What are your DSLR dealbreakers?

**RobA_Oz** · 02-15-2020, 02:23 AM

We’ve strayed somewhat from the OP’s question (but what’s new?) so I’ll attempt to answer, if only for myself.

So-called “deal-breakers” need to be considered in the light of having complete knowledge of the item under consideration. Without knowing enough about a hypothetical new DSLR, I would have been tempted to say “no WiFi”, “no GPS” and “no tilting rear screen” (possibly “no third wheel”, as well). However, if this new body had, for instance, blazing fast and accurate AF and a hybrid viewfinder, I might be tempted to dispense with one or several of my “deal-breakers”.

Benefits and drawbacks; pluses and minuses; swings and roundabouts. Show me the camera, and I’ll tell you if it has a deal-breaker, for me.

Hidrieus · 02-15-2020, 04:04 AM

I own a K5 and K5IIs and I can't stop being amazed by their friendliness. They are made for the photographer who does not care about trends and is disgusted from the forced obsoleteness other brands are marketing. But I like shooting portraits in shade so a build in flash to fill in is invaluable to me. OVF is the main characteristic that photography gives me joy, I want to see what the lens see and imagine, not what the processor interprets. Recently I decided to try the 24-36 format to see if I miss something from the 16-24 format. K1 does not have built in flash and it is frustrating to drag with me an external flash to put on when the opportunity comes for the model to stay in shade for a quick street portrait. Nor is flexible to leave on the external flash all time when I walk the streets. So I was obliged to buy a used Nikon D700. I miss the deep controls a Pentax offers and my K-mount lenses but what could I do?
I see now that even Nikon dropped the build in flash in the new D780. So I have only two choices in the 24-36 format: D700 and D750. I think no other manufacturer makes or has made a 24-36 camera with build in flash. I hope that Pentax would make one to buy eventually but it seems that people do not care about having build in flashes in 24-36 bodies.
So this is what a deal breaker would be for me in any body: no build in flash.

Dan Rentea · 02-15-2020, 05:07 AM

Originally posted by Hidrieus

I own a K5 and K5IIs and I can't stop being amazed by their friendliness. They are made for the photographer who does not care about trends and is disgusted from the forced obsoleteness other brands are marketing. But I like shooting portraits in shade so a build in flash to fill in is invaluable to me. OVF is the main characteristic that photography gives me joy, I want to see what the lens see and imagine, not what the processor interprets. Recently I decided to try the 24-36 format to see if I miss something from the 16-24 format. K1 does not have built in flash and it is frustrating to drag with me an external flash to put on when the opportunity comes for the model to stay in shade for a quick street portrait. Nor is flexible to leave on the external flash all time when I walk the streets. So I was obliged to buy a used Nikon D700. I miss the deep controls a Pentax offers and my K-mount lenses but what could I do?
I see now that even Nikon dropped the build in flash in the new D780. So I have only two choices in the 24-36 format: D700 and D750. I think no other manufacturer makes or has made a 24-36 camera with build in flash. I hope that Pentax would make one to buy eventually but it seems that people do not care about having build in flashes in 24-36 bodies.
So this is what a deal breaker would be for me in any body: no build in flash.

For quick street portraits I use the environment to help me get the shot (a white wall or a white car that can bounce some light back on the model's face). I also have a piece of flipchart paper folded in my backpack and also a white plastic bag that I sometimes use to fill the shades when the sun is behind the model. Somehow the built in flash never worked for me, especially outside where you can't bounce the light and you don't have enough power either to "fight" the sun.

And between K-5 II and K-3 II, I liked more the K-5 II. Somehow the files looked better at high ISO.

**microlight** · 02-15-2020, 09:01 AM

Having shot with both K-5 and K-3II, it seems to me that in shooting raw and with the flexibility of today’s noise reduction tech, there is virtually nothing between them as far as high ISO (and I mean, up to around 12,800) is concerned. Now that we have the accelerator discussion in these forums, this could be a deal-breaker for some. Not for me though, I have to say!

Steve Beswick · 02-15-2020, 09:36 AM

I think there is an elephant in the room now, and nobody seems to have noticed. At this point, Pentax really isn’t much more than the name of Ricoh’s DSLR line. If Ricoh goes all in on mirrorless, then it’s likely the end of Pentax.

Ivan · 02-15-2020, 10:38 AM

The elephant is hard to overlook. But a situation where not alive is not dead under the current economic system could last a long time.

**microlight** · 02-15-2020, 12:40 PM - **2 Likes**

Schrodinger's Pentax.

**RobA_Oz** · 02-15-2020, 01:29 PM

Originally posted by Steve Beswick

I think there is an elephant in the room now, and nobody seems to have noticed. At this point, Pentax really isn’t much more than the name of Ricoh’s DSLR line. If Ricoh goes all in on mirrorless, then it’s likely the end of Pentax.

That’s a separate question, and the OP didn’t actually mention Pentax.

Steve Beswick · 02-15-2020, 01:36 PM

Originally posted by RobA_Oz

That’s a separate question, and the OP didn’t actually mention Pentax.

Okay, but over the last 9 pages we have spoken at length about both Pentax and mirrorless.

**RobA_Oz** · 02-15-2020, 01:42 PM

Originally posted by Steve Beswick

Okay, but over the last 9 pages we have spoken at length about both Pentax and mirrorless.

True. My attempt to bring the discussion back on topic. I’m not altogether surprised that it hasn’t worked.

**microlight** · 02-15-2020, 04:15 PM - **5 Likes**

So - the thread’s on topic and also not on topic. Schrodinger’s Thread!!

**UncleVanya** · 02-16-2020, 07:19 AM

Originally posted by Steve Beswick

I think there is an elephant in the room now, and nobody seems to have noticed. At this point, Pentax really isn’t much more than the name of Ricoh’s DSLR line. If Ricoh goes all in on mirrorless, then it’s likely the end of Pentax.

Since Ricoh has no mirrorless line with standardized interchangeable lenses*, why would they abandon their brand? If they jump to mirrorless I wouldn't anticipate dropping Pentax name, nor a loss of at least backward compatible autofocus enabled k mount use.

But to stay on topic, mirrorless is a deal breaker for DSLR at least technically...

* They did make sensor/lens combos that swapped.

bladerunner6 · 02-16-2020, 10:36 AM - **1 Like**

Not being able to afford it is the number one issue.

Then dual control wheels.

Ivan · 02-17-2020, 12:04 AM

You have a good sense of humor.

bladerunner6 · 02-17-2020, 07:53 AM

Originally posted by Ivan

You have a good sense of humor.

It may seem funny but many people on gear forums don’t appreciate the importance of affordability.

Median US household income was $63K in 2018.

U.S. Median Household Income Was $63,179 in 2018, Not Significantly Different From 2017

Figure in food, clothing, shelter, transportation, health care, insurance, communication services, saving for retirement and taxes that does not leave a great many people with the ability to buy a $1500 camera body.

02-15-2020, 04:04 AM	#122
Hidrieus Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Posts: 326	Built in flash in 24-36 bodies. I own a K5 and K5IIs and I can't stop being amazed by their friendliness. They are made for the photographer who does not care about trends and is disgusted from the forced obsoleteness other brands are marketing. But I like shooting portraits in shade so a build in flash to fill in is invaluable to me. OVF is the main characteristic that photography gives me joy, I want to see what the lens see and imagine, not what the processor interprets. Recently I decided to try the 24-36 format to see if I miss something from the 16-24 format. K1 does not have built in flash and it is frustrating to drag with me an external flash to put on when the opportunity comes for the model to stay in shade for a quick street portrait. Nor is flexible to leave on the external flash all time when I walk the streets. So I was obliged to buy a used Nikon D700. I miss the deep controls a Pentax offers and my K-mount lenses but what could I do? I see now that even Nikon dropped the build in flash in the new D780. So I have only two choices in the 24-36 format: D700 and D750. I think no other manufacturer makes or has made a 24-36 camera with build in flash. I hope that Pentax would make one to buy eventually but it seems that people do not care about having build in flashes in 24-36 bodies. So this is what a deal breaker would be for me in any body: no build in flash.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Old tech shootout: your MX-1 vs your phone. Is your MX-1 still holding it's own?	MD Optofonik	Pentax Compact Cameras	7	05-16-2019 07:40 PM
Vote here in survey/poll about lenses requested for your Pentax DSLR - your wishlist	beholder3	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	33	09-29-2016 12:52 PM
When Do You Use Your K-01 vs. Your DSLR?	Biro	Pentax K-01	33	11-18-2012 11:57 AM
Control your DSLR shooting from your Android phone app	photoleet	Pentax DSLR Discussion	4	01-31-2012 12:20 AM
Your first time with your first DSLR?	LeDave	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	32	07-13-2009 11:05 PM

02-15-2020, 02:23 AM	#121
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,197	We’ve strayed somewhat from the OP’s question (but what’s new?) so I’ll attempt to answer, if only for myself. So-called “deal-breakers” need to be considered in the light of having complete knowledge of the item under consideration. Without knowing enough about a hypothetical new DSLR, I would have been tempted to say “no WiFi”, “no GPS” and “no tilting rear screen” (possibly “no third wheel”, as well). However, if this new body had, for instance, blazing fast and accurate AF and a hybrid viewfinder, I might be tempted to dispense with one or several of my “deal-breakers”. Benefits and drawbacks; pluses and minuses; swings and roundabouts. Show me the camera, and I’ll tell you if it has a deal-breaker, for me.

02-15-2020, 05:07 AM	#123
Dan Rentea Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Bucharest Posts: 1,716	Originally posted by Hidrieus I own a K5 and K5IIs and I can't stop being amazed by their friendliness. They are made for the photographer who does not care about trends and is disgusted from the forced obsoleteness other brands are marketing. But I like shooting portraits in shade so a build in flash to fill in is invaluable to me. OVF is the main characteristic that photography gives me joy, I want to see what the lens see and imagine, not what the processor interprets. Recently I decided to try the 24-36 format to see if I miss something from the 16-24 format. K1 does not have built in flash and it is frustrating to drag with me an external flash to put on when the opportunity comes for the model to stay in shade for a quick street portrait. Nor is flexible to leave on the external flash all time when I walk the streets. So I was obliged to buy a used Nikon D700. I miss the deep controls a Pentax offers and my K-mount lenses but what could I do? I see now that even Nikon dropped the build in flash in the new D780. So I have only two choices in the 24-36 format: D700 and D750. I think no other manufacturer makes or has made a 24-36 camera with build in flash. I hope that Pentax would make one to buy eventually but it seems that people do not care about having build in flashes in 24-36 bodies. So this is what a deal breaker would be for me in any body: no build in flash. For quick street portraits I use the environment to help me get the shot (a white wall or a white car that can bounce some light back on the model's face). I also have a piece of flipchart paper folded in my backpack and also a white plastic bag that I sometimes use to fill the shades when the sun is behind the model. Somehow the built in flash never worked for me, especially outside where you can't bounce the light and you don't have enough power either to "fight" the sun. And between K-5 II and K-3 II, I liked more the K-5 II. Somehow the files looked better at high ISO.

02-15-2020, 09:01 AM	#124
microlight Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 2,129	Having shot with both K-5 and K-3II, it seems to me that in shooting raw and with the flexibility of today’s noise reduction tech, there is virtually nothing between them as far as high ISO (and I mean, up to around 12,800) is concerned. Now that we have the accelerator discussion in these forums, this could be a deal-breaker for some. Not for me though, I have to say!

02-15-2020, 09:36 AM	#125
Steve Beswick Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ontario, California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,736	I think there is an elephant in the room now, and nobody seems to have noticed. At this point, Pentax really isn’t much more than the name of Ricoh’s DSLR line. If Ricoh goes all in on mirrorless, then it’s likely the end of Pentax.

02-15-2020, 10:38 AM	#126
Ivan Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Moscow Posts: 639	The elephant is hard to overlook. But a situation where not alive is not dead under the current economic system could last a long time.

02-15-2020, 12:40 PM - 2 Likes	#127
microlight Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 2,129	Schrodinger's Pentax.

02-15-2020, 01:29 PM	#128
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,197	Originally posted by Steve Beswick I think there is an elephant in the room now, and nobody seems to have noticed. At this point, Pentax really isn’t much more than the name of Ricoh’s DSLR line. If Ricoh goes all in on mirrorless, then it’s likely the end of Pentax. That’s a separate question, and the OP didn’t actually mention Pentax.

02-15-2020, 01:36 PM	#129
Steve Beswick Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ontario, California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,736	Originally posted by RobA_Oz That’s a separate question, and the OP didn’t actually mention Pentax. Okay, but over the last 9 pages we have spoken at length about both Pentax and mirrorless.

02-15-2020, 01:42 PM	#130
RobA_Oz Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,197	Originally posted by Steve Beswick Okay, but over the last 9 pages we have spoken at length about both Pentax and mirrorless. True. My attempt to bring the discussion back on topic. I’m not altogether surprised that it hasn’t worked.

02-15-2020, 04:15 PM - 5 Likes	#131
microlight Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 2,129	So - the thread’s on topic and also not on topic. Schrodinger’s Thread!!

02-16-2020, 07:19 AM	#132
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,403	Originally posted by Steve Beswick I think there is an elephant in the room now, and nobody seems to have noticed. At this point, Pentax really isn’t much more than the name of Ricoh’s DSLR line. If Ricoh goes all in on mirrorless, then it’s likely the end of Pentax. Since Ricoh has no mirrorless line with standardized interchangeable lenses, why would they abandon their brand? If they jump to mirrorless I wouldn't anticipate dropping Pentax name, nor a loss of at least backward compatible autofocus enabled k mount use. But to stay on topic, mirrorless is a deal breaker for DSLR at least technically... They did make sensor/lens combos that swapped.

02-16-2020, 10:36 AM - 1 Like	#133
bladerunner6 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,080	Not being able to afford it is the number one issue. Then dual control wheels.

02-17-2020, 12:04 AM	#134
Ivan Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Moscow Posts: 639	You have a good sense of humor.

02-17-2020, 07:53 AM	#135
bladerunner6 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,080	Originally posted by Ivan You have a good sense of humor. It may seem funny but many people on gear forums don’t appreciate the importance of affordability. Median US household income was $63K in 2018. U.S. Median Household Income Was $63,179 in 2018, Not Significantly Different From 2017 Figure in food, clothing, shelter, transportation, health care, insurance, communication services, saving for retirement and taxes that does not leave a great many people with the ability to buy a $1500 camera body.