Upgrade to K20D or wait for K30D?

kristoffon · 12-08-2008, 12:16 PM

The only thing I regret with my camera selection was choosing the K200D instead of picking the K20D. I really want to upgrade, and I even have a friend interested in buying my camera, OTOH I could wait a little more and get the next model.

What do you guys think? Even if the next model is announced this year it'll probably only be available six months or so from now.

**BBear** · 12-08-2008, 12:30 PM

Originally posted by kristoffon

What do you guys think?

I currently have a K10D & a *Ist DL and I plan on upgrading as follows: K30D and KM.

I am very satisfied with the K10D but do wish for the upgrades in the K20D, so better yet to wait for the K30D and be set for another couple of years...

gnaztee · 12-08-2008, 01:38 PM

Money might be an issue as well. The next body might be out in six months, but it will be a year and six months before it's priced like the K20D is now. I was going to do the K30D/K-m setup as well. But now that I have the K-m I think I'd be happy upgrading my K10D to the K20D.

dkittle · 12-08-2008, 01:42 PM

I had a K10D and upgrade to a K20D. At first, I didn't think it was worth it. It just seemed a little faster (it seems to have better AF with my DA* 50-135) and a little more accurate, the screen is noticably bigger, AWB is a little better and I was looking forward to using ISO 1600 some day.

Well, when crawling on the ground taking pictures of mushrooms last fall, I used live view for focusing. It was perfect for that and I got great pictures (the composition I wanted and perfectly in focus). I coudn't have done the same just using the viewfinder.

When photographing something unfolding over time (traffic, a party of kids, etc), stick a wide angle lens on the camera and use interval shooting. Stitch the pics into a video and you'll be amazed.

For me, ISO1600 on the K20D is way better than my ISO800 shots on the K10D! I took a ton of shots at a concert last week, all ISO1600 and the quality is fantastic.

I love the extra battery life when I was shooting the concert (has passes for a meet and greet before the show so I was actually at the event taking pictures for 8 hours on one battery!).

So, the more I use the K20D, the more I like it. I found it well worth the upgrade from the K10D.

CaymanImaging · 12-08-2008, 01:46 PM

I don't know, hard to pass up the prices for the 20. I'd almost wait to see if there is a 30 coming, if so, wait another 6 months or so, then you'd be getting a great deal, some of the bugs of the first production run will be fixed and there will be plently of new 30 users here to help you out. That's probably what I'll do, but then again, when the excitment of a new camera being released comes, my brain goes out the window and I have to have it.

My only real big issues with the 20 is slowler than I like AF, FPS and maybe noise on the higher ISOs. This are issues I work around and I'm very happy with the camera.

My vote is get the 20 now.

**cpopham** · 12-08-2008, 02:41 PM

I recently upgraded from a K100 Super to a K20.
My only regret is not having done so sooner.

shutterpuppy · 12-08-2008, 03:02 PM

How low can this camera go? After paying about the same price for my K200D (body only) I feel ripped off all of a sudden.

Barry

pentaprism · 12-08-2008, 04:28 PM

I upgraded recently from the K100D to the K20D and I certainly don't regret it.

I'd go for the upgrade if you can find a home for your k200d, i doubt you'll regret it either. Pentax may release a new camera soon, but in the meantime you'll have all the images taken with the K20d you mightn't otherwise taken, or at least in higher resolution!

djayvo · 12-08-2008, 04:52 PM

I'm happy with the k200d and I'll be keeping it for as long as it holds up. I figure if I ever end up moving to the k30 I'll have a good tuff camera I will not be afraid to take out in bad weather. Can't see myself taking risks with a k30.

raider · 12-08-2008, 04:54 PM

I have money saved up for the k20D but I am looking forward to see what the k20D replacement will be like. If there is not much difference, i will just get the k20D.

ILoveVerdi · 12-08-2008, 05:06 PM

The K20D has dropped in price dramatically. I'd be willing to wager it's the best DSLR bargain at the moment. The K30D hasn't even been announced yet, so it's at least 6 to 9 months out (given what I've heard about Pentax's release cycle of 18 months). Even then, you're looking at another 3 to 6 months before the price drops from the initial MSRP to being anywhere close to the bargain that the K20D already is.

Suzu · 12-08-2008, 05:12 PM

currently own a K100 and ordered a K20 Saturday morning

I am only getting the body for now and will use the lenses I have, but will be looking for a deal on a 16-45 DA soon..

raider · 12-08-2008, 05:29 PM

Originally posted by ILoveVerdi

The K20D has dropped in price dramatically. I'd be willing to wager it's the best DSLR bargain at the moment. The K30D hasn't even been announced yet, so it's at least 6 to 9 months out (given what I've heard about Pentax's release cycle of 18 months). Even then, you're looking at another 3 to 6 months before the price drops from the initial MSRP to being anywhere close to the bargain that the K20D already is.

Good point. But when the k30D is released and if it is a significant upgrade and improvement over the current k20D, wouldn't we want to wait and get the k30D? If the upgrade is nothing more than some tweaks and stuff, then we can still revert to the k20D, which at that particular point in time, would be even more affordable?

Isn't pentax supposed to release a new K20D replacement 2009 june?

vievetrick · 12-08-2008, 05:59 PM

I am waiting it out. k10 is doing okay and I just hope the K?? will be better than we hope. If not the K20 will be in my bag.

jct us101 · 12-08-2008, 06:09 PM

I think that if you wait for the K30D then you're going to be dissapointed. It will be more expensive, and will probably not have enough innovative features to warrant spending so much more on an upgrade.

12-08-2008, 12:16 PM	#1
kristoffon Veteran Member	Upgrade to K20D or wait for K30D? The only thing I regret with my camera selection was choosing the K200D instead of picking the K20D. I really want to upgrade, and I even have a friend interested in buying my camera, OTOH I could wait a little more and get the next model. What do you guys think? Even if the next model is announced this year it'll probably only be available six months or so from now.

12-08-2008, 03:02 PM	#7
shutterpuppy Veteran Member	Oh Geeze, K20 for $699 With Kit Lens At Adorama How low can this camera go? After paying about the same price for my K200D (body only) I feel ripped off all of a sudden. Barry

12-08-2008, 05:06 PM	#11
ILoveVerdi Senior Member	look at it this way The K20D has dropped in price dramatically. I'd be willing to wager it's the best DSLR bargain at the moment. The K30D hasn't even been announced yet, so it's at least 6 to 9 months out (given what I've heard about Pentax's release cycle of 18 months). Even then, you're looking at another 3 to 6 months before the price drops from the initial MSRP to being anywhere close to the bargain that the K20D already is.

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12-08-2008, 12:30 PM	#2
BBear Site Supporter	Originally posted by kristoffon What do you guys think? I currently have a K10D & a *Ist DL and I plan on upgrading as follows: K30D and KM. I am very satisfied with the K10D but do wish for the upgrades in the K20D, so better yet to wait for the K30D and be set for another couple of years...

12-08-2008, 01:38 PM	#3
gnaztee Veteran Member	Money might be an issue as well. The next body might be out in six months, but it will be a year and six months before it's priced like the K20D is now. I was going to do the K30D/K-m setup as well. But now that I have the K-m I think I'd be happy upgrading my K10D to the K20D.

12-08-2008, 01:42 PM	#4
dkittle Veteran Member	I had a K10D and upgrade to a K20D. At first, I didn't think it was worth it. It just seemed a little faster (it seems to have better AF with my DA* 50-135) and a little more accurate, the screen is noticably bigger, AWB is a little better and I was looking forward to using ISO 1600 some day. Well, when crawling on the ground taking pictures of mushrooms last fall, I used live view for focusing. It was perfect for that and I got great pictures (the composition I wanted and perfectly in focus). I coudn't have done the same just using the viewfinder. When photographing something unfolding over time (traffic, a party of kids, etc), stick a wide angle lens on the camera and use interval shooting. Stitch the pics into a video and you'll be amazed. For me, ISO1600 on the K20D is way better than my ISO800 shots on the K10D! I took a ton of shots at a concert last week, all ISO1600 and the quality is fantastic. I love the extra battery life when I was shooting the concert (has passes for a meet and greet before the show so I was actually at the event taking pictures for 8 hours on one battery!). So, the more I use the K20D, the more I like it. I found it well worth the upgrade from the K10D.

12-08-2008, 01:46 PM	#5
CaymanImaging Senior Member	I don't know, hard to pass up the prices for the 20. I'd almost wait to see if there is a 30 coming, if so, wait another 6 months or so, then you'd be getting a great deal, some of the bugs of the first production run will be fixed and there will be plently of new 30 users here to help you out. That's probably what I'll do, but then again, when the excitment of a new camera being released comes, my brain goes out the window and I have to have it. My only real big issues with the 20 is slowler than I like AF, FPS and maybe noise on the higher ISOs. This are issues I work around and I'm very happy with the camera. My vote is get the 20 now.

12-08-2008, 02:41 PM	#6
cpopham Site Supporter	I recently upgraded from a K100 Super to a K20. My only regret is not having done so sooner.

12-08-2008, 04:28 PM	#8
pentaprism New Member	I upgraded recently from the K100D to the K20D and I certainly don't regret it. I'd go for the upgrade if you can find a home for your k200d, i doubt you'll regret it either. Pentax may release a new camera soon, but in the meantime you'll have all the images taken with the K20d you mightn't otherwise taken, or at least in higher resolution!

12-08-2008, 04:52 PM	#9
djayvo Forum Member	I'm happy with the k200d and I'll be keeping it for as long as it holds up. I figure if I ever end up moving to the k30 I'll have a good tuff camera I will not be afraid to take out in bad weather. Can't see myself taking risks with a k30.

12-08-2008, 04:54 PM	#10
raider Veteran Member	I have money saved up for the k20D but I am looking forward to see what the k20D replacement will be like. If there is not much difference, i will just get the k20D.

12-08-2008, 05:12 PM	#12
Suzu Senior Member	currently own a K100 and ordered a K20 Saturday morning I am only getting the body for now and will use the lenses I have, but will be looking for a deal on a 16-45 DA soon..

12-08-2008, 05:29 PM	#13
raider Veteran Member	Originally posted by ILoveVerdi The K20D has dropped in price dramatically. I'd be willing to wager it's the best DSLR bargain at the moment. The K30D hasn't even been announced yet, so it's at least 6 to 9 months out (given what I've heard about Pentax's release cycle of 18 months). Even then, you're looking at another 3 to 6 months before the price drops from the initial MSRP to being anywhere close to the bargain that the K20D already is. Good point. But when the k30D is released and if it is a significant upgrade and improvement over the current k20D, wouldn't we want to wait and get the k30D? If the upgrade is nothing more than some tweaks and stuff, then we can still revert to the k20D, which at that particular point in time, would be even more affordable? Isn't pentax supposed to release a new K20D replacement 2009 june?

12-08-2008, 05:59 PM	#14
vievetrick Pentaxian	I am waiting it out. k10 is doing okay and I just hope the K?? will be better than we hope. If not the K20 will be in my bag.

12-08-2008, 06:09 PM	#15
jct us101 Pentaxian	I think that if you wait for the K30D then you're going to be dissapointed. It will be more expensive, and will probably not have enough innovative features to warrant spending so much more on an upgrade.