Entering the DSLR market, which camera?

[finbarqs]

you can't go wrong with any system! Photographers will tell you "it's about the glass" but I say it's about the photographer.

Coming from a Nikon D300 to a Canon 5D Mark 2 (I had a XTi and a panasonic DMC-L1 prior to the D300) I would say, I wish I had canon's 21.1mp sensor with the nikon's body and AF system. (and of course, Canon's 1080p video!)

I just hate how off my AF can be with my 5D Mark 2 + 24-70 f/2.8L. Even, when I'm using spot focusing!

 

[slashbinslashbash]

I just hate how off my AF can be with my 5D Mark 2 + 24-70 f/2.8L. Even, when I'm using spot focusing!

AF should not be much off using an f/2.8 lens with single/center point selected, assuming the right AF mode is selected (Single Shot/Servo/AI -- on a 5D this should probably be Single Shot most of the time). Other points are more iffy (can't remember how many are cross-type on the MkII), but unless you've got your center point on something totally without contrast (clear blue sky, clean white wall) or you're shooting in near-dark conditions, it should focus fairly well....

Granted, AF is slower than it could be, and more/wider-spread AF points would be really nice, but I've never had any accuracy problems with my 5D and various lenses... have you micro-adjusted your lenses?

 

[ivan2]

if you are going to get the XS, might as well look at the XTi. It's an older body but has better focus and image quality will be comparable.

Other than that I suggest you go with the system that people you know is shooting.

MP is the last thing u should look, anything over 8MP is gravy.

 

[ElFenix]

There are a couple of new Pentax cameras that are evidently on the near horizon, the K5 and the K-r. The K-x will probably still shine, but the K-r presumably will have a new feature set. Don't know if it's a replacement. It's a little early for that, the K-x having been out something like a year. I think they will both be in production for a time.

The K-x has some of the best low light (high ISO) performance available in DSLRs. Also, nice high burst rate for an entry level DSLR (over 4.3, claimed to be 4.7). In-body shake reduction. I'm happy with my choice.

i haven't been looking at the pentaxforums enough to figure out if the k-r is a replacement or not.

seems like the k200d and k-m are both in limited stock. a lot of k-x available. at under $500 with lens from reputable dealers the k-r is tough to beat.

 

[Muse]

i haven't been looking at the pentaxforums enough to figure out if the k-r is a replacement or not.

seems like the k200d and k-m are both in limited stock. a lot of k-x available. at under $500 with lens from reputable dealers the k-r is tough to beat.

That's the K-x you're talking about. The K-r hasn't been formally announced yet. Yes, the K-x is a great deal, the best around by a long shot say many.