Originally posted by kadajawi Nearly got someone to buy a K-5. He used a 40D before, but didn't really consider the 550D and 60D, and the 7D was too expensive. Finally bought the D7000. Reason: Almost as good as the Pentax for photo, but by far superior for video. Better codec, better frame rates, AF during video (very big deal). Also Pentax is a bit too unsteady he says. Though he prefers to buy the underdog, who knows what the K-5 replacement will be? Another disappointment like the K-7? How good will the video function be on the next one? With Nikon or Canon it is clear that the next version will be good again, and that there are frequent updates (even if they don't really make sense). FF is another advantage (couldn't convince him to go for the 645D later... lol).
And I can't even say I wouldn't have made the same decision. Video is important, and the D7000 is nearly as good, better in video and cheaper. Though a bit too big and heavy.
I don't know if "it's clear" or not that the next version of those cameras would be better. I seem to recall a lot of gripe over the 60D's images being poor in noise control, worse than the 50D, because the bumped the resolution again. Also, the D7000 vs. the D90. Yes, the D7000 is a more advanced package, but it doesn't handle as well and isn't aimed at "semi-pro" users as much as the D90 was. Small gripes, but I'm sure you'd find Canon or Nikon users with lots to say about their brands. Pentax is recovering, albeit slowly, from not having a DSLR on the market until 2003 and thus missing that crucial R&D stage. The Kr and K5 are the first bodies in a long time where I've looked at them and gone "Wow, this is Pentax?" My Kr blew me away in terms of it's speed and responsiveness. I only took it back because of a lack of WR being a deal killer.
That said, I guess that wasn't the subject.
Just jumping to their defense.
I think that Pentax has a much bigger following in Europe than they do in North America. Make of that what you will, whether it's a lack of effective advertising, an entrenched user base, or a lack of familiarity with the Pentax brand. Which is unfortunate, because they are slowly becoming just as competitive and just as not-to-be-trifled-with as the big boys. DPReview just named the K5 one of the best APS-C cameras on the market, bar none. Attention will be had.
The last time I saw a Pentax user was two years ago, when I was out shooting with my K200D. The fellow had a K10D, said he loved it. I also take a lot of flak from friends over my choice of camera. Not the Spotmatic as much, they think that's cool, but the K200D they just didn't get why I would be so attached to it, despite numerous square-offs between the K200D, the Rebel XTi, and the D80, our respective cameras, and me repeatedly showing them up.