The Benjamin Kanarek Blog 2009 Camera Awards

benjikan · 01-13-2010, 07:02 PM

The Benjamin Kanarek Blog 2009 Camera Awards

Well, being that everyone is doing it, I thought I would put in my two cents worth.

Here are my choices for Camera's of the year and there standing…I won't go in to the why's unless you ask.

Just one point of clarification, I am no longer affiliated with any brand and thus there is no commercial bias.

My Favorite Full Frame DSLR's are the following:

1. Sony Alpha 850
2. Nikon D3X
3. Canon 5D Mkll
4. Canon 1Ds Mklll
5. Sony Alpha 900

My Favorite High End APS-C DSLR's are the following:

1. Canon 7D
2. Pentax K7
3. Nikon D300s
4. Sony Alpha 550

My Favorite Entry Level DSLR's are the following:

1. Pentax K-x
2. Canon 500D
3. Nikon D5000

There you have it. Would love to hear your feedback.

Ben

Benjamin Kanarek Blog “The Benjamin Kanarek Blog 2009 Camera Awards”

KungPOW · 01-13-2010, 07:18 PM

I think you got it about right.

I also think the A850 is the camera Pentax should have released.

Pentax is going to have a challenge to get into the FF camera game. By the time they release one, Canon, Sony, and Nikon will be onto their 2end and 3rd generation prosumer FF's.

Art Vandelay II · 01-13-2010, 07:32 PM

Originally posted by KungPOW

I think you got it about right.I also think the A850 is the camera Pentax should have released.

Shave about a pound off of the A850 and I'd agree with that. That camera is just too big. Great for studio work, but not anything that requires you to carry it with you for extended periods. Love the viewfinder, but I prefer Pentax's philosophy of start small and add a battery grip if you prefer large.

benjikan · 01-13-2010, 07:53 PM

Originally posted by KungPOW

I think you got it about right.

I also think the A850 is the camera Pentax should have released.

Pentax is going to have a challenge to get into the FF camera game. By the time they release one, Canon, Sony, and Nikon will be onto their 2end and 3rd generation prosumer FF's.

The 850 is the best "Bang for the Buck" FF out there right now and there were several silent tweaks to the sensor...Pentax will compete and I am sure very well in this share of the market and soon.

bunegg · 01-13-2010, 09:34 PM

is price factor part of the conclusion on your choices?

Jasvox · 01-13-2010, 09:46 PM

Any idea how many 850's were sold in 2009? I'd love to see and how it compares to their other models.

Jason

k100d · 01-13-2010, 10:23 PM

Originally posted by Art Vandelay II

Shave about a pound off of the A850 and I'd agree with that. That camera is just too big. Great for studio work, but not anything that requires you to carry it with you for extended periods. Love the viewfinder, but I prefer Pentax's philosophy of start small and add a battery grip if you prefer large.

the a900 with battery weighs 895g... i'm guessing the a850 might be a bit lighter
the k-7 with battery weighs 754g

really not a big diff

Blue · 01-13-2010, 10:36 PM

What did the 2008 Awards look like? Or did you snub Holga again?

Originally posted by benjikan

The Benjamin Kanarek Blog 2009 Camera Awards

Well, being that everyone is doing it, I thought I would put in my two cents worth.

Here are my choices for Camera's of the year and there standing…I won't go in to the why's unless you ask.

Just one point of clarification, I am no longer affiliated with any brand and thus there is no commercial bias.

My Favorite Full Frame DSLR's are the following:

1. Sony Alpha 850
2. Nikon D3X
3. Canon 5D Mkll
4. Canon 1Ds Mklll
5. Sony Alpha 900

My Favorite High End APS-C DSLR's are the following:

1. Canon 7D
2. Pentax K7
3. Nikon D300s
4. Sony Alpha 550

My Favorite Entry Level DSLR's are the following:

1. Pentax K-x
2. Canon 500D
3. Nikon D5000

There you have it. Would love to hear your feedback.

Ben

Benjamin Kanarek Blog “The Benjamin Kanarek Blog 2009 Camera Awards”

**Ash** · 01-13-2010, 10:43 PM

Don't know about the 850 myself - never handled it but am a bit of a sceptic of it, particularly put up against the D3X and 5D MkII.

Everything else is pretty much in order.

Art Vandelay II · 01-13-2010, 10:43 PM

Quote:

really not a big diff

I guess the weight isn't as big of a deal as the size is to me, and even if the weight is similar the bulk sure isn't. I prefer to carry a small messenger pack around with me, and bulky cameras are just a pain in the arse to get in and out of it. I tried carrying a Nikon F100 (roughly the same size of a 5D or A850) around NYC last time I was there, but it was just too bulky to pull in and out of a bag repeatedly. I found myself using my Canon G10 in times when I should have been using my SLR just because it was more convenient. I know I could always buy a larger bag, but I really do want to avoid looking like a Sherpa as much as possible during photo walks.

Originally posted by Ash

Don't know about the 850 myself - never handled it but am a bit of a sceptic of it, particularly put up against the D3X and 5D MkII.

You should really test one out. The A850 has the best ergo's and by far the best VF out of all the current "small" FF DSLR's. I wish it were stronger at ISO3200+, but high ISO and bulk are really my only two concerns with that camera. It's my favorite FF DSLR on the market at the moment.

ogl · 01-13-2010, 10:45 PM

maybe A850 is a good value for money, but I doubt that this camera has good sales world wide.
as for SONY - SONY makes "poor functionality" bodies. "empty boxes".

montecarlo · 01-14-2010, 12:34 AM

exactly .. "What's Not to Like?" Sony Alpha 850 Review

Still, a FF/FX K-7 would be the best

( Sony Alpha DSLR A850 Review - AlphaMountWorld.com )

LeDave · 01-14-2010, 01:16 AM

Originally posted by ogl

maybe A850 is a good value for money, but I doubt that this camera has good sales world wide.
as for SONY - SONY makes "poor functionality" bodies. "empty boxes".

Agree, Sony in their first two years of making DSLR's, they came up with great bodies. The a700 for example is a beautiful work of craftsmanship. But now I don't know where they have gone. They still boast good technology within the bodies, but when you pick one up today, it just doesn't feel the same. I picked up the a550 at a store and for a thousand bucks, this thing feels like a 600 dollar entry-level body, if only it boasted the same level of body quality as the a700 then I would've bought it over the K-7 along time ago. But it seems like Sony is taking a different route than I had anticipated from their "first" impressions.

But for the a850, it's a beautiful camera for a beautiful price. I picked this one up at a store also and it feels perfect. Too bad they can't do the same for their entry-levels.

janneman · 01-14-2010, 01:31 AM

Originally posted by benjikan

The Benjamin Kanarek Blog 2009 Camera Awards

Well, being that everyone is doing it, I thought I would put in my two cents worth.

Here are my choices for Camera's of the year and there standing…I won't go in to the why's unless you ask.

Just one point of clarification, I am no longer affiliated with any brand and thus there is no commercial bias.

My Favorite Full Frame DSLR's are the following:

1. Sony Alpha 850

Very surprised here Ben, of all people I'd expect you to be the one who put aesthetics very high on the "what to look for" -list....
Now that weird look may be excused if the camera felt like a solid, pillbox like caera but it does not...

dylansalt · 01-14-2010, 03:00 AM

not many lens choices over here for Sony and the ones that are more expensive than N/C.

Surely the N D700 has more appeal than the Sony.

Also would be very interested in your reasoning of the 7D over 300s including IQ not just price.

Dyls

01-13-2010, 07:02 PM	#1
benjikan Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Paris, France Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,308	The Benjamin Kanarek Blog 2009 Camera Awards The Benjamin Kanarek Blog 2009 Camera Awards Well, being that everyone is doing it, I thought I would put in my two cents worth. Here are my choices for Camera's of the year and there standing…I won't go in to the why's unless you ask. Just one point of clarification, I am no longer affiliated with any brand and thus there is no commercial bias. My Favorite Full Frame DSLR's are the following: 1. Sony Alpha 850 2. Nikon D3X 3. Canon 5D Mkll 4. Canon 1Ds Mklll 5. Sony Alpha 900 My Favorite High End APS-C DSLR's are the following: 1. Canon 7D 2. Pentax K7 3. Nikon D300s 4. Sony Alpha 550 My Favorite Entry Level DSLR's are the following: 1. Pentax K-x 2. Canon 500D 3. Nikon D5000 There you have it. Would love to hear your feedback. Ben Benjamin Kanarek Blog “The Benjamin Kanarek Blog 2009 Camera Awards”

01-13-2010, 10:43 PM	#10
Art Vandelay II Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 886	Quote: really not a big diff I guess the weight isn't as big of a deal as the size is to me, and even if the weight is similar the bulk sure isn't. I prefer to carry a small messenger pack around with me, and bulky cameras are just a pain in the arse to get in and out of it. I tried carrying a Nikon F100 (roughly the same size of a 5D or A850) around NYC last time I was there, but it was just too bulky to pull in and out of a bag repeatedly. I found myself using my Canon G10 in times when I should have been using my SLR just because it was more convenient. I know I could always buy a larger bag, but I really do want to avoid looking like a Sherpa as much as possible during photo walks. Originally posted by Ash Don't know about the 850 myself - never handled it but am a bit of a sceptic of it, particularly put up against the D3X and 5D MkII. You should really test one out. The A850 has the best ergo's and by far the best VF out of all the current "small" FF DSLR's. I wish it were stronger at ISO3200+, but high ISO and bulk are really my only two concerns with that camera. It's my favorite FF DSLR on the market at the moment. Last edited by Art Vandelay II; 01-13-2010 at 10:49 PM.

01-13-2010, 10:45 PM	#11
ogl Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sankt Peterburg Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,382	maybe A850 is a good value for money, but I doubt that this camera has good sales world wide. as for SONY - SONY makes "poor functionality" bodies. "empty boxes". Last edited by ogl; 01-14-2010 at 12:42 AM.

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01-13-2010, 07:18 PM	#2
KungPOW Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Vancouver, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,699	I think you got it about right. I also think the A850 is the camera Pentax should have released. Pentax is going to have a challenge to get into the FF camera game. By the time they release one, Canon, Sony, and Nikon will be onto their 2end and 3rd generation prosumer FF's.

01-13-2010, 07:32 PM	#3
Art Vandelay II Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 886	Originally posted by KungPOW I think you got it about right.I also think the A850 is the camera Pentax should have released. Shave about a pound off of the A850 and I'd agree with that. That camera is just too big. Great for studio work, but not anything that requires you to carry it with you for extended periods. Love the viewfinder, but I prefer Pentax's philosophy of start small and add a battery grip if you prefer large.

01-13-2010, 07:53 PM	#4
benjikan Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Paris, France Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,308 Original Poster	Originally posted by KungPOW I think you got it about right. I also think the A850 is the camera Pentax should have released. Pentax is going to have a challenge to get into the FF camera game. By the time they release one, Canon, Sony, and Nikon will be onto their 2end and 3rd generation prosumer FF's. The 850 is the best "Bang for the Buck" FF out there right now and there were several silent tweaks to the sensor...Pentax will compete and I am sure very well in this share of the market and soon.

01-13-2010, 09:34 PM	#5
bunegg Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 82	is price factor part of the conclusion on your choices?

01-13-2010, 09:46 PM	#6
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107	Any idea how many 850's were sold in 2009? I'd love to see and how it compares to their other models. Jason

01-13-2010, 10:23 PM	#7
k100d Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 3,911	Originally posted by Art Vandelay II Shave about a pound off of the A850 and I'd agree with that. That camera is just too big. Great for studio work, but not anything that requires you to carry it with you for extended periods. Love the viewfinder, but I prefer Pentax's philosophy of start small and add a battery grip if you prefer large. the a900 with battery weighs 895g... i'm guessing the a850 might be a bit lighter the k-7 with battery weighs 754g really not a big diff

01-13-2010, 10:36 PM	#8
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	What did the 2008 Awards look like? Or did you snub Holga again? Originally posted by benjikan The Benjamin Kanarek Blog 2009 Camera Awards Well, being that everyone is doing it, I thought I would put in my two cents worth. Here are my choices for Camera's of the year and there standing…I won't go in to the why's unless you ask. Just one point of clarification, I am no longer affiliated with any brand and thus there is no commercial bias. My Favorite Full Frame DSLR's are the following: 1. Sony Alpha 850 2. Nikon D3X 3. Canon 5D Mkll 4. Canon 1Ds Mklll 5. Sony Alpha 900 My Favorite High End APS-C DSLR's are the following: 1. Canon 7D 2. Pentax K7 3. Nikon D300s 4. Sony Alpha 550 My Favorite Entry Level DSLR's are the following: 1. Pentax K-x 2. Canon 500D 3. Nikon D5000 There you have it. Would love to hear your feedback. Ben Benjamin Kanarek Blog “The Benjamin Kanarek Blog 2009 Camera Awards”

01-13-2010, 10:43 PM	#9
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Don't know about the 850 myself - never handled it but am a bit of a sceptic of it, particularly put up against the D3X and 5D MkII. Everything else is pretty much in order.

01-14-2010, 12:34 AM	#12
montecarlo Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 161	exactly .. "What's Not to Like?" Sony Alpha 850 Review Still, a FF/FX K-7 would be the best ( Sony Alpha DSLR A850 Review - AlphaMountWorld.com )

01-14-2010, 01:16 AM	#13
LeDave Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Minneapolis - St. Paul Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,067	Originally posted by ogl maybe A850 is a good value for money, but I doubt that this camera has good sales world wide. as for SONY - SONY makes "poor functionality" bodies. "empty boxes". Agree, Sony in their first two years of making DSLR's, they came up with great bodies. The a700 for example is a beautiful work of craftsmanship. But now I don't know where they have gone. They still boast good technology within the bodies, but when you pick one up today, it just doesn't feel the same. I picked up the a550 at a store and for a thousand bucks, this thing feels like a 600 dollar entry-level body, if only it boasted the same level of body quality as the a700 then I would've bought it over the K-7 along time ago. But it seems like Sony is taking a different route than I had anticipated from their "first" impressions. But for the a850, it's a beautiful camera for a beautiful price. I picked this one up at a store also and it feels perfect. Too bad they can't do the same for their entry-levels.

01-14-2010, 01:31 AM	#14
janneman Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Netherlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 908	Originally posted by benjikan The Benjamin Kanarek Blog 2009 Camera Awards Well, being that everyone is doing it, I thought I would put in my two cents worth. Here are my choices for Camera's of the year and there standing…I won't go in to the why's unless you ask. Just one point of clarification, I am no longer affiliated with any brand and thus there is no commercial bias. My Favorite Full Frame DSLR's are the following: 1. Sony Alpha 850 Very surprised here Ben, of all people I'd expect you to be the one who put aesthetics very high on the "what to look for" -list.... Now that weird look may be excused if the camera felt like a solid, pillbox like caera but it does not...

01-14-2010, 03:00 AM	#15
dylansalt Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Durban, South Africa Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,052	not many lens choices over here for Sony and the ones that are more expensive than N/C. Surely the N D700 has more appeal than the Sony. Also would be very interested in your reasoning of the 7D over 300s including IQ not just price. Dyls