Two K200D's or one K20D?

atyab · 01-12-2009, 04:08 PM

I have a second K200D for a few months and I have experienced that its really fun using them together. On one I put a 18-55 mm and on the other a 55-300 mm and its really fun! So, I was thinking of actually buying another K200D because the kit with a silver body is available for 300 euros here in munich. But then I thought if it would be better if I have one K20D instead? Suggestions?

There is a saying that two heads are better than one. Does this work for cameras also?

*Blue* · 01-12-2009, 05:01 PM

Keep the 200 and get a 20.

NicholasN · 01-12-2009, 05:56 PM

I'd also keep the K200D and add a K20D.

*maxwell1295* · 01-12-2009, 06:00 PM

I have 2 K200D's and they are fun to shoot together, but if I had the chance I'd grab the K20D.

madbrain · 01-12-2009, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by atyab

I have a second K200D for a few months and I have experienced that its really fun using them together. On one I put a 18-55 mm and on the other a 55-300 mm and its really fun! So, I was thinking of actually buying another K200D because the kit with a silver body is available for 300 euros here in munich. But then I thought if it would be better if I have one K20D instead? Suggestions?

There is a saying that two heads are better than one. Does this work for cameras also?

300 euros for a K200D kit is pretty cheap ! Is that with a lens ? As nice as the K20D is, if you really need a second body and don't care for the extra megapixels of the K20D, just go for a second K200D. That way you can share the AA batteries between the two cameras. It's more environmentally friendly, as there is no need to buy proprietary lithium ion batteries, or spare lithium ion batteries, that become obsolete with your camera. Not to mention no need to bring a separate charger on trips either. And I think the K200D is a little smaller and lighter than the K20D. Though security at SFO airport still called it a "giant camera" when screening my camera bag :-) Also, you save a whole bunch of money in the process by buying a K200D vs K20D.

I hope that Pentax will go back to using AAs in one of the K20D's successors, because whenever I feel the need to upgrade, I will not be buying any camera that uses any other type of battery.

Personally, I can't really see myself lugging 2 DSLR cameras. My camera bag is already heavy and big enough as it is, and I am a small guy.
If weight and volume is any issue for you at all, I would suggest a K-m (K2000D) as a second camera. It seems to share a lot of the goodness of the K200D, including AA battery support.

On an unrelated subject, I have been looking for the perfect second camera - but a lighter compact, not a DSLR. So far, I have had poor experiences with all the recent compact models I have tried - Canon A1000IS, Fuji E900, Canon A590 :-( More in this thread (sorry it's not in this forum) :

Compact with optical viewfinder, AA, 5x zoom, and SDHC suppo - What Camera Should I Buy? - Digicam Help - Steves-digicams.com Forums

*jbinpg* · 01-12-2009, 09:39 PM

Just the opposite for me. I have been extemely impressed with the Lion battery pack of the K20D. Meanwhile, my partner has to charge up the batteries in his K200D all the time. I *know* that I am being more environmentally friendly by using the K20D battery pack rather than AAs. The only situation where AAs would be preferable would be if one were travelling to a country for which you do not have the proper cord adapters.

Jack

Jasvox · 01-12-2009, 09:45 PM

Originally Posted by atyab

I have a second K200D for a few months and I have experienced that its really fun using them together. On one I put a 18-55 mm and on the other a 55-300 mm and its really fun! So, I was thinking of actually buying another K200D because the kit with a silver body is available for 300 euros here in munich. But then I thought if it would be better if I have one K20D instead? Suggestions?

There is a saying that two heads are better than one. Does this work for cameras also?

You already have 2 K200D's? Buying a third?

I guess it only really matters to you...do you need multiple bodies or do you need a better body?

Jason

*Blue* · 01-12-2009, 09:57 PM

Originally Posted by atyab

I have a second K200D for a few months and I have experienced that its really fun using them together. On one I put a 18-55 mm and on the other a 55-300 mm and its really fun! So, I was thinking of actually buying another K200D because the kit with a silver body is available for 300 euros here in munich. But then I thought if it would be better if I have one K20D instead? Suggestions?

There is a saying that two heads are better than one. Does this work for cameras also?

I just caught the part about a k200d kit with a silver body. I haven't heard of this before.

*dugrant153* · 01-12-2009, 10:50 PM

Originally Posted by maxwell1295

I have 2 K200D's and they are fun to shoot together, but if I had the chance I'd grab the K20D.

haha... I just bought the K200D as a backup, and it quickly became my main camera with my K100D as a backup.

It really depends on what you want to do. If you are doing business with these cameras, I'd go for 2 bodies in case one dies on the job or you need to quickly switch bodies. An example of this is wedding photography and event photography also, with a two lens and possibly two flash setup.

But if I was just taking random artistic pictures and used this as my walk around camera, I'd get the K20D

That being said, I love my K200D (And still love my K100D). Maybe consider buying a lens with the savings?

atyab · 01-13-2009, 03:04 AM

""300 euros for a K200D kit is pretty cheap ! Is that with a lens ?""

Yes, it is with an 18-55 mm AL II. But the only thing is that the body is in silver.

""You already have 2 K200D's? Buying a third?""

No, I just have one of my own, a second one is with me for a few months before I give it to my dad. But during this time I will be using both of them and the experience is fun.

What I really like about having two K200D's is that I have the same familiar buttons on both of them. Swapping cameras is much easier than swapping lenses.

Is it for the extra MP than I should go for the K20D or is there something else?

A quick question. How can I quote messages from other users with the gray shade thingy?

losecontrol · 01-13-2009, 03:12 AM

Well...if you like the k200 very much it could be a good idea to buy an other. The extra cost for a k20d could you insteed invest in good lenses for the two k200ds.
You know, 14,6 mp needs a lot more expensive lens then a 10mp sensor and the both is good cameras so I don't see no reson why buy an other one. The price you said is very cheap indeed!

Regards Emil