Originally posted by JeffJS If you're use to the 50d, you'll probably want to add the BDG4 grip to your K7. It will feel right at home at that point..
I don't think you can really go wrong with Pentax Prime lenses and the 35 and 77 would be great starts. FWIW, As far as zooms go I hardly think that the DA16-45 (though a decent lens) can come close to measuring up to the 17-40L.
If you're use to shooting with those types of lenses though, It might be a good idea to just skip the kit lenses and go right to what you really want. Just my opinion of course. I think you're right. I just wanted to start off slow in a new system. Make sure this is what I would like to do. As I said before, we have no Pentax Retail Markets here anymore. Everything is just the big C and N (occasional Sony). Which is fine, however rarely do I meet someone even in the local stores that has that twinkle in their eye when they speak about that equipment. Its just pushed because thats the big names and thats what matters.
However, you mention Pentax or Minolta and there is always a smile... like "Yeah, you're in the club". Its more than just waxed nostalgia, at least from what I can see in the faces of these guys. Sure, sure... like others said before. Pentax is not the same as the older film days company wise. However that can be said about almost any AND every corporation these days.
Okay, derailed for a minute there.
Yeah... I know what I want. I should just dive in and get the lenses I know are going to make me happy.... but without much physical contact with anything Pentax around here (Minus a few consigned K1000 bodies)... I can't make the blind jump.
As for the grip, I am almost certain I want to get that! Anyone recommend the generics? Because I am pretty sure those arent going to be sealed.
Originally posted by Urkeldaedalus I think "small" is relative. If you put one of the smaller prime lenses on the K-7, it seems a lot smaller. If you put a bigger zoom on it, it balances well and doesn't seem small at all. The thing I like is it seems like two cameras that way, a medium/small sized camera that can also be discrete if that's what you're going for. If you need a comparison, think of a Nikon D90 but with better build quality, heavier, with a deeper grip for your fingers.
I am glad you said that! My Dad shoots Nikon and so does my close friend. They both have D90s... and thats what I am familiar with (being as we used to swap bodies for a day sometimes just to feel what we are missing
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The D90 is what I find acceptable for a small body and ergonomics. I really didn't have a problem handing those with my ape hands at all! The grip rolls around and dips in slightly... allowing you to hold on to the camera like you would naturally. With my 50D, its just a big wide pole to hold then goes flat on the finger tip area next to the body which isnt that comfortable either. My hope was that Pentax followed that road like Nikon and made a smaller DEEPER grip, but made it in a way that your hand wraps around it so that while its not bigger, it feels bigger (really don't know if that makes sense). One interesting thing though. Looking through the dimensions for 50D, K7, D300s... I noticed that K7 is obviously smaller in Height and Width... however Depth stayed pretty much the same across the board. That gave me hope.
Pentax K-7 131 x 97 x 73 mm (5.1 x 3.8 x 2.9 in) 754 g (1.7 lb)
Nikon D300s 147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in) 918 g (2.0 lb)
Canon EOS 50D 146 x 108 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.3 x 2.9 in) 822 g (1.8 lb)
Olympus E-30 142 x 108 x 75mm (5.5 x 4.3 x 3.0 in) 665g (1.5 lb)
Sony DSLR-A700 142 x 105 x 80 mm (5.6 x 4.1 x 3.2 in) 768 g (1.7 lb)
Pentax K20 142 x 101 x 70 mm (5.6 x 4.0 x 2.8 in) 804g (1.8 lb)
So now you got me wondering if I should drop a few more on the DA* and hope these SDM issues don't get me... or save a few and do the 16-45 which is quite the sweet spot for me. From your photo there it looks very nice indeed!
Again thanks for all the responses!