[lochness]

The K5ll and KS-1 are similarly priced, at least in the UK. Which would you spend your money on assuming you had the funds and needed (i.e. wanted) to buy a new body in the near future and what would be the reasons for your choice? Or would you just do without and make do with the "house" compact or smart phone while saving up to buy the K3 or its successor (if any) next year?

My own photography and handling preferences points me to the K5ll, despite its heavier weight and lack of an anti-alising filter option and also lack of focus peaking. I also prefer buttons to vulnerable touch screens that get greasy finger prints on them and perhaps more importantly cannot have a hard LCD screen protector to prevent scratches. Resolution is not an issue.

[mrNewt]

If you can wait, I would say you should try and wait for whatever next year might bring or the K3 (if nothing else comes along).
But if you have your mind set on the K5II you might as well get it and sell it next year.

[RonHendriks1966]

I think both good camera's, so just buy the one you want.

[VoiceOfReason]

Save a little more and score one of the K3 deals that keep popping up for under 1000 USD.

[micromacro]

Since KS-1 seems closer in size (and weight?) to Canon SL1, I can tell that with big lens the camera size is quite irrelevant. And for long zoom I prefer bigger camera for better balance to avoid hand shaking. I've read about it before I bought SL1, but there is nothing like feeling it on your own. But yes, with pancake lens a small camera takes less space in bag, and with lightweight kit lens it's not big. Good to have for traveling or everyday walking unless you prefer cell phone shooting.

Touch screen is not an issue at all, and it spoils you very fast No any horrors about fingerprints, but I always carry microfiber cloth in my bag anyway, but I don't use the cloth often however, only when it's really hot outside.

[VoiceOfReason]

One more thought, what about the K5iis?

[Giklab]

Right now, I'd get the K-50/18-135 kit over the two given options.

[dtmateojr]

I'd buy another K5II

[lochness]

Right now, I'd get the K-50/18-135 kit over the two given options.

The question is purely hypothetical and, with benenfit of hindsight, probably a little unfair at this stage given the newness of the K-S1 and almost certainly lack of handling opportunities for most (including myself). Some interesting comments however. I must now re think my thoughts on touch screens for cameras and ignore the manky (scratched and messy amongst other things) of my unprotected phone screen.

I note in passing that I currently have a K5ll plus a K50 for backup. Currently my favourite walk round outfit is the Kll teamed with a 18-135 lens. I am however now waiting (and saving) for the planned 18-85 lens, which hopefully will be lighter than the 18-135 lens, If purchased it will be teamed with the K50 for family photos and (car boot) unplanned photo opportunities. New camera bodies are much more distant on the horizon.

My immediate real need in the short term is for a new iMac to replace my 8 year old one. I know what I want. All (sic!) I have to do is to persuade the family budget holder over the necessity of its purchase before Christmas (this year).

[Giklab]

The new lens is a 16-85mm. It's probably not going to be much lighter compared to the 18-135.