Look carefully in the center of the next two pictures and you will see a mink watching me.
I got a better picture of one swimming and then trying to hide on the opposite bank.
While trying to reduce the weight of my camera systems, I had changed over to the micro 4/3 system and replaced my Pentax K-5 with a Panasonic G3, but after using it for a while I got frustrated with the ergonomics of the G3 and went back to the K-5. If I am going to continue getting wildlife pictures, I need a camera that is faster than the micro 4/3 Panasonic G3 and that has better ergonomics and is sturdier and weather resistant.
I just got a Pentax K-5 delivered yesterday and I need to check it out. I had returned the previous one since the level was way off. My initial look at this one shows the level to be more accurate but I’m still “exercising” the camera to check it out. Since I’m not the type to evaluate a camera by taking pictures of charts, etc., I immediately took it out this morning to get some real-life shots and was lucky to have crossed paths with some mink.
Janis
July 10, 2012 at 11:41 am
looks like the new k-5 does a great job as far as a clear shot. you seem to have a good knowledge of cameras. My friend Sally M, gave me your blog address…we go to the same church. You may be interested in the photo club we are forming…seems we have a lot of folks who are amateur photographers who need a place to learn n practice their love of taking photos. Our first meeting is Aug 6 at St Davids UCC on Hobart rd at the grove building across from the church.7pm.
BTW welcome to our little town of Hanover Pa. you just can’t help but fall in love with this charming and rustic place.
slpmartin
July 10, 2012 at 12:09 pm
Great shots John…the difference in the IQ of the camera as compared to the micro 4/3 is noticeable…looking forward to more of your photography.
Dee
July 10, 2012 at 4:51 pm
These are so fantastic,it sure looks a lot clearer to me but was thinking about how fast the camera had to be to take such wonderful shots of such a fast moving animal. I do enjoy your pics a lot, hope you never give up taking them
Tobias
July 10, 2012 at 7:03 pm
Hello John,
greetings from Offenbach (Main) / next to Frankfurt, Germany. I like your pictures and how you explain your daily problems with your equipment. Pentax DSLRs always had the best fit in hands, but i would never change back to my k10d from my Panasonic G3 – ok for sure, the Pentax k10d is a really old one.
Never thought of testing the Panasonic GH1 or GH2? Should fit better in your hands, if you have problems to push with your thumbs.
Tobias,
the Pentax / Olympus / Panasonic-Fan-Boy
John
July 10, 2012 at 7:16 pm
While keeping the load off of my thumbs I use my palm to help hold the camera and there is no room on the back of any of the micro 4/3 cameras … including the OM-D EM-5. An additional benefit of the K-5 is the speed of focusing, etc. I doubt that I would have been able to get as many shots of the fast moving mink with the G3.
Living Life
July 12, 2012 at 10:45 pm
Hi John! Nice to meet you. I am Janis’s daughter and a friend of Sally’s. Let us know how you are liking the Pentax K-5. I currently have a Lumix. I am really interested in upgrading.