On Fri, Jan 20, 2012 at 10:54:03AM -0700, Tom C wrote: > > If true, does anyone else have a bit of a problem understanding this strategy? > > Assuming I had a K-5, what would induce me to buy a mirrorless system > that is essentially in all other respects, a K-5? And likely without > the weather-sealing and 100% viewfinder? > > If I had the choice of upgrading from a K-7 to a K-5 or the > as-described camera, it would be a K-5. > > I was hoping for a clear reason to upgrade over and above a K-5.
I don't for one moment think this camera is intended as an upgrade to the K-5. It's aimed at people considering a Micro 4/3 system, a Sony NEX, Nikon J1, &c, especially those who already have (or have access to) several Pentax lenses. I wouldn't buy the camera as described in the limited information we have seen so far, but I didn't buy an *ist-DS, K-x, (or even the K-7) either. I might be interested in the next model, especially if it is a more compact system with a shorter register distance (as long as it comes with a K-mount adapter that retains full functionality with at least SDM lenses (although of course I'd like it to work with screw-drive AF, and KA-mount lenses!). Mind you, we don't know that this camera doesn't already have all that ... I'd also hope for more features with a fully-electronic viewfinder. We've already seen selectable zoom (to check critical focus rather than framing), and some compact cameras already have better focus-point indication than just a red blob in the viewfinder (if you even get that ...). I can think of all sorts of extra possibilities that could be done with an EVIL body. I'd want an enclosed viewfinder, though - experience with my wife's E-PL1 has taught me that a rear screen is almost useless in bright sunlight. I'm still not sure, though, if I'd really want anything larger than a 4/3 system. The image quality of the current generation of sensors seems to be good enough for almost everything I do (although I'm obviously not the most demanding person here - until six months ago my K-10D was my main camera). But comparing the size and weight of my K-5 with the 60-250 to the E-PL1 with the 40-150 makes me wonder just how often I need the extra abilities. One more thing - there are places where an E-PL1 can go, but my K-5 can't. Next week the US figure skating championships is in town. I'm not going, but my wife is. The HP Pavilion has a camera policy limited to still photography with lenses at most 6" long, but that means she can (and will) take the E-PL1. I'm sure she'll manage to come back with something at least as good as I was able to manage the last time the competition was held here (in 1996, a month after we moved to California). In those days I was shooting with my PZ-1p, and probably the FA 100-300 (I think the A* 200 was a later accquisition). And of course modern digital sensors are far more sensitive than the colour film stock available in 1996. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
