Originally posted by urundai If you compare the cameras, they are not at the same level, right? A plasticky one against a magnesium body, full weather sealed?
It's impossible to have any two cameras be 'the same level'. They're the same cost, though, with lens, so it makes sense to compare them on that reason alone. I like the feel of the K-5 better, sure. But the D600 has a metal frame. I'm 100% sure that the camera won't fail on me because the engineers chose to use some polymers here and some metals there.
Originally posted by urundai A non weather sealed lens against a weather sealed lens. Plus, you can't get the D600 kit for $2k anymore. As with the SDM failures, D600 isn't free of issues either with the dust spots etc.
1) Both lenses are weather sealed. People think that the Pentax is sealed better. Pentax certainly advertises it more. I'd guess the Pentax is better sealed, too, but the D600's lens has seals, and certainly will not let in nearly as much salt water at the ocean as my 15mm Limited will.
2) You can't get the kit for $2k any more, but you will be able to soon, and in another month Pentax will probably jerk us around again (or introduce a new lens, hopefully?) and you won't be able to get the flagship APS-C camera and flagship lens for $2100, either... and that combo will still underperform in terms of objectively measured IQ (if you care about that).
3) D600 has dust spots. I just got mine back a week ago. I also had to send in my K-5 twice, once for the lens button and once for the sensor stain. The sensor stain won't come back, and the debris that was in the D600 from the factory won't come back, either. Both of those failures were infant mortalities. On the other hand, many, many people have had the SDM fail after the 1-year warranty (Nikon is no better, but Nikon doesn't have as strong a history of lens failure).
Quote: I just pointed out the practice of many folks that I know who buy expensive cameras and pair it nothing more than just a cheap lens. To me, it doesn't make sense.
To me, it makes complete sense for most people who are looking to spend $2k. You have far more room to grow than tying yourself to an APS-C system, for the same initial cost. The only reason in my mind to go pentax is the excellent ergonomics and the lovely feel, and in some cases IQ, of the limited lenses. There are other lenses that are good, too, of course.