This post was too long to go through, so trimmed Cotty's quoted material. I have a hard time recounting my personal history re cameras, because I sort of forget it. I remember the names of the Canons I've had (mostly), but not the Pentaxes (because I am "with" Canon now is probably the reason).
But you've recounted a lot of the reasons I finally, permanently, switched to Canon. Here's my history (without specific camera body names): Pentax film, Pentax film, Canon film, Canon digital, Pentax digital, Canon digital, Canon digital. All SLRs and DSLRs. I like a viewfinder. I mainly switched to Canon permanently for two reasons AF and lens line up. I wasn't interested in the * ist D either. That is about the point that Pentax lost me. It took so long to come out and for a long time it was the only one. I was still somewhat open to Pentax, because I had tried the Canon Elan (film), my introduction to Canon, and I truly hated that camera body. But it was around the time of the * ist D that zoom lenses also became an issue for me. Pentax just wasn't bringing them out. I've never been a wide-angle person and never been snooty about primes -- I used zooms from the get-go, even with Pentax. I think I prefer ease of use to anything. Once I used the Canon Rebel, I started being hooked on Canon. It was just the right size and had better AF than the Pentaxes I had used. I loved that camera. I've never gone for higher end cameras, mainly because they are always bigger. I am quite happier with "consumer grade" cameras. Size is a very important issue for me. I don't have a lot of upper body strength and I don't like lugging a lot around in the field. Usually I carry one camera and one lens with me and leave the bag and the other lenses in the car. At most I take two lenses with me, one on the camera and one in a bag (Tamron, I finally found one that is really only set up for one camera and two lenses.) I've never been sure that men really understand the weight and size issue as it pertains to women. :-) Then Pentax, now remember this may not be exact, brought out two zooms (one being the 16-55? 45?, I don't remember, but a lot of you guys still have them/it). I had originally liked Pentax so I got the DS (I think, it could have had another name), and the 16 whatever. So, briefly, I had two systems. But, even though I liked the Pentax (it usually has a simpler and clearer interface) and the lighter weight of the lenses (Canon's are wide-mouthed and a lot heavier), I found nothing in the DS that really beat out the Canon rebel. Frankly, the AF didn't feel as good. As to ergonomics, I have a hard time finding buttons on the camera anyway, so I really never noticed a huge difference between any camera brand and another, I always still have to hunt around. Until I get used to a camera, then it becomes second nature somehow (until I have to use a button I haven't used for a while, then I still have to hunt around). I don't think I have ever "learned" my camera bodies the way some of you have. On the other hand, when I am shooting I am not thinking much about the camera at all. So it probably was the line up of camera lenses that Canon has (and Nikon too) that was the final determining factor. I am an impatient person and I liked that I didn't have to wait for lenses to come out -- that there was already a vast selection I could choose from, from cheaper end to higher end. I had waited a lot with Pentax. And switching systems wasn't/isn't a big thing for me. I never had the investment in glass some on this list have/had. But, also I am willing to downgrade when I switch. Sell 1-3 lenses to get one. Usually that is the way it has gone. Sell camera and lenses and get one new body and one new lens. You really only need one lens with a camera body when you start out. Then add on from there. Also, I often buy used, especially used lenses, and it's often just a matter of hunting around. Also, I am not really a "gear" person. I am interested in gear, but only as it pertains to my photography. Ease of use and as few annoying factors as possible getting between me and my photography. Now, not sure what I will do in the future. Even older now and Canon lenses are heavy (that was one thing I really liked a LOT better about Pentax, lighter lenses), and I am getting tired of lugging around the weight I am -- which is still a lot less than many others lug around. I'd like one of those lighter cameras. But do I want to give up a mirror and a good viewfinder? So far I have decided I don't. But we shall see how that goes. I don't think I will hold out forever. Probably more than anyone wants to know. But there are various reasons for switching, not just one or two, it's a complex matter. When you find your needs not being met is basically when it happens. Later, Marnie I idenified a lot with what Cotty said. In a message dated 4/13/2013 4:12:49 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, co...@seeingeye.tv writes: I waited a bit longer. I was beginning to doubt Pentax's ability to actually play the digital game.... It didn't seem to be going that way. I am sometimes given over to whimsy and so in 2003 I forked out over 2000 GBP for a D60 and kit lens. The following two weeks saw me with a grin that refused to leave my mouth. It was exhilarating. But, I hear you cry, why didn't you go for an *ist D - they came out in 2003?? In truth, the name and target audience of the camera didn't include my idea of what I wanted. I wanted the MZ-D - a professional camera targeted at accomplished photogs - not that I would ever include myself in that group - but that's what I aspired to. My choice. It seemed to me that Pentax had deviated from The Plan! Don't ask me what The Plan is, I can't really describe it. I only know it when I see it, and the *ist D was not it. I reasoned that even if Pentax did bring out the MZ-D or similar, that would be some time away - and Canon had an upgrade path already out there - the 1D series (out in 2001). I could keep on waiting, or I could go now. I thought - hmmm we'll go play with Canon for a while and see what happens with Pentax - might come back, who knows... Why? The biggest selling point for me was optical viewfinder. The X-10's isn't great but it can be used effectively. I know because I use it. The X100 OVF is excellent. So let's see - a camera maker puts faith in optical viewfinders when the trend is seemingly away from them? THAT'S a camera maker I am interested in! Let's see more... Just in case. Cheers, Cotty -- 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. -- 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.
