Thoughts on new Sony and Pentax DSLRs and lenses [Archive]

Benjamin

05-20-2009, 01:01 PM

Ehcalum

05-20-2009, 01:22 PM

I used to shoot Sony's as I came from a Minolta background. I neither loved them nor hated them. I feel like the new lenses with be of soso image quality, having used Sony's consumer zooms before. Its good to see a reasonable price on them. Their G series and many of the non G lenses are overpriced, even if their rebaged and "redesigned" Minolta G. The bodies in general are tough but Sony has different batteries for almost all their bodies. I believe that if Sony doesn't become #1, they will leave the SLR market and stick with the P&S market, its just they way they are.

Never used a pentax dslr, but I love my Pentax 645n.

Benjamin

05-20-2009, 02:47 PM

I believe that if Sony doesn't become #1, they will leave the SLR market and stick with the P&S market, its just they way they are.
<div style="clear: both;"]</div>

To join the DSLR war half way w/o a strong background in this industry and become #1 will take them quite some time, even if Sony is seriously determined. But as long as there is a small market share that brings them considerable $, I don't see a reason why Sony should quit.

ShutterbugJohan

05-20-2009, 03:06 PM

The new
Sony cameras seem to be quite different in ergonomics, the curvature on the
grip which allows our hands to hold the camera firmly is gone, and the main
dial is almost positioned right on the flat panel of the body. I cannot imagine
how I will be able to hold the weight of the camera with a reasonably weighted
lens attached without the normal curvature shown on most other cameras.

That was also my first thought when seeing the pictures a few days ago. I would think that they will be best used with lighter lenses (e.g the kit lens).

In terms of the camera, I will
always get a Canon T1i if I want an entry level DSLR – the Rebels are just
about the best cameras in its class. In comparison, Sony cameras do not have
too much to stand out from others.

Agree.

How many people will actually pick up on the
“Sony” name is questionable too.

I might be silly, but I would not want a camera that said the name Sony on it. Sony is just everywhere in electronics. I much prefer Canon and Nikon, since they focus more on photography. (Sorry :-))

On the
other hand, Pentax is taking a different path to make weather resistant (WR)
cameras and lenses. I think this concept along is an excellent idea. In fact,
if Pentax can offer a fully water/dust resistant camera like the Canon 1-series
bodies for $1299, several weather resistant entry level lenses at around $200,
then how come Canon and Nikon only offer such features in their very high end
products?

Nikon weathersealed the D300 and D700. Olympus weathersealed the E-3 and I think also the E-30s. I think Sony has weathersealed the A700. Canon is the only manufacturer that does not weatherseal at least some of its mid-range SLRs.

I noticed that Pentax calls its own WR system “a simplified
weather-resistant construction”, I’m not sure what “simplified” means – does
that mean a more efficient/smart design or just a way of cutting corners to
bring the price down? Can somebody who’s familiar with such a design explain?

I'm not sure what they mean by this. maybe they mean that the lens is plastic instead of metal?

But
overall, I think Pentax has established a good example in this regard for the
other major players in this industry. Plus, I NEED WEATHER SEALING as I travel
quite often during my vacations.

I agree. Weathersealing is very necessary. One of my flashes (580EX ver. 1) needs to be sent to Canon because it is not functioning properly. I think that it is because I shot in some moderate rain for about 10 minutes. :-(

alexniedra

05-20-2009, 04:37 PM

Disclaimer: The follwing may sound like a love letter to Canon Marketing. However, it is not.

Weird... Why don't I love Sony and Pentax? I know many people who shoot with these cameras - In fact they live by them. Amongst my "photographer" friends (Mostly people who use portrait mode, full auto), I am an outcast with Canon.

Cheaper? Maybe Sony and Pentax may very well win. But where it counts - Image quality, reliability, ease of use - Canon smokes the competition. Its optics and advancements cannot be duplicated with any other brand.

I love Canon - And plan to stay with Canon for a very long time.

alexniedra

05-20-2009, 04:38 PM

Sorry - My post was a bit off-topic.

Benjamin

05-20-2009, 07:19 PM

I'm not sure what they mean by this. maybe they mean that the lens is plastic instead of metal?
<div style="clear: both;"]</div>

I don't think simplified means just that. But I don't know. Apparently Pentax failed to explain anything about its simplified weather resistant, rather, they only BS about how great the new feature is in very shallow terms.

Nikon weathersealed the D300 and D700. Olympus weathersealed the E-3 and I think also the E-30s. I think Sony has weathersealed the A700. Canon is the only manufacturer that does not weatherseal at least some of its mid-range SLRs.
<div style="clear: both;"]</div>

Here we go, come on Canon! Weather-seal all mid range cameras at least! I will even pay more just for this feature!

Benjamin

05-20-2009, 07:21 PM

Sorry - My post was a bit off-topic.
<div style="clear: both;"]</div>

That's ok, we all like Canon and that's why we are here. However, I just want to see a better day with our cameras and lenses.

alexniedra

05-20-2009, 07:36 PM

Here we go, come on Canon! Weather-seal all mid range cameras at least! I will even pay more just for this feature!

The problem is, Canon won't! Well, maybe they will, but either way, it's marketing. Just like that 400 f/4 IS, 500 5.6 IS, and 24-70 2.8 IS, that we all (including me) are hoping for.

I don't know how this tactic works, or if it does period - But Canon definitely can weatherseal bodies like the 50D and the next prosumer body.

But in the end, I agree with you, Benjamin!

Common' Canon!

jayKayEss

06-01-2009, 05:20 PM

I have taken my Pentax K10D out in the rain many times (including once, in a full-on downpour) and never had any problems with its weathersealing.