SLR-Camera Reviews

Pentax ZX-7 could be suitably placed in the "most bang for the bucks" category. It is a feature laden camera(useful features and not just bells and whistles) which will satisfy both the amateurs as well as the pros.

I am using a Sigma AF 28-200mm F3.5-5.6 DL Aspherical Hyperzoom Macro lens. This zoom is also a satisfying product and gives quite sharp and well balanced results.

The photographs have come out well exposed and crisp. The RTF flash is OK for lighted indoors but for outdoors, a TTL external flash is required (I am using a Pentax AF280T).

It provides plenty of flexibility when using the various priority modes. For the greenhorns the "auto picture" mode will be very helpful.

Pentax accessory - Battery Pack FG will be quite useful for users as one can use cheaper standard "AA" batteries instead of the expensive "LC" batteries.

Metal lens mount, multiple exposure, TTL RTF flash, silver finish body etc. are some of the features in this well designed SLR camera.

I am very much missing the DOF as my present 28-200mm zoom has a shallow depth of field and it is very difficult to judge the depth of sharpness. My older non-AF Pentax camera (ProgramA) had this capability

The zx-7 is just a wonderful camera. It is so easy to use and we still have yet to shoot a bad picture. I enjoy it so much that I went out and bought the Sigma 300mm lens for it-awesome. The best thing is when you upgrade to a new flash-the camera and flash communicate with each other before the photo is taken. This camera has the most options for the price. I recommend this camera to everyone!

I bought this camera without any knowledge of Photography. All I have ever used is point and shoot cameras and this was my first SLR. I reviewed all the SLR cameras in the market for a long time and ultimately decided on this. The best part of this camrera is that it has a metal mount unlike others in its range which have plastic mounts. I use a 28-200 Tamron lens and it is a big and heavy lens but the metal mount has no problems. I use my camera roughly but it is so solidly built that it has no effect on it. The pictures are perfect. My wife who cannot take good pics even with a point and shoot digital cameras, takes awesome pictures with this camera. The other good part with this camera is that it has Memory Lock. Look for the ML key on the back top right hand corner of the camera. That's a very important feature which Nikon N65 and Rebel 2000 have excluded.
The only words I have for it are "GO FOR IT".

This lens is simply an AMAZING - fast, quiet, great picture quality and color, and MACRO. If you don't already have a Macro (and not the pseudo-macros like the 28-135), you should strongly consider getting one, you'll be quite suprised by the difference it makes.

Ive had this lens for quite a while and used it in several EOS cameras without one single complaint. I was excited when Canon rolled out the Digital Rebel, since it would allow me to use this fine lens in a digital setting. The results are quite good, with fast focusing and excellent image definition. Using it with the Rebel requires some work in Photoshop (unsharp mask) to obtain superlative results. Overall it is one of the finest macros (if not the finest) that I have ever used.

This lens without a doubt deserves the "L" label that Canon only puts on their 'best' lenses. Not only are the pictures *incredibly* sharp, but the focusing is fast (includes a USM motor with overridable manual focus), quiet, and the lens is constructed like a tank. It's my favorite lens and I highly recommend it.

This camera is absolutely superb in function, clarity, ease of use, and all around enjoyment. It is light, yet does not have the "cheap" feel of other cameras, the AutoFocus is quick and quiet, and it takes excellent pictures. The manual side of this camera is easy to setup and operate. Additional lenses can be had at reasonable prices. The built in flash works flawlessly. For those individuals who need an external flash, they can be purchased, although they are pricey. I recommend this camera for everyone from beginners to professionals.

After much research and shopping, the XTsi has the most versatility and features for the money. Most retail stores in the area only sell the less expensive Minolta Maxxum cameras at the same price as the XTsi here at Amazon. The panoramic option is great for those senic mountain views and the camera is truely intuitive. I would recommend this camera to anyone who is either just getting into photography or is looking to step up from a compact 35mm camera.

this is a great camera. It takes great pictures and it is easy to use.

This camera has all the features (such as Multiple exposure, Self timer, high speed flash sync. etc.) that
one could possibly expect from a 35mm SLR at a price that is extremely competitive.
You would have to pay $150 to $200 more to get the same versatility from another manufacturer such as Nikon or Canon. Not even to mention the accessories, which inevitably one will feel the urge to buy. I personally use this camera with Sigma lenses that work like a dream with this equipment.
Sure, there are more expensive cameras out there, but if one takes the time to compare features it is hard to justify another $500 + for only minor differences which the average photographer will never even use.
The 14 segment honeycomb pattern metering is very accurate and produces great results.
The various preset programs produce great pictures, but if you prefer to take over the controls you'll find that this camera offers easy to understand manual functions and allows you to select various modes with aperture or shutter speed priority.

After doing a lot of searching (and driving my husband crazy with all the research), I opted for this camera because we had an older Minolta and all the lenses which would be interchangeable with our new camera. The day I got the camera I took pictures - and they turned out great. Just point and shoot. Our vacation pictures are terrific and very clear and sharp. I love the automatic eye focus. The only drawback, which won't be a drawback once I know all the different options, is that there is so much you can do with this camera. I can hardly wait to start experimenting.

After days of research on the net, I decided my camera purchase would be the xtsi. I have been very happy with this camera for over a year. It is a great camera to grow with. It is very easy to learn. My instruction booklet is worn out. I purchased the 28-105mm sigma lens. I just recently purchased another sigma lens 100-300mm. My pictures turn out great. If any of my pictures don't turn out it's do to my error. I play around with the different features all the time. I stopped using the flash on the camera and purchased the Maxxum flash 3500xi. I highly recommend this flash.

I take better pictures with the F5, let me clarify, at an air show, while whale watching and of course all the people shots I would have missed if it were not for the speed of the auto focus and the wonderful metering system. I think it is one of the attributes of this camera the ability to get the shot, quickly and accurately.

Battery Consumption: Battery consumption has not been a problem for me. My purchase is a late model production camera and I am aware that the earlier models did have a battery consumption issue.

Weight: The F5 is a heavy camera but I like the weight and feel of the camera. I think because of the weight the camera balances nicely in your hands and the F5 is a dream to hold. I am able to hand held this camera at a lower shutter speed than I could with other cameras. The craftsmanship is superb and I enjoy how well the F5 is made.

Familiar Controls: I like the ability to go from one Nikon to another and most of the controls seemed familiar.

Weather Sealing: I have taken the F5 while on a sailboat in Kauai in 15 foot swells hanging on to the boat with one hand and just pointing the camera with the other (program mode) and guess what I got some good shots. I don't hesitate using this camera in adverse weather conditions and just wipe and clean it.

Some comments lead to believe that some people have walked in from the street and purchased a two thousand dollar camera. That the person never picked the camera up and realized how heavy the camera is. Not that the F5 is that heavy look at some medium format cameras. If you are looking at this camera I'm sure you already are aware of peoples comments good and bad. It would hard for me to believe that someone will purchase the F5 as a first Nikon camera. I would assume that the person who made this purchase has an assortment of Nikon products and knows what they are doing.

The F5 was introduced in 1996 and was a top of the line 35mm camera and in 2004 it still is the top of the line. I know other manufactures make great cameras but eight years later this camera is still at the top of the list.
This camera will be that last film camera that I own. It is not because I'm going digital, because I'm not at the moment. It is because this is simply the best film camera you can purchase from Nikon and it just might be the best film camera you can own.

Negatives: I wish the focus area brackets in the viewfinder illuminated in red similar to the N80 and F100

This great camera makes photography easier. If you want to improve your skill level, this camera won't hold you back. However, you can't blame the camera anymore for your bad photos. The only bad mark I can give it is it is rather heavy, and not made for backpacking. I carry my FM2n then. Otherwise, I am very happy with it.

I purchased the F5 a year ago and this is what I think. I take better pictures with the F5, let me clarify, at an air show, while whale watching and of course all the people shots I would have missed if it were not for the speed of the auto focus and the wonderful metering system. If it sounds like I use the camera as point and shoot camera sometimes I do exactly that. I think it is one of the attributes of this camera the ability to get the shot, quickly and accurately.

Weigh:The F5 is a heavy camera but I like the weight and feel of the camera. I think because of the weight the camera balances nicely in your hands and the F5 is a dream to hold. I am able to hand held this camera at a lower shutter speed than I could with other cameras. The craftsmanship is superb and I enjoy how well the F5 is made.

Familiar Controls: I like the ability to go from one Nikon to another and most of the controls seemed familiar.

Weather Sealing: I have taken the F5 while on a sailboat in Kauai in 15 foot swells hanging on to the boat with one hand and just pointing the camera with the other (program mode) and guess what I got some good shots. I don't hesitate using this camera in adverse weather conditions and just wipe and clean it.

The F5 was introduced in 1996 and was a top of the line 35mm camera and in 2004 it still is the top of the line. I know other manufactures make great cameras but eight years later this camera is still at the top of the list. This camera will be that last film camera that I own. It is not because I'm going digital, because I'm not at the moment. It is because this is simply the best film camera you can purchase from Nikon and it just might be the best film camera you can own.

Over the years I have used a variety of systems ranging from Pentax to Nikormat to Canon to Olympus and eventually back to Pentax. Why back to Pentax? Size and ergonomics. All of the major brands are good and some offer truly best in class - at a price - in optics such as Nikon and Canon.

However, for overall good value Pentax holds its own. While I would be happy to use equipment from any of the major brands, I am quite satisfied with Pentax - but I had to wait until last autumn to get my hands on a decent Pentax digital camera. The *istD, weird name and all, is such a camera. Overall I'm a happy camper and I have been taking some of the best photographs in my 30 years experience with this camera.

Other reviews here will tell you the camera's virtues and those features are real and not over stated. This is a professional class camera - though most professionals use Nikons and Canons when it comes to digital work for a number of reasons - usually due to optics and employers' standards. The optics from Pentax are still well respected and 99% of the folks reading this will be more than satisfied.

While battery life with this camera is very, very good, I would recommend considering getting the optional additional battery attachment that screws into the bottom of the camera. It looks like an old fashion motor drive but it provides excellent ergonomics when shooting side-wise (portrait) complete with the thumb and fore finger controls replicated for ease of use. It adds peace of mind by providing redundant power plus if you often shoot protrait framing, you can really hold this camera much better than most other cameras.

So what is the single, significant flaw of this camera? It is undoubtedly the flash card interface that is accessed via a door that doesn't swing completely open, tempting the user to push the card in a slightly wrong angle. Of course there are internal guides within the flash card holder assembly but even with care, over time, it is possible to break one of the tiny pins of the camera's interface to the flash card. I know. I have done it. The cost and speed of repair was minor, but suddenly one day out in the field I had a camera that was suddenly inoperable.

So that is why I give this other wise great camera only 4 stars. If you have a good investment in 35 mm Pentax gear, you really have no choice but this camera. But the good news, particularly if you are shooting in RAW, the output is incredible. Now that PhotoshopCS has upgraded its RAW import program via a free download from Adobe, the results from this camera can be absolutely stellar. But user beware when swapping out those flash cards!

OK, if you're here, you probably have read all the online reviews. Here's my answers to some of the major criticisms I've seen about this supurbe camera on the web. (And my opinion is based on a 20 year career as a professional photographer...for what that's worth! :) )

1.)Criticism: Memory card is hard to remove. OK, maybe this could use a little work on Pentax's part. Not really a big deal if you're careful. Just be careful...it's not THAT hard!

2.)Criticism: Batteries are not proprietary and rechargeable!? WHAT? THANK GOD! This is in my opinion not a mistake but a MAJOR PLUS! Only Pentax would have the forsight and understanding to give the user TWO (more if you consider all the AA posibilities...)onboard options for battery power both available almost anywhere for Pete's sake! Batteries are the life blood of digital photography, more options can only be better! For my part I'm running 2300 milliamp hour rechargable AA's and am thrilled with the performance!

Well that addresses the two biggies I've read about. As for the rest of it, the price is now where it should be and the camera performs fantastically. Now that Pentax has a 14mm coming out, all is wonderful in the digital world. My advice, BUY IT and you won't ever look back! The 13x19 prints are superb, I shoot weddings and fine art landscapes, and this camera gets the job done!!!

After nearly 3 years of playing with other digital cameras I finally took the leap back into SLR-land and purchased this great Pentax camera. Though I am just beginning to explore its capabilities, so far I am delighted: there are a lot of advantages to SLR camera use that I missed from the film days.

As with any of the current crop of digital SLR's, you get a ton of flexibility and shooting speed at a price that would have been unthinkable just two years ago. If you are used to using film SLR's, and have been frustrated by certain aspects of using a typical digital camera, you will be happy to be back in the land of no-shutter-lag shooting; the ability to use a ring on the lens barrel for zooming; tons of manual flexibility combined with idiot-proof program modes; and of course the flexibility of many lens choices. What has particularly driven me crazy about the current crop of high-end non-SLR digicams is the use of EVF viewfinders -- by contrast, the viewfinders on digital SLR's are great.

So why this Pentax vs the other competitive models? (The others worth considering in this price range at this time are the Canon EOS 10D; the Canon Digital Rebel; the Nikon D70; the Nikon D100; or even the Sigma models). This Pentax has the same sensor as the Nikon models, and the imaging capabilities of any of these cameras is doubtless well beyond my skills in any case. So to me it came down to ease of use, size and build quality. Size in particular is important to me: if you just look at the specs of this camera on a cubic-inch basis it's 38% smaller than the Nikon D70 and 26% smaller than the Digital Rebel. The Canon 10d is even bigger, and looks like a house sitting next to the Pentax.

After handling all of these cameras, I concluded that the Pentax is the one I would use most often. Too often my film SLR's sat at home when I was using film -- I would grab a point-and-shoot instead. I really wanted something I would use a lot.

On the other hand, some published complaints (and my conclusions) about the Pentax have been:
(1) Images are too "soft" (this is super-easy to adjust if you use something like Adobe Album, Elements or Photoshop, and in return the camera is not "sharpening" the image for you, which can introduce sharpening noise)
(2) Not as many lenses as available as in the Canon or Nikon lines (There seem to be plenty for my purposes, both new and used)
(3) Memory cards are hard to eject (Doesn't seem that hard to me; you need to be careful no matter what camera you use).

Another issue (price) with this camera has been fixed: when it was introduced it was more expensive than the others in its class. But the price has been reduced and now is typically available at a price that slots it in as a bit more expensive than the D70 and less than the 10D.

All of these current digital slr's are great, and it seems to me that if you already owned Canon or Nikon lenses you wouldn't go wrong with one of their models. On the other hand, if you are starting from scratch (or like me, you own brands you can't use on any of these), the Pentax is worthy of serious consideration.

Over the years I have used a variety of systems ranging from Pentax to Nikormat to Canon to Olympus and eventually back to Pentax. Why back to Pentax? Size and ergonomics. All of the major brands are good and some offer truly best in class - at a price - in optics such as Nikon and Canon.

However, for overall good value Pentax holds its own. While I would be happy to use equipment from any of the major brands, I am quite satisfied with Pentax - but I had to wait until last autumn to get my hands on a decent Pentax digital camera. The *istD, weird name and all, is such a camera. Overall I'm a happy camper and I have been taking some of the best photographs in my 30 years experience with this camera.

Other reviews here will tell you the camera's virtues and those features are real and not over stated. This is a professional class camera - though most professionals use Nikons and Canons when it comes to digital work for a number of reasons - usually due to optics and employers' standards. The optics from Pentax are still well respected and 99% of the folks reading this will be more than satisfied.

While battery life with this camera is very, very good, I would recommend considering getting the optional additional battery attachment that screws into the bottom of the camera. It looks like an old fashion motor drive but it provides excellent ergonomics when shooting side-wise (portrait) complete with the thumb and fore finger controls replicated for ease of use. It adds peace of mind by providing redundant power plus if you often shoot protrait framing, you can really hold this camera much better than most other cameras.

So what is the single, significant flaw of this camera? It is undoubtedly the flash card interface that is accessed via a door that doesn't swing completely open, tempting the user to push the card in a slightly wrong angle. Of course there are internal guides within the flash card holder assembly but even with care, over time, it is possible to break one of the tiny pins of the camera's interface to the flash card. I know. I have done it. The cost and speed of repair was minor, but suddenly one day out in the field I had a camera that was suddenly inoperable.

So that is why I give this other wise great camera only 4 stars. If you have a good investment in 35 mm Pentax gear, you really have no choice but this camera. But the good news, particularly if you are shooting in RAW, the output is incredible. Now that PhotoshopCS has upgraded its RAW import program via a free download from Adobe, the results from this camera can be absolutely stellar. But user beware when swapping out those flash cards!

OK, if you're here, you probably have read all the online reviews. Here's my answers to some of the major criticisms I've seen about this supurbe camera on the web. (And my opinion is based on a 20 year career as a professional photographer...for what that's worth! :) )

1.)Criticism: Memory card is hard to remove. OK, maybe this could use a little work on Pentax's part. Not really a big deal if you're careful. Just be careful...it's not THAT hard!

2.)Criticism: Batteries are not proprietary and rechargeable!? WHAT? THANK GOD! This is in my opinion not a mistake but a MAJOR PLUS! Only Pentax would have the forsight and understanding to give the user TWO (more if you consider all the AA posibilities...)onboard options for battery power both available almost anywhere for Pete's sake! Batteries are the life blood of digital photography, more options can only be better! For my part I'm running 2300 milliamp hour rechargable AA's and am thrilled with the performance!

Well that addresses the two biggies I've read about. As for the rest of it, the price is now where it should be and the camera performs fantastically. Now that Pentax has a 14mm coming out, all is wonderful in the digital world. My advice, BUY IT and you won't ever look back! The 13x19 prints are superb, I shoot weddings and fine art landscapes, and this camera gets the job done!!!

After nearly 3 years of playing with other digital cameras I finally took the leap back into SLR-land and purchased this great Pentax camera. Though I am just beginning to explore its capabilities, so far I am delighted: there are a lot of advantages to SLR camera use that I missed from the film days.

As with any of the current crop of digital SLR's, you get a ton of flexibility and shooting speed at a price that would have been unthinkable just two years ago. If you are used to using film SLR's, and have been frustrated by certain aspects of using a typical digital camera, you will be happy to be back in the land of no-shutter-lag shooting; the ability to use a ring on the lens barrel for zooming; tons of manual flexibility combined with idiot-proof program modes; and of course the flexibility of many lens choices. What has particularly driven me crazy about the current crop of high-end non-SLR digicams is the use of EVF viewfinders -- by contrast, the viewfinders on digital SLR's are great.

So why this Pentax vs the other competitive models? (The others worth considering in this price range at this time are the Canon EOS 10D; the Canon Digital Rebel; the Nikon D70; the Nikon D100; or even the Sigma models). This Pentax has the same sensor as the Nikon models, and the imaging capabilities of any of these cameras is doubtless well beyond my skills in any case. So to me it came down to ease of use, size and build quality. Size in particular is important to me: if you just look at the specs of this camera on a cubic-inch basis it's 38% smaller than the Nikon D70 and 26% smaller than the Digital Rebel. The Canon 10d is even bigger, and looks like a house sitting next to the Pentax.

After handling all of these cameras, I concluded that the Pentax is the one I would use most often. Too often my film SLR's sat at home when I was using film -- I would grab a point-and-shoot instead. I really wanted something I would use a lot.

On the other hand, some published complaints (and my conclusions) about the Pentax have been:
(1) Images are too "soft" (this is super-easy to adjust if you use something like Adobe Album, Elements or Photoshop, and in return the camera is not "sharpening" the image for you, which can introduce sharpening noise)
(2) Not as many lenses as available as in the Canon or Nikon lines (There seem to be plenty for my purposes, both new and used)
(3) Memory cards are hard to eject (Doesn't seem that hard to me; you need to be careful no matter what camera you use).

Another issue (price) with this camera has been fixed: when it was introduced it was more expensive than the others in its class. But the price has been reduced and now is typically available at a price that slots it in as a bit more expensive than the D70 and less than the 10D.

All of these current digital slr's are great, and it seems to me that if you already owned Canon or Nikon lenses you wouldn't go wrong with one of their models. On the other hand, if you are starting from scratch (or like me, you own brands you can't use on any of these), the Pentax is worthy of serious consideration.

Over the years I have used a variety of systems ranging from Pentax to Nikormat to Canon to Olympus and eventually back to Pentax. Why back to Pentax? Size and ergonomics. All of the major brands are good and some offer truly best in class - at a price - in optics such as Nikon and Canon.

However, for overall good value Pentax holds its own. While I would be happy to use equipment from any of the major brands, I am quite satisfied with Pentax - but I had to wait until last autumn to get my hands on a decent Pentax digital camera. The *istD, weird name and all, is such a camera. Overall I'm a happy camper and I have been taking some of the best photographs in my 30 years experience with this camera.

Other reviews here will tell you the camera's virtues and those features are real and not over stated. This is a professional class camera - though most professionals use Nikons and Canons when it comes to digital work for a number of reasons - usually due to optics and employers' standards. The optics from Pentax are still well respected and 99% of the folks reading this will be more than satisfied.

While battery life with this camera is very, very good, I would recommend considering getting the optional additional battery attachment that screws into the bottom of the camera. It looks like an old fashion motor drive but it provides excellent ergonomics when shooting side-wise (portrait) complete with the thumb and fore finger controls replicated for ease of use. It adds peace of mind by providing redundant power plus if you often shoot protrait framing, you can really hold this camera much better than most other cameras.

So what is the single, significant flaw of this camera? It is undoubtedly the flash card interface that is accessed via a door that doesn't swing completely open, tempting the user to push the card in a slightly wrong angle. Of course there are internal guides within the flash card holder assembly but even with care, over time, it is possible to break one of the tiny pins of the camera's interface to the flash card. I know. I have done it. The cost and speed of repair was minor, but suddenly one day out in the field I had a camera that was suddenly inoperable.

So that is why I give this other wise great camera only 4 stars. If you have a good investment in 35 mm Pentax gear, you really have no choice but this camera. But the good news, particularly if you are shooting in RAW, the output is incredible. Now that PhotoshopCS has upgraded its RAW import program via a free download from Adobe, the results from this camera can be absolutely stellar. But user beware when swapping out those flash cards!

OK, if you're here, you probably have read all the online reviews. Here's my answers to some of the major criticisms I've seen about this supurbe camera on the web. (And my opinion is based on a 20 year career as a professional photographer...for what that's worth! :) )

1.)Criticism: Memory card is hard to remove. OK, maybe this could use a little work on Pentax's part. Not really a big deal if you're careful. Just be careful...it's not THAT hard!

2.)Criticism: Batteries are not proprietary and rechargeable!? WHAT? THANK GOD! This is in my opinion not a mistake but a MAJOR PLUS! Only Pentax would have the forsight and understanding to give the user TWO (more if you consider all the AA posibilities...)onboard options for battery power both available almost anywhere for Pete's sake! Batteries are the life blood of digital photography, more options can only be better! For my part I'm running 2300 milliamp hour rechargable AA's and am thrilled with the performance!

Well that addresses the two biggies I've read about. As for the rest of it, the price is now where it should be and the camera performs fantastically. Now that Pentax has a 14mm coming out, all is wonderful in the digital world. My advice, BUY IT and you won't ever look back! The 13x19 prints are superb, I shoot weddings and fine art landscapes, and this camera gets the job done!!!

After nearly 3 years of playing with other digital cameras I finally took the leap back into SLR-land and purchased this great Pentax camera. Though I am just beginning to explore its capabilities, so far I am delighted: there are a lot of advantages to SLR camera use that I missed from the film days.

As with any of the current crop of digital SLR's, you get a ton of flexibility and shooting speed at a price that would have been unthinkable just two years ago. If you are used to using film SLR's, and have been frustrated by certain aspects of using a typical digital camera, you will be happy to be back in the land of no-shutter-lag shooting; the ability to use a ring on the lens barrel for zooming; tons of manual flexibility combined with idiot-proof program modes; and of course the flexibility of many lens choices. What has particularly driven me crazy about the current crop of high-end non-SLR digicams is the use of EVF viewfinders -- by contrast, the viewfinders on digital SLR's are great.

So why this Pentax vs the other competitive models? (The others worth considering in this price range at this time are the Canon EOS 10D; the Canon Digital Rebel; the Nikon D70; the Nikon D100; or even the Sigma models). This Pentax has the same sensor as the Nikon models, and the imaging capabilities of any of these cameras is doubtless well beyond my skills in any case. So to me it came down to ease of use, size and build quality. Size in particular is important to me: if you just look at the specs of this camera on a cubic-inch basis it's 38% smaller than the Nikon D70 and 26% smaller than the Digital Rebel. The Canon 10d is even bigger, and looks like a house sitting next to the Pentax.

After handling all of these cameras, I concluded that the Pentax is the one I would use most often. Too often my film SLR's sat at home when I was using film -- I would grab a point-and-shoot instead. I really wanted something I would use a lot.

On the other hand, some published complaints (and my conclusions) about the Pentax have been:
(1) Images are too "soft" (this is super-easy to adjust if you use something like Adobe Album, Elements or Photoshop, and in return the camera is not "sharpening" the image for you, which can introduce sharpening noise)
(2) Not as many lenses as available as in the Canon or Nikon lines (There seem to be plenty for my purposes, both new and used)
(3) Memory cards are hard to eject (Doesn't seem that hard to me; you need to be careful no matter what camera you use).

Another issue (price) with this camera has been fixed: when it was introduced it was more expensive than the others in its class. But the price has been reduced and now is typically available at a price that slots it in as a bit more expensive than the D70 and less than the 10D.

All of these current digital slr's are great, and it seems to me that if you already owned Canon or Nikon lenses you wouldn't go wrong with one of their models. On the other hand, if you are starting from scratch (or like me, you own brands you can't use on any of these), the Pentax is worthy of serious consideration.

I purchased this camera as a replacement for a Pentax Super Program that had given many years of faithful service. According to a Pentax rep via their website, this model is the closest one in their current lineup to match the features of the Super Program. I just received it and am testing it, but it is light, easy to handle, and easy to learn. It allowed me to "salvage" my AF280T flash, and several pretty expensive Vivitar Series 1 Zoom lenses. I agree with the one reviewer who mentioned that the lens mount is plastic. I too worry a little about the wear and tear over time, compared to the "old" metal mounts. The only real disappointment (not a big one) is that the product specs on this website are in error re: TTL flash metering. This camera is not TTL compatible. However, it does sync with dedicated flash units on "auto" but you can't use the TTL setting. Unfortunately I only found that out after ordering it, via a Pentax service rep. .... It's a really nice camera.

This is a great camera. I got it to replace my K1000 for the convenience of automatic film loading and the more accurate matrix metering. I've had this camera since 1998 and have had no problems. It takes sharp, perfectly exposed pictures, and is easy to operate. The dials and knobs are easy to figure out - you don't need the manual to start taking photos. I have two other Pentax SLR bodies (K1000, ZX-5N) but this is my favorite.

I am a high school photo student and this is the first SLR I bought. It is a very simple camera, akin the the K1000 (An all manual TANK!), but with a few extra luxuries like an automatic film winder and aperture priority mode. A great camera if you don't mind manually focusing, especially for still life type photos. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a basic camera that takes great photos.

Unless you are prepared to spend $2500+ for a film scanner, the Dimage Scan Elite is the ideal choice for 35mm scans of color negative film. The Scan Elite produces much better tonal range from negative films than the Nikon offerings (although Nikon does a better job on slide scans). The SCSI interface is adequate for transferring huge files up to 45Mb. And the digital ice software is convenient for occasional scratched negative.

There are some compromises to contend with: the bundled software is mediocre, but many prefer Vuescan software which offers much more functionality for film scanning. Minolta is not going to release a OS X compatible driver, and the scan speed is much slower than the manufacturer specs in multiscan mode which is essential to minimize channel noise. However these are reasonable tradeoffs for the reasonable price point of the Dimage and outstanding 8x10 to 11x14 color prints which result from a good scan.

I'm a serious photo hobbyist, not a professional, but this scanner produces really professional results. I've had one about a year, installed it with the 2906 scsi card before Minolta supplied them. First, you CAN scan very fast, but I NEVER do-because I want those BIG image files around 30 MB from a color original. These have been taking upwards of 20 minutes on my older 400 mhz pc. The big file? You can make stunning prints on an Epson 1280 printer--say, as big as the printer will go, 13X19 inches. I spend the time to do it well, neither the scanning nor the printing are a quick process.

This scanner is phenomenal. While you're busy comparing the Nikon coolscan to the Canon film scanners, don't get tunnel vision and forget to consider the Minolta Scan Elite. Sometimes you do find a good deal AND a great product in the same package. Professional results for photographers needing high-res scans for stock or other commercial endeavors. GET ONE! You won't be sorry.