Originally posted by str8talk83 @Lee Runge
How would you compare the ISO performance of the 7D and k5? One stop advantage to the K5 or more?
How would you compare the K5 AF-C autofocus performance to the 7D in single point AF mode?
I am considering a switch, but there are a few things that are holding me back.
1.) Canon 17-55 and 70-200 IS II are better optically (CA's, sharpness, disortion) than the Pentax 16-50 and 50-135. These are work horse lenses when I shoot events.
2.) No Pentax replacement for the 400L. I could get the Sigma 50-500 OS, but it is more expensive, heavier, and doesn't focus as fast. 400L is most likely sharper wide open as well.
3.) I shoot with a two body setup and would probably end up keeping one of my 40D's anyway so that I could get better autofocus than any of the older Pentax bodies would offer.
4.) I can get a 7D on the Canon Loyalty Program for $1067 (if I trade in a broken canon camera, which I can get for like $10 on ebay)
1.I can't speak for the 70-200 IS but the 17-55 and the 16-50 I can't tell much difference shooting side by side. The 16-50 feels like its built better but SDM is a lot slower than the usm in the canon lens. You will lose speed but gain a better focus ring and water/dust resistance.
2.For long lenses I can't speculate. I have the 60-250 and its nice optically but once again SDM is very slow on this one. Adequate for non sports but once you throw something moving fast into the mix (dogs etc. ) it struggles to keep up.
4. That is a deal on a 7D, if you are happy with Canon and I think you would like the longer lens options stick with the 7D. Coupled with a 70-200IS you will not get that kind of AF performance out of the K5. IF that is important don't switch.
My reason for leaning Pentax was mostly for the WR and price. Sure If money was no option I could go full L glass and a 1 series Canon or a 7D and test it's limits. But that would cost significantly more than a Pentax setup. I feel like the ONLY thing I come short on with the K5 is AF performance vs the 7D and USM lenses. Canon just flat has the Pentax outperformed here. Now the Pentax is adequate for AF performance but will not have as many keepers vs USM lenses in fast action. Keep in mind that not all lenses are fast on the 7D and some are slower than SDM on Pentax. My Tamron 18-270 is a slow lens motor wise.
K5 has a better sensor. For everyone other than pixel peepers you won't notice the slight resolution difference or ISO really for that matter. DR is better and gives you some flexibility in PP.
Handling is personal, I like Pentax controls. Some things I've noticed:
Chimping is easier on 7D that thumb wheel and delete/ok key combo plus the camera is just faster make reviewing and killing obvious useless shots very fast. Main difference is with Pentax you need to hit delete then down arrow then ok, and the camera is slower so it takes more time. Sounds superficial but you can clearly notice the difference.
Green button is awesome except when you hit it by accident in manual or you roll the back wheel and don't notice. You become disciplined to avoid this but it happens. I didn't do this with 7D as the thumb wheel is hard to roll by accident and no green button.
AF options on 7D are better. I don't use full points very often and mostly use center point. Performance wise they feel very similar in how fast they can lock but the SDM motor holds back the K5 vs the 7D and USM. I think 7D just has K5 beat on that front. In the end if you use center point mostly I don't think it will be a big deal as most of the advanced tracking etc won't be in use. For anyone rocking back and forth if you need AF and it's really important the 7D is ahead. For my needs the K5 is working. If I made money on fast moving objects I would go Canon.
AF, Fast long lenses--->Canon
Everything else------> Pentax