Originally posted by mysticcowboy Is the 5n as versatile as the K-5? No. Is it good enough for a lot of shooting? Absolutely. Obviously, your mileage will vary. With two systems I have to wonder where to invest my limited funds for new lenses.
Several thoughts - first, do you have a specific question?. I perceive it is about investing in a format (not just a system, or a maker) that may become outdated in just a few years. I share the same thoughts and, I think, concerns that you have. But, however, lucky you that you are able to have two systems now! Good thought-provoking note you have penned there. I have absolutely no technical or market crystal ball, but this is how I frame up the issues:
1. Will DSLR's (mirror that reflexes) continue to exist? My guess is that as EVF's and live view continue to progress, at some point most of the market will learn to do without the OVF and mirrors. So makers will stop making these kinds of cameras. But I think that may take some time yet. If one buys a current DSLR, it will have depreciated 90% or more by the time that DSLR's cease being made. As long as the camera has an eye-level view finder of any kind that is good, then I think I will be just as happy. The items below are more relevant for me.
2. Will APS-C, as a sensor size, continue to exist? I think so; I hope so. For me and for many, I believe it is the "perfect" format regarding cost, size, and performance. I bet that is true for many users. Even many of the mirrorless cameras now use APS-C sized sensors. Between makers using APS-C, lenses, and bodies, there seems to be a tremendous "infrastructure" built up around APS-C. I think there will always be a performance difference between sensor sizes. Whatever sensor performance improvements any one sensor size achieves, this improvement can be applied to any other sensor size. Even the best M4/3 sensors are now at about the level of performance of the K-7's sensor, and that performance is less than what I will tolerate for my next body upgrade. Is it great for many applications? Yes, sure. But APS-C is better; APS-C currently passes (barely) my minimum threshold of performance, M4/3 does not. On the higher side (full frame), even at the "cheap" price of $2200, the full frame sensor will have to come WAY down (to, say, $1200) to get within my striking range. And even at that price, you'd still have a very big body with likely very big lenses. Practically speaking, I just don't see how full frame could EVER be the deal for me.
3. Will k-mount continue to exist? My guess is yes. Even if P-R changes their investment so much that the Pentax name goes away (like Minolta in Sony), I believe they will continue with the K-mount.
I concur that camera developments are moving very quickly and that what one invests in could become obsolete and unsupported. However, I am going to invest in both more Pentax bodies and lenses, and enjoy the ride. I feel that Pentax, K-mount, DSLR's, and lenses for APS-C will be viable for "long enough". Thanks.