Originally posted by jfsavage I am considering either a Pentax K20D with 16-50 2.8 zoom or Canon EOS 5D with 24-70 2.8L.
Owing to the very low noise characteristic of the 5D at high ISO, I would recommend to get the 24-105 F4 L instead. Its lighter and has a longer reach.
Quote: Advantages of K20D over EOS 5D
o Waterproof & Dustproof . I have lost two compact cameras to dust and I shoot outdoors. The Canon 'L' is sealed, but the 5D is not.
But there is not many Pentax lenses that are sealed.
Quote: o Price. The K20D with lens is ~$1.6K (after $200 rebate), the 5D with lens is ~3.1K. (Refurbished version would be ~$2.7K, or with the 24-105 f4L is ~$2.6K). That is a huge price difference; the benefits of the 5D would have to be equally great.
I think you'll get for what you pay, for the price difference.
Quote: o Ergonomics. The 'hyper program' (moving one of the wheels changes to shutter or aperture priority), the 'TAV priority' (user sets aperture + shutter speed, camera sets ISO) and the green button to set aperture and shutter in Manual mode are all very simple and great examples functionality designed for real world use.
Those exposure mode to me is not important. I used to use those Pentax Hyper modes for years but with my 5D, which has only traditional PASM mode (with program shift in P mode), is just more than enough for me. In fact I have never used program shift neither. If I want to control Av and Tv, I just turn the mode dial to A or S.
The lack of Auto ISO of the 5D is something that would cause some inconvenience. However, changing ISO in the 5D with the rear quick control wheel is very fast. It is much faster than the K20D with the Function (Fn) button and the rear wheel, which cannot be turned *continuously*, unlike Canon.
Quote: o Weight. The Pentax is heavy 48 oz), but the Canon is even heavier (56 oz).
I feel no difference for both in my hands, with comparable weighed lenses mounted.
Quote: o The K20D is a new camera and the 5D is a little dated.
But 5D has more advanced and matured technology used already which had been ahead of years than the Pentax! Physically, the FF sensor is something that the K20D new born sensor could ever beat. Dynamic range and exposure latitude is something that the K20D can never meet (which is very crucial IMO for good Image Quality):-
RiceHigh's Pentax Blog: Dynamic Range and (Background) Noise Tests of the K20D Quote: o ISO displayed in the viewfinder. This is most useful in the 'TAV Priority' mode.
The 5D has a dedicated ISO button at the index finger tips so that you can check for the selected ISO at a touch of the button. The selected ISO will be displayed both in the finder and in the top LCD.
Of course, to always displaying it would be nice.
Besides, I found that the TAv mode is actually redundant, just if there was Auto ISO feature in the M mode to be selectable.
Quote: o Auto bracketing set via hard button rather than buried in a menu
I would rather opt for an accurate and reliable exposure and metering system than a more convenient exposure bracketing feature. A wide Dynamic Range is the *only* way to go.
Quote: Advantages of EOS 5D over K20D
o Image quality. The 5D is lower resolution but the larger pixels and higher lens quality more than make up for it.
Yes.
Quote: True.
Quote: o Quality Control. The Pentax lens is based on a Tokina design and I am reading lots of reports about quality problems.
It seems to be. Those MIJ Canon products seem to suffer less from QC issues (So did those MIJ Pentax products in the past. But, those were the days).
Quote: o Lens quality. The Canon L is a much higher quality lens.
If you get the older Pentax film glass like the FA Limited, I think your statement will be rephrased.
Quote: o Manufacturer viability. I am a little concerned about the long term viability of Pentax.
Yes.
Quote: o Viewfinder. The Pentax has a larger viewfinder than most DSLRS, but the 5D is even bigger.
Yes. I can surely tell as I have used them all for a long time.
Quote: o Lower noise at high ISO. This is exacerbated by the fact that the Canon is more sensitive and the Pentax less sensitive.
Sure.
Quote: (Pentax tends to underexpose - this could be a metering problem, or the fact that the sensor is actually lower ISO than indicated.)
It is not an actual ISO speed issue. It is about an inaccurate meterig and exposure system plus a narrower DR afterall.