Originally posted by jwoodland Just a note after shooting with both the d800E and 645 for the past week together (and the d800 for several weeks before I got the E version). I find the Pentax about as easy to use as the Nikon, and the Pentax files are just lovely - they do indeed have a look to them that I've not seen with any of the Nikon files yet. This includes 30x40 prints of the same scenes with similar FOV lenses (and the Pentax prints were sharper with more find detail also). I really wanted to love the Nikon and sell the Pentax so I would just have one system (I'll keep the Nikon for really-high ISO work like shooting pinpoint stars), but that won't happen now - the Pentax will remain my main landscape camera. Price and weight for an overall system of either seems to be about the same when you collect all the necessary lenses, although the Pentax remains limited on both ends - wide and long. I think generally for folks coming from a 35mm system the Nikon will be terrific; for folks coming from a medium-format system would prefer the Pentax...I'm a happy camper with both!
Thanks for extremely interesting observations. Although I don't have my D800E yet, I did shoot with the D800 for a 1/2 a day and printed up some of the images (a few 24x36) and did a preliminary comparison with those from my 645D that had been previously printed. It was not a apples to apples comparison as I did not have my 645D on the same day shooting the D800 and thus images from both cameras were of different scences. My impression is much like those of jwoodland. The Pentax appeared to display finer details better, with what I will refer to as a depth or demensionality that was lacking in the Nikon. To be sure, the Nikon images were some of the best I've seen and printed, in the many years I've worked with Nikon pro bodies and of course has the versitility of shooting faster, better high ISO performance and overall better AF, especially in locking on to moving subjects and those in low light. Each system has its place when large detailed file sizes are required. Although there is quite a bit of overlap between the two systems if one was only able to only choose one, the Nikon would be picked when a wider variety of shooting circumstances may be encountered. In comparison, the Pentax would be applicable for extracting the most detail from a scene in a way that often has some additonal impact and that the Pentax has the advanatge of being a more versitile all weather camera for outdoor use, especially with the WR lenses.
Jwoodland's comparions are definitely more noteworthy since the same subject and FOV was used in comparing images from both these fine cameras, whereas mine weren't and were simply preliminary impressions. I have too many shooting circumstances where the Pentax wouldn't quite be applicable and normally I'd be using the D3s...but often a bigger file size is needed for the fast moving low light performing arts work...and thats where possibly the D800/D800E might fit the bill. I too have pondered the wide angle question with use of the Pentax 25mm vs. the Nikon and 14-24 or zeiss 21mm. Tough choice for landscape work since that would mean carrying around two systems when really only one could do.
Lastly like Thomas and others have mentioned, I too wish we would have some idea as to whether Pentax is contemplating going to a full frame sensor in future 645D cameras, since investment in a $5000 lens that is designed for a cropped sensor only, doesn't really appeal to me. Tough choices to say the least.
Dave (D&A)