K-X........If only.......

[dangie]

Everyone on the Pentax section of the forum probably knows by now my concerns over Pentax's future, though that doesn't mean I've any doubts over the quality of Pentax cameras.
As good as the K-7 appears to be, I'm not prepared at this time to spend that kind of money. However if the K-X drops to a reasonable price I could be tempted. Or I would be tempted if Pentax could forget about using AA batteries. I don't think using these batteries in the past has increased Pentax's sales. Or not using them has harmed Canon or Nikon selling zillions. Also Pentax used to have top plate LCD's on all their dSLR's. This omission at the bottom end is sadly missed.
So near to being perfect....

[Done_rundleCams]

... weatherproofed AND could take a VG/BP ..... are
my two(2) wishes I do like the faster AF, higher fps and bigger buffer

Also, FWIW, Pentax Canada has just announced a price drop on the K7 so, I suspect,
Pentax UK should follow suit, eventually


Cheers,

Jack

[spinno]

Using AA batteries is, IMVHO, not a reason not to buy a DSLR- at least you can access your power source anywhere in the world.
Don't foget the ist Dl, K100D etc all ran on AAs, and I have to say were quite good on usage

[dangie]

Using AA batteries is, IMVHO, not a reason not to buy a DSLR- at least you can access your power source anywhere in the world.
Don't foget the ist Dl, K100D etc all ran on AAs, and I have to say were quite good on usage

Thanks Spinno
I accept what you say but I don't think using AA's increases Pentax's sales. I honestly think it actually knocks them back a bit. My *istDL2 seemed to gobble them up. If left for a few days without using it, the batteries were invarably flat. I never got round to using the Hybrio type. With the K10D I carry a couple of spare charged up batteries on days out and stuff the charger in the bag if I'm away for longer. You're never too far away from a plug socket. With the DL2 I needed two spare sets of four batteries and a system (which never worked for me) of remembering which were charged and which were flat. I number the K10D batteries 1-2-3 and just rotate them. Even I can manage that (mostimes). Thanks again.

[AlexMonro]

I think a number of people find the ability to use AA batteries a distinct andvantage, and it gives Pentax a unique selling point in being the only manufacturer currently making DSLRs with this feature. They certainly give a far greater range of options of type of battery, from the limited life but widely available alkalines, the long life disposable lithiums, high capacity or low self discharge NiMH rechargeables, and even, in some cases, the CRV-3 type rechargeable lithiums. The fact that many flashguns use AAs can also give some convenience, allowing standardisation in spare batteries and chargers.

A year or so ago I was trying to decide between the K200D and the K20D, and AA batteries was, for me, one of the strongest features of the K200D. However, the brighter pentaprism and dual control wheels of the K20D eventually swung it for me, and I've learned to live with the proprietary battery, but power management is still a concern. I still have plenty of AAs for my Fuji S3 pro, compacts, flashgun & lightmeter.

[Done_rundleCams]

I have been using AA batteries since I started with DSLR's (my IST*Ds in Dec 2004) and now with
my current K200D's (and grips) and the I have noticed that the AA rechargeables have improved
greatly, especially with 2nd generation (Eneloops and Sony rechargeables) batteries That, along
with the <u>THEE</u> best backup batteries --- the Energiser AA lithiums -- gives me all the life
I .... well, my cameras anyways .... will need. And with the Energiser AA Lithiums, who cares
if there's no power

Cheers,

Jack

[Dave_Cox]

My old DL2 still comes away on business trips with me. No worries about adaptors/chargers for different power sources - AAs are the same the world over.

[Monobod]

I understand that the K-7 battery grip will take AA batteries as well as the DL190.

[Done_rundleCams]

I understand that the K-7 battery grip will take AA batteries as well as the DL190.

Don't get ME started on the K-7 and AA batteries



Jack