When I chose the Pentax K10D over the Nikon D70s or Canon 20D, my main reasoning was the price-to-feature ratio, and the fact that I could afford a flagship camera, instead of one where Canikon purposefully cripple features to maintain upgradeability. But something that pushed me over the edge was the fact that Pentax seemed to be (and still is!) innovating on actual features. Re-thinking things instead of just relying on what worked with film. I don't really use TAv, but I have used X mode a lot. During my K-r stint, M worked ok as an X mode stand-in, but I still missed it.
I have a Canon acquaintance to whom I'll be "showing off" my new K-3 in a few days. Certainly not in an effort to convince him to switch, simply as a retort to the fact that he scoffed a bit when I mentioned that I shoot Pentax. I want to show him that Pentax is not some cut-rate, third-tier company. I'm trying to compile a list of features that are present in Pentax bodies, specifically the K-3, that Canon/Nikon do not offer, even in their flagships.
Just to get it out of the way, yes, brand arguing is silly and pointless, and it's only the resulting images that really matter. Nonetheless, here's the list that I've come up with, but I'm not 100% sure that these features aren't available from Canikon. Please correct me and/or add to the list. Thanks!
- In-body SR
- Mag-alloy and/or weather-sealing, even in "entry-level" bodies
- Full historical lens compatibility
- Meter that functions with old glass
- Catch-in-focus on manual-focus lenses
- X, Sv, TAv
- Major customizability: Fx button, Green button, e-Dial function/direction, etc. (Flagship bodies probably all have this, but I have no idea)
- Choice of locking mode dial (extension of previous)