Pentax K7 Price Watch? Or I am waiting because I am a cheap, errr, frugal SOB thread - Page 3

*nostatic* · 07-19-2009, 09:25 PM

Originally Posted by yeatzee

Oh god I hope not! I think a K200d replacement is a way smarter choice than a KM "update." I know Im not the only one who thinks this either.

I think they need to keep at least 3 different models going..... preferably 4 (FF/K30d or what ever)

Well, I don't see Pentax keeping a non-weather sealed body in the lineup, though they could keep a Km/K2000 equivalent as an inexpensive entry body. The problem is that they then don't have their current niche covered (tough/weatherproof).

Since they obviously can fit lots of good stuff into a small body (K7), maybe they will try to put a FF into the K20d form factor - BUT, I don't see the glass for it. Only a handful of currently shipping lenses will work properly, none of them zooms.

Who knows...Just be happy that they are selling cameras and lenses right now. My local shop was pretty dead this weekend.

yeatzee · 07-20-2009, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by nostatic

Well, I don't see Pentax keeping a non-weather sealed body in the lineup, though they could keep a Km/K2000 equivalent as an inexpensive entry body. The problem is that they then don't have their current niche covered (tough/weatherproof).

Since they obviously can fit lots of good stuff into a small body (K7), maybe they will try to put a FF into the K20d form factor - BUT, I don't see the glass for it. Only a handful of currently shipping lenses will work properly, none of them zooms.

Who knows...Just be happy that they are selling cameras and lenses right now. My local shop was pretty dead this weekend.

Be happy you have a local shop!

*GLXLR* · 07-20-2009, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by nostatic

Well, I don't see Pentax keeping a non-weather sealed body in the lineup, though they could keep a Km/K2000 equivalent as an inexpensive entry body. The problem is that they then don't have their current niche covered (tough/weatherproof).

Since they obviously can fit lots of good stuff into a small body (K7), maybe they will try to put a FF into the K20d form factor - BUT, I don't see the glass for it. Only a handful of currently shipping lenses will work properly, none of them zooms.

Who knows...Just be happy that they are selling cameras and lenses right now. My local shop was pretty dead this weekend.

Technically the DA* 200mm DA* 300mm work, but they aren't zooms.

I think the 60-250mm also works on FF.

yeatzee · 07-20-2009, 11:54 AM

There is WAY to big of a gap between the K2000 and the K20d/K-7 with the K200d out of the picture. Thats what Im saying, the K200d had a great place in the lineup. The cheapest weather sealed body (afaik), and a great camera to boot! It is much better than all the canon rebels and nikon D60 and below (I have never tried any nikon higher than the D60) which are all its competition.

SParker48 · 07-21-2009, 11:19 AM

This is my quandry also. I have a K10, and want to upgrade - taking a National Park tour in Sept. Is the K7 worth twice the price of the K20? I'm an advanced amateur, only shot 5900 images on my K10 in 22 months. Money is an issue. So, what are your thoughts and advice? I have a Pentax 50/1,4/ the kit lens and a Tamron 28-300, and two older super Takmar lenses, zooms with a Pentax z70, and SF-1

jeffrey r · 07-21-2009, 11:50 AM

Originally Posted by SParker48

This is my quandry also. I have a K10, and want to upgrade - taking a National Park tour in Sept. Is the K7 worth twice the price of the K20? I'm an advanced amateur, only shot 5900 images on my K10 in 22 months. Money is an issue. So, what are your thoughts and advice? I have a Pentax 50/1,4/ the kit lens and a Tamron 28-300, and two older super Takmar lenses, zooms with a Pentax z70, and SF-1

You obviously don't "need" to upgrade at all, considering you have a K10. But if you are intent on upgrading no matter what, then obviously only you can make the final call about whether you want to spend $1300 on the K7 or $600 on the K20. At that price, the K20 is a steal. The K7 has some improvements for sure, but maybe not $600-$700 worth for you. If you bought the K20, you'd have an amazing camera, and could then apply the savings to one of the special limited primes (DA or FA) or DA* zooms to improve your lens collection.

**Peter Zack** · 07-21-2009, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by SParker48

This is my quandry also. I have a K10, and want to upgrade - taking a National Park tour in Sept. Is the K7 worth twice the price of the K20? I'm an advanced amateur, only shot 5900 images on my K10 in 22 months. Money is an issue. So, what are your thoughts and advice? I have a Pentax 50/1,4/ the kit lens and a Tamron 28-300, and two older super Takmar lenses, zooms with a Pentax z70, and SF-1

Welcome to the forums. My advise is a clear "NO" The K20D is still a very capable camera and image quality wise you are going to see very little difference for most general shooting purposes. The metering in the K-7 may be a little better, the high ISO is a little cleaner and the shutter is faster and quieter. But for the everyday shooter. There is no reason to choose a K-7 over a K20D.

I shoot 5-7000 images a month (8,000 so far this July) on avarage and 75% with the K20D the rest with the K10D. Both are still excellent cameras. My customers do not complain. Remember that the K20D was $1299 at launch as well . At the current prices, it's a steal. Value wise, it's the best bang for the buck by far.

SParker48 · 07-21-2009, 02:50 PM

Thank you for the welcome and advice. I have enjoyed my K10D, but felt limited by resolution, when I want to print larger than 11x14. I shot 100's of Kodachromes in the past, and got used to almost unlimited enlargement. A second question - with the K20D, do you still shoot RAW + jpg or one or the other? The jpg processing in the K10D took a lot out. And is the software better for the K20D- the Pentax Photo Browser & Lab?

**Peter Zack** · 07-21-2009, 04:19 PM

I don't understand

The jpg processing in the K10D took a lot out.

Out of what? The RAW image is still the same RAW image with mine. Are you reffering to buffer speed? If so the K20D is faster. I shoot that way with both cameras.

SParker48 · 07-21-2009, 05:32 PM

Sometimes my jpg's aren't as good as the RAW. Pop Photo has recommended shooting both in the K10D because the jpg process in the camera did not always produce as good a photo as the RAW... they said the process altered it too much. So I have shot RAW+jpg and have found that the RAW gave a better image that the jpg. But the jpg was a quick and easy view.

CX15 · 08-01-2009, 12:02 PM

Just spoke to my regular camera supplier in Hong Kong.

Price is slightly down (second shipment) to HKD8800 / USD1136.

Good luck with a warranty though...

*deadwolfbones* · 08-13-2009, 11:09 AM

Bing.com cashback is up to 12% for eBay, making the K-7 $1143 shipped.

Search for "cheap ipod touch" @ bing.com

*denhamcla* · 08-21-2009, 11:04 AM

The ones you get from USPS when you move can be applied to all digital camera's sans a few name brands (not pentax). Cannot be used online though, so who knows if the stores actually keep them in stock. Just a heads up.

*opianstate* · 08-21-2009, 11:26 AM

price of the k20d is down to $619 from its holding pattern at 630-650 in the last couple months...

*Andi Lo* · 08-21-2009, 02:42 PM

K20D is 700 CAD at a local store durrently with 2 yr warranty... will it go down to 550 CAD?