Interesting that Practical Photography only rated it a 7/10. Never mind, they are all probably Canon users anyway.....

Anyone else?

Thanks Gary. low light is a common Pentax problem, but as long is it nails it. My problems are in normal light. So it is good to hear that the K-7 seems okay.

Thanks Gary, but one question.
The K-7, did you have any AF issues (apart from speed of AF)?

I am getting increasingly frustrated with my DSLR’s to focus accurately.
Last week in Cambridge, my K20D decided it did’nt want to focus at all with my 35mm (it was still AF’ing and beeped accordingly), yet it was reasonable with my 50mm. Both my K20D and K10D both occasionally back focus with my Sigma 24-70mm F2.8, too many times when you are on a job and are relying on the shots taken. Neither are really any good with my manual focus lenses, probably due to my eyes (I am short sighted and wear glasses), to which my old *ist DS is far better with manual lenses, it nails the focus every time. However in the studio focus is nailed on the K10D/K20D every time, mainly due to the aperture being at F11 so DOF is so much greater.
But, anything from F1.4 (yes, I know very shallow DOF so very difficult, but even my DS nails the focus) through to F5.6 is a problem, and the cross hairs are “supposed” to focus accurately at F2.8.
Last night, due to my concerns, I had 3, yes 3, cameras and lenses at my disposal fo a theatre promo shoot.
The results?
Well
The K20D had my mighty 50-135mm on (once I coerced into life – a common problem with the 50-135mm) – pretty much nailed it, not perfect, but close. So different from Cambridge.
The K10D – with the 50mm on, back focused badly! one or two are useable. Very poor.
With the 24-70mm, again hit and miss, back focus again.
The *istDS with the 35mm. Pretty much nailed it!

Both my K10D and K20D are now over 30000 shots, so I am wondering if the due to this, they are beginning to be “old” and are struggling with focussing (they should’nt be, they are designed for at least 100000 clicks).
Or is it because they were the first generation of SR “semi-pro” Pentax cameras, and that there are issues with the AF once they get to a certain point.

So with that in mind, Are the K-7 K-5 cameras far better and more reliable with focussing, even to a point that they will match my DS with manual lenses.
As at this time, I am increasingly concerned that Pentax are not providing me with a reliable camera, and that I may (heaven forbid) need to switch systems at a not inconsiderable cost.
I don’t want to go that route, due to investment on lenses, so I am very interested in the performance of the K-7/K-5 (yes even now a K-7 could resolve my short term problems and keep me shooting until the K-5 comes down to a price I will accept and afford, and the sensor issues are resolved.

I was not sure where to put this, so lenses was the obvious choice.

Now, I am thinking of getting one of the new breed of CSC cameras, yet have an adapter to use some of my K-mount lenses.

Now each of the CSC systems have an adapter for a whole range of mounts, but manual only (so DA lenses are out, you need an aperture ring)

However, one of the makes does have an adapter for the K-mount, namely the Samsung.
So, does the Samsung adapter give you ability to control the aperture or not? I only ask, as they "say" that you can use GX lenses (read DA lenses) on the NX, so that would imply full control.

Finally, before you ask, why do I want a CSC camera? When I travel on city breaks for example I want to travel light, and at times a DSLR is too bulky, yet want the IQ and control of a DSLR which those pro compacts won't give me.

Anyway, will the NX-GX adapter give me full control or not? If not, then I might consider the Sony NEX instead. (shock, horror, a SONY!!!!)

PM sent about the converter

Thanks Mike. I have pm accordingly

So, therefore, ignoring any Pentax lens, ANY Sigma HSM K-mount lens and the compatibility list on the Sigma web-site, you won't have HSM at the moment. That is currently not good, as the 70-200 HSM with either a 1.4x or 2x and HSM would have been good.

Again, Pentax short changed it would appear.......

I have a question about the two Sigma converters.
Do they support HSM (SDM in Sigma speak)? ie do they have the two important contacts for Pentax and pentax mount motor lenses?
I have trawled through the web, checking various camera sites and Sigma site itself but nothing is mentioned. Also, it would be handy if it had the screw as well.

As Pentax don't have converters yet, and the DA* 1.4x converter was supposed to have come out a year ago, but still nothing, these are currently the only options.