Hello looking for some Pentax DSLR advice

**Alex645** · 07-22-2018, 10:57 PM

This is how I'd think about it. The K-3 is more of a long term keeper if you are planning on getting more lenses in the next couple of years. However, the Sigma 17-50mm is a lens you'll probably keep for the long term, so that makes more sense if you're planning on replacing the K-S2 in a few years.

Have you looked at this site to compare features and specs between the two models?
Pentax K-S2 vs Pentax K-3 Detailed Comparison

**beachgardener** · 07-22-2018, 11:44 PM

yes the K-3

**pentageek** · 07-22-2018, 11:45 PM - **2 Likes**

1. I have K-S2, and I used to consider upgrade to K-3 I or II. I asked forum members whether such upgrade would affect image quality, and the answer was 'you will not see significant difference'. 2. Average body with good lens will produce better results than good body with average lens.

steve_k · 07-23-2018, 04:21 AM - **1 Like**

Welcome to the Forums. I think all of us when we were new to Pentax went through the same issue. When I decided to purchase a DSLR it came down to 3 models the K-S2, K-70 andthe K-3 II. The K-S2 and K-70 are very similar physically. But feature wise the K-70 is leaps and bounds beyond the K-S2 and they both have articulating screens.

The K-3’s are flagships which means you are getting superior build quality. Also additional features such as dual sd card slots and an optional battery grip. They also have a better auto-focus system. Personally it was the dual sd cards and battery grip that sold me on the K-3 II. I can’t count the number of times I left the sd card in my computer after downloading images. Thank god for the second card. Then the battery grip is a great feature especially when using heavier lenses though it is always on my camera regardless of what lens I am shooting.

My recommendation would be the K-3. Also you should look at The K-70 instead of the K-S2. You should make your choice based on the camera bodies features and not which lens is attached because it is only one lens that can be easily replaced or upgraded. Also as many have said lenses are very important as you grow your skills. The 17-50 is a very good lens which I own but there are many people who swear by the 18-55 kit lens. But if I were you I would look for a body with the 18-135 which is a great walk around lens.

**aslyfox** · 07-23-2018, 04:22 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by pentageek

1. I have K-S2, and I used to consider upgrade to K-3 I or II. I asked forum members whether such upgrade would affect image quality, and the answer was 'you will not see significant difference'. 2. Average body with good lens will produce better results than good body with average lens.

knowledge, skill and experience

those factors may make you a better photographer regardless of your equipment

check out what some photographers choose to use to capture their images

The Six-Megapixel Club - Page 40 - PentaxForums.com

having the " latest and brightest " equipment may not make the difference in photography

Kozlok · 07-23-2018, 04:40 AM

You can get a better deal. Used 17-50s are pretty cheap these days. The Sigma 17-70 is also nice, but the Pentax 18-135 is WR, and quite versatile. Either camera will give great images. K3 is more durable, K-S2 has a flippy screen.

The cheapest path will probably be a KS2 and 18-135. A nice setup.

**roberrl** · 07-23-2018, 05:09 AM

Another vote for the KS2. The flippy screen has been vital in some of the pictures I've taken. The ability to hold the camera above your head and correctly frame a shot enables you to see over a crowd. The ability to hold the camera down by your knees and frame a shot has saved my back many a time.

CarlJF · 07-23-2018, 05:44 AM

Both are good deals. But I would go for the K-3 + 18-55mm and take the difference in prices to buy a 50mm 1.8.

**FozzFoster** · 07-23-2018, 06:36 AM

Originally posted by pentageek

2. Average body with good lens will produce better results than good body with average lens.

Originally posted by roberrl

The flippy screen has been vital in some of the pictures I've taken.

Couldn't agree more! While the K-3 is flagship and has excellent features, the K-S2 is cheaper, comes with a better lens, and actually has some great features that the K-3 doesn't such as the articulating screen and built-in WiFi.

It really comes down to how much you want to spend and how serious of an investment this will be for you!

normhead · 07-23-2018, 06:48 AM

K-S2 better lens, K-3 better body.

My current K-3 shutter count it 117,036. 16,000 is like almost brand new.

rickmayberry · 07-23-2018, 10:58 AM

I've had a K-50 - currently have a K-70 and a K-3ii - and my girlfriend has a K-3. I would pick the K-3, personally, because of the better camera build-quality and higher sensor resolution, if for no other reasons. I don't know if the K-S2 is going to be prone to the aperture and shutter problems that plagued my K-50, but that is the main reason that I shied away from it. That said, my K-70 seems to be more "solid" than the K-50, and the K-S2 seems to have much the same feel as the K-70. I'd still go for the K-3, though - it's just a better-built camera from the get-go!!!

**pentageek** · 07-23-2018, 11:01 AM

Originally posted by Aslyfox

having the " latest and brightest " equipment may not make the difference in photography

Definitely - and this is the question OP will have to face soon after acquiring a camera.

**Kerrowdown** · 07-23-2018, 12:23 PM

Loads of good replies, so I'll just say welcome to the forum.

dubyam · 07-24-2018, 07:04 AM - **1 Like**

Aside from the flip out LCD, there are no features on the KS2 which aren't either native, improved, or easily added in the K3. The only feature youd have to add is wifi, if you need it, and with the price of Toshiba wifi SD cards these days, you could add wifi to a K3 for about $15 more than a plain SD card of equal capacity.

Unless you really want an articulating LCD, the K3 is the better buy. Grab a good used 18-135WR and you'll be well heeled to learn the use of a DSLR. You could even sell the 18-55 and add a little cash and get a nice DA 50mm or DA 35mm prime to add to your kit.

I started with a K30 in 2012, and picked up a K3 in 2016. While I love my K30, the K3 is more solid in my hands and more intuitive to control on the fly. I think youd be well served with either purchase, in the short term, but in the longer term, the K3 is a far better value and a more capable platform on which to build your skills.

07-23-2018, 05:44 AM	#23
CarlJF Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Quebec City Posts: 1,185	Both are good deals. But I would go for the K-3 + 18-55mm and take the difference in prices to buy a 50mm 1.8. Last edited by CarlJF; 07-23-2018 at 06:40 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Looking to pick up a new lens, but need some advice	shadowjester	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	24	12-13-2017 06:40 PM
New to the DSLR world and looking for advice!	annap24	Welcomes and Introductions	50	10-03-2015 12:09 PM
Returning to Pentax, looking for some advice on setup for the Wilderness	SweFin	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	20	09-11-2014 06:04 AM
New user looking for info and advice on adapting a lens for a canon dslr	Gypsybird	Welcomes and Introductions	4	06-23-2013 08:14 AM
looking for some good advice	tatum.brennan.	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	17	09-20-2011 08:54 AM

07-22-2018, 10:57 PM	#16
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,526	This is how I'd think about it. The K-3 is more of a long term keeper if you are planning on getting more lenses in the next couple of years. However, the Sigma 17-50mm is a lens you'll probably keep for the long term, so that makes more sense if you're planning on replacing the K-S2 in a few years. Have you looked at this site to compare features and specs between the two models? Pentax K-S2 vs Pentax K-3 Detailed Comparison

07-22-2018, 11:44 PM	#17
beachgardener Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,842	yes the K-3

07-22-2018, 11:45 PM - 2 Likes	#18
pentageek Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 420	1. I have K-S2, and I used to consider upgrade to K-3 I or II. I asked forum members whether such upgrade would affect image quality, and the answer was 'you will not see significant difference'. 2. Average body with good lens will produce better results than good body with average lens.

07-23-2018, 04:21 AM - 1 Like	#19
steve_k Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Shelton, CT Photos: Albums Posts: 708	Welcome to the Forums. I think all of us when we were new to Pentax went through the same issue. When I decided to purchase a DSLR it came down to 3 models the K-S2, K-70 andthe K-3 II. The K-S2 and K-70 are very similar physically. But feature wise the K-70 is leaps and bounds beyond the K-S2 and they both have articulating screens. The K-3’s are flagships which means you are getting superior build quality. Also additional features such as dual sd card slots and an optional battery grip. They also have a better auto-focus system. Personally it was the dual sd cards and battery grip that sold me on the K-3 II. I can’t count the number of times I left the sd card in my computer after downloading images. Thank god for the second card. Then the battery grip is a great feature especially when using heavier lenses though it is always on my camera regardless of what lens I am shooting. My recommendation would be the K-3. Also you should look at The K-70 instead of the K-S2. You should make your choice based on the camera bodies features and not which lens is attached because it is only one lens that can be easily replaced or upgraded. Also as many have said lenses are very important as you grow your skills. The 17-50 is a very good lens which I own but there are many people who swear by the 18-55 kit lens. But if I were you I would look for a body with the 18-135 which is a great walk around lens.

07-23-2018, 04:22 AM - 2 Likes	#20
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	Originally posted by pentageek 1. I have K-S2, and I used to consider upgrade to K-3 I or II. I asked forum members whether such upgrade would affect image quality, and the answer was 'you will not see significant difference'. 2. Average body with good lens will produce better results than good body with average lens. knowledge, skill and experience those factors may make you a better photographer regardless of your equipment check out what some photographers choose to use to capture their images The Six-Megapixel Club - Page 40 - PentaxForums.com having the " latest and brightest " equipment may not make the difference in photography

07-23-2018, 04:40 AM	#21
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	You can get a better deal. Used 17-50s are pretty cheap these days. The Sigma 17-70 is also nice, but the Pentax 18-135 is WR, and quite versatile. Either camera will give great images. K3 is more durable, K-S2 has a flippy screen. The cheapest path will probably be a KS2 and 18-135. A nice setup.

07-23-2018, 05:09 AM	#22
roberrl Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Oxford, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 345	Another vote for the KS2. The flippy screen has been vital in some of the pictures I've taken. The ability to hold the camera above your head and correctly frame a shot enables you to see over a crowd. The ability to hold the camera down by your knees and frame a shot has saved my back many a time.

07-23-2018, 06:36 AM	#24
FozzFoster Custom User Title Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by pentageek 2. Average body with good lens will produce better results than good body with average lens. Originally posted by roberrl The flippy screen has been vital in some of the pictures I've taken. Couldn't agree more! While the K-3 is flagship and has excellent features, the K-S2 is cheaper, comes with a better lens, and actually has some great features that the K-3 doesn't such as the articulating screen and built-in WiFi. It really comes down to how much you want to spend and how serious of an investment this will be for you!

07-23-2018, 06:48 AM	#25
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	K-S2 better lens, K-3 better body. My current K-3 shutter count it 117,036. 16,000 is like almost brand new.

07-23-2018, 10:58 AM	#26
rickmayberry Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Oregon Posts: 53	I've had a K-50 - currently have a K-70 and a K-3ii - and my girlfriend has a K-3. I would pick the K-3, personally, because of the better camera build-quality and higher sensor resolution, if for no other reasons. I don't know if the K-S2 is going to be prone to the aperture and shutter problems that plagued my K-50, but that is the main reason that I shied away from it. That said, my K-70 seems to be more "solid" than the K-50, and the K-S2 seems to have much the same feel as the K-70. I'd still go for the K-3, though - it's just a better-built camera from the get-go!!!

07-23-2018, 11:01 AM	#27
pentageek Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 420	Originally posted by Aslyfox having the " latest and brightest " equipment may not make the difference in photography Definitely - and this is the question OP will have to face soon after acquiring a camera.

07-23-2018, 12:23 PM	#28
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,819	Loads of good replies, so I'll just say welcome to the forum.

07-24-2018, 07:04 AM - 1 Like	#29
dubyam Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 221	Aside from the flip out LCD, there are no features on the KS2 which aren't either native, improved, or easily added in the K3. The only feature youd have to add is wifi, if you need it, and with the price of Toshiba wifi SD cards these days, you could add wifi to a K3 for about $15 more than a plain SD card of equal capacity. Unless you really want an articulating LCD, the K3 is the better buy. Grab a good used 18-135WR and you'll be well heeled to learn the use of a DSLR. You could even sell the 18-55 and add a little cash and get a nice DA 50mm or DA 35mm prime to add to your kit. I started with a K30 in 2012, and picked up a K3 in 2016. While I love my K30, the K3 is more solid in my hands and more intuitive to control on the fly. I think youd be well served with either purchase, in the short term, but in the longer term, the K3 is a far better value and a more capable platform on which to build your skills.