Camera Labs

I have an XTi and I'm planning to get a 7D soon with the 15-85 IS, but Ive also looked at the Pentax K-5.

Pentax Strong Points:
Image quality (better than the 7D in the review i've read)
Better high ISO IQ
Weather sealed (77 waterproof, dustproof seals)
Construction (magnesium alloy over a stainless steel frame)
In-Camera IS (Horizontal, Vertical, and Rotation)
Dynamic Range

Pentax Weak Points:
AF
Menu
Movie Mode
Community Base (haven't seen much ?)
"Strings of pearls" On the sensor !!

Canon 7D Strong Points:
AF
CF Cards
Lens choices
Ergonomics
Community Base
Movie Mode
Menu
Lens Available (although, only L are weathersealed)

Canon 7D Weak Points:
Less weather sealed
High ISO (I've read some "noisy poor performance" on the net)
Soft Focus
AF Problems

Nikon D7000 Strong Points:
AF !
High iso IQ

I know it depends on what I shoot, but it's VERY hard for me to choose. I'm thorn between the Pentax and the Canon.

I shoot mostly outdoor in the sun or at night, in Dry weather
I like High-Iso IQ for indoor or low light (+1 Pentax)
Dynamic Range seems amazing on the Pentax (+1 Pentax)
I shoot movies occasionally (+1 7D)
Menus (+1 7D)

I'm leaning towards the 7D but the K-5 seems to have better IQ. Of course, maybe after resizing a 18MP image to 2MP (xxxx X 1200), it won't be noticeable. However I've read stories about the AF being wrong, and one time it had to be repaired for 400$ due to a light shock


Thanks for help

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Canon Rebel Xti (400D), EF-S 18-55, 50mm f/1.8, Sandisk Extreme III 2gb.
Http://cr4zyh3ad.sisimple.ca

Here's another comparison, http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_EOS_7D-vs-Pentax_K-5

the Pentax looks like it has alot more, especially on IQ. However the AF seems slow

What's your thought ?

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Canon Rebel Xti (400D), EF-S 18-55, 50mm f/1.8, Sandisk Extreme III 2gb.
Http://cr4zyh3ad.sisimple.ca

Well the : Sony 580 Nikon 7000 and Pentax K5 all use the latest Sony 16mp Sensor, so the IQ is equal for the most part.

The Sony and Nikon both score an 80 and the Pentax scores an 82, but it's also the most expensive.

Knowing that there are lots of lenses to match up with any body, be it direct manufacturer or 3rd party... the choice is yours, then you have to learn technique as the camera won't help with that.

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Camera ... (appareil1)/685%7C0/(appareil2)/680%7C0/(appareil3)/676%7C0/(onglet)/0/(brand)/Sony/(brand2)/Nikon/(brand3)/Pentax

* DXO shows the Sony 16mp sensor (K5) outperforming the Canon's 7D's 18mp 82/66

Pentax Strong Points:
Image quality (better than the 7D in the review i've read)
Better high ISO IQ
Weather sealed (77 waterproof, dustproof seals)
Construction (magnesium alloy over a stainless steel frame)
In-Camera IS (Horizontal, Vertical, and Rotation)
Dynamic Range

Pentax Weak Points:
AF
Menu
Movie Mode
Community Base (haven't seen much ?)
"Strings of pearls" On the sensor !!

Hi,
I think the K-5 AF is now very good. Nikon still slightly better but on a par with Canon.
Menu seems fine on my K-7 ( similar to K-5)
Can't comment on the movie mode, I don't use it.
Pentax community is smaller but very friendly
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1036
http://www.pentaxuser.co.uk/forum
The sensor stain thing has been fixed.
cheers
Pete


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Pentax K-5 several len

They'd all be great choices, however unless you've been disappointed with Canon I'd see no need in switching systems, you already have a 15-85, which would serve as a pretty decent walk around lens. Regarding the 7D at high ISOs, it's still pretty decent, I wouldn't worry unless you want to make very large prints of images at ISO 3200 (But of course, in that situation none of these cameras would do very well). The Canon is still an excellent performer, I wouldn't worry about high ISOs.

Alternatively, you could wait for canon's 8D, but I wouldn't expect to see that until later this year (At the earliest).

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-Evan

Gear: 7 Nikon Nikkor AI-S and AF-S lenses, SB-700 flash, Nikon D7000, Nikon FM, variety of accessories

"There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs."
- Ansel Adams

Why would you change to Pentax, I had a K20 which was weather sealed built in IS etc etc, but lenses were not available only third party for birding my passion. I now have a 7D, 15mm-85mm, 100mm - 400mm L series lenses and could not be happier, do not waste your money. Andy.

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Andy