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10-22-2010, 07:28 PM   #16
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QuoteOriginally posted by hawk1500 Quote
I bought a K7, but sold it and got a Kx instead. I was not happy with the K7's low-light shots.
There you go. If your main goal is low light, I think the Kx will suite you, and you can get the Sigma and save $400 in the process.

10-22-2010, 07:36 PM   #17
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No question about it. Stay away from the k-7. Kx and glass is a shoe in. Very good camera.
10-22-2010, 07:37 PM   #18
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Another vote for the k-x + 70-200. I really wouldn't be buying a k-7 now, not when it's sensor is completely outclassed by all 3 other bodies.
10-22-2010, 07:40 PM   #19
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Good glass is most important. The K-7 has an excellent AF incl. in low light. Some good quality large aperture lens(es) will make more differences than a newer, untested camera.

As an example, I have a Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4 to complement my DA18-250mm f3.5-6.3 in low light conditions. The Nokton 58mm f1.4 is a fast prime lens with a much large aperture than the DA18-250mm.

* Last month, I shot some breaking waves on the coast at sunset. After 19:15, it became too dark for the DA18-250mm for any good quality shots, and the shots taken with the K-7+DA18-250 after 19:20 were unuseable, even at ISO 6400.

* On the other hand, I was able to use my Nokton 58mm f1.4 until 20:00 when it was almost pitch black. Until 19:50 I was shooting at ISO 400 or less, in conditions where the K-7 is excellent. The lens was in A mode and my K-7 camera was in P mode.

What a difference ! A good quality fast lens (ie a low f value) can give you some excellent low light shots with the K-7 both indoor and outdoor.


10-22-2010, 07:40 PM   #20
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WOW! Lots of good advice. I'm going for the glass for sure. I think I'll go for the Kx. Not sure if I'll ever need more camera than that after my son graduates. I mostly shoot vacation pictures except for show choir. Not much technical challenge in my vacation shots. Thanks again to everyone.
10-22-2010, 07:58 PM   #21
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QuoteOriginally posted by hcc Quote
Good glass is most important. The K-7 has an excellent AF incl. in low light. Some good quality large aperture lens(es) will make more differences than a newer, untested camera.

As an example, I have a Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4 to complement my DA18-250mm f3.5-6.3 in low light conditions. The Nokton 58mm f1.4 is a fast prime lens with a much large aperture than the DA18-250mm.

* Last month, I shot some breaking waves on the coast at sunset. After 19:15, it became too dark for the DA18-250mm for any good quality shots, and the shots taken with the K-7+DA18-250 after 19:20 were unuseable, even at ISO 6400.

* On the other hand, I was able to use my Nokton 58mm f1.4 until 20:00 when it was almost pitch black. Until 19:50 I was shooting at ISO 400 or less, in conditions where the K-7 is excellent. The lens was in A mode and my K-7 camera was in P mode.

What a difference ! A good quality fast lens (ie a low f value) can give you some excellent low light shots with the K-7 both indoor and outdoor.
Your point is valid; however, it's not sound as he does not own the K7. If he did, and had one purchase in mind, K5 or lens, I would be with you 100%. However, he does need more ISO availability, and a faster lens. If he goes with the Kx, he will have both, with even more ISO availablity at $400 less than a K7.
10-22-2010, 08:18 PM   #22
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QuoteOriginally posted by twitch Quote
Another vote for the k-x + 70-200. I really wouldn't be buying a k-7 now, not when it's sensor is completely outclassed by all 3 other bodies.

Thats rediculous how pentax works. In canon's or nikons standard the k-7 would still be very much a competing camera. I guess pentax just never stops releasing great cameras.

10-24-2010, 08:09 AM   #23
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QuoteOriginally posted by twitch Quote
I really wouldn't be buying a k-7 now, not when it's sensor is completely outclassed by all 3 other bodies.
Well, the K-7 body still outclasses 2 of those other bodies. And its sensor isn't outclassed at low ISO. If you want a high end body, it's still the only other choice for the K-5.
10-24-2010, 11:19 AM   #24
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QuoteOriginally posted by chalion Quote
Glass. I know the K100D is not the newest greatest thing out there, but for the most part, the price of glass won't go down, but up. The prices for cameras will invariably go down.
My late response: ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! Camera prices trend down; lens prices don't. Partly because cameras with more features and better basics are introduced at or near the same price points as their predecessors. Every lens I've tracked over the last couple years, new or used, has bumped in cost. Yet still, with careful shopping, excellent used lenses can be had for rather less than their new counterparts, like the F35-70 I just for US$11 or the Tamron 28-200 AF AL for US$50. Not to mention manual primes, my favorites.
10-24-2010, 11:55 AM   #25
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QuoteOriginally posted by RioRico Quote
My late response: ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! Camera prices trend down; lens prices don't. Partly because cameras with more features and better basics are introduced at or near the same price points as their predecessors. Every lens I've tracked over the last couple years, new or used, has bumped in cost. Yet still, with careful shopping, excellent used lenses can be had for rather less than their new counterparts, like the F35-70 I just for US$11 or the Tamron 28-200 AF AL for US$50. Not to mention manual primes, my favorites.
I bought a K-x and the Tamron 70-200/2.8, which dpreview found as being optically superior to the Sigma 70-200:

Tamron SP AF 70-200mm Di LD (IF) Macro Lens Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

I must say I love the combination!

Tord

PS Compared to the Sigma 120-400, which I also have, it is optically miles in front, but the elctronics inside the 120-400 are amazing, with lens stablization, and a lot more :-)! A Tamron 70-200, with O.I.S, would be swell! Due one day, no doubt!
10-24-2010, 12:03 PM   #26
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I'd buy a KX and a nice lens personally!
10-25-2010, 02:03 AM   #27
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I have a Kx and a K7 and I much prefer the K7. If you shoot RAW, the ISO advantage of the Kx isn't nearly as great. The K7 operates and feels like a real camera. The Kx is highly compromised in that regard.

When I shot film, ISO 400 was generally avoided. People made due and even preferred ISO 100. Maybe the sun doesn't shine as bright as it use to and that's why everyone can't seem to get enough of the ultra high low light capability? But I'll be damned and very happy topping out at ISO 1600.

BTW, there's nothing wrong with using a tripod, it may seem a little old fashioned, but they work just as well today as they did when Ansel Adams was doing his thing.
10-25-2010, 02:03 AM   #28
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And another vote for glass!
10-25-2010, 02:15 AM   #29
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QuoteOriginally posted by JHD Quote
I have a Kx and a K7 and I much prefer the K7. If you shoot RAW, the ISO advantage of the Kx isn't nearly as great. The K7 operates and feels like a real camera. The Kx is highly compromised in that regard.
That's one heck of a leap there.

I've been shooting since 1970, and the K-x sure feels like a camera to me!
10-25-2010, 03:48 AM   #30
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By a real camera I mean something of substance in the way of quality. After holding the K7 the Kx feels inferior. There's just no comparison. The K7 is feels and handles like BMW / Mercedes while the Kx feels and handles like an entry level sub compact car.
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