Originally posted by geekette The T3i has better specs? I don't believe so.. yes for video, no to dynamic range and image quality. The K-X has more dynamic range than a canon costing over 2 grand even (5d mark ii)
The T3i has one thing that none of the Pentax DSLRs do - the articulating LCD screen, which is really useful for video.
The T2i is better in some other ways, like it has faster fps.
For me the articulating LCD was more important. I wanted the video capability and bought a used T3i about a month ago. I am a long time K200D owner (about 4 years). I it, but it doesn't have video and doesn't have an articulating LCD either.
See this thread :
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/181175-i-bought-canon-t3i-video.html
After I sold the Canon 55-250 lens, my net cost was $620 for the barely used T3i + 18-55 IS II lens.
I thought I would keep using the K200D for stills, and the T3i just for video.
That is, until I started doing comparisons of stills and noticed that the T3i really did a ton better at stills, especially high ISO (K200D maxes out at 1600 ISO).
I was actually considering selling all my Pentax gear and switch to Canon entirely for both stills and video. But that would mean selling my K-mount Pentax DA 18-250 and Sigma 10-20, and buying equivalent lenses for Canon. Not a cheap proposition since that is $1000 of lenses. And would end up with a somewhat less sturdy T3i body. Compromises, compromises - I hate them !
With the K-r blowout at $299, I couldn't resist and got one today (see the Fry's $299 thread). It does high ISO which should make it more acceptable for stills. It actually has faster fps than the T3i too. The 18MP of the T3i don't add that much IMO unless you are shooting things really far away (like the moon, with a zoom/telescope). I'm not doing huge prints.
I wasn't previously aware that the K-r could take AA batteries with a tray. So I think it will be a fine replacement for my K200D, assuming my demo unit K-R checks out.
I clearly cannot have 3 cameras, so one will have to go. Either I will sell my K200D + grip + the DA-L 18-55 that came with my K-R, or return the demo K-R + DA=L 18-55.
I have to agree with you that the Canon T3i body feels like a cheap toy. Certainly compared to the K200D and the Pentax grip. But even compared to the K-r body.