The theme that's developing here would suggest that the traditional specifications cannot now be relied on in defining the user category for any given model in a range.

I mean, as has been said above, there is becoming less iq differences between the 'top and bottom' in the range, as far ads the sensor output goes. There are more clearer distinctions amongst my pet subject- usability and control items.

But I still think the best guide to the target end user would be 'photographic aid' type features, like the mode dial scene modes. I read here recently that the k500 has no focus point indicators in the viewfinder. Now to me that is unacceptable, but to another person, someone who has no understanding of focus or choosing where to ffocus then that feature may be completely wasted.

John, there is a key difference between those modes I was referring to and the custom image settings you mentioned - namely that the mode dial scenes will directly alter the program aperture and shutter speeds. The custom image modes will not. Despite the similar terms they are completely different things

That's probably the default as its a long-standing technique, but if I remember rightly it's controlled with a menu setting, the alternative being the half press has no effect.

I may be wrong but if not then I'd be glad to assume the title of official pentaxuser camera settings geek!

Or, maybe I've already attained that most high distinction

Concerning the focus lock,recompose then shoot technique - I do think on the k7 there is custom menu item specifically to allow this with a half press of the shutter button. So maybe in the example talked about earlier this was just not set?

I've often seen a distinction in camera ranges between those models offering specific 'scene' modes on the top dial or not ; eg: modes such as landscape, portrait, night scene and macro,if included on the main mode dial, would indicate a camera aimed at new users of dslrs.

A mode dial that did not have any of these subject-specific modes (such as the k7 / k5 series) would not be targeted at that same group of users. With technology advancing now so quickly and the incorporation of very high spec features into more and more bodies, this particular definition of mine seems a goof reliable guide don't you think?

Then they wouldn't know what a full frame was either

Pentax do have the 645D 'medium format' digital camera - I don't know the specs of that (is it 40mp or so?) and a high quality lens range to go with it. You don't get much more 'high end' than that. But its a niche product, and maybe will never have the visability in the market to have the kind of 'knock-on' effect you're thinking of?

There's an episode of Alan Partridge where something like that happens ... but that involved Lexus cars (Lexii :wink, not cameras!

That comes back to my question of how to identify that need for ff with any individual, assuming they're onot already convinced solely by the 'bigger, pro's use it' arguments. I've been noticing lately that none of the members who advertise their Pentax kit to 'go ff' ever identify exactly what aspects of the larger format are suddenly an absolute necessity.

It's only by matching these individuals with specific photographic needs that we can develop a means of categorizing the different options as ideal for specific types of photographer.

Anyway, doesn't anyone think it worthwhile plugging the option of 'fixed or auto adjust tungsten white balance' when considering camera models?

Now that's something I would love to eavesdrop on - a salesperson explaining the benefits of a 'FF' sensor! That would be fascinating. I know myself that I'd be able to explain a lot better certain things I have heard discussed in shops, but now, a FF sensor to an uniformed customer ... that would be a challenge I think to carry off in a balanced way. In a technical and numbers way, thats the easy bit .. 'it's bigger, more detail, better IQ, high iso noise ...' But to actually relate those qualities to an individual customer's needs, and their specific financial / value equation ... that is the hard bit that would surely tax the majority of camera shop salespeople!

I'd tell them about other stuff you can do on Pentax DSLRs :

- how about the ability to link the metering bias to the active focus point (or not) depending on subject type

- or how to precisely control the settings that are retained in memory after power off - on, for time saving on a shoot - eg WB, drive mode, ISO defaults etc

- or that you can control 'one push bracketing' to provide a burst of brackets with a single press, or if needed individual exposure brackets with multiple presses

- Or that both 'Program Line' and 'auto-ISO range' can offer a degree extra control or bias to your subject even in P mode

- or that you can control whether WB presets are fixed values, or allow the camera to provide small fine adjustments, or also that tungsten WB can warmed automatically with either a 'subtle' or 'strong' correction, and that you can control what WB will deafult to when using flash.

These are just some examples of what I see as significant aids to image making (if we take advantage of them and explore) that are worth highlighting. NO, I don't know if the competition offer it all, but Pentax certainly do on its top range models!

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