Have Your Say: Best DSLR / SLT of 2013

They don't want Pentax to win i guess.
But let's be honest The K3 deserves the win.
And the Dual pixel AF of the Canon deserves second place.

I do think the D7100 is a better still camera then the 70D. But There is no innovation.

I wouldn't say they don't want Pentax to win. They probably weren't expecting it, though, even to place in the top three. If you look at last year's results, they had full reviews ready for the top three cameras, which is probably why they got the Df, D7100, 70D, SL1 and T5i reviews ready ahead of the poll. I assume they're scrambling a little now to get the K-3 review finished and rewrite the Results story they may have already had ready and waiting ahead of the holidays.

The poll ran through Jan 1.

That is why everyone should join Micro Four Thirds!
OK, that will never happen.
Lenses are more important than bodies IMHO, and it would be nice if it were easier to switch.
As for the topic, Pentax is making some nice cameras these days.

I have faith Simon and staff will get it right this time in the K-3 review...

blame the canikon fan boys who voted for pentax and PRAISE those who know what's inside a good camera why this camera got overwhelming votes.
....participants in this poll are amenable that the K-3 possesses functions that are not found in other cameras or has functions that are a lot more better than canon and nikon....that is why people voted for it.

I will: 15, 21, 31, 35, 40, 43, 70, 77, 100...... :)

If everybody who voted for the Pentax bought one things might be different.

I'm Sony user but I voted for the Pentax. It deserves #1 place.

Ieeeeeeesh . When things don't go the way you want it to then its fanboys again ( In this case over a third of the voters ) . I am an Olympus DSLR user and I selected the Pentax K-3. Although if I changed systems it would probably be Nikon . Pentax tried something new and listened to their , users the rest just warmed up or fixed the previous model ( D610). Or put in denser sensor and took away half of the buffer and called it innovation.

People might not buy the brand but but give due to where its due. For a company that has about 3% of market share gets a third of the votes ( Some how) or maybe the CanNikon users are not as blinkered as one assumes and recognize a good product when they see it. Maybe a warning to CanNikon on what they( the users) expect.

"just a sympathy vote for the underdog?"

Does not seem like K-3 needs any sympathy votes being the best APS-C DSLR released this year. Maybe even the best APS-C DSLR ever (depending on real world performance of its AF system).

I shoot Sony / Minolta but I'm not a stupid fanboy so why shouldn't I appreciate that another brand has released a great camera this year?

Great Responses all - thank you. If you see carefully I wasn't bashing the K3 at all, just started with little bit of humor! but gave full credit to Pentax and the Voters. Honestly happy to see Pentax getting recognized. If I could switch from Canon, I would, but just too much gear to be sold and built-up again for a new system and also limited in my upgrade path to a full frame. If Pentax can address this big void, I would switch instantly.

Also according the "Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera of 2013" poll the A7r isn't the most interesting camera. And why would it be?

good IQ and ugly form factor don't make a good pair .

Don't forget two hotshoe flashes and the K-50, the cheapest brand new weather sealed DSLR in existence ;)

And the 560...

Why? There are no DX weather-sealed lenses anyway.

Pentax has 12 :D

Simon is already on the record as saying that the K-3 review is scheduled for early next year.

Looking at the result of the poll, the review of the Pentax K-3 had to be there anyway before the review of the Df. But that's seems always the matter with Pentax: Nikon and Canon always get priority everywhere, in shops, in reviews, .....etc.
Hope there will be a moment in future that people in the photo business will take Pentax serious because of the quality..........

It's quite obvious that DPR will wait deep enough into next year until the major money-givers Nikanon had time to play catch up.

The DPR-reviews usually contain content worth 4-5 hrs work of an amateur author. If they *wanted* it out tomorrow, they could easily. It's all in the money, honey.

So much for the left over quality and competence.

Buy any tabloid and get better insights.

I will be the first to chastise DPR as biased towards Canikon (and now Sony), because time after time after time Pentax DSLR's wipe the APS-C floor. Easily. So I agree DPR has proven incompetent as "The digital photography industry's resource for news and reviews." But the latest review on the Df gives hope. Simon and staff, I have faith you can turn things around with the K-3 review.

That being said, you are completely off the mark with regard to "4-5 hours of work as an amateur author." As a reviewer and writer myself, I easily spend 40+ hours on any single review. I am working on one right now that surpassed that count long ago. And still not done. I estimate 50+ hours in these reviews of non-stop typing/photographing. And that would be on the low end.

I agree with you about DPR's storied history of being biased against Pentax, at times *looking* for cons. But you have no idea what you are talking about regarding the amount of time reviews take, especially how long DPR's are.

The D5300 should be higher than either the D7100 or the D610. It has things that neither of those others have, and it is significantly cheaper. I think what is going on here is the fact that this is a popularity contest, and not really representative of what new cameras really are a big step forward, though the K-3 really is the most popular and it's a big step forward. In fact, if it had a fold-out screen and built-in GPS I would be planning to buy it. I am thinking about gettting back into the world of Nikon (have been for a while, since the D5200 was introduced), and this new D5300 is making it really attractive. I could also get a D610 down the road. I just wish the D5300 had weather seals. That and a bigger buffer are the only things missing, that I really would love to have. I like in-camera stabilization (a la Sony and Pentax), but that is not a deal-breaker, since most of the lenses I will own for a Nikon will be VR lenses anyway.

Scottely - how is the K-3 a big step forward. Not trying to be rude, but I don't see it. Is it good - no doubt it is. But if your criteria is that a camera has to have new features, not seen before, I don't think the K-3 (or D7100) would be on your list. Both really good, which is why they are on this list, but more evolutionary than revolutionary.

New features, not seen before? How about the AA filter simulator?
Yes, the K-3 is a big step forward. For Pentax, because it brings many new things and solves the "catching up" issues - a much more advanced AF system linked to the 86k segments RGB metering system (both working down to -3EV); separate motors for the mirror, shutter and aperture; remote wireless control from your smartphone (with an optional FluCard) etc.
And in general, because all these and the other advanced features would cost you only $1300. You even get a 23 frames buffer ;-)

Note that I'm not saying "revolutionary"; that, IMO, is no longer possible in the mature camera industry.

First off, Brownie, I'm going to say that I do understand the D7000 as I own one. That's why I'm surprised to see the D7100 getting so many votes for such a modest spec bump.
The K-3 on the other hand IS a big step forward in that it's effectively settled the AA debate. You no longer need to choose whether to get the 800 or the 800E, for example, since the K-3 gives you both thanks to a brand-new technology Ricoh Pentax invented for this camera. Add to that the highest full-size frame rate per second of any APS-C DSLR ever (Not DSLT, .3 fps faster than 7D, D2H and D2Hs) and the best RGB metering system sensor of any APS-C DSLR ever, among other things, what you end up with is "a big step forward" not only for the Pentax brand but for camera tech in general.

Well, yes AA feature is new, and pretty good from what I have read. But Nikon has also removed the AA filter from the D7100, and moire usually is not an issue for most people, most of the time. Not trying to minimize what Pentax has done - it is good, and innovative, just saying that it is, for most people not a huge issue.
As for the other features, yes it brings Pentax, now, on the same level as some of the other top players. So it is a huge leap forward - for Pentax. But I would say, with the exception of the AA filter tricks, it is not a leap forward for dslr's in general. Good - yes, very - but not stomping ahead of the competition.
But, all that being said, yes it definately deserves to be on this list - I never said it did not. I was just replying specifically to Scottie who was claiming that the K-3 was a big step forward. It think it, along with the D7100, are really good, but not revolutionary. But revolutionary was not a criteria to be on this list.
D400 anyone?

Not revolutionary? Have you taken a good look at the APS-C segment lately? What APS-C camera -- better yet what CAMERA (PERIOD) -- offers the following?

Weather sealing?
Magnesium Alloy Body? (not the D7000/7100 'panel' nonsense)
24 mpx Resolution?
AA filter *OPTION* ?
Smallest pro-body size?
8.3 fps?
23 RAW buffer ?
Headphone monitoring jack?
Wireless tethering via Pentax FLU wifi card?
Dual SD slots?
Multi-segment AWB?
200,000 shutter duration?
Quietest shutter in the DSLR industry?
86,000 segment metering system?
AF down to -3 eV?
25 Crosstype AF point?
Weather sealed battery grip option?
UHS-1 Capability?
USB 3.0?
Guaranteed freeze-proof down to -10 Deg Cel?
In-Body Image Stabilization?

Oh, and while the K-3 is $1,200 for all the above, we'll expand your search to a limit of $3,000.

The D7100 is the *nearest* competitor to the K-3. That's pretty much the best compliment you can give the D7100 in relation to the camera industry.

Your D400 is here. Only it comes with a K mount.

" The other's identical to its predecessor in pretty much every way, announced early and for the sole reason of averting attention from the huge quality control problems of the one it's replacing"

So what? It does not make the camera itself any worse. It is still a weather-sealed FF camera with exceptionally good sensor and very good controls, only now with decent 6 fps and without dirt-on-the-sensor problems. What is not to like?
I am not saying if you benefit from 8 fps and shoot tele often K-3 is not better for you (if its AF is good). But for landscapes D610 must be even better. Especially with the Nikon 14-24/2.8 - k-3 cannot shoot that wide or maintain that fast speed at UWA.

This is getting long and tedious. Yes, the K3 is good, no one is denying that. But if you send out a photographer with a D7100 one day and a K3 the next, they will come back with the same images and with equal quality. So if you are looking at from an output point of view, is the K-3 really that much better than the D7100? Does anyone really walk around shooting in a rain storm? And most people I know have water proof gear bags if they get caught in the rain. I am just saying, the things that the K-3 are good at that really matter, the D7100 is also good at. And with the D7100, you have an upgrade path (and a sister FF body). K-3 - so far no.

It's weird how people justify buying Nikon or Canon APS-C because there's a Full Frame option. This argument for deciding which APS-C camera is "best" is irrelevant. Pentax makes dedicated APS-C lenses (apart from the FA 31, FA 43, FA 77, DA*55, DA*200, DA*300 and DFA 100, and a few more, which are all FF lenses) which are, generally, smaller than FF lens options and which have smaller image circles. People don't cite "no FF option" when judging M43 format systems so why would you do it for APS-C? Do people expect their FF glass to be compatible with MF bodies? I doubt it.

Even of the price was the same or lower than the FF bodies, medium format has a long way to go in ergonomics and speed to compete with the likes of Nikon D4 or Canon 1dmrkIV. They are different creatures all together. So not goodbye Canon and Nikon.

I think it's because until Ricoh bought Pentax, it just didn't have the wherewithal to support FF as well as APS-C, MF and the Q-mount. That said, there really isn't a huge gap between FF quality and APS-C except, perhaps, in the minds of consumers (I'm not talking here about people who really need FF for the small advantages it does provide). Pentax has the best range of weather-sealed APS-C lenses of any manufacturer, and it's their stated intention to keep supporting this sector. FF will come, just not yet.

Brownie has obviously never shot with a 645d. In terms of ergonomics, it is one of the best camera ever designed. Period. I've owned and shot with Canon, Nikon and Pentax DSLRs. Pentax ergonomics and the 645D in particular, are second to none. The 645D was designed as a field camera, not a wedding camera, not a studio camera (although many use it for those purposes) and as a field/landscape camera it is superb and still produces superior images over any currently available APSc or FF DSLR.

It's not a matter of 'easy and fun'. I've shot with the D600, essentially the same IQ as the 610, and the images simply don't compare to the 645D when they're printed very large. In terms of ergonomics, the 645D is simpler and more straight forward to use. The balance in the average person's hands is perfect. You can easily shoot handheld with it. The autofocus is quick as MF systems go. As a landscape camera it is superior to the 610 and it's not meant to be a jack of all trades type of camera. If you re-read my response to your post, you'll note that I specifically spoke of ergonomics. In that respect, the 645D is the equal of the 610 or virtually any other camera.

They dropped the ball at the beginning of the digital era, had a FF ready to go but never produced it due to expensive sensor.
Always relied on APS-C which are very good for stills and rugged build, but not the all round systems of Canikon. Presently playing catch up and looking ready to bounce back. All the signs are good, but video implementation and AF systems not quite up to Canon / Sony levels but improving...........

No, not expensive sensor. A TERRIBLE sensor that did not deliver.

You can see that as dropping the ball. I see that as integrity (D610, anyone?), and instead in that time they built the most comprehensive and professional APS-C system on earth. Meanwhile Canikon users have DX bodies with FX lenses.

And it's been well known for the past 3-4 years the K-5 provided IQ comparable to the 5DII. So for anyone that doesn't need telephoto above 300mm, please, please tell me where Pentax's holes are. Plenty of weather sealed options, both pro and consumer level, the best prime line-up, EVERY lens has been stabilized for the past 8+ years, including manual lenses that are probably older than you. So please, aside from this asinine notion that there HAS to be an upgrade path to an entirely new system (bigger, more expensive) before you even buy a damn camera, where are these holes?

And for those of us that shoot in extremely austere environments, I applaud Pentax for no hinge screens. APPLAUD

Not less SLT or DSLR than A58, you GURU of photography !!

would you in all your wisdom consider reading in the other article where your camera belongs?

It doesnt even need a Guru. It just needs literacy:
http://store.sony.com/sony-alpha-58-camera-and-18-55mm-lens-zid27-SLTA58K/cat-27-catid-All-Alpha-DSLR-Cameras
Surprisingly that foolish company called Sony do call their own product "SLT". Maybe you do explain to them that stupid error they made.

Why don't you explain to them, that it is NOT "Camera Type : Interchangeable Lens Digital SLR camera"
You great "litterateur "

Look at : spesifications/cameratype
http://store.sony.com/a7-alpha-7-interchangeable-lens-camera-zid27-ILCE7/B/cat-27-catid-Alpha-NEX-Cameras

That foolish company call their own product: Interchangeable Lens Digital SLR camera

Sony doesn't claim that it's a DSLR camera at all. Right on that page it states, "World's lightest interchangeable lens full-frame camera" and "Sony's Exmor® image sensor takes full advantage of the Full-frame format, but in a camera body less than half the size and weight of a full-frame DSLR."

See. They are not claiming that it's a DSLR at all. It is a new thing, similar to the mirrorless NEX 7, as I'm sure you're quite aware. The article here does not address it, because it is something so different that they didn't want to let it compete. I'm not sure why they allowed the SLT cameras to compete, except that maybe they are anti-Sony here, and they might be showing that as a fact, since the only SLT that has been introduced this year is the A58, which is one of the very cheapest cameras on the list (ties for cheapest). I'm actually surprised to see the Sony get as many votes as it has. It's not much of a camera, but I guess for the price it's pretty good, but I'd WAY prefer the A65.

They have one category for mirrorless ILCs, and one for cameras with a mirror diverting light to a dedicated AF sensor, i.e. DSLRs/SLTs. The categories are based on technology, not on sensor size.

Why should they? When it's the sensor size together with the lens that makes the deference

P.S Please note that Leica X Vario is absent from the milc list?

Casualness? Nah!!!

the cam you are saying and the k-3,each belong to different worlds,a full frame and an aps-c,right? so u can not compare them..the k-3 will be the under dog....sure the cam u favored will improve on their video capabilities,again,and shun on the image quality factor which they cannot even improve and for a hefty price....canon will try to level up their video capabilities to the standards of the panasonic,,the GH-3, specifically,which is way ahead in any video cameras out there..canon is going forward to some other features because they are behind in image quality of their cameras...cameras are for photography,not for videos....videos are only icing on the cake .

The Canon 7D is a APS-C camera. The Mark II (if it even comes) will also be a APS-C camera. And when it comes it will probable have the same outdated sensor as all the other Canon APS-C camera's. A sensor so old that the smaller 4/3 sensors are better. Even the one in the E-M5 which is almost 2 years old now.

Ummmm . . . no. The Canon 7 D Mk II will only have a 20 megapixel sensor. Many people won't even consider it, because of this. They will think, "Ho hum . . . Canon is just dragging their feet again. Sure, it'll have the new live-view and video focusing from the 70 D, but that won't amount to much, unless Canon introduces something special, like a REALLY fast camera. They could, if they're only going to make it 20 megapixels. Afterall, they have had years to increase the speed of the electronics. It could shoot at 12 frames per second, with a 30 frame raw buffer, blowing away the Nikon D7100. It could have even more wi-fi functionality than the 70 D. It could have a built-in GPS. THAT would get my attention . . . even if it DOES only have a 20 Mp sensor. (The 70 D produces really noise-free images at ISO 100, which is something I really like about that overpriced camera.)

Actually, for the money the Sony A77 it the king of the hill right now. It's the only weather sealed camera with a fold-out screen. It's the only 24 megapixel camera that can shoot at more than 10 fps. It is well under $1,000. It has built-in GPS. It is part of a system that looks to be going away right now, but Sony can salvage that image, if they introduce a new A97 full-frame SLT and a new A59 and A79. People believe that the A7 and A7r have shown the future of ALL Sony cameras, and they believe that the SLT cameras are going to be orphans. Hopefully they are not. If they aren't, the A77 is a stellar deal right now. For most people the A65 and A77 are very good deals, since they won't be buying more than a kit and maybe one or two cheap extra lenses anyway. You can actually get an A77 kit with an 18-135mm lens and a vertical battery grip for about $200 less than a Pentax body alone right now . . . and it shoots faster, does 1080p60, has a built-in GPS, and has a fold-out screen.

guys who bought pentax cams are out in action in the outbacks,deserts,out birding,do landscaping and not in the streets of sydney.
...only nikon and canon newbies go to where people are to show their cameras...