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Joe

I’m going to try to not to write an essay here, from a personal perspective (mostly based on the K20D, which I own and the K200D which I’ve shot a little with): Major Pentax Wins -In-body image stabilization: Also found on Olympus and Sony (who is ex-Konica Minolta). A major win for these brands. For the big two (Canon/Nikon = C/N) you need to pay a premium for lenses with stabilization. Essentially, for C/N you're buying stabilization many times over. -Fantastic feature set and image quality for the price point: Pentax cameras are frequently competing against much more expensive cameras when compared based on image quality and features set. Eg Pentax K20D (~$815AUD) vs. Nikon D90 (~$1190AUD) vs. Canon 50D (~$1460AUD) – <a href="http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/eng/Image-Quality-Database/Compare-cameras/(appareil1)/213|0/(appareil2)/267|0/(appareil3)/294|0/(onglet)/0/(brand)/Pentax/(brand2)/Canon/(brand3)/Nikon">DxO Mark</a>, <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos50d%2Cnikon_d90%2Cpentax_k20d&show=all">DPReview</a> (and the Pentax is more than half a year old than these models) -<a href="http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/attachments/general-pentax-photography/29068d1235594567-what-does-weather-resistant-really-mean-k20db.jpg">Weather sealing</a>: On a level only matched by the “Pro” cameras (1Ds, D3) by C/N. A big plus for me and Pentax have just released low end lenses with weather seals (previously it was just high-ish end lenses) Minor Penatx Wins -Unmatched backwards compatibility: Since they used to be the largest SLR company Pentax has a lot of quality, old glass and has gone to great lengths to maintain compatibility with it all (also note that a 30 year old lens will be image stabilized on Pentax but neither C/N) -Stellar prime lens (single focal length, non-zooming) selection: Pentax has gone a different direction to most manufacturers where they’ve developed modern high-quality prime lenses while most have been working on zooms. While primes are undisputed in their image quality, they lack the convenience of a zoom. Minor Pentax Losses -Comparatively low fps high speed shooting: Even the highest level Pentax would be insufficient for the machine gun photography used for sports and other fast paced activities. -Comparative lack of zoom lens line-up: Pentax certainly has high quality well made zooms for most focal lengths (possibly missing the very long) but they don’t have nearly the range of choices offered by the big two. -Lack of peripheral features – high end LCD, tilt/swivel, movie mode, etc: Pentax has often been tardy in introducing features that improve convenience but don’t directly result in better images. Major Pentax Losses -Lack of significant upgrade path: Pentax has just announced a new high-end DSLR, but they will never have the sort of pro support offered by C/N. Pentax pros are typically studio shooters and will often move to medium format (which Pentax has an offering in). This means that if you invest in a tonne of glass, you won’t be able to upgrade bodies to the same extent as Canon/Nikon. -Difficulty in finding accessories, lack of competition between vendors, general low profile: Pentax just has a lower profile. Fewer (cheaper) third-party lenses and accessories made to suit Pentax, no vendors working hard for your business, smaller second-hand market (although backwards compatibility helps this) and I had one hell of a time trying to find a Pentax compatible battery or charger in Vietnam (when I stupidly forgot to take mine) despite the fact that Pentax has a lens plant there!. In the end, Pentax is a niche brand. Although die hard fans will claim they can go anywhere and do anything, the truth is they’re not the best tool for every job. For the very top end of 35mm format, I think Nikon is currently the way to go. Pentax can’t match the long, fast glass, can’t shoot enough fps and most importantly doesn’t have the pro level 35mm body (eg, Nikon D3, Canon 1Ds). For someone with no real interest in photography, but wants a DSLR to take “better” point and shoot snaps with “pretty bokeh”, I’d think C/N is the way to go, not that I’m sure which one or if it'll matter. Typically, they couldn’t be bothered with prime lenses, manual settings etc. Pentax is a great choice for a serious amateur or someone who loves photography. It’s certainly not the only choice, and depending on which features suit your intended use, maybe not even the best choice. Every DSLR camera (with the right lens) will be able to take stunning photos. Interested in superior build, weather sealing with an eye towards image quality over convenience (primes lenses)? Test-drive a Pentax and see how it feels in your hands. ~Joe Although I could continue to ramble on, perhaps it’s better saved for an email, instead of continuing to subject everyone to my opinions. 1669

2009-06-03T02:24:31Z

Sai Kung Hong Kong

HKG

66 HKUST New Territories Hong Kong

2009-04-29T16:33:01Z

Joe 1982-08-01 #389 #167 21

false

joe Joe Gray --- !map:HashWithIndifferentAccess icq_uin: "" yahoo: "" aim: "" jabber: "" active