Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

The Best Lenses To Help You Learn

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Many photographers start out timid and not wanting to do what they have to in order to unleash their true creativity. Once you start shooting though, and you start to become braver, bolder and more confident in your craft. Your lenses are really what teach you to do your job. Even when you become advanced, semi-pro and pro there are always certain lenses that you can go back to in order to learn more about what you can do with your creativity and vision: and they’re not always 50mm’s either!

For that, here are some of the best lenses to learn with no matter what experience you have: [Read more…]

 

Reader Question: Nikon D300 vs. Pentax K20D

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I received an email from Tracy, who is a newsletter subscriber, regarding a camera choice between the Nikon D300 and Pentax K20D.  Since you guys rocked with such great advice last week, I’m stepping completely to the side on this on and letting Photography Bay readers run with it.

I am really trying to get into outdoor / landscape photography here in the middle Tennessee area. I used to be a very experienced photographer (in the film days) but haven’t stepped up to the plate with digital. I don’t have a bank of glass or accessories to sway me in any direction. I do however like the Nikon D300 and the Pentax K20d. I realize these are two very different cameras (price and function), however I want the best for my money. The D300 is still rather expensive but I love the 52 point AF and the color saturation that it provides. I don’t think there’s a ton of difference when it comes to noise. The K20d takes superb photos, is weather sealed but I’m not sure if I want to get in deep with Pentax, knowing that if I make this a career, someday I will want to switch to Nikon. I know it is my decision to make but I was just looking for a little advice from someone who knows more about digital than I do…….

Thanks,
Tracy

So, can you help Tracy decide?

What factors should take precedence here?

Which camera will serve Tracy’s needs better?

Post your thoughts in the comments below.

Pentax Optio P70 and Optio E70

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Pentax has released two new point and shoot cameras.  The Optio P70 features 12 megapixels, a 4x optical zoom, a 2.7″ LCD screen and a ridiculous maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 6400.  The Optio E70 features 10 megapixels, 3x optical zoom and a 2.4″ LCD screen.  The P70 will retail for $199.95 and the E70 for $139.95.  For more info, see the following press release. [Read more…]

Pentax K30D Rumor

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A new rumor is surfacing regarding a follow up to the Pentax K20D.  A Chinese forum, DCHome.net, reveals some specs for what could be the next Pentax DSLR.  The initial rumored specs for the Pentax K30D are as follows:

  • CMOS APS-H (1.3x crop) sensor (not APS-C – 1.5x)
  • 14megapixels
  • improved AF speed
  • better ISO control
  • 3.5fps at 14mp
  • 6.5fps at 6mp
  • new AF assist

Also in the rumor mill is a Pentax K300D with a new CMOS sensor developed in conjunction with Samsung.

Pentax K20D Review at Photo.net

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Photo.net has published a review of the Pentax K20D, which is a huge bargain now..

The K20D would be ideal for travel, nature, macro, and studio photographers. Along with the superior resolution, the weather sealing and high quality compact lens system makes great for nature and travel photographers, and for close to $1000 it’s one of the best cameras on the market if you don’t need a blazing fast fps, or a higher flash sync.

For more reviews of the K20D, check out Photography Bay’s Pentax K20D Reviews and Resources.

Pentax: In-Depth Interview at PhotographyBLOG

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PhotographyBLOG has published a summary of a round-table interview from Photokina regarding Pentax.

Pentax’s Sales & Marketing Director of Imaging Systems, Mr. Toshiaki Iue, who recently joined the company in July, has stated that “Pentax’s relationship with Samsung is not perfect – there are some issues”, but went on to say that the two companies would continue their technology partnership for at least the near future. In a wide-ranging round-table interview held at Photokina, Mr Iue candidly answered questions on a wide range of topics, including Pentax’s future plans for their long-delayed digital 645 medium format camera, the potential impact of Micro Four Thirds, and their relationship with parent company Hoya.

Pentax K2000 Review at Digital Camera Info

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Digital Camera Info has posted a first impressions review of the new Pentax K2000.

The focusing on the lens felt quick, the body was well crafted, and there are many helpful features designed with new users in mind. The K2000 strikes us as a strong introductory camera for someone considering the jump from point-and-shoot to SLR.

For the latest news and reviews on this camera, stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Pentax K2000 Reviews and Resources.

Sigma 4.5mm and 10mm Fisheye Lenses for Sony and Pentax Mounts

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The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC CIRCULAR FISHEYE HSM the first Circular Fisheye lens exclusively for use with APS-C size digital SLR cameras and 10mm F2.8 EX DC FISHEYE HSM diagonal fisheye lens exclusively for use with APS-C size digital SLR cameras for Sony and Pentax fitting cameras.

The first Circular Fisheye Lens exclusively for use with APS-C size digital SLR cameras

This autofocus circular fisheye lens has an angle of view of 180 degrees in all directions. It is exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras with the APS-C size image sensor. When used in conjunction with digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensor, it produces circular image within the frame. The minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm/5.3inch and maximum magnification of 1:6 make it particularly useful for close-up photography. SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass, Super Multi Layer Coating and inner focusing system provides superior image quality. HSM ensures fast and quiet autofocusing and includes full-time manual focus.

* AF will not function if the camera bodies do not support Supersonic Direct-drive Motor or Super Sonic Motor.

Specifications (For Sony mount)

  • Lens Construction:13Elements 9Groups
  • Angle of view:180 degrees
  • Number of blades:6pcs
  • Minimum Aperture:F22
  • Minimum Focusing Distance:13.5cm/5.3in
  • Maximum Magnification:1:6
  • Filter:Insertion-type gelatin filter into rear of the lens
  • Dimensions:Ø76.2mm×77.2mm/3in×3in
  • Weight:480g/16.9oz

Fisheye lens with close up ability designed exclusively for use with APS-C size digital SLR camera

This diagonal fisheye lens is designed for use with digital SLR cameras equipped with an APS-C size image sensor. It produces a diagonal angle of view of 180 degrees. The diagonal field of view of this fisheye lens produces striking images with exaggerated perspective and distortion. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm/5.3inch, and maximum magnification 1:3.3. It allows subjects to be as close as 1.8cm/0.7inch from the lens’ front element. The exclusively designed integral hood and the Super Multi-Layer Coating minimize flare and ghosting and create superior image quality.

* AF will not function if the camera bodies do not support Supersonic Direct-drive Motor or Super Sonic Motor.

Specifications (For Sony mount)

  • Lens Construction:12Elements 7Groups
  • Angle of view:180 degrees
  • Number of blades:7pcs
  • Minimum Aperture:F22
  • Minimum Focusing Distance:13.5cm/5.3in
  • Maximum Magnification:1 : 3.3
  • Filter:Insertion-type gelatin filter into rear of the lens
  • Dimensions:Ø75.8mm×82.6m/3in x 3.3in
  • Weight:500g/17.6oz