Pentax K-5, the way a DSLR should be.

Why. Why. why.

Some 8 months ago, that would be last year, I had this chance to trek with friends to Lake Holon, a lake within a volcano's crater. This was a perfect opportunity to hone my "budding" skills in landscape photography. At least that was what I thought.

But the webs of fate had other ideas. It rained. Oh how it rained from our jump off point up to our camp a thousand feet above sea level. It rained during the night. It rained on our way back. God it rained for the entire two days.

The trails were so muddy with puddles that reached between our shins that we literally wallowed in mud and got banged against trees and rocks every time we slipped. In short we were so miserable that I'll be chomping your head off if you don't believe me.

It was made worse because I was babying my Pentax K-X DSLR. Instead of concentrating on the trail... I was more mindful of my camera. Everybody knows what happens when water seeps into the electronics of a DSLR. Much more when mud gets into the sensor. Goodbye DSLR is what I'm saying.

"All DSLR's, whether it is a Nikon, a Canon or a Sony, are excellent cameras. They virtually capture what the eye can see."

What then makes an excellent camera? After my "adventure" in Lake Holon, this list is what makes an excellent DSLR aside from taking great images (read the extensive Pentax K-5 review link below):

1. Rugged and light magnesium body
2. Extensive weather sealing, shock proof
   
3. Fast focusing speed
   
4. Electronic leveling indicator
5. User selectable focus points
6. In body shake reduction
7. Compatibility with vintage lenses
8. Great low light performance
9. Can use double AA batteries
10. Not too big.

So why a Pentax K-5? That's why.