I agree with George on the sloppy writing part at least. I believe part of the problem is the use of "text speak" in media other than mobile phone messaging. I studiously refuse to use it even in texts as I think it makes for more general use of poor English and is a very lazy thing to do.

Firstly can I apologise for what will be a long post. As many of you are aware, I love going on safari, which is were (until I joined this forum) I learnt how to use my camera. I use a specialist photographic tour company and I have always, so far been the only Pentax user amongst mostly Canon but occassionally Nikon users. This year there was a lot of banter between the Canon and Nikon user as Canon users consider Nikon cameras less capable than Canon. The Pentax K20D now makes Pentax users "cool". Anyhow, I asked Peter (the professional photographer group leader) which is the best camera and what would make him change to a Pentax. This is his reposnse
"Regarding the question of which camera is “best” then I would have to agree with Andy Rouse and say the kit is far less important than how the photographer makes use of it. If someone has little ability to recognise a good image or is unwilling to learn and improve, then using a different camera is not going to make any difference. Fortunately you don’t fit into that category! Most modern cameras are capable of taking excellent images and it’s only when conditions become difficult (low light requiring higher ISO, autofocus not being quite fast enough to track or falcon, etc) that some shortcomings may become apparent. As far as I know and from talking to lots of clients (but I am far from an expert) most mid-range cameras such as yours and the similar offerings from Canon and Nikon are all very capable. It may be that a new model leapfrogs the others for a while but then the other manufacturers catch up. Of course the Pentax does have a significant benefit in that image-stabilisation is in the camera rather than in the lens – so all lenses will offer IS.
It’s important to remember that you invest in a system not just a camera
body and you need lenses that at least match the ability of the camera. With wildlife it is specialist lenses that count (macro, telephoto, large aperture, etc) and it is here where Canon and Nikon do well as most professionals use these systems and hence they have been able to invest heavily in these products. From what I know Pentax’s offerings in these areas is a bit sparse. However Sigma lenses – particularly the EX range – have excellent optics.

The main benefit that Canon and Nikon have over other manufacturers is the robustness of their cameras and lenses in their pro range … but it comes at a price. Cameras up to £5000 and lenses similarly! They are weather-sealed and built to withstand a few knocks (not that they don’t break as I well know). I would take my pro camera and lenses out in the rain without too many concerns but not a Sigma lens as they specifically say they are not weatherproof. Similarly, the mid-range bodies from Canon are built little differently to your Pentax. Really, that’s what you’re paying for when you pay thousands rather than hundreds and not just incremental improvements on the technicalities.

You asked what would make me change to Pentax. Well to start with, someone would need to give me over ten grand to replace my current system (rather than just a camera body) and that just won’t happen. Once you start investing in a system then financial considerations come in to play for most people."

Someone also wanted a comparision between a shot taken with a Canon and a Pentax. Well I can provide you with that as well. Please bear in mind that Peter is a professional and I am not. Peter will also have performed more pp on his image while I have only sharpened and cropped mine. I have blown my images up to A3 in the past. I believe the differences in the images are down to the shill of the photographer either in camera settings or in pp or both. You are welcome to disagree with me

Peter's image
link

My version
link

Just trying to help

See Amin
I think I lke No 1 the best. But I prefer the water ones myself. I like the clarity in the drops. That said these are up to your usual high standard.

Dan,

Sorry if I seemed upset or annoyed. I was just trying to get people thinking it might be possible. I really feel that the results from Pentax cameras are not appreciated as much as other makes and I see it as my personal mission to prompt their strengths whenever I can. I do try to ensure I am with non Pentax users normally though
I appreciate wildlife photography is not for everyone. I really enjoy it out in Africa - not sure I could stay in a hide for 9 hours waiting for a Kingfisher either Maybe you are right and the bat is just too small and fast. I know one thing for sure - it won't be me that shows it can be done - at the moment I can't even manage an in focus shot of a non flying bird

J

Dan,

I know its not a bat, Red Kite, Harrier Hawk or some other fast bird, however, I think the European Roller I caught was pretty fast.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3526331502_a4031c898c.jpg?v=0

And just to prove it I have put the original on as well

link

We spent a long time with these birds, I was with Nikon and Canon users with better cameras than me. I was shooting AF on continous shoot, trying to track the birds as they were flying, looking away from the viewfinder to see where they were. I can remember getting very frustrated and saying I was giving up and didn't know how I had managed to get draged into such a pointless exercise. I only found this one when I got home.

So if I can get a shot like this some of the more experienced members should be able to do a lot better.

I am not having a go at you, just trying to show what is possible if you try

All I can say Mike is that you have very steady hands They are lovely shots.

Scott and Ian,

If I can manage to get a Lesser Kestrel and European Roller in mid air fight using AF on the K20D on continous shoot than I think you should have a go at the bats. The only problem would be the light.

J

Hi Ian,

Nice shots. I see you are in the Peak District - where abouts? I live in Chesterfield.

I have seen one of the above advertised for £588 + £29.95 even with import charges would this be a good deal?

Thanks all for your lovely comments Glad you like them