Thoughts on new Sony and Pentax DSLRs and lenses

**Benjamin** · 05-20-2009, 01:01 PM

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<span style="font-size: medium;"]<span lang="EN-US"]Both Sony
and Pentax have made multiple announcements recently regarding several new
DSLRs and entry level lenses. Sony announced three entry level DSLRs to replace
their current models while Pentax introduced a mid range DSLR seems to compete
with the 50D. The stories are the following in case if you haven’t read them.<o

></o

>
<p class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: medium;"]<span lang="EN-US"][url="http://www.dpreview.com/news/0905/09051802sonyfourlenses.asp]http://www.dpreview.com/news/0905/09051802sonyfourlenses.asp[/url]<o

></o

>
<p class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: medium;"]<span lang="EN-US"][url="http://www.dpreview.com/news/0905/09051804sonyalphas.asp]http://www.dpreview.com/news/0905/09051804sonyalphas.asp[/url]<o

></o

>
<p class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: medium;"]<span lang="EN-US"][url="http://www.dpreview.com/news/0905/09052002pentaxdalenses.asp]http://www.dpreview.com/news/0905/09052002pentaxdalenses.asp[/url]<o

></o

>
<p class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: medium;"]<span lang="EN-US"][url="http://www.dpreview.com/previews/pentaxk7/]http://www.dpreview.com/previews/pentaxk7/[/url]<o

></o

>
<p class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: medium;"]<span lang="EN-US"]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. (In most
cases the weight of the camera is shared with my middle finger and thumb. My
index finger is for the operations, the rest of my fingers will help the middle
finger to hold the camera tight.) Knowing that my 1V-HS, in fact, most of the
high end Canon SLR bodies are just designed to fit a human hand, I’m having a
hard time to imagine how Sony’s ergonomic design will actually work. I’ll
surely be the first ones to try out once the cameras are available. For now, I
will appreciate if anyone can help me out. (PS: I’m an undergrad engineering
student to focus on ergonomics related designs.) 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. How many people will actually pick up on the
“Sony” name is questionable too. <o

></o

>
<p class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: medium;"]<span lang="EN-US"]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? 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? 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. It will be a tough one for me personally to
choose between the new Pentax K7 and the 50D if I start from draft, I may take
the 50D in the end – because it still seems to be a better camera overall.<o

></o

>
<p class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: medium;"]<span lang="EN-US"]Tell me
what you think!<o

></o

>
<p class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: medium;"]<span lang="EN-US"]<o

></o

>
<p class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: medium;"]<span lang="EN-US"]Ben<o

></o

>

**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

Originally Posted by Ehcalum

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

Originally Posted by Benjamin

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).

Originally Posted by Benjamin

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.

Originally Posted by Benjamin

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 :-))

Originally Posted by Benjamin

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.

Originally Posted by Benjamin

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?

Originally Posted by Benjamin

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

Originally Posted by ShutterbugJohan

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.

Originally Posted by ShutterbugJohan

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

Originally Posted by alexniedra

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

Originally Posted by Benjamin

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.

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