Hi,
I am a canonian, thinking about switching brands.
I started with 350D back in 2007 then switched to the 500D. I mostly shoot during my travels, so I value the portability of my camera. I also almost never use the flash, so often I find myself needing more ISO (with 500D I try to stick to ISO 800 as much as possible, and in worst cases go to ISO 1600; it's maximum, ISO 3200, is a pain). I don't have many lenses, so I am considering a switch now.
I looked a lot at the new hot stuff in town: mirrorless. They are an intriguing proposition (with Fuji beeing on top of my list), but I am still not convinced of the portability they promise. Canon 500D + Tamron 17-50 (non VC) weighs almost 1000g. Fuji X-T10 with Fujinon 18-55 F2.8 weighs a little over 1000g. So where is the flange focal range advantage here? Sony's A7 seems to have the same "problem".
Besides that, I am used to an optical viewfinder. I like it, and I am a little bit afraid to switch an electronic one. I read a lot about them, and while it's true I haven't tried one extensively, I can't imagine them beeing better as the optical ones. So for the moment I am thinking to stick to DSLR.
It would seem there are only three companies to choose from, when it comes to DSLR: Canon, Nikon and Pentax. Sony is going mirrorless (and I don't like them anyway :)). I generally like my Canon, I guess many would reccomend not to switch. I haven't made up my mind yet, anyway, but I also did not shoot extensively with anything else or shared experience with somebody else.
What I miss in my current camera:
- high ISO
- weather sealing/high quality construction
- viewfinder who covers the entire picture
What I would like in my new camera:
- good construction and/or weather sealing
- more portability (less weight, smaller size)
- no articulated screen (I believe it shortens the life of the camera, as it will eventually break)
I was initially thrilled when I saw Canon releasing the 100D, but sadly they positioned it even lower than the current entry-level xxxDs, and clearly targeted at beginners. Yes, this camera is an excercise, maybe they come up with a new model that will be targeted at a different audience, but that hasn't happened yet. I also considered the 6D for a while, thinking to give up my portability requirement in favour of high ISO, but I'm not convinced yet that this is a good trade off for me. I also need to look closer at the lenses, as I may end up carrying way more than the 250g, which is the weight difference between 500D and 6D. Size is also becoming uncomfortable with 6D.
One thing I don't like about Canon is that they started to have too many products, and they have to leave out features from certain models, to prevent them from canibalizing on higher end ones. This is the case with 100D, 80D and 6D. Strangely, 80D, 7D Mk II and 6D are all similarly priced.
Apparently Nikon is generally better than Canon at high ISO, but that's only from several reviews I read.
Canon's are almost all manufactured in Japan, which I consider a good thing. This is not the case with Nikon.
So, one day I decided to have a look at Pentax, and this brings me here. I was surprised to see weather sealing and viewfinder with full coverange even in the entry levels (which are more expensive than Canon's because of that). I guess this is because Pentax does not have to worry so much about the entry levels cannibalizing on their flagship products. Or maybe they just want to offer something that the big guy's don't (at least not in the entry levels). Either way it's a good thing.
So, my questions to you are:
What Pentax would you reccomend for me?
What are your general views and oppinions on Pentax as a brand? What's keeping you with Pentax, and what annoys you?
Thanks for taking the time to read my post. Cheers,
Razvan
