Originally posted by kosmoejtg I recently attended a winter photography class at the Chicago Botanical Garden. Of the 11 people in the class I was the only one that didn't sport a Canon or Nikon. I don't mind being different, as a matter of fact i like being the only one in a group with a Pentax, but it does get annoying when people as so biased. For instance, the instructor spent some time reviewing ways to protect the camera and lens from the elements. I was sitting there with my K-30 and 18-135 mm feeling pretty smug. When I mentioned that some cameras and lenses are weather resistant two of my fellow classmates quickly stated that it doesn't work. I mentioned a test of a K-3 under a faucet that continued to take pictures and they didn't believe it and weren't swayed. Not wanting to get in an argument I dropped it. The instructor wasn't much better saying at one point that any lens other than Nikon or Canon was as clear as butter. Not sure what that means but it wasn't a compliment. Of course it could just be that they are ignorant of anything other than Canon or Nikon.
I think it's probably some of both. Cannon and Nikon are so ubiquitous (it's the first display you see when you walk into Costco, for heaven sake). So perhaps the ready availability makes the decision easier for some folks and then (as mentioned above) one must justify one's choice, right? No reason for your instructor to be so ill-informed, though. That weather resistance sure helps here in Oregon!
The Cannikon world had just the opposite effect on me when entering the DSLR arena. I found the startling array of their models and evolving lens mounts rather overwhelming. The simplicity of the Pentax line and its welcomed stubborn attachment to the K mount was incredibly alluring. What really sealed the deal for me was the day I walked into a little old camera store here, saw shelves lined with antique cameras and used Pentax lenses, and walked out with a great 100-300mm that clicked right in. And I still had my wallet when I left.