The quality of the Pentax sealing on the K-7 body as well as the kit 18-55 WR zoom is built-in insurance against being caught in the rain or a splash of a wave, or in my case, stepping into a hole while wading a river and submerging the camera & lens a good 30cm underwater for some 4-5 seconds as I thrashed my way onto secure footing. The other members of the hike were astounded the camera continued to work. That was months ago and the camera has shrugged off saltwater and fish slime and continues to take great pictures. The only other contender would be an Olympus E-3 and a 14-54 zoom ,but it is bigger, heavier and about 30% more expensive. So as far as I can see, Pentax offers the best bang for the buck on the market.