Is the K7 already flawed?

I've read the thread 'Not a anti K-7 rant.........but'and agree that it's not necessarily the technology that makes good photographs.

However, I have a wider point. The K7 is pitched at the same level as the Nikon D300 and Canon 5D so Pentax are trying to up their game to compete with the big boys. But to my mind, Pentax will never make inroads into Nikon/Canon user markets until or unless they can start producing lenses that compete with thee top optics like the Canon L-series. Sure they can keep their enthusiast base like myself, but if they want to break out of this (which is what Pentax seem to be signposting)then it's gonna be the lenses that matter, not the camera. Which begs the question, why the K7?

I believe that Nikon D300 or Canon 50D is not at such a top that only top optics justify the cost.

The DA* lenses are most of the time more then a match against other brands top glass, certainly at that price range (maybe not in the UK but here it is). Okay Pentax are missing some very long zooms and primes with f/4 or fast but have you seen the price of that glass?

The lens base of Pentax is for everyone accessible and for 90% more then enough. For the other 10% you will probable want FF camera anyway so don't see a problem at this point.

I don't think the K7 is meant to threaten the Canon 5D, which is over 2K and then you are expected to pay 1-5K for L-Series Lenses.

But you're right, it makes sense for Pentax to really prioritise the quality and range of the lenses they offer. A top quality body is also needed though, so its a bit of a chicken and egg scenario.

A question for you two, name a lens that is really a let down in the Pentax range and what Canon and Nikon has to offer against that.

Make that A L-series lens.

Got a price list of Canon vs Pentax


We're talking about different lenses if you want more quality the the DA* and surely the K-7, D300 and 50D are in the same range since I don't believe many would put a $4000+ lens on a $1200 body

Let's face it... even Canon or Nikon aren't immune from producing lemons in their professional line cameras and lenses....go onto the forums and you will read about variations in quality

Just before someone starts going on about DA* 16-50 QC problems

As an aside it's interesting that Pentax don't do a cheap 50mm any more.

I assume they could fairly easily but they don't.

Mike

Don't they make the FA50 anymore?

I thought they discontinued it but even if they didn't you can't say its still cheap.

where is the nikon list then,

Photography Monthly have just done a comparison test on the K7, the 50D and the D300. The Nikon comes out Top but then you get what you pay for.

Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4 - €299 (£259)
Nikkor AF-D 50mm f/1.4 - €299 (£259)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM - €327,50 (£283)
Sony 50mm f/1.4 - €329 (£285)
I can say Pentax is reasonably priced

Here in the UK the price of the K-7 and D300 bodies are virtually identical.

Did the K-7 come second or third?

I was hoping you could make one
This list came from a site and the price seems about right so go ahead and put Nikon beside them, we all know that Nikon isn't cheaper then Pentax and Canon.
At least no in the USA

The post said CHEAP .. not reasonably priced.
It was cheap when it was £120/150 here ... THIS is not cheap .. or reasonable SRS, especially when Nikon have a 50mm f1.4 for £150 (ish)

Yes I know Mike but that are the prices here, that shop is around the middle range with his price. The cheapest I could find is a Nikon AF-D 50mm F/1.4 for €279 (£241)
What can I say... sorry that the situation here is different?

The Nikon is in the US $325 without VAT so you seem to have a great deal with Nikon over there.