Good bye Pentax! Forever?

I've been a Pentax user for some time now. My first camera was a MX manual which I've still got and use with the 55mm 1.7 lens. Excellent sharp pixs and great depth of field. I've built up quite a few lens and filters to fit them all.

But now it's time to say goodbye to Pentax. Why? I'm turning semi-professional and my requirements is a mid-range DSLR. So which Pentax camera is currently on sale in the mid-range. Well, there's the, well, there was the DS. But hang on a mo, there's always the, hmm!

The DL is a fine camera for a newcomer but doesn't meet my requirements. Come on Pentax, a mid-range camera now and not October for that 10mp one.

Sorry, but I have to go else where for a DSLR. There's some good news though! I'll still be using my current camera gear for B&W

I'm curious what features you need that are beyond the ds2?

Are we talking about the DL2 or DS2 cos I can't find the DS or the DS2 anywhere for sale? No camera, no sale!

BTW yes I know the DS has been phased out, but if it's true, I didn't know the DS2 is available

what's the DS2/DS got as an advantage over the original D?

to avoid confusion, as there is some differences between what's available overseas and here, my request was to find out what he needed, that he can't find in the current lineup, or has this fellow fallen victim to sales reps pushing of canon/nikon cameras.
I only mentioned ds2 as it's what I use. Happily.

What is your definition of a mid-range DSLR as you percieve it ? Mid-range in what particular characteristic ? Capabilities, price, support, repairs, sensor size, range of lenses available ? Can you be (much) more specific.

Given the inevitable worldwide downturn in B+W stock and chemicals etc., do you think that a DSLR, any DSLR, is incapable of taking B+W pictures?

No camera manufacturer makes all the components themselves anymore, do you think that Canon/Nikon/Pentax shutters or sensors are any different?

Please give us more information about your requirements.

I'm using a DS for fully pro work and dont have any worries or problems.

Ken[/quote]

What was the point of the original message?

Unless the poster is going to be shooting sports, birds, or High Fashion, there is no good reason to switch brands.

It seems there are still some people who read ads and believe them. And then delight in telling other how clever they are. Sad, really.

It's the lens that makes the picture, and only one manufacturer makes a 77 Ltd.

G

George said:
Yeah there's issues with the firmware that prohibit you from photographing
sports


birds


and fashion


Gosh George I hope you're laughing with me...

javascript:emoticon('')

Don,

No problem.

I mentioned sports and birds because these both demand very fast AF if you are shooting professionally, and for High Fashion you need a 'blad with a massive Phase One back f you are going to cut the mustard with Vogue.

I get pretty good reults shooting birds with my lenses, but I would prefer faster AF, and on long lenses that pretty much has to be inside the lens, not in the body.

G

I know I'm just being silly....lol

It's the lens that makes the picture, and only one manufacturer makes a 77 Ltd

That comment holds true though.

jayson I really must get one of those.

i won't bother posting the F1 and rugby pictures taken with the Ist D.

But I am a little confused as to how the Ist D is not still a competitive mid-range D-Slr for those who already own pentax lenses?

It's perfectly competitive, of course, except for the applications I mentioned. (Very fast AF on long lenses, and huge pixel counts.)

None so blind as those that will not see.

Non

Hmm!

I've caused quite a stir, but first of all, let's get a few things straight.

1) I've only seen the DL (or DL2 from jessops) for sale. The DS has been phased out, the DS2 is not available for the UK.
2) Pro-pix are demanding at least 8mp, let's count the pixels on the Pentax cameras
3) DL's focusing system is not fast enough

The DL is a fine camera, I've seen the results and I'm not knocking it but come on, do you honestly thinking that the DL is for the semi-pro/pro.

Show me a Pentax that is currently available in the UK that has at least 10.2mp designed for the semi-pro and I'll admit I've made a mistake.

Come on Pentax, you're falling behind just Acorn Computers, Sinclair, Swanhunters, the trains and all the rest that were once market leaders

BTW yes I know, swanhunters were not exactly market leaders but you get my point.