I received this question from a former SAIT student, which I thought would make a great post.
Hey Marlene, I have a question in regards to cameras. The new Pentax K-7 has caught my attention based on its features. What is your opinion on the Pentax camera and lenses? I was hoping that Nikon was going to replace the D300 with a supposed rumored D400 but nothing yet, and tired of waiting.
This is an excellent question!
It’s a big decision to switch camera systems, especially if you’ve started acquiring lenses and accessories for your current brand. Most people would say that going from Nikon to Pentax was a step backwards from a professional line to a consumer line of equipment. That being said, you need to assess your own situation at this time and your future plans to see if the Pentax system has all that you need. You need to consider camera bodies, lenses, flashes, customer support, the works.
Chasing features is not the only reason to buy a whole new camera system, as typically every manufacturer eventually has the same or similar options. You need to get a hands-on experience.
I’m assuming you’ve done all the usual research online (dpreview.com, forums, etc.) and in camera shops and have done test shots with the Pentax K7. If not, take a memory card and your current camera and best lens into your favorite camera retailer.
- Take some raw photos using your current camera and lens combination and the one you are considering buying
- Use a similar lens if possible (maybe you can borrow a high-end Nikon lens from the retailer if you don’t own one)
- Take 10-20 properly exposed photos outside in daylight with each camera (You may have to take the sales person with you)
- Look for brightly coloured scenes, and some with deep shadows
- Do a mix of close ups and distance shots
- Use largest and smallest aperture
- Post process similarly, and compare the results by zooming in to the files 100% or more in Photoshop
- Compare shadow and highlight detail, edge to edge lens sharpness, those sorts of things
- Though this is not the only test you can do, it is a starting point
Similar to test driving a car, sometimes it’s just how a camera feels that seals the deal. Also, check the lens reviews. Pentax offers a lot of superb lenses, including highly rated super zooms and primes.
From my quick searches this morning, it seems there is a lot of excitement about this camera. Like the current Nikon and Canon offerings, it also shoots HD video. I’ve always liked that the Pentax captures DNG files instead of NEF (Nikon raw) or CR2 (Canon raw), so that all the popular raw converters can open the files without hassles. One feature that caught my eye is that many of the camera controls are on the exterior of the Pentax K-7 body instead of buried in the LCD menus. As a teacher, I find that many of my students are confused by the menus and sub menus of typical digital cameras.
I know I haven’t really answered your question directly, but hopefully I’ve given you a few ideas on what to look for when choosing what camera system to invest in. Keep in mind, it is costly to switch back and forth between camera brands, but if you are just starting out and haven’t spent much on your Nikon gear yet, this might be the time for you to make the leap. Let me know how it turns out.
Update:
Check out my Digital Camera Buying Guide. Free download. No strings attached. No email or anything.
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{ 4 comments }
Hi Marlene,
I sat in one of your SAIT courses (Basic Phot) in January 2010 and have been following your blog ever since. Great stuff! Currently I am registered in the Photoshop class starting May 25th, hope you’re teaching it.
Anyways, I could use some guidance and I don’t know if you can help. If I remember correctly you shoot Canon, but can you help me decide between a D300s and a D700? My brother has asked if I could sell him my D80 as he would like to start taking more serious pictures. I’m still unsure if I want to sell it as the D300s and D700 are serious money. I bought the D80 in 2007 and have enjoyed taking pictures with it, however I think I’m ready to step it up. My current lenses include Nikkor 50mm 1.8, 24-120, 70-200 VR II f 2.8 (all lenses that would work on the D700) and a Sigma 10-20 (non FX lens).
Sorry for being long-winded…
Merci,
Stephane Arsenault
Hi Stephane, Thanks for your comments! I’m not teaching the Photoshop class you are registered for. For future reference the courses I’m teaching at SAIT are listed on this page: http://www.imagemaven.com/photo-edu-resources/sait-teaching-schedule/
Well you have some great glass (aka lenses) in your collection, and lenses are more important than the camera body, but you, the photographer are the real talent in this equation. But that doesn’t answer your question does it?
Have you gone out and tried each of the two camera models you are considering? I suggest, as I always do, that you need to take a test drive. Take your D80 along with your favorite or best lens and an empty memory card to a good photo retailer (not Best Buy please!) Take photos with all three cameras using the same lens – you need to include your own camera to make the test mean something to you.
So follow the list of suggestions I made in the post above, and take similar photos using each camera. Go home and compare your results. Also note when you are using each of the new cameras, which is easier to use? Which feels better? The D700 costs $1000 more than the D300s, so your budget may help you with your choice.
Yes, I know this answer is non-committal, but it’s SUCH a personal choice with so many factors to consider that I hesitate to recommend one camera brand or model over another to anyone, even my closest friends and family.
Come back to this post and let us know what you decided, and why you made that choice.
Hi Marlene,
After a lot of buyer remorse….I finally jumped…it’s the D700! What a camera! I follwed your steps and actually palyed with the ISO indoors as well. At 6400 ISO it is like 800 ISO on my D80 (actually my brothers!). 3200 ISO is very good and like the 1600 ISO of the D300s. Even my soft 24-120mm lense seems sharper (is that even possible???). Last week-end I went to the Zoo and took 500 shots in 3 hours. It will take me a couple of months to fully master this camera. Thanks for your advice, keep up with the great website!
Congratulations Stephane! Great choice with the D700, mostly because you are so happy and confident about your final decision.
I’m really glad you took the time to compare the cameras. Many people don’t heed my advice. They are more concerned with the advertised features than seeing the benefits, or weaknesses with their own eyes. When you are spending enough money to give you buyer’s remorse, you definitely should do some tests. Would you buy a car without taking it for a spin?
Yes, your lens could look sharper. With the better sensor of the D700, you get less noise, and images will indeed appear sharper. So an added bonus.
Thank you so much for coming back and following up with you comment today! I really appreciate it.