Thoughts on new Sony and Pentax DSLRs and lenses

[ShutterbugJohan]

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. :-(