Without wanting to make any assumptions about individuals, I have been pondering what aspects of a camera may be more likely to appeal to different photographers. It can't all just come down to price alone - manufacturers must surely consider different types of user in desiging their range and deciding what to include or not on each model.
The K7 for me is my first DSLR - but I had a few years experience with a much simpler film SLR (another brand), which was very much in the 'consumer / budget' category. Operationally it offered less user control, very little customisation or options for things like metering, bracketing, film transport speeds and autofocus. And it was very reasonably priced.
Why did I choose it? Maybe for the same reasons that many 'newbies' might choose similar types - I was not aware specifically about many of the advanced features it lacked, or what I might use them for, and I was not inclined to fork out a huge amount for a new hobby when I didn't know the extent to which I would get involved with.
The K7 was a huge step up from this earlier camera in its operational sophistications. But this time I immediately appreciated the high value of what it offered to me, because the basic knowledge was there and I was aware of what help the extra options could be to my picture taking. I didn't know that the first time around, and as the hobby had become ingrained and more important in my life I was prepared to spend more money and look at it as a longer-term investment in a whole system.
So that explains the price aspect .... I still think though this is not always the prime deciding factor, as surely manufacturers must realise now. Here's a little scene that I've been imagining ... for your entertainment if you'll stay with me ....
(Man enters quality camera shop. Shop assistant comes over.)
Ass : 'Hello Sir, can I offer you any help?'
Man : 'Ok Yes, I'm looking for a camera. My friend who's a photographer says I should try and get a DS...D ..'
Ass : ' A DSLR Sir? That would be a great choice, and we have a good range here'. What would be your price limitation?'
Man : 'Well, ah, I struck it a bit lucky a few months ago, so now I always just try and get the best money can buy. What would you recommend?'
Ass : (Looks very happy) 'No problem, we have a top of the line camera, its called a K3' (Gets a K3 out)
Man : 'That looks great. What can you tell about it?'
Ass : 'Well, its packed with the latest technology and it has some very advanced features - the most notable new one is the addition of a high pass filter simulator thats works with the sensor shake system'
Man : (Looks concerned) 'Ah, thats sounds good - how would I use that?'
Ass : 'It works in place of a traditional aa filter over the sensor to eliminate moire effects on some types of subject - you can switch it on when needed ... with other cameras you don't need to do that, its automatic.'
Man : 'Well, OK, I don't know much about that sort of thing ... um, what about that automatic camera you mentioned? - whats the best one like that?'
Ass : 'That would be this one' ... (he gets out a K5II)
Man : 'That looks very nice as well' (looks happy - fiddles with the mode dial) .. 'how do these controls work?'
Ass : 'that sets the shooting mode - you've got green square, thats basic, or P with more control, or you use Av, Tv or Tav ... or Sv depending on what you're shooting.'
Man : 'So, what if I wanted to shoot some hockey'?
Ass : (Fiddles with dial) ..'Then I'd set Tv, then you can get a fast speed for the action ... actually, there's lots of different ways you could do it.'
Man : (Looks a bit worried) 'I was looking at those ones over there and they seemed to have a some pictures on the dial - one looked like a runner - would that work for Hockey?'
Ass : 'Yes Sir, thats a sports mode'
Man : 'Well, I would probably use a lot of that - whats the best camera with sports mode?'
Ass : 'This may be what you saw ..' (gets out a K50)
Man : 'Great - it looks OK, I mean that's not the main thing is it, the main thing is it does just what I need?' (laughs - then tries a few shots) ... 'What are those little red squares lighting up all the time - seem to be jumping all around?'
Ass : 'Thats the focus point indicators Sir - they show you where the picture is in focus - you can control that from the menu here ... (presses lots of buttons and fiddles with the menus) .. 'this would help you get the precise point of focus for where you expect the action to be' ...(trys a few shots but can't really get what he want's in focus)
Man : (looks dissapointed) 'I did find it a bit distracting - what if I didn't want to bother with all that and just had things in the middle?'
Ass : 'Well Sir, you can set centre focus point and de-activate the indicators - we'd have to check the manual to see about doing that ....
Man : (looks distracted now) 'Um, oh well, I'm not sure now - let me have a think ...'
Ass : (looks panicked) 'Um, tell you what, you could get one that doesn't have all those lights ...'
Man : 'OK (looks happier) whats the best camera without all those lights flashing?'
Ass : (Produces a K500) 'Its got the pictures on the dial, and no lights where you look through ... takes great shots!'
Man : (Looks relieved) 'Thats great, perfect, I'll take it - I know I'm getting the best camera now!'
Ass : 'I think that's absolutely the best camera now Sir!'
Man : 'Great ... now, show me the best lens to put on it!'