| A | is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of digital cameras. |
| B | means they are good, with some standout features. |
| C | means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth. |
| D & F | mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs. |
- 5 out of 5
- 5 out of 5
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- 5 out of 5
Whatever camera you have now --
( - 11/28/05)—trade it in for this one!
Well, possibly some of the other Pentax SLR's are as good.
After 35 years of manual SLR's I waited to go digital until I was sure of what I was doing. Thank Gods for Pentax.
I witnessed friends with digitals and witnessed their problems.
I've edited photos submitted by other digitals, and saw their problems down to the pixel level.
The picture quality and color quality exceeds anything I've ever taken on film. I spend a lot of time taking photos of what seems "invisible" to other folk, the subtle variations of rocks and minerals out in the field. The originals are spectacular, but for me, even more terrific — yes, you can further enhance to bring the "invisible" out so even non rock people can pick out the details. Other digital photos I've edited simply didn't possess any large spectrum of colors to work from — the Pentax photos have a spectrum that challenges any film camera, with the advantage that, well, it's digital.
The use of simple batteries was a must for me in selecting a camera. With two months and some extended shoots, I still haven't run the batteries down — we're talking 200 or so shots per shoot, and downloading, slide-showing etc using battery power. I've heard the horror stories of those who suddenly need to "recharge" when they're up on the mountain, so I keep spare batteries with me, but haven't touched them yet. I haven't had any camera freeze due to cold batteries yet, though I've taken shoots in freezing temperatures.
The view finder is, by far, the best I've ever seen. None of this "look at the LCD" garbage to take a shot, I'm seeing my shot and framing it and it comes out perfect. I haven't yet had the time to investigate some of the details, such as the 7 spot focus configuration which ought to be fantastic for rocky outcrops. As it is, I'm getting excellent crystal reflections even without my polaroid filter (which works on the camera, but doesn't seem to be needed), and have even shot straight into the sun and got tremendous pictures.
The computer interface is fast and easy on both my Mac laptop in the field, and my office PC.
Perhaps most important, this camera bonds with the photographer immediately if you're coming from a manual SLR background. It feels a good real weight, well balanced. Comfortable in your hands. No feeling like it's a toy.
If anyone is hovering, go for it. This or the other Pentax SLR's.
