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12-09-2012, 03:54 PM   #1
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What feature keeps you with Pentax?

If Nikon or Canon ever put shake reduction in their bodies instead of the lenses, I would seriously think of changing brands (Sony has it but I don't like their high ISO performance)

What would make you consider changing?

Just a discussion, not flaming Pentax In general

As usual, any and all options matter!

Thanks

Randy

12-09-2012, 03:57 PM   #2
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QuoteOriginally posted by slip Quote
If Nikon or Canon ever put shake reduction in their bodies instead of the lenses, I would seriously think of changing brands (Sony has it but I don't like their high ISO performance)

What would make you consider changing?

Just a discussion, not flaming Pentax In general

As usual, any and all options matter!

Thanks

Randy
Legacy glass, user interface, and in-body sr (mostly because I love shooting with primes).

Adam
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12-09-2012, 03:59 PM   #3
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If Pentax folded I'd probably switch to Nikon, but I am pretty happy with what I have now.
12-09-2012, 04:06 PM - 2 Likes   #4
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Ergonomics - light weight, small body, good grip, fits my hand
User interface - menu system and button placement
Legacy glass - though I suppose the Takumars would work just fine on other brands
Limited primes - what is there to say?
In body SR - what do you think the Takumar designers would say if they knew their lenses were being used with SR 40 years after production?

12-09-2012, 04:15 PM - 1 Like   #5
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Backward compatibility with their gazillion lenses
12-09-2012, 04:27 PM   #6
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Weather resistance

Weather resistance! & Lens legacy...

WR at a resonable price. I shoot outdoor and WR is a must for my activities.
12-09-2012, 04:32 PM   #7
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The main "feature" that keeps me with Pentax is the fact that I own one. It was a good fit when I bought it and nothing has changed.


Steve

12-09-2012, 04:46 PM - 1 Like   #8
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From a different perspective, I am currently getting ready to jump into the world of DSLR cameras so I had to do a lot of research and reading to finally decide on which system to go with. As I have settled on Pentax and await the funds and right deal for me to jump on a K-5 or K-30, I can offer my thoughts.

What sold me on Pentax:
WR! I don't envision myself as a professional photographer probably ever. However, I am an avid hunter and fisherman. The WR at a decent price was a slam dunk.
In body SR - This also really sold me

What made the decision difficult:
Pricing and availability - Canon and Nikon products can be found everywhere (I still haven't found a K-5 that I can hold in my hands). There are also sales all the time on bodies and lenses. Initially I was debating on the D5100 which is dirt cheap right now and I have used one before. It wasn't until I found the WR of Pentax that I really started to change my mind.
Quite, in-lens auto focus on cheap/kit lenses
12-09-2012, 04:48 PM   #9
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The K-mount, ergonomics, SR, and TAv.

Last edited by boriscleto; 12-10-2012 at 08:33 PM.
12-09-2012, 04:50 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by slip Quote
What would make you consider changing?
Pentax not announcing a full frame camera soon.
12-09-2012, 04:56 PM   #11
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Started with Pentax film at the encouragement of my father in law...who was a pro with his own successful business, for purely occasional/hobby use. With the advent of digital I stumbled across the *ist DS and have upgraded along the way & become a lifelong member of LBA anonymous. Currently with K20D & K5.
Have a collection of lenses, some good, some ordinary, that would cost an arm & a leg to repeat in any other brand.
Besides all that, I am genuinely happy with the results I get and see no real need to change. I am not inclined to upgrade the K5, I dont think the case for change has been made.
My upgrade path to date has been *ist DS > K20D > K5. My wife has upraded from *ist DL > K200D > K20D (my old camera).
Would I consider anything else? Well, yes, a 645D would be nice, but at 10-20k for a complete kit that is out of the question now. If Pentax were to come up with something like Nikon's D600 or D800 I would consider the case for change / upgrade to be made.
Other brand.? would only ever consider Nikon.

Last edited by Mallee Boy; 12-09-2012 at 08:42 PM. Reason: spelling
12-09-2012, 04:57 PM   #12
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For me, in order of priority:
1. Body: Value for money (for combination of features I wanted). Not for new lenses at current prices.
2. Lens compatibility (love some of the old glass and can actually afford it)
3. Relatively small size
4. In body SR
5. Great usability
6. Like the idea of WR. Don't own a WR lens yet though (the 18-55 / 18-135 WR don't appeal to me and I can't afford a * at the moment).

To be honest I currently could not afford to invest in a new system anyway but if Pentax abandoned lens compatibility (hopefully very unlikely) then I would consider jumping to Nikon. Would be very reluctant to go to Canon for several reasons, including the way they completely orphaned the FD mount lenses (now there are so so adaptors but not when they did it).

Last edited by kiwi_jono; 12-09-2012 at 05:04 PM.
12-09-2012, 05:08 PM   #13
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Overall, for me it is value for money that clinched it for me as my first DSLR. The build quality and features are above other cameras in the same class, and this includes having weather resistance, as in the K-30 and K-5 series and various lenses, including some of the basic kit lenses. I am impressed that what is now a relatively smaller camera company has the prowess to keep up/exceed what is put out by Canon, Nikon and Sony. Along the lines of what Steve Brot said, I foresee sticking with Pentax, especially now that I have a few lenses, unless they do something unexpected.

I agree as well that Pentax ergonomics are great. I recently bought a Q, and in terms of the degree of control and ease of access to the controls, it is quite a pleasure to use. And again, build quality is great. To me it says something that they can make such a small camera which operates very much like a miniature DSLR in ease of operation.
12-09-2012, 05:15 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by slip Quote
what feature keeps you with pentax?
iq & wr
12-09-2012, 05:36 PM   #15
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When I decided to go digital, I was looking at Canon and Nikon. It was suggested on another camera forum to take a look at Pentax, since I had an old Spotmatic. To tell the truth, I had forgotten to look at Pentax since all the advertising was toward C&N. With the in body image stabilization and availability of old glass, coupled with being able to go into an old camera shop and actually compare all 3, I choose Pentax. I also choose Pentax knowing full well that once I purchased into the system, I would probably never change - just too cost prohibitive - for a hobby. It was a conscious decision. That was the K100.

I have gone through the K20 and now the K5, each mail ordered sight unseen. What does help is that that I move about every other model and only at the end. The model is debugged, and shaken out by then, and the price has dropped by at least 40+%. Not an early adopter by any means. Having 12 to 18 months of reports also helps.

So, do I really "need" anything else? Not really. The K5 is an astonishing system. I can understand the need for a FF by others, however this is just fine for me. I really do not understand a lot of folks changing from Canon to Nikon, and back again, then to ..... In my mind it makes little sense, especially if you are not a professional.

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