:
1) Lack program lines - the scene modes sort of do the same
thing but are a bit heavy handed as they affect more than just
exposure settings
2) Manual mode does not use a scale - rather more like the
SuperProgram where it just gives EV values over/under - it
works, but I like it less.
3) Only on dial - not an issue for most uses, but manual is less
usable - you can use the green button much like HyperManual to
overcome the clumsiness to some degree.
4) No vertical battery grip. I do use my quite a bit and find
it more comfortable.
So, could I live with just the K-x? Yes, I think I could. Of
course, the K-x sensor in a K-7 would be the ultimate.
My kids (22,20,13) would love the K-x - in fact my 20 year old is
already trying to claim it <grin>.
I hope this helps with your questions.
--
Best regards,
Bruce
Sunday, February 14, 2010, 4:39:42 PM, you wrote:
LC> Thanks a bunch for posting this.
LC> On Feb 13, 2010, at 9:32 PM, Bruce Dayton wrote:
>> Ok, I've had a night and day to work with the camera. Did some
>> testing and comparing last night to the K20D and then shot some this
>> morning and a basketball game this afternoon. So about 700 shots so
>> far.
>>
>> The camera does not feel as robust as the K20D, but it seems to be
>> reasonable. It is small, almost too small. The grip really helps.
LC> It's almost the same size as my K100. I think that some of the ists
LC> are smaller aren't they?
>> The kit lens that comes with it is not as nice as the one that came
>> with the K20D. Differences are plastic mount instead of metal, no
>> quick shift focusing and no hood. The hood from the other kit lens
>> fits properly so it appears they just don't include it in the kit.
LC> I noticed that it was an AL not an AL-II.
>>
>> Boy, was I pleased with the high ISO capability.
LC> That's what I wanted to know about.
>> Just a ton better
>> than the K20D. At ISO 800, they are fairly close, but from then on
>> the gap gets wider and wider at each increasing setting. The K-x is
>> so much better. As this was the reason for getting the camera, I am
>> happy with it. It really starts to make a difference in how you
>> think about shooting - with the K20D and earlier models, the high ISO
>> (greater than 800) is mostly when you have to and don't expect great
>> results.
LC> What ISO on the K-x is about the same quality as 3200? That's about as
LC> hard as I want to push things as far as quality? At the high ISOs
LC> would you say the K-x is on stop faster? two?
>>
>>
>> The biggest downside so far is battery life. It doesn't go too long
>> on my rechargeable batts. Used some Duracell and Sony eneloop type
>> technology and got about 300 shots or so per set doing lots of
>> continuous
>> focus stuff. This is a spot where the K20D, easily surpasses the K-x.
LC> My K100 gets about 500 shots per charge, but I mostly manually focus.
>>
>> The white body doesn't bother me at all - I rather like it. It is a
>> pleasant change from your basic black and it really is not obnoxious
>> at all.
LC> I'm trying to hold off until I have some justifiable "need" for the
LC> camera, rather than just really wanting the better performance.
LC> When do you think you'd use the K20 rather than the K-x?
LC> --
LC> Larry Colen [email protected] sent from i4est
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