New DSLR - Pentax K5

[Eyeayen]

As I said I only spent a few minutes with it and didn't have a manual so I'm sure in time it would become easier.

You make a fair point with the Canon's auto focus points and not being easy to change as it should be. On the Nikon D300 I borrowed it had a spot focus switch and also seperate spot metering switch to change to other options, very useful not having to dip into a menu to do that, the Canon 7D doesn't offer that and for a well spec'd camera that's a real shame. I didn't find it easy in the menu but only spent about as much time with that as the Pentax.

Next weekend I'm going to another store I know locally and will spend more time with both the D7000 and 7D, then I'll go back and look at the K5 again. All 3 in one day should help me make my mind up.

[HinFrance]

I was being a bit tongue in cheek - but honestly I couldn't find it.

Like the Nikons AF and metering selection is, of course, done with switches on Pentax bodies

In fact they've changed the buttons/switches on the K5 compared to my K20D, so I'll be pressing the wrong buttons for a while.

[Sue Allen]

My 55-300 is the metal mount one - I think the cheaper one is optically the same. It's a fair bit smaller than most 70-300s I've handled. In spite of the hunting issue I did manage to get 3 in focus shots of a Snipe [and they shoot up very fast!] - far too small to use but I was able to track it - looking forward to testing the K-5 AF ability properly when I get a faster lens. It homes in and locks pretty speedily in indoor low light single shot mode.

[HinFrance]

Thanks for the info Sue.

I chased mine yesterday - the 35mm lens is still on back order, but it should be with my friend in the UK by Friday - then he's got send the whole lot here. Wish I'd heard of SRS before I went down this purchasing route.

[Mr Bump]

Sue, I think it might be best if you held back posting any more K-5 reports until H has received his. The delay is driving the poor chap bananas - witness his 'On the edge' submission!! If the K-5 doesn't arrive soon there might be a need for a very long-sleeved jacket

[HinFrance]

Dribble dribble dribble . . .

[Sue Allen]

...I would'nt be in too much of a rush, given the weather,.....that magnesium alloy body is really cold to hold

[Mr Bump]

Originally Posted by Sue Allen

Combination of cashback and some interest free credit made me decide

Was the interest free credit offered by SRS? It's not something they shout about on their web site.

[Sue Allen]

No - I have a credit card I had'nt used for a while and got the offer of 9 months interest free on purchases over £250. I'll actually get most of the outlay back when I sell the rest of my Nikon gear but it means there''s no rush to do it. Sent off for the £120 cashback today - that will help too! Still trying to decide what better lens to get - tried my 'alice chasing ball' test today and the 55-300 was'nt really up to it - the little D3100 and Nikon 70-300 vr beats it easily as it does'nt hunt. A focus limiter would be very handy to stop that. I'm leaning towards a Sigma 70-200 [not the latest super expensive OS version I hasten to add] although past experience with the Tamron version when I last had a Pentax makes me think that's a tad better optically - and a bit lighter too. The Sigma's not bad with a tcon....decisions!!

[Sue Allen]

ones that were'nt too bad...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/greypoint/with/5221841736/