Thinking about going over to Pentax

[aphex]

I had a Nikon D70, then subsequently a Nikon D80 and loved them both. However in an effort to raise some funds last year I sold pretty much everything off. I actually ordered a Xti last year, but canceled the order before it arrived as I felt my decision was premature at the time.

We have a few good trips coming up in the next 3-4 months (our annual trip to Costa Rica and a possible vacation in Spain later this year) and there's no way I could go without having a decent camera again.

Been tossing around the idea of possibly going over to Pentax, maybe the K20D. I'm not a professional, but there are some features the lower end models don't have that I prefer.

Some preferences;

1. On camera motor (I loved the 50mm 1.8)
2. At least 9 AF points
3. Good size LCD (I don't have fantastic eyesight and I shoot without my glasses out of habit)
4. Raw + JPG (Saves me a ton of time for those images I don't feel are worth my time in PP)
5. Good low light performance
6. Auto ISO

Not too terribly concerned about MP and FPS.

To those of you who have a Pentax body, how do you like it?

 

[996GT2]

I too considered going over to Pentax, but eventually decided to go with a Canon EOS 40D instead. By the way, I also used to shoot Nikon; I had a D70 and then a D200.

Here were some of my reasons:

-Great deals on EOS 40D and 30D bodies right now

-Great selection of lenses, tons of third-party lenses available from Sigma, Tamron, Tokina; easy to find deals on eBay for lenses and accessories, etc.

-High ISO performance of my 40D is much better than my D200; ISO 1600 looks fine on my 40D, 3200 still quite usable.

-I don't really use old MF lenses...and the viewfinders of modern DSLRs aren't optimized for manual focus anyway without an aftermarket split-prism finder

-I don't shoot a lot in low-light so in-body IS is not a necessity for me

-Resale value

 

[magomago]

Well you can pick up the K20D for 750 right now from Amazon.

As for my experiences, I have a K100D and I love it. It really let me grow and understand SLRs...my only beef was that I have to change ISO through a menu, but I believe the K20D can do that without menu digging (although mine was literally - push function, right, select ISO...I complain easy ). I liked the low NR because I add what I want to later, although I find that I prefer the naturally noisy photos. I was also surprised playing with other 'low end entry level' models that had so few focus points!

the In body IS was a huge reason for me. I have some older SMC Takumar glass and it gets IS (oh...any K mount glass, regardless of how old, will mount. There is also a cheap adapter for m42 lenses...I got mine for 10 bucks off ebay). I also like to shoot relatively long exposures on the wide angle end....its something that only Oly or Sony can pull off (unless there is a recent announcement about WA IS glass by sony or nikon) without a tripod.

If you go for it - I reccomend picking up the 50/1.4 (CHEAP!) or 43/1.9 (i think its f/1.9....anyways, the former is much much cheaper) whether or not you are a prime shooter or a zoom shooter. If you love primes, Pentax has a great <100mm selection. Pentax used to have 'issues' above that because the long end was quite weak, but now there is the DA*200mm and DA*300mm. I believe they are a stop slower than Canon's glass (the 300 is f/4 I believe, and the 200 is f/2.8) but IMO I don't think it matters as much because the DOF is pretty tiny by at point.

If you are into zooms -> I recommend the DA 16-45 f/4 (tack sharp at f/4 too so there is no problem shooting wide open), or if you could get the DA* 16-50 ( The * = Pentax's L glass). Above 50mm you have several options...50-200mm (decent lens, INCREDIBLY light so its a perfect backpacking lense), 55-300 (I have this one because the airport lost my 50-200 ), DA* 50-135, or many of the third party options. there are also 'walk around lenses' such like the 18-250 (although, with such a huge zoom range, you expect the quality of a super zoom lens ) and several third party options that try to cover 20ish to 80ish (Pentax 17-70, Sigma 17-70, Sig 16-50 etc etc)

I don't feel that Pentax's lineup is weak at all. Perhaps 2 years ago it was much thinner, but things have changed significantly since then.

Btw if you care about auto ISO, I know the K10D/K20D both have a 'TAv' mode...set Aperture and Shutter, and it picks the most optimal ISO.

anyways, check out Dpreview's Pentax SLR forums...although you may find out that they are more interested in posting pictures than talking all day about bodies (I often find threads where someone may be arguing a point and someone else says, "gahh...let us just relax - here is what I shot last night!")

Oh...and the K20D (and the K10D for that matter!) is weather sealed. Toss on a 50-135 or a 16-50 (both are weather sealed) and I wouldn't worry about the environment at all =)

 

[jpeyton]

The K20D is the only Pentax DSLR worth owning.

 

[Deadtrees]

Having been a Pentax user, I wouldn't recommand it.
Pentax cameras might be fine cameras...only for a while; the upgrade path for Pentax(in terms of body and lens) is just way too limited and the company is going down the fast hill.
In the long run, Pentax is not just worth it. I used to be a member of this Pentax forum and pretty much all the members from a few years ago all went for other brands.
Come to think of it, I think Pentax makes attractive cameras for those who are new to dslr market. Once they get used to dslr systems and how Pentax is so damn limited compared to others, they all move to other brands.

 

[ElFenix]

pentaxforums.com

posted yesterday:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/K20D/K20DA.HTM

 

[magomago]

Originally posted by: Deadtrees
Having been a Pentax user, I wouldn't recommand it.
Pentax cameras might be fine cameras...only for a while; the upgrade path for Pentax(in terms of body and lens) is just way too limited and the company is going down the fast hill.
In the long run, Pentax is not just worth it. I used to be a member of this Pentax forum and pretty much all the members from a few years ago all went for other brands.
Come to think of it, I think Pentax makes attractive cameras for those who are new to dslr market. Once they get used to dslr systems and how Pentax is so damn limited compared to others, they all move to other brands.

And how long have we been hearing about the demise of pentax? It is going down the 'fast hill', yet apparantly this is one huge hill cause its been the same shit said day in and day out for many many years. It is one of the things I find most annoying simply because you hear it so much from sources with no authority at all for sooooo long. Hell, it was one of my initial worries (because I bought into the FUD) when I was looking to buy the camera, and then I realized "...shit...its just that...b.s."

For someone who is used to DLSRs, the K20D is what they will want. Jpeyton is correct in that regard that you probably wouldn't be that interested in the lower end models (although he shoots a pair of D700s nice cams!)

If you want to check out communities, you can find dpreview and pentaxforums. Some people leave systems and go to others for many reason --> much like he is considering going to Pentax after his time with Nikon.

 

[randomlinh]

I had considered it, but I need my low light, and prefer my 40D over it. But I have a tokina 50-135... I love this thing and the pentax version actually has a motor. I have thought about grabbing one, but it's just too much to have both systems, heh.

Viewfinder rocked too. I'm not all that happy w/ the 40D viewfinder, but I'm also spoiled by using my K1000 again, heh. I say if they have the lens line up for you, go for it. K20D is nice. low light isn't as good IMO, but pentax has some nice MF lenses as well.

 

[aphex]

Just a quick update, I stopped by a Wolf Camera on my way home from a job today and got to play with the Pentax K100D and K10D (They didn't have the K20D in stock). I really liked the ergonomics, but the K10D felt a bit too heavy for my tastes. It felt heavier to me than my old D80, which had the tendency to annoy me with its weight on longer trips (Europe, Costa Rica, etc...).

Maybe I should look at the XS/XSi?

 

[GoSharks]

If you want small and light, look into 4/3s.
There's a few side-by-side comparison pictures and quick chart of the sizes and weights of the smallest cameras on the market here (middle of page):
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxk2000/page3.asp

The K200D and K2000D are heavier mostly because they use AA batteries and have in-camera shake reduction.

 

[jpeyton]

Dude, just wait until PMA

 

[Deadtrees]

Originally posted by: magomago

Originally posted by: Deadtrees
Having been a Pentax user, I wouldn't recommand it.
Pentax cameras might be fine cameras...only for a while; the upgrade path for Pentax(in terms of body and lens) is just way too limited and the company is going down the fast hill.
In the long run, Pentax is not just worth it. I used to be a member of this Pentax forum and pretty much all the members from a few years ago all went for other brands.
Come to think of it, I think Pentax makes attractive cameras for those who are new to dslr market. Once they get used to dslr systems and how Pentax is so damn limited compared to others, they all move to other brands.

And how long have we been hearing about the demise of pentax? It is going down the 'fast hill', yet apparantly this is one huge hill cause its been the same shit said day in and day out for many many years. It is one of the things I find most annoying simply because you hear it so much from sources with no authority at all for sooooo long. Hell, it was one of my initial worries (because I bought into the FUD) when I was looking to buy the camera, and then I realized "...shit...its just that...b.s."

For someone who is used to DLSRs, the K20D is what they will want. Jpeyton is correct in that regard that you probably wouldn't be that interested in the lower end models (although he shoots a pair of D700s nice cams!)

If you want to check out communities, you can find dpreview and pentaxforums. Some people leave systems and go to others for many reason --> much like he is considering going to Pentax after his time with Nikon.

When Hoya accuired Pentax, they(Hoya) clearly showed very little interest in camera division. The merge was not smooth due to this reason. Although Pentax was successful conviencing Hoya that the camera division must go on, Hoya showed very little interest in continuing the line. That was when the global economy was in good shape not to mention DSLR market expanding bigger than ever before. Now that the economy is terrible in global scale and that Japanese firms are taking critical hits, I don't think Hoya would continue the line that's just not competive. Even worse, their partner, Samsung, is also pulling away from Pentax.

And, no. I do not want Pentax to become a history but the furture for Pentax, IMHO, is very gloomy.

Simply put, are there any positive signs for Pentax?
Their market share is just way too low, the mother company has been wanting to abandon them, their camera line-up is just so damn poor, they still rely on old-ass AF module that's pain in the ass, and while other brands are coming out with new innovative cameras, they can't come up with anything new but somthing like this.

 

[Heidfirst]

some other thoughts - for size & weight concerns how about Olympus e.g. E-520?
(there are of course concerns about Olympus camera division too but at least they have Panasonic as a partner soif they went imo the mount would continue).

The Canon 40D is a fine camera but it doesn't have a great rear LCD & if you were a Nikon user you may find the UI unintuitive (although no doubt you would eventually adapt/learn it). I've always been convinced that the Sony A700 is a better body & if I was looking in that part of the market now the Nikon D90 would get a very close examination too.

 

[hcarlson]

Here's another vote for the 40D. I have it and have thought about going to the 50D but I can't seem to convince myself that the new features are worth the $400 extra.

I would look at what glass is available and make your decision on that rather than just looking at the body.

 

[OulOat]

If you are not concerned about MPs (which is a good thing), you should consider purchasing an used camera system. A pro system (any brand) from two generations ago will run you the same as a new consumer system, but will have most of the features you require and more. You won't get a large LCD though; but diopters can be adjusted/replaced to replace your glasses for shooting. Just because they don't have all today's features doesn't mean they can't take great photographs.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: hcarlson
Here's another vote for the 40D. I have it and have thought about going to the 50D but I can't seem to convince myself that the new features are worth the $400 extra.

I would look at what glass is available and make your decision on that rather than just looking at the body.

heh, if he's not liking the weight of the K10D, I doubt the 40D would be a viable alternative =)


As for the XS/T/i's... try them first. I personally hate the ergonomics. I might be able to get used to it, I dunno, but the grip is so uncomfortable. A tiny E-420 might be nice, but low light performance I find to be severely lacking in comparison.

 

[jpeyton]

Well he was already annoyed with the weight of the D80. So throw out any pro-sumer models. Limit your options to entry-level cameras.

Nikon is supposed to introduce a "D5000" in March, a replacement for the D40 with the same sensor/IQ as the D90/D300. That should be a lightweight body.

Canon will come out with a new Rebel, too...probably something with video.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
Well he was already annoyed with the weight of the D80. So throw out any pro-sumer models. Limit your options to entry-level cameras.

Nikon is supposed to introduce a "D5000" in March, a replacement for the D40 with the same sensor/IQ as the D90/D300. That should be a lightweight body.

Canon will come out with a new Rebel, too...probably something with video.

nikon says the D90 sensor is newly developed with tech inherited from the D300. may be the only difference is the D90 sensor has better video capabilities. so, not the same sensor.

 

[soydios]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: jpeyton
Well he was already annoyed with the weight of the D80. So throw out any pro-sumer models. Limit your options to entry-level cameras.

Nikon is supposed to introduce a "D5000" in March, a replacement for the D40 with the same sensor/IQ as the D90/D300. That should be a lightweight body.

Canon will come out with a new Rebel, too...probably something with video.

nikon says the D90 sensor is newly developed with tech inherited from the D300. may be the only difference is the D90 sensor has better video capabilities. so, not the same sensor.

The D90 sensor has faster processing to achieve 24fps video instead of the D300's 15fps live view. But to get that and a lower cost it drops down to 12-bit ADC resolution only.

 

[arrfep]

No one has yet mentioned that the K20D is the only body of all in your price range that is effectively weather-sealed. IMO, this should be a major consideration if one of the reasons for buying in the first place is a trip to Costa Rica. If you're a casual shooter and aren't worried about a company's upgrade path, the ability to one day shoot full-frame, and will only collect a few lenses, I would go for the Pentax. I shoot Canon, but I've been seeing the K20D so cheap lately that I'm considering picking one up, along with the 16-50* for a trip I'm taking this summer that will probably encounter some nasty shooting conditions.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Originally posted by: arrfep
No one has yet mentioned that the K20D is the only body of all in your price range that is effectively weather-sealed. IMO, this should be a major consideration if one of the reasons for buying in the first place is a trip to Costa Rica. If you're a casual shooter and aren't worried about a company's upgrade path, the ability to one day shoot full-frame, and will only collect a few lenses, I would go for the Pentax. I shoot Canon, but I've been seeing the K20D so cheap lately that I'm considering picking one up, along with the 16-50* for a trip I'm taking this summer that will probably encounter some nasty shooting conditions.

The OP's already stated that he didn't like the weight of the K10D, so that knocks out the K20D as well.

 

[yhelothar]

the K10D and the k200D also has weather sealing too. They have the same 10 MP sensor found in many Nikon models, and they have the biggest, brightest viewfinder you could get in an APS DSLR. Hardly worthless :disgust:
Don't forget that Pentax has one helluva collection of top notch primes too, including their limited lenses that has the reputation as the poor man's leica.
Pentax is backed by Hoya, they ain't going anywhere.

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: Flipped Gazelle

Originally posted by: arrfep
No one has yet mentioned that the K20D is the only body of all in your price range that is effectively weather-sealed. IMO, this should be a major consideration if one of the reasons for buying in the first place is a trip to Costa Rica. If you're a casual shooter and aren't worried about a company's upgrade path, the ability to one day shoot full-frame, and will only collect a few lenses, I would go for the Pentax. I shoot Canon, but I've been seeing the K20D so cheap lately that I'm considering picking one up, along with the 16-50* for a trip I'm taking this summer that will probably encounter some nasty shooting conditions.

The OP's already stated that he didn't like the weight of the K10D, so that knocks out the K20D as well.

It also knocks out the 40D, 50D, D300, and a host of other semi-professional models.

I'd suggest OP look at the K200D, D90, or Rebel XSi.

 

[magomago]

Originally posted by: Deadtrees
When Hoya accuired Pentax, they(Hoya) clearly showed very little interest in camera division. The merge was not smooth due to this reason. Although Pentax was successful conviencing Hoya that the camera division must go on, Hoya showed very little interest in continuing the line. That was when the global economy was in good shape not to mention DSLR market expanding bigger than ever before. Now that the economy is terrible in global scale and that Japanese firms are taking critical hits, I don't think Hoya would continue the line that's just not competive. Even worse, their partner, Samsung, is also pulling away from Pentax.

And, no. I do not want Pentax to become a history but the furture for Pentax, IMHO, is very gloomy.

Simply put, are there any positive signs for Pentax?
Their market share is just way too low, the mother company has been wanting to abandon them, their camera line-up is just so damn poor, they still rely on old-ass AF module that's pain in the ass, and while other brands are coming out with new innovative cameras, they can't come up with anything new but somthing like this.

Ya Okay nice story you made up. Anyways, this is the same thing that I've heard being said for years and years. Go search on Google, you will constantly see "Oh Pentax is on its death bed! Gloomy future bla bla bla bla"
By the way, many do not have a problem with Pentax's AF. Yup its old, and YUP its rumored that the K30D will have an updated AF system, but so as long as you know the limitations then there isn't a problem. It is FAR from your description of 'pain in the ass'...more like "don't bother shooting too fast of action unless you have experience and guess ahead of time where to focus".

Originally posted by: astroidea
the K10D and the k200D also has weather sealing too. They have the same 10 MP sensor found in many Nikon models, and they have the biggest, brightest viewfinder you could get in an APS DSLR. Hardly worthless :disgust:
Don't forget that Pentax has one helluva collection of top notch primes too, including their limited lenses that has the reputation as the poor man's leica.
Pentax is backed by Hoya, they ain't going anywhere.

Don't bother too much - he seems to be brainwashed.

Actually, if they were too big, he might want to try the K2000D (or K-m depending on the territory) along with the other tiny ones. IT isn't weathersealed, but I held one, and for a DSLR it is smaller. But honestly, if I'm going on a nice costa rican trip - a K20D + 16-50/50-135 would be what would interest me because I could shoot in the rain and not worry at all about it.

 

[996GT2]

Originally posted by: magomago

It is FAR from your description of 'pain in the ass'...more like "don't bother shooting too fast of action unless you have experience and guess ahead of time where to focus".

But doesn't that make it a pain in the ass whenever you DO want to shoot fast-moving action or sports? I mean, the 2.9 FPS on the K20D doesn't really help either in this regard.

With prices rapidly falling on EOS 40D bodies, I really think that the 40D is a better overall camera. Sure, it doesn't have in-body IS, but the 40D is also weather-sealed (down to the flash hot-shoe), has a bigger/better screen, is much faster at 6.3 FPS, has better AF, faster max shutter/flash sync, better high ISO performance, not to mention more choices in glass to choose from...