Originally posted by ScooterMaxi Jim
Danas, I shoot both Canon and Pentax. I suspect that Canon might give an edge to video (although audio is somewhat an issue with Canon too), but in terms of handling and build I am surprised you see the two models as comparable. I also think the Pentax (Sony sensor) is far ahead of the Canon in terms of image quality, especially for low light. Finally, you have far more options with Pentax if you are looking at quality used lenses, especially if you are willing to search out older legacy optics (from the 1970s and '80s). For video, many of the old, fast MF prime lenses are superb and still cheap. Remember that the Canon is at least a year older, so comparing the ratings does not account for improvements made in that time span.
I am well aware of how different these two cameras are. However both are in the price range I can afford.
This is the only reason why 600D got into my radar. Price that is to my pocket and having an edge on video mode for some parts.
However the better built of K-30, a lot better ergonomics, absolutely better IQ in all aspects regarding still photography as well as some key features that makes k-30 be absolute winner makes me still head to Pentax. But to my misfortune I am a multimedia artist and need a tool for both, taking stills and video. If it was only photography matter, k-30 no questions asked and no doubts. But I will need video mode of the DSLR too.
But complicated 600D menus, odd button layout, plastic body that is built as a cheap tv keypad, not the best ergonomics to my hand... well it is in my consideration list only because of better video bit rates.
I actually like K-30 video mode a lot better. But this technical detail introduced 600D in my list which is bit rates. This issue would be easily eliminated if there was any Pentax hack that would work on k-30, since it is not introducing new features, only increasing a number in software. But I am not aware of any such thing. So the 600D is in my consideration list only because of a small edge on video mode.
I would gladly take a dedicated camcorder but I will not get anything suitable for the price I can handle. Plus I will need to take stills. This leaves me with DSLR option. I am at a starter position so my funds are small for equipment. So DSLR makes a good solution for the beginning. And k-30 offers me kind of everything I need including the "I like it" factor. I want to have a tool that I would enjoy to work with. in this regard 600D dramatically fails. Pentax K-30 on the other hand gives me joy.
I don;t need HDMI out to an external screen, I do not need an external mic jack yet and can live without articulating LCD screen. All is fine here, especially knowing I can do things in the rain with k-30 without worrying about the cam due to a WR body ( and lenses) but the bit rates. I am now evaluating whether the video compression will not be too big in k-30. This is the only thing holding me from simply taking k-30.
If there was a hack like for GH2 that would allow to make a more quality friendly video compression for K-30, there would be no doubts.
I found some video samples and am evaluating, visually the samples are okay, but technically things are less appealing. If not this doubt, I would take k-30. The good thing I decided regarding k-01, OVF is my friend and the two control dials are awesome + WR will allow me more extreme stuff to do. I wish Pentax would include extra setting: good, very good, best,
excellent (which would be less storage efficient but in terms output quality would be excellent)
So well, for taking stills obviously k-30, now video section makes my brain go nuts.
Oh I also like that Pentax can take legacy lenses adapters free and focus peaking is really good feature, So it has an edge here too, but bit rates chosen for the video are somewhat lacking.
And this is important while I cannot afford high end interchangeable lens video camera. So well, this is the main reason I am confused, I guess if I didn;t make deeper research and didn;t find info about bit rates I would have chosen k-30 already.