I've been working and travelling with a K-7 for some time now and like to comment on your remarks...
And truthfully, there really is NO reason to buy any other camera on the market right now
I'm sorry, but as much of a Pentax fan as I am, I'm going to have to disagree with you. It seems to me that there are any number of reasons, but off the top of my head:
Some people might prefer a bigger, heavier camera - for example, to better balance long lenses and to provide a firmer grip.
I'm 2 meters tall with large hands, I think the K-7 fits better in my hands than any other. (I do have bigger dslr bodies as well!). The fact that Pentax moves opposite of the main brands is better, not worse. Try it before having an opinion please.
- Compatibility with other professionals
If you want to get a job e.g. as a second shooter or assitant in a studio, many pros will demand that you shoot the same system as them i.e. most likley Canon or Nikon.
Please give specific references. In my experience this is not true.
Pentax only ever made one shift lens, and that didn't tilt. What's more, good luck trying to get real big glass for a Pentax. Although it is out there (someone on this forum just got a 250-600 second hand) it's not normally available you just can't buy new the kind of long lenses available for Canon and Nikon. Ok, re-reading the Op, this is somewhat negated, but it is still important to many.
This is very true.
The real problem is availability of LONG and fast lenses and special items, even expansion rings and TC's... And if it is available, you need to order it on Ebay from Taiwan.
On the other hand, the DA* line is so much cheaper than comparable products from C*
& N
For some applications, 5 fps doesn't cut it.
The best shots in this world were made with film slrs with slow motor drives.
It is showing lack of the photographers experience and quality if he/she needs > 3 fps to shoot 50 frames in order to get 1 good shot. If you are a professional sports photgrapher, yes, for the rest it is not an true issue.
Get a D3x, different price range, different target audience.
I have to admit that I do not know this, but it seems to be the general consensus that although Pentax has lept forward with the K7, they still lag behind.
See previous comment.
- Availability of Rental Equipment
It is impossible to rent Pentax gear in the UK (I've been looking!).
How big is the amature DSLR rental market?
Pentax has nothing to compare to the Canon 580EXII in this respect.
Good point. I'd like to see something like that. Canon needs very expensive bodies to do proper weather sealing though.
Although Pentax aren't bad at this, the others (e.g. Nikon) seem to be generally accepted as significantly better.
Any proper measurement data to support this opinion?
Very subjective statement.
Unavailable on the K7 except by using an Eye-Fi. See Canon's WiFi grip for the 50D in comparison.
True, however, how big is the target audience for this? 2% market share?
- Ability to Progress to Full Frame
Hand in hand with this, 24Mpix ala D3x.
Same argument. It will never be a business case for a small manufacturer as Pentax to go there.They'd need a whole new lens line as well. To costly, not enough sales.
Such as lens rental vans outside big ball games and fast servicing turnaround (I have to admit, I'm basing this on hearsay).
Comparing apples and oranges again.
- Availability of bodies, lenses in local B&M stores to try before you buy
Pentax just isn't as available as the others - if you are out on a trip and pop into a camera shop, it's now unusual for them to carry Pentax rather than vice-versa.
Very true. This is a good argument and very valid.
- Dual memory card slots (D300)
For backup on the fly.
What comparable camera has?
What about auto level with the competition etc? Some extra features some less.
- Waterproof enclosures and blimps
Seem not to be generally available for the Pentax system.
Available but expensive.
- Social Acceptance by your peers
"You shoot PENTAX?! Poor you!"
You looser!
See Canon's original kit lenses.
Objective data please!
- Reliable Ultrasonic Focusing motors
Oh No I didn't!
Mine are and have been under very demaning circumstances for a couple of years.
My opinion is that you make the same mistakes as the people you are reacting upon.
You should not put down opinions without proper objective references, some points you make are valid, but are just opinions, believes.
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