A camera for my noob daughter?

Dewman · 03-31-2015, 01:00 PM

My 40-year-old daughter spent the weekend with me last week and we went out for a walkabout, and I let her use my K-50. This was her VERY FIRST time ever having anything other than a Box Brownie in her hands, but she was completely enthralled with the whole concept of composition, lighting and just "seeing" things she had never looked for before.

My question is..... her birthday is coming up on the 14th of April and I have the opportunity to buy a very nice K100D with the 18-55mm kit lens for $100.00. I know nothing about the camera model, but I think it MIGHT be a good starting point for her..... ASSUMING the camera didn't have any inherent flaws.

So.... would you recommend this camera for the application as I have in mind?

Adam · 03-31-2015, 01:31 PM

If she liked the K-50 I'd get her a K-50. It's getting fairly cheap and is light years ahead of the K100D

Nicolas06 · 03-31-2015, 01:36 PM

Originally posted by Adam

If she liked the K-50 I'd get her a K-50. It's getting fairly cheap and is light years ahead of the K100D

That's not the same price Adam

Not everybody spend 400-500$ on a present !

I think the K100D is already a great idea and would help her to start. This is sure the high iso performance could be a bit disapointing at times as AF. But you could start with that and if she really like it, change it later...

**boriscleto** · 03-31-2015, 01:46 PM

There's a K-x BiN on evilBay for $6...with $149 shipping

**WillWeaverRVA** · 03-31-2015, 01:49 PM

Originally posted by Dewman

My 40-year-old daughter spent the weekend with me last week and we went out for a walkabout, and I let her use my K-50. This was her VERY FIRST time ever having anything other than a Box Brownie in her hands, but she was completely enthralled with the whole concept of composition, lighting and just "seeing" things she had never looked for before.

My question is..... her birthday is coming up on the 14th of April and I have the opportunity to buy a very nice K100D with the 18-55mm kit lens for $100.00. I know nothing about the camera model, but I think it MIGHT be a good starting point for her..... ASSUMING the camera didn't have any inherent flaws.

So.... would you recommend this camera for the application as I have in mind?

I would recommend getting her a K200D instead if you can find one secondhand. It's WR, has SR easy to use, and has fantastic IQ. It's aged quite well, though it suffers in low light.

KEH has one in "excellent" condition for $218. No, it's not $100 but it's a really good value for the money.

https://www.keh.com/241793/pentax-k200d-digital-camera-body-10-2-m-p

robthebloke · 03-31-2015, 01:52 PM

I just bought a mint second hand pink & white k-s1 for just over half the current retail price (as a present). So there are some really good deals about - especially now people are selling off their apsc kits to fund FF....

I'd probably echo what adam says and look more towards a second hand k30/k50/k5 (and if that's out of your price range, maybe get other family members to contribute, or simply make her a cash contribution towards a camera)

Alternatively, use this as an excuse to upgrade your own kit, and give her the k50?

Adam · 03-31-2015, 02:00 PM

A used K-x or K-r would be another good choice. Not as luxurious as the K-50, but still fairly modern when it comes to tech.

Adam
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anemone · 03-31-2015, 02:05 PM

No green button on K-100, no green light...

You don't miss it when you don't have it but now I have it on My K-3 and K-100 feels harder to use. Actually I'm just lazy but the feeling is there.

carrrlangas · 03-31-2015, 02:31 PM

K-x +18-55 for U$130 in the marketplace, I am just saying... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/291755-sal...x-18-55-a.html

Dewman · 03-31-2015, 02:36 PM

Originally posted by Nicolas06

That's not the same price Adam

Not everybody spend 400-500$ on a present !

I think the K100D is already a great idea and would help her to start. This is sure the high iso performance could be a bit disapointing at times as AF. But you could start with that and if she really like it, change it later...

EXACTLY! She very well might change her mind and decide she wants to get into throwing clay pots or some such! So, I'm not wanting to spend $500 on a whim. Plus, I don't have that kind of money to spend on a birthday present. I have two K-50s and at some point in the near future, I'm going to buy a K-3..... and if she liked the K100D and stuck with photography, then I would pass down one of my K-50's to her.

Back to my original question...... does the K100D have any inherent faults that would preclude it from consideration for the purpose intended?

**boriscleto** · 03-31-2015, 02:47 PM

Originally posted by Dewman

Back to my original question...... does the K100D have any inherent faults that would preclude it from consideration for the purpose intended?

Other than not having contacts for the KAF3 lenses? Not really.

RonHendriks1966 · 03-31-2015, 02:49 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Dewman

EXACTLY! She very well might change her mind and decide she wants to get into throwing clay pots or some such! So, I'm not wanting to spend $500 on a whim. Plus, I don't have that kind of money to spend on a birthday present. I have two K-50s and at some point in the near future, I'm going to buy a K-3..... and if she liked the K100D and stuck with photography, then I would pass down one of my K-50's to her.

Back to my original question...... does the K100D have any inherent faults that would preclude it from consideration for the purpose intended?

I think the K100D is a nice thing to have a try on this. I used some of the older models in the past. Bought them for just a try and sell them afterwards. Not loosing to much money. They need small older cards, since probably 16GB will be the max after the newest firmware.

One other option is to get your birthsdaypresent early and give her one of your own K-50's as a loan. If she will go back to claypot throwing then just sell it.

**mattb123** · 03-31-2015, 02:50 PM

Originally posted by carrrlangas

K-x +18-55 for U$130 in the marketplace, I am just saying... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/291755-sal...x-18-55-a.html

That's a decent deal if it all works ok. The K-x runs on AA batteries which can be nice, especially for someone not into cameras and all the special batteries and chargers. I ran mine on Eneloops with very good results for years. Now my 12 year old son uses it and he loves it too.
The main drawback to the K-x is you can't see what focal point is being used (no red dot in the viewfinder). I just kept mine on center point AF so I knew where it was focusing and it worked out well for me.
A much more modern camera than the K-100. It's also smaller which might be a plus or not but it seems non-photographers almost always prefer a smaller camera.

If you can find a K-r it's basically the same but with the red dot and the option to use AA or proprietary batteries.

SpecialK · 03-31-2015, 02:56 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

Other than not having contacts for the KAF3 lenses? Not really.

Or having a REALLY LOUD SHUTTER/MIRROR. It's kind of embarrassing. Otherwise a fine starter camera.

ragde · 03-31-2015, 03:00 PM

Originally posted by Dewman

EXACTLY! She very well might change her mind and decide she wants to get into throwing clay pots or some such! So, I'm not wanting to spend $500 on a whim. Plus, I don't have that kind of money to spend on a birthday present. I have two K-50s and at some point in the near future, I'm going to buy a K-3..... and if she liked the K100D and stuck with photography, then I would pass down one of my K-50's to her.

Back to my original question...... does the K100D have any inherent faults that would preclude it from consideration for the purpose intended?

The k100D doesn't have "live view", as far as I remember ... that may be relevant ...

03-31-2015, 01:00 PM	#1
Dewman Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,492	A camera for my noob daughter? My 40-year-old daughter spent the weekend with me last week and we went out for a walkabout, and I let her use my K-50. This was her VERY FIRST time ever having anything other than a Box Brownie in her hands, but she was completely enthralled with the whole concept of composition, lighting and just "seeing" things she had never looked for before. My question is..... her birthday is coming up on the 14th of April and I have the opportunity to buy a very nice K100D with the 18-55mm kit lens for $100.00. I know nothing about the camera model, but I think it MIGHT be a good starting point for her..... ASSUMING the camera didn't have any inherent flaws. So.... would you recommend this camera for the application as I have in mind?

03-31-2015, 01:31 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	If she liked the K-50 I'd get her a K-50. It's getting fairly cheap and is light years ahead of the K100D Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

03-31-2015, 02:50 PM	#13
mattb123 Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Colorado High Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,872	Originally posted by carrrlangas K-x +18-55 for U$130 in the marketplace, I am just saying... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/291755-sal...x-18-55-a.html That's a decent deal if it all works ok. The K-x runs on AA batteries which can be nice, especially for someone not into cameras and all the special batteries and chargers. I ran mine on Eneloops with very good results for years. Now my 12 year old son uses it and he loves it too. The main drawback to the K-x is you can't see what focal point is being used (no red dot in the viewfinder). I just kept mine on center point AF so I knew where it was focusing and it worked out well for me. A much more modern camera than the K-100. It's also smaller which might be a plus or not but it seems non-photographers almost always prefer a smaller camera. If you can find a K-r it's basically the same but with the red dot and the option to use AA or proprietary batteries. Last edited by mattb123; 03-31-2015 at 03:09 PM.

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03-31-2015, 01:36 PM	#3
Nicolas06 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 4,854	Originally posted by Adam If she liked the K-50 I'd get her a K-50. It's getting fairly cheap and is light years ahead of the K100D That's not the same price Adam Not everybody spend 400-500$ on a present ! I think the K100D is already a great idea and would help her to start. This is sure the high iso performance could be a bit disapointing at times as AF. But you could start with that and if she really like it, change it later...

03-31-2015, 01:46 PM	#4
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	There's a K-x BiN on evilBay for $6...with $149 shipping

03-31-2015, 01:49 PM	#5
WillWeaverRVA Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Richmond, VA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,071	Originally posted by Dewman My 40-year-old daughter spent the weekend with me last week and we went out for a walkabout, and I let her use my K-50. This was her VERY FIRST time ever having anything other than a Box Brownie in her hands, but she was completely enthralled with the whole concept of composition, lighting and just "seeing" things she had never looked for before. My question is..... her birthday is coming up on the 14th of April and I have the opportunity to buy a very nice K100D with the 18-55mm kit lens for $100.00. I know nothing about the camera model, but I think it MIGHT be a good starting point for her..... ASSUMING the camera didn't have any inherent flaws. So.... would you recommend this camera for the application as I have in mind? I would recommend getting her a K200D instead if you can find one secondhand. It's WR, has SR easy to use, and has fantastic IQ. It's aged quite well, though it suffers in low light. KEH has one in "excellent" condition for $218. No, it's not $100 but it's a really good value for the money. https://www.keh.com/241793/pentax-k200d-digital-camera-body-10-2-m-p

03-31-2015, 01:52 PM	#6
robthebloke Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Sydney Photos: Albums Posts: 844	I just bought a mint second hand pink & white k-s1 for just over half the current retail price (as a present). So there are some really good deals about - especially now people are selling off their apsc kits to fund FF.... I'd probably echo what adam says and look more towards a second hand k30/k50/k5 (and if that's out of your price range, maybe get other family members to contribute, or simply make her a cash contribution towards a camera) Alternatively, use this as an excuse to upgrade your own kit, and give her the k50?

03-31-2015, 02:00 PM	#7
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	A used K-x or K-r would be another good choice. Not as luxurious as the K-50, but still fairly modern when it comes to tech. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

03-31-2015, 02:05 PM	#8
anemone Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 165	No green button on K-100, no green light... You don't miss it when you don't have it but now I have it on My K-3 and K-100 feels harder to use. Actually I'm just lazy but the feeling is there.

03-31-2015, 02:31 PM	#9
carrrlangas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Joensuu (Finland) Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,761	K-x +18-55 for U$130 in the marketplace, I am just saying... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/291755-sal...x-18-55-a.html

03-31-2015, 02:36 PM	#10
Dewman Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,492 Original Poster	Originally posted by Nicolas06 That's not the same price Adam Not everybody spend 400-500$ on a present ! I think the K100D is already a great idea and would help her to start. This is sure the high iso performance could be a bit disapointing at times as AF. But you could start with that and if she really like it, change it later... EXACTLY! She very well might change her mind and decide she wants to get into throwing clay pots or some such! So, I'm not wanting to spend $500 on a whim. Plus, I don't have that kind of money to spend on a birthday present. I have two K-50s and at some point in the near future, I'm going to buy a K-3..... and if she liked the K100D and stuck with photography, then I would pass down one of my K-50's to her. Back to my original question...... does the K100D have any inherent faults that would preclude it from consideration for the purpose intended?

03-31-2015, 02:47 PM	#11
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,475	Originally posted by Dewman Back to my original question...... does the K100D have any inherent faults that would preclude it from consideration for the purpose intended? Other than not having contacts for the KAF3 lenses? Not really.

03-31-2015, 02:49 PM - 1 Like	#12
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675	Originally posted by Dewman EXACTLY! She very well might change her mind and decide she wants to get into throwing clay pots or some such! So, I'm not wanting to spend $500 on a whim. Plus, I don't have that kind of money to spend on a birthday present. I have two K-50s and at some point in the near future, I'm going to buy a K-3..... and if she liked the K100D and stuck with photography, then I would pass down one of my K-50's to her. Back to my original question...... does the K100D have any inherent faults that would preclude it from consideration for the purpose intended? I think the K100D is a nice thing to have a try on this. I used some of the older models in the past. Bought them for just a try and sell them afterwards. Not loosing to much money. They need small older cards, since probably 16GB will be the max after the newest firmware. One other option is to get your birthsdaypresent early and give her one of your own K-50's as a loan. If she will go back to claypot throwing then just sell it.

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03-31-2015, 02:56 PM	#14
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,480	Originally posted by boriscleto Other than not having contacts for the KAF3 lenses? Not really. Or having a REALLY LOUD SHUTTER/MIRROR. It's kind of embarrassing. Otherwise a fine starter camera.

03-31-2015, 03:00 PM	#15
ragde Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 45	Originally posted by Dewman EXACTLY! She very well might change her mind and decide she wants to get into throwing clay pots or some such! So, I'm not wanting to spend $500 on a whim. Plus, I don't have that kind of money to spend on a birthday present. I have two K-50s and at some point in the near future, I'm going to buy a K-3..... and if she liked the K100D and stuck with photography, then I would pass down one of my K-50's to her. Back to my original question...... does the K100D have any inherent faults that would preclude it from consideration for the purpose intended? The k100D doesn't have "live view", as far as I remember ... that may be relevant ...