Thinking of making a brand switch, Canon to Pentax

[Triumph]

I have an old 300D Rebel (the first Digital Rebel), that is not only long surpassed in features, it is getting old and some of the buttons are wearing out. I have only one good lens, the rest are kit lenses and the cheap 50mm f/1.8 that everyone loves. The good lens is a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 which I'm sure I could sell for 300 or so. Point being, I'm not really vested in my lenses and am not beholden to them.

My main requirements for upgrading are:
- Faster turn on
- Better high ISO/low light performance
- Better dynamic range
- Faster continuous shooting
- Better white balance
- Better pictures out of the camera* (explained below)
- Price 5-700 depending on kit lenses included

Cameras I am considering are the Pentax K-x, K-r, and Canon T2i/T3i. The Canon would certainly do everything I want it to better than the 300D, and I could still use my lenses, but I've always been attracted to the price point of Pentax. And I came across the website www.dxomark.com and it shows the K-x and K-r being noticeably better in dynamic range at low ISO than the Canon. Some of you are saying this dxomark site is junk, but the layout is definitely handy...

I'm leaning towards the k-r because even though it isn't a big improvement over the k-x, it's not too much more expensive and I would like the viewfinder metering. I also like the in camera stabilization of the Pentax. Should I really reconsider the T2i/T3i, though?

*with my 300D, even after messing around with the parameters, I have to mess with EVERY image in PS to get it to look good. i KNOW this is something that is "normal" for dslr's, because you're not supposed to rely on the camera to interpret colors and hues and decide for you what looks good. But you know what? Sometimes I want it to do that. And the 300D doesn't do that very well at all. I don't care if it's not creative, sometimes I just want to take some pictures of normal life that don't look flat.

 

[JohnnyRebel]

I have an old 300D Rebel (the first Digital Rebel), that is not only long surpassed in features, it is getting old and some of the buttons are wearing out. I have only one good lens, the rest are kit lenses and the cheap 50mm f/1.8 that everyone loves. The good lens is a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 which I'm sure I could sell for 300 or so. Point being, I'm not really vested in my lenses and am not beholden to them.

My main requirements for upgrading are:
- Faster turn on
- Better high ISO/low light performance
- Better dynamic range
- Faster continuous shooting
- Better white balance
- Better pictures out of the camera* (explained below)
- Price 5-700 depending on kit lenses included

Cameras I am considering are the Pentax K-x, K-r, and Canon T2i/T3i. The Canon would certainly do everything I want it to better than the 300D, and I could still use my lenses, but I've always been attracted to the price point of Pentax. And I came across the website www.dxomark.com and it shows the K-x and K-r being noticeably better in dynamic range at low ISO than the Canon. Some of you are saying this dxomark site is junk, but the layout is definitely handy...

I'm leaning towards the k-r because even though it isn't a big improvement over the k-x, it's not too much more expensive and I would like the viewfinder metering. I also like the in camera stabilization of the Pentax. Should I really reconsider the T2i/T3i, though?

*with my 300D, even after messing around with the parameters, I have to mess with EVERY image in PS to get it to look good. i KNOW this is something that is "normal" for dslr's, because you're not supposed to rely on the camera to interpret colors and hues and decide for you what looks good. But you know what? Sometimes I want it to do that. And the 300D doesn't do that very well at all. I don't care if it's not creative, sometimes I just want to take some pictures of normal life that don't look flat.

You would be doing yourself a favor to check out the D3100, Refurbished by Nikon (which is better than new) from Adorama with the excellent 18-55mm VR kit lens for $579.95. Ken Rockwell calls this lens "embarrassingly good".

The D3100 is a gem of a camera. Try it out, and if you are not super happy just take advantage of Adoramas 30-day "no questions asked" return policy.

I shoot Nikon, largely because the shots are so good right out of the camera that you usually don't need any post processing.

JR

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3100.htm

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-55mm-vr.htm

 

[Sid59]

Here's a review of the Pentax K-r
http://youtu.be/XrN7xiHGg80

 

[Sp12]

Well, normally I say switching systems is a very bad idea, but you have very clear wants for an upgrade, and a newer body would give you that. Pentax is a solid option nowadays, with weathersealing and in-body IS as big features on all of their bodies.

 

[Triumph]

Well, normally I say switching systems is a very bad idea, but you have very clear wants for an upgrade, and a newer body would give you that. Pentax is a solid option nowadays, with weathersealing and in-body IS as big features on all of their bodies.

I think only the K-5 and K-7 have weather sealing?

 

[Smoove910]

I think only the K-5 and K-7 have weather sealing?

Correct. Full magnesium body is another plus. Personally I would go with the K5, but that's because I already have the K7.

 

[metalmania]

K5, definitely K5. However, K-R is good too for low budget.

I would not touch low end Nikon (D3100 and D5100) models simply because they cannot use some Nikon lenses.

 

[JohnnyRebel]

K5, definitely K5. However, K-R is good too for low budget.

I would not touch low end Nikon (D3100 and D5100) models simply because they cannot use some Nikon lenses.

Well, they don't have an internal focus motor, so they will only autofocus with AF-S lenses. Not a real handicap. Nikon currently offers 43 AF-S lenses, which includes the "holy trinity" of f/2.8 zooms. The only thing you'd be really missing would be noisier, slower, older lenses. AF-S is the future of Nikon lenses.

That being said, the D7000 would be his ultimate upgrade but is $400 over his budget. Both the D3100 and D5100 are excellent cameras with an ample lens selection for anyone who would be shopping for a D3100 or D5100. There is really nothing but positives to be said for each of these in their price range.

JR