Evolution: K-7 14.6MP Samsung sensor, PRIME II, 12-bit, Dynamic Range 10.6 EV K-5 16.3MP Sony sensor, PRIME II, 14 bit, Dynamic Range 14.1 EV (HUGE leap) K-3 24.3MP? Sony sensor, PRIME III, ???, ???
The 7th gen image processor claims "The chip delivers greatly improved optical correction capabilities through an updated image processing flow, a new noise filter designed to achieve balance between resolution and noise suppression, a newly developed circuit for correcting focus drop-off at the edges, and improved distortion correction and purple fringing countermeasures." We all know that more pixels on the same size chip means more noise. So I think the $64,000 question is how the combination of more MP and thus more noise looks when it comes out of the PRIME II engine and if there is a sacrifice that must be made in Dynamic Range. ( I do not think the dynamic range of the K-5 family can be matched, at least in this first generation camera using the PRIME III. But we will have to wait and see!) There will be people for whom the resolution, and greatly improved AF mean more than dynamic range, so a slight step backwards in that department will not be a deal-breaker for many. It will also be interesting to see if the no-anti-alias filter (and no option for a K-3 WITH one) materializes. It is quite possible that the new power possible with the PRIME III allows them to do moire detection/correction in software (or will). I'm also very curious as to whether the "purple fringing countermeasures" is something that will benefit *legacy glass* used on the K-3 or if it is only going to work with defined (recognized) lenses whose optical properties are built into the image processing algorithm. On Tue, Oct 1, 2013 at 11:18 AM, CollinB <[email protected]> wrote: >>The K-3 is going to be a *significant* upgrade from the K-5 family in many > respect[s]. > > And "upgrade" is the word. These specs mean that it will not replace the K5 > series cameras. It will surpass them. > If Ricoh treats Pentax well, this level of upgrade could be a step toward > pro-grade units to compete against C&N. > I would anticipate some significant lens additions as well. Those are > equally important. > > Unless, of course Ricoh wants to only cater to the enthusiast, which is a > significant move > that contributed to the loss of Pentax market share (read: downfall) in the > first place. > One's pie slice must get larger to survive in a world of free enterprise. > > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > [email protected] > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow > the directions. -- Nothing is sure but death and Pentaxes. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
