Originally posted by Richdog So yeah... I guess we know who were the realists, and who were the eternal optimists in this thread.
From the review:
Quote: ...the K-5 II outperforms its predecessor as well as its Canon and Nikon rivals, the 7D and D7000.
...not the big upgrade that Pentax K-5 users have been waiting for.
...more versatile in everyday shooting conditions, and for shooting fast moving subjects.
...The Canon and Nikon bodies excel in these areas compared to the Pentax K-5 II.
I do not necessarily agree with your interpretation or some of these points themselves. It may be just words but:
-The fact the review states it outperforms both its predecessor and its rivals is more than enough confirmation for me that it is, in fact, an excellent update and a good move on the side of Pentax.
-The review assumes that a large portion of K-5 users have been waiting for a "big upgrade". I consider that an unproven assumption at the very best.
-The fact the review states a couple of further improvements are needed to allow it to shoot "fast moving subjects" kind of settles it for me. I don't ever do "fast moving subjects" so why would I spend money on a camera that was specially outfitted to do just that? To show off? I would have bought into Canon or Nikon a long time ago if that were the case.
-The Canon and Nikon bodies excel
in these areas, please note the emphasis. Choosing a camera will forever remain a tradeoff between different traits of different cameras from different manufacturers. I chose my camera wisely.
Now, I am NOT a Pentaxian! I could care less about the nameplate on my DSLR just as I could care less what brand of car I'm driving or which washing machine does my laundry. I would be happy with a Canon or Nikon or Olympus or .... I have never pronounced my pride in having a Pentax or having the most advanced camera in the world for that matter.
[EDIT] I actually do, in my forum sig. Will have to think that one over actually after this discussion. I am a proud owner of a K-5 and a K20D, just not because they happen to be Pentaxes but because they are pretty darned neat DSLRs!
I love photography, as a hobby not a profession, and have until today found satisfaction and an almost perfect fit between my camera's technical capabilities and my slowly progressing technique as a photographer. If that situation were to change tomorrow I'd have no problem at all selling off and buying into a different brand altogether. I do not therefore see where your definition of "realist" or "eternal optimist" applies to this whole thread that started with me saying that "
an excellent camera just got more excellent" - quite the opposite: the reviews bears that statement out completely.
I do not recall anyone on this thread saying "The K-5 II will do sports as well as Canon or Nikon", does anyone else? Wake up! "Pentax" is just a marketing brand of a Japanese company. It is not "worthy" of anyone's reverence, awe, sympathy or loyalty. Pentax makes things, gadgets, equipment. It does a nice job. So do others.