05-22-2011, 05:40 PM
As an update.
First, I'm more than appreciative of the time you've each taken to respond and the thoroughness of some of these responses.
There is obviously no absolute best choice.
The E5 is great, but, as noted, the 4/3 format has drawbacks and it is a heavy camera for its class.
The D7 also seems large and heavy, tho probably the best all around of the four.
The K5 vs D7000 is a tough call.
I wish she could handle both, but that isn't possible where she lives. Pentaxes are not stocked in most places.
The viewfinder advantage goes to the Nikon, if not by a huge margin.
Nikon also has a much better zoom lens selection.
Pentax excels in the small prime lens category and would probably be the better camera for candid shooting.
Still waiting for "THE ANSWER" :-) .....knowing that is impossible.
MP
First, I'm more than appreciative of the time you've each taken to respond and the thoroughness of some of these responses.
There is obviously no absolute best choice.
The E5 is great, but, as noted, the 4/3 format has drawbacks and it is a heavy camera for its class.
The D7 also seems large and heavy, tho probably the best all around of the four.
The K5 vs D7000 is a tough call.
I wish she could handle both, but that isn't possible where she lives. Pentaxes are not stocked in most places.
The viewfinder advantage goes to the Nikon, if not by a huge margin.
Nikon also has a much better zoom lens selection.
Pentax excels in the small prime lens category and would probably be the better camera for candid shooting.
Still waiting for "THE ANSWER" :-) .....knowing that is impossible.
MP