The Phoblographer

This week, I took our Pentax K-5 along on an engagement portrait shoot in the scenic Oakland hills, and – for the third field test in a row with the robust little Pentax – it was raining. I will say, without hesitation, that we have tested and proved the weather sealing of both camera and 55mm f/1.4 DA* lens. In our previous entry (here) I discussed both the camera’s discreet and capable handling while photographing a wedding (a rainy wedding) and a critical issue of purple fringing in certain images.

Before reading this posting, you may want to read about it used at a wedding, in tough weather, and my initial feelings.

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The other day the I shot a wedding and brought along the Pentax K-5. So far, I believe that the Pentax K-5 is a great event camera, offering a respectable 16.3 MP; compact dimensions; intuitive, creative controls; and a remarkable maximum ISO reach of 52,200. I photographed a wedding this past week and took along our demo K-5 with its Pentax SMC 55mm f/1.4 DA* lens. After the jump: a discussion of Pentax’s flagship 35mm DSLR and its appeal for wedding photography…

Editor’s Note: Day 1 and Day 2 are here for your reading pleasure.

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The Pentax K-5 is a compact and sturdy camera, capable of creating images with excellent detail, color, and contrast. I’ve had a couple weeks with it, including shooting in a wide range of conditions and it’s been a joy to use. The camera’s unique degree of customization and range of novel exposure and JPG processing controls demand a little experimenting, but add flexibility, entertainment, and a few surprises to the process of getting to know this well-regarded little camera. Read on for Day 2 of our in-depth field review of the Pentax K-5.

Editor’s Note: Day 1 can be read here. Read the rest of this entry »

The Pentax K-5, A little fist with a big punch. At least that’s what I’m feeling so far when using it. I’ve had the unit for a little while now and it is already starting to grow on me. Chris did a hands-on with the unit and provided samples a little while back. So let’s just go right into it.

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Online Wedding Photography Hub, SnapKnot, is giving a way a free registration to WPPI’s Las Vegas trade show. The show, on February 21-23, 2011, is a chance to explore the latest wedding and portrait photography products and techniques. The random drawing doesn’t include travel or accommodations, but will include a year’s membership to WPPI for those who don’t have one.

The trade show exhibitor list includes camera companies Nikon and Canon, a number of print, proof, and binding companies, marketing solutions like The Knot, and equipment vendors like B&H. Also on the list are a number of lighting, medium format, and digital processing companies.

To enter, photographers must register with SnapKnot and leave a witty posting on the contest page.  Good luck!

With the Apple Magic Trackpad, finger painting comes to Adobe Photoshop. The Apple Magic Trackpad is an interesting new Apple product that arrived recently with relatively little fanfare. Compared to more press grabbing new toys like the snazzy new iPod Nano or the fascinating iPad, the trackpad flew in under the radar, and it’s too bad, because it’s an innovative and interesting tool for digital photographers, and an affordable one at that. I’ve had one on my desk for a couple weeks and have grown to love it. Read the rest of this entry »

Nikon offers a wide range of flashes, ranging from the cute SB-400 to this powerhouse SB-900. Packed with every conceivable feature for consistent and creative strobe photography, the SB-900is Nikon’s best flash to date and an awesome photographic tool. Read on for the results from our long term test. Read the rest of this entry »