A CANON or PENTAX camera?

Moving up from the mobile phone camera to something more equipped for the every day, every moment, any setting, any occasion style camera. I have been wanting to get into professional photography for awhile now and I'm very passionate and looking for a great camera. I have already knocked out Nikon off of my list and heard plenty good rumors about Canon and Pentax but I'm not sure which one would be best? I'm an outdoor photographer and would like something to meet any occasion photography, whether it be a wedding, graduation or guest speaker photos to hobby, weekend traveler, outdoor photos. How about all you professional, experienced photographers?

Probably the Canon

I have also had the same dilemma and I took lots of time researching pro cameras. Canon, Nikon and Pentax were my top choices. I didn't choose Pentax. However, I know from research that it is a great camera. Unlike Canon, Pentax cameras are cold proof and weather sealed (maybe not all but many are). Pentax lenses are cheaper as well. The cameras have the same, if not better image quality than Canons.

If you want balanced opinions on Pentax cameras, goto: www.pentaxuser.co.uk.
If you decide on a Pentax (I have the excellent Kr model!), you'd be very welcome to join the site, and everybody will give you proper critique, as well as lots of help.
At the end of the day - only you can make the final decision.

I made this decision 40 years ago! Picked up a Nikon, put it down again. Picked up a Canon, put it down again. Picked up a Pentax - I still have it.

I started with Pentax and then felt like giving Canon a try… Returned the Canon a few days later and brought a new Pentax.
Their "Limited" and "DA*" lines or lens are super. Also, full and direct use of All K mount lens EVER made- no adapters, no problems.
Many of their bodies (K20d, K-7, K-5) are weather-sealed, which is a nice bonus.
If you buy a new body, a good idea would be to get the extra 2 year extended warranty for an extra $20. K-5 is an excellent camera- it had a few issues when it was introduced but the newer ones have had them fixed and if anything does go wrong, warranty covers you.