Shel wrote:
Having used a couple of Canons I really don't see what all the fuss is about. For example, Image Stabilization may be nice, but I'd prefer smaller lenses and bodies that don't need as much stabilization, and lenses that offer the image qualities that I like over lenses that have a "feature set" that needs to be adjusted, even minimally. I like to think that I know how to use my gear well enough that there's no need to rely upon electric motors, gyroscopes, software, chips (and maybe even dip), and what have you, in order to get a good photo. But that's just me ... or is it? From what I've seen there are quite a few istD owners here who use their cameras pretty much like standard manual cameras most of the time, sometimes with a concession to auto focus, and rarely use many of the modes and features and options. Maybe the Pentax Way really is to simpler, smaller, lighter, more basic cameras that produce good photos.
All good points Shel. For the most part I am satisfied with my *ist D. My *major* concern is the future of the brand and the wisdom of throwing more money at the Pentax line (especially when it comes to Pentax or 3rd party K-mount lenses). If Pentax were to go bellyup or were to get out of the DLSR business, I think support and repairs for their existing cameras would quickly disappear. I could end up with a non-functioning DLSR and a whole slew of lenses that will only work with pre-owned Pentax film cameras.
My thoughts are leaning to Canon because if I blow $1000 on a new lens, I feel confident that Canon will be around and new bodies will continue to be available (hopefully compatible with the lenses, of course).
Sure I see that Pentax *appears* to be trying to compete in the DLSR market. But I'm unconvinced that they are seriously competing. Based upon a limited marketing strategy, at least in the US, I don't see the future boding well. If they out advertised Nikon and Canon 5-to-1 they'd still have a difficult uphill battle to gain market share. Both Nikon and Canon appear to have deep enough wallets to quickly bring new products to market and absorb the quick depreciation inherent in the digital lifecycle.
It's just a gut feeling and I have no proof to offer, other than that I have been a loyal Pentax owner for 15 years and now I'm starting to get paranoid. The fact that other long respected marques that didn't leapfrog to the front of the digital persuasion early, are biting the dust doesn't help much.
I've thought about getting an *ist D for my wife. Everytime I do though, I think why not a 20D and one nice lens?
Tom C. (wordy enough I'm sure).
