[quotelus on other brands we're getting FF models on otherwise 'lower-spec' bodies, ie bodies that might not be ideal for working pros.[/quote]D600 body was definately not up to K5 standard but the D800 is, I'd be happy if the K3 was APSC, as long as it was good quality with a decent pixel count to give good "Crop Factor", High frame rate, say around 8 FPS and a class leading autofocus system, thats where I hope Ricoh's money will come in, we've got the sensitivity now we need F8 focus points and a few more of em!

I'd currently put the MkIII at the top of the heap, as the most complete DSLR at the moment Mike, I just can't live with Canon's interface, it's got some very clever pixels in there that give it heaps of image quality. Dial the contrast down a bit and you'll get plenty of dynamic range too.

The best thing about FF isn't the number of Pixels Simon as I'm sure you know, it's main benefit has always been in limited depth of focus photography, portraiture and lower noise thresholds, if you don't do any of this you just don't need it. The only Camera I have seen where the number of pixels could be of a benefit to you is the one your getting!
The difference is not as clear cut as you may think dependent on lenses and diffraction etc. the difference between the D800 and D600 can be as little as 4% in resolution terms (DXO measurement's not mine!).
Having looked at my files from my D600 and my K5IIs, pixel peeping there is a slight difference in favour of the Nikon but having just done a 24" print of those poppy's I posted in my 300mm thread in the Lens forum, I very much doubt you'd make it stick to be honest the K5II holds up mate, don't know what digital snake oil they've used but it's good enough for me. Diffraction sets in quite early on the D800 around F7.1 and around f10/11 on the D600, You're good till about F7.1 on the K5 or the equivalent of F11 in FF terms before you get any softening (All lens dependent) and then it doesn't seem to destroy the frame edges as much as it does on the FF Lenses nor as quickly, bit rambling but that's what I see, you need to try for yourself though Simon and you may come to a different conclusion. I was a "dyed in the wool" Nikon user for over twenty years and a total fan boy but I just prefer Pentax's implementation of things, I'm happy with a K5IIs and some Premium Glass.
That's where the new Sigma 18-35 comes in to the equation I think, Premium glass makes a difference, but it's got to be good.
P.S. Don't get me started on how much a Sony FF body plus Zeiss F2.8 Zooms weighs on your back Simon...

Pleased to hear it!
The addage wirh this one and the 50-135 seems to be to use them on a regular basis, part of the reason I've gone for only four Lenses this time around, I want to be able to carry rhem all, all of the time, I still want the 200 F2.8 (So make that five:twisted but just as a gap filler (between 135 and 300:shock and because I just like the Lens...

Not me!
I've had six FF DSLR's eight if you include the 2x D800/E which had 48 point focus (Nikon Joke!) Started out with the D3/700 Combo, then back to pentax with a K7, On to Canon with a 5DMKII (Banding issues).
Sold that and picked up a Sony A900, really loved that Camera but it was a Dinosaur and weighed a ton, had the best viewfinder of any Camera I have ever picked up, real quality, with all the Zeiss F2.8's it weighed a ton, so I flogged it and got a K5. FF reare it's ugly head again a little later so I got a Second hand Sony A850 which had internal power issues a mis aligned viewfinder, Sony fixed it free of charge but Viewfinder just isn't the same, still bright but not 100% and only does 3FPS Which I found limiting for handheld HDR and bracketing etc.
So I got another K5! FF came back to haunt me again last year so I got a D600 and some lightweight but quality Lenses, it was great but the K5II was out and ended up being a wallpaper on my picture editing P.C. at home! It was inevitable! Nothing wrong with the D600, it has the Dynamic range etc for a brilliant Landscape Camera and despite what the reviews say, I'd put it a step above the D800 in the noise department too. I just wanted to be back with Pentax, I always thought, because everyone who shoots landscapes professionally tells you that "You have to have Full Frame" (Hate that term) but you don't, you really don't...
P.S. If there K3, I will very likely pick one up but it will have to have very signifcant advantages over the K5II, Which I'm hoping it will because now Pentax seeem to have the backup to create something special...

Don't sound too good?
Did it free up?

Got one! Should be here early next week, looking forward to putting it thru its paces.

Many thanks for that and best of luck with the sale!

It's a little upsetting when hardship causes us to sell things we'd rather not but it has to be done and I've been there too!
It's a lens I'd love to own...

Amen

I am unfortunate to have a very astute "Other Half", who notices everything, when I came back to Pentax recently she noticed the influx of emails from Pentax user and said "I know what your'e doing, you know."
"I don't mind as long as it's a Pentax because I like them!"

So it's not all bad.

No K5IIs John?