That is one thing I've been considering, the high iso on the Sony doesn't look great.

A good community does make a difference!! Will need to ponder its definitely between the K5 and A77 for me now

Thanks folks, managed to get into Jessops tonight on my way home and have a play with a couple of the cameras.

Bit annoyed the A77 wasn't charged but it feels a good size and well built, seem massive with the 16-50 attached! I'll need to price up some kits but the A77 and 16-50 at about £1230 with the £100 cashback seems good but the K5 is cheaper although probably looking at a similar price for a similar lens (K5 and 16-50 DA) which would be about £1200-£1300 together new.

Was really impressed with the K5 handling, quite a bit smaller than the A77 which would make a difference and I really like the look of the range of Pentax Primes and quite a large range of WR lenses.

Only thing I can see the Sony system might have over Pentax is a better range of zoom lenses, particularly in the 100-400mm range.

Thanks folks, Just to ask then what would be the best Pentax lens for aviation shooting? is the 55-300 a decent lens?

Hi folks,

I've found my way here via Google as I've been looking at buying a DSLR and I'm considering the Pentax K5.

I've been looking at both the Pentax K5 and the Sony A77 as these both seem similarly specced cameras.

One thing that particularly draws me to the Pentax K5 is the rave reviews it seems to have got v other systems (particularly the D7000) and also what seems to be quite robust Weather Protection when compared other bodies / systems.

My main usage would be landscapes, aviation and hopefully motorsport, I guess my question is would the K5 be suitable for these and would there be lenses available particularly for the aviation / motorsport functions.

I have previously ( a few years back) had access to a K20D which I enjoyed using but it wasn't mine so I didn't know a lot about the system/lens lineup.

Thanks!

James