This is my first post in this forum, however I’ve been following the “news and rumors” section of this site almost religiously for the past 3 months.
I learned photography back in the film days using a Pentax ME Super throughout college. Then I switched to digital in 2001 and bought the closest thing to a digital SLR I could afford at the time, a Canon Powershot G2. Anyway, it is way, way, way past time to upgrade and I really want to come back to Pentax, but I read this quote from the Marketing Director of Pentax Europe and I am now very put off by Pentax:
Will Pentax aim towards developing a full frame sensor? It is said Sony is preparing their own.
"Well, I am afraid to say that it is not the moment to answer that question (laughs), but I believe this is a very natural progression. The production of sensors is headed towards full-frame, and Pentax too will be present in this camp in one way or another."
Now I have no issues with full-frame, but currently Pentax has all but abandoned it in favor of APS-C. In fact they only have 3 full frame lenses currently in production. So that means any lens I buy could very well be obsolete in 6 years. Now I don’t want to start a full frame vs. cropped debate, that’s not what this is about. Cropped sensors are fine by me, I just simply want to be reassured that any lenses I buy now will still be usable with new bodies in 10 years. The problem comes in when I compare Pentax to Canon. Canon still produces some very, very good full frame lenses, and at decent prices. Which would obviously provide the assurance I want for future compatibility.
So with that in mind, when looking at the prices below can anyone make a case for me coming back to Pentax? My heart says come back, but my head says go with Canon to cover my ass.
Pentax K20D Kit, Pentax DA 18-55mm II:
$1,000*
Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 SDM:
$740
Pentax SMCP-FA 35mm f/2.0 AL:
$300 Total: $2,040
Canon 450D:
$600*
Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM:
$530
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM:
$300
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L:
$550 Total: $1,980
Canon 40D:
$815
Tamron AF 17-50mm f/2.8:
$315 (cropped sensor lens, but it is a very good one and I don’t mind gambling on 1)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM:
$300
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L:
$550 Total: $1,980
*K20 and Canon 450D are estimated best deal internet prices based on the history of the K10D and 400D.