Pentax Reviews in current Which? magazine

Although the K-7 gained the most stars in the summary it wasn't the top rated, 5th out of 12. I don't necessarily rate Which camera tests because they often seem to conflict with reports elsewhere but the thing that stood out for me though was that the Image Stabilisation got 5 stars for the K-7 and only one for the K-m. Is this likely - are they that different? If so where would the K-x stand in this, as the in body stabilisation was my main reason for buying Pentax K-x.

I don't think the Which? camera test reports are really worth paying any attention to. I had a look at one and found there was very little in depth or objective data.

As far as IS is concerned, I doubt there is that much difference between the models. In-body IS is said to be a shade less effective than lens based IS, but it still works well, and what is more, works with every lens.

Which?: jack of all trades, master of none.

Agreed, they certainly don't carry any weight for me in specialist markets such as D-SLRs, HiFi or even high end TVs.
More suited to white goods such as washing machines etc

Damn .. our washing machine blew up yesterday .. and this time it's nothing to do with my son

Do you ever think to yourself .. it's going to be one of those days? well in my case I am now thinking in years

Sorry to hear about that, it's a real pain when something like a washing machine interferes with the cumulation of much more important hardware

It's so nice to finally speak with someone who is sympathetic to my situation. My wife ... she just doesn't understand me

I fear your wife has much in common with mine

Back to the specific review it also has a headline "K-m" heaviest camera on test at 1.24 kg ! When you look at the data in the table it seems to apply to the Olympus E-30. I don't expect Pentax will be too happy with some of these errors because despite how rubbish these reviews may be non-experts and the media take notice of Which? Anyway, I think I'll cancel my subscription.

Just more fuel to the fire really....

I have had an on-line 'Which' subscription for several years. As mentioned above, I only use it for white goods, of which I have little specialist knowledge. When 'Which' has looked at items I do know something about, ie photography and hi-fi, I have occasionally found their recommendations quite bewildering.
I wonder if this also applies to washing machines....perhaps it is time to cancel?
If so, any recommendations for on-line advice?

I gave up on Which years ago, apart from the brand reliability reports which can be of interest.

I have found Currys website quite useful for white goods. It includes detailed specifications in a consistent format and also has links to reviews on Reevoo. Like all user reviews these vary in usefulness and need approaching with care but can point up common short-term experiences on certain aspects of a product.

For washing machines Washer Help is interesting.

I look on Currys, choose my item and then buy it at Dixons. Same company but usually cheaper. Our washing machine went bang at the weekend, went on Currys and found one that looks ok for £520 then bought it at Dixons for £399

If we're on white goods, I found Laskys pretty good on price for our last white thing in the kitchen

I've only tried SR on the K-m but it's pretty impressive - even hand-held shots in near darkness came out surprisingly well (in the first few days of owning the camera when I was trying all sorts to see what happened). We're all clearly odd in actually liking a camera with a decent weight to it too - I find it helps to hold it steady.

Which should just stick to testing compacts for the holiday snaps crowd, as anyone buying a DSLR will be looking to media that actually displays some photographic knowledge for reviews.

Their motoring reports are a scream. They've been known to mark cars down for being "difficult to park" in the past. Since when has a lack of driving ability on the part of the tester been a reason for giving a poor rating?