Originally posted by normhead To many of us video is a gimmick.
I taught video for 15 years, and as soon as I retired I never used a video camera again. Don't tell me what is and what isn't a gimmick. To me, it's a gimmick and I wouldn't pay another 20 bucks on top of the cost of a K-1 for better video. So, there's is absolutely nothing wrong with a Pentax shooter calling video a gimmick. If you don't have that mindset you shouldn't be shooting Pentax. If i want a camera for video, I'll buy one to the specs i want. I would never expect that to be built into a still camera. But then, back when I was teaching I had 6 dedicated video cameras the size of my whole K-1 kit. My advice to those who think video isn't an add on gimmick on a still camera is shoot with some real video equipment. Get a sense of what you are talking about.
Very "on target".
I never, ever, shot video on any of my Pentax bodies, and probably never will - unless there's a fire in the building or something, and I don't have my mobile with me. I am interested in photography (on my own very limited level), not in video. I couldn't care less about the video capabilities of a photographic camera - it's good to have it for an emergency, but that's it for me. I wouldn't spend a further dollar for the damn thing.
If people want video capabilities, I'd say search somewhere else. That's one of the reasons I chose Pentax: providing cameras that are designed with photography in mind - the whole concept of shooting video on a dslr is somewhat strange for me, but maybe I'm old fashioned.
I too feel that cameras like the the new Sony A9 are not for people like me, and possibly many Pentax users, who like to "see" with the camera, as a means to show a particular moment in time. All else, AF, AE, SR, whatever, are little bonuses, not essentials. I love the sound of the shutter, I like being forced to think before I shoot something.
But I digress...
So, anyway: Pentax can and should provide better video capabilities, if feasible, but not as a central part of the camera - I'm very happy with the K-1, it's one hell of a camera and I would feel dumb using it to shoot videos of my silly dogs running around. My android phone is perfectly suitable for that. But when it comes to photos, I'm a perfectly happy camper.