Moving to England: Should I upgrade my camera?

[Ayrahvon]

I'll be moving to the UK for my graduate studies and I have been debating if I should upgrade away from my current digital camera. When I traveled in high-school I brought my SLR with me everywhere (Pentax ZX-30), but as I got older and went to college I opted to switch to a small compact point and click digital camera that I have been pleased with, except that it lacks a view finder (Casio Exilim 10.1 mp or some such).

While I'm over there I intend to be doing a lot of travelling and hiking. I generally take still photography and intend to do a few longer hikes like Hadrian's Wall. I still have my Pentax ZX-30 and could probably take one of my old k-mount lenses from it.

Best-Buy has a K100 on the cheap

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/PENTAX+-...&skuId=9348752

Should I just stick with what I have (the Casio) and be done with it, or should I upgrade to a different point and shoot? Should I upgrade to a DSLR, and if so, what type? If I do upgrade, am I better grabbing an older model like the K100 or K200D, or ditching the k-mount and go with a new kit?

Thanks for the help in advance!

Edit: Price is a relatively large factor, not sure what price range I can afford right now as there are a lot of other expenses for this move. Starting models of the DSLRs is probably the most I can afford so please don't tell me to get a Canon 7D or 5D MII!

 

[cparker]

I'd stick with what you have. Keep the film slr camera and the p/s. Sure, you can get newer technology, but that won't get you better pictures. If incredible pictures can be created with the built in camera of an i-phone, you can do at least as well with your kit of 2 cameras with lenses for the pentax. This from someone with way too many cameras, digital and film, lenses, flashes, etc. In the past 10 years my best picture was taken with a simple Canon A10 p/s camera because I happened to have it in my pocket at the time, and when a situation came up that was, hmmm... killer I just grabbed it and quickly captured the image. Nothing has come close since, despite the acquisition of some pretty fancy cameras/lenses.

Have fun in the UK!

 

[Ayrahvon]

Yeah, I haven't used the ZX-30 in some time, it continues to get pushed to the wayside on the account that I love not having the hassle of lugging all the film around with me as well... but it does still take good shots! I'll take what you said into consideration.

I was thinking that I could potentially spend as much money on film as the cost of a new pentax body in a year or two abroad. Was I way off on my estimates there?

 

[Madwand1]

Electronics are relative overpriced there. I say go for it if you have a serious inclination and have the chance beforehand. Of course a P&S has less bulk associated, etc., but there's no real substitute for a DSLR if you want quality and control, etc.

 

[u3laptoper]

The less belongings and less bulk is preferable.

Consider it is already difficult to adjust to a new environment and other potential side effects on the mind, lighter is always better.

 

[Ayrahvon]

The less belongings and less bulk is preferable.

Consider it is already difficult to adjust to a new environment and other potential side effects on the mind, lighter is always better.

Very true, with that in mind it is probably best to stick with my smaller camera. I was already thinking about how the hell I would bring an SLR as Carry-ons are already pretty full by my calculation of what I'm bringing.

 

[Madwand1]

I was already thinking about how the hell I would bring an SLR as Carry-ons are already pretty full by my calculation of what I'm bringing.

Yes, if an SLR is too much for you on an international flight, you'd be better off sticking with a compact camera.