Originally posted by valy
yeatzee, for general photography you right, but there are some situation when the photographer can't do anything and must rely almost 100% on the camera. For example if you require 5 fps for 10 secs you can't do anything but expect the camera to perform this, is not a matter of skill or knowledge. Or if you want to properly set the exposure for black bird over white background the camera must handle/allow this otherwise you will underexpose the bird.
I disagree. Why would you require 5 fps for 10 seconds? Is it for a shot containing multiple shots? If not than what is stopping you from pulling off the perfect motion shot with just one image? People did it with film all of the time so why can't you? It is absolutely a matter of skill AND knowledge. If you know your subjects movements you'll know exactly when to take that shot
As for the black bird over white background, since we are talking about the K-5 (best DR in its class right and than some?) that should not be a problem. For lesser cameras, a skilled photographer can take two images and combine the exposures to get the desired results. There's always a work around.