k5 is too much?

step91 · 02-03-2012, 05:06 AM

hi! i am a new one , sorry for my english, i am from italy,
i would like to buy my first dslr : the pentax k5,
1) do you think is too much for a beginner?
2) the other choice is the canon rebel t3i (600d in europe) that is less then k5...
can you help me with any advice...thank you!
(sorry again for my english...)

ScreamingIdiot · 02-03-2012, 06:49 AM

May I suggest the Pentax K-01!

Jasvox · 02-03-2012, 06:50 AM

The K-5 is a fairly advanced camera, but how much is up to your previous experience. If you are familiar with the practice of shooting a DSLR or SLR, you will get the hang of it pretty quickly.

There is always the K-01 coming out soon. Probably a little less advanced than the K-5 and pretty much the same camera, minus a few little (or big) things, depending on your wants and needs. The price will be several hundred euro less than a new K-5 as well.

If you have absolutely no Pentax gear at all, then it is a toss up between Pentax and other brands...although I am not a fan of the cheap feeling T series (Rebel) line up Canon offers...

Jason

Stone G. · 02-03-2012, 07:13 AM

Originally posted by step91

hi! i am a new one , sorry for my english, i am from italy,
i would like to buy my first dslr : the pentax k5,
1) do you think is too much for a beginner?
2) the other choice is the canon rebel t3i (600d in europe) that is less then k5...
can you help me with any advice...thank you!
(sorry again for my english...)

Not much of a good advice, I know - but actually only YOU can answer to that.

The K-5 is not dificult to learn to use, even for a beginner, but it is fairly advanced with many options that a beginner may hardly know "what to do with" in the beginning. On the other hand, the K-5 is a camera that you can grow with for years.

So, before buying you have to ask yourself:

a. Why and for what will I need/like to have a DSLR? and from that:

b. Which features are "must have"; which are "nice to have" and which are "I dont really care"?

So, try tell us a bit of what you intend to use your DSLR for.

ggeorge11 · 02-03-2012, 07:14 AM

Get the K5 and grow into it, Use it "green" and as you learn, the camera will serve you well in all of the other modes. The K5 now is a long term investment. There are folks that bought a K7 for their first. I still have my Kx (1st DSLR) and after a 2 years, and in may of 2011 bought my K5, and due to a job, I Just bought my second K5. I love this camera! I still have and use my Kx from time to time, but the K5 is just awesome.

Ferdinand · 02-03-2012, 07:51 AM

I also have a K-5 that I love very much. Now even the price has fallen to a pretty attractive level for this class of a camera. I feel that I have a lot more to learn that will keep me busy for years, which is great plus for me.

I would also add that one can for sure take great pics without knowing about all the extra features. Indeed you can start to use it in automatic (green) mode and learn gradually additional functions that you may or may not need. In any case, even in an all automatic mode you can make use of some nice features, like the weather sealing, the in-body image stabilisation or the ultra quiet shutter that you do not get with the canon 600d, which is a class below the K-5.

**TER-OR** · 02-03-2012, 08:28 AM

The K-5 is as complex as you want it to be. Usually I shoot in TAv mode, which is so versatile. Keep the aperture in a middle range when in the field and adjust the shutter speed to keep the ISO at a good level and I get more "keepers" than "garbage." It seems I learn something new all the time, though, and have been trying to use old '70s vintage manual lenses in controlled environments.

The T3 is a less complex camera, more like the Kr from my perspective. If you aren't comfortable controlling the variables yourself it can be handy. I think if you're asking the question you're leaning toward the options the K-5 will give you. I'll add the ergonomics on the K-5 are very intuitive.

telly0050 · 02-03-2012, 08:30 AM

all i can say is, if you are really into photography and willing to spend time to learn it, k5 is great choice.

or else, if you are buying a dslr basically just to replace a better point and shoot, it's better to get some entry level dslr for your bucks.

sterretje · 02-03-2012, 12:19 PM

No, the K5 ain't too much. In my opinion, it's just as much as an entrylevel camera. It does lack scene modes but with a little understanding of photography principles you will not miss them. Also, you don't have to use all the functionality that is there; I, for one, definitely don't.

Originally posted by ScreamingIdiot

May I suggest the Pentax K-01!

Not really

OP indicates dSLR, not mirrorless.

step91 · 02-03-2012, 12:23 PM

thank you to everyone!
i have finally decided to buy the k5...! i will learn!

Rico · 02-03-2012, 01:34 PM

step91

The K-5 is a great choice for a first DSLR. It is a camera that you can definitely grow into. The price is very good at the moment too.

Tada · 02-03-2012, 01:53 PM

I just joined this forum and I too was in same situation as the OP. I bought this camera for my upcoming trip to Italy. I know this camera is too much for my current level as my previous camera was simple point and shoot. However, I am thinking of going into Photography as my hobby and this camera would grow with me a an amateur photographer. I like the fact that K-5 is very durable and weather resistant. With all the glowing reviews that it receives, I have no idea why it doesn't get more publicity.

Can anyone recommend all around good lens kit for my K-5? I currently have basic 18-55mm Lens kit. But, I want to have a better single lens that I can take it to Italy with good indoor (Museum/Architecture/sight-seeing) capabilities.

Thanks

Ferdinand · 02-03-2012, 01:59 PM

Great decision Step91! Welcome in the K5 family!

aleonx3 · 02-03-2012, 02:14 PM

Step91, good choice... you will like the ergonomics of the k-5 while getting the best APS-C sensor currently available.

Bratz · 02-03-2012, 02:21 PM

Originally posted by Tada

Can anyone recommend all around good lens kit for my K-5? I currently have basic 18-55mm Lens kit. But, I want to have a better single lens that I can take it to Italy with good indoor (Museum/Architecture/sight-seeing)

If you prefer a prime lens I would like to recommend the FA31. Good for indoors with f1.8, great sharpness and if Pentax ever releases a FF camera it will be compatible with this as well. Of course, lens choices are very personal, and you might prefer a zoom lens, but as far as primes go you'll be hard pressed to find someone that is disappointed with the '31.

02-03-2012, 05:06 AM	#1
step91 New Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 2	k5 is too much? hi! i am a new one , sorry for my english, i am from italy, i would like to buy my first dslr : the pentax k5, 1) do you think is too much for a beginner? 2) the other choice is the canon rebel t3i (600d in europe) that is less then k5... can you help me with any advice...thank you! (sorry again for my english...)

02-03-2012, 06:49 AM	#2
ScreamingIdiot Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 95	May I suggest the Pentax K-01!

02-03-2012, 06:50 AM	#3
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107	The K-5 is a fairly advanced camera, but how much is up to your previous experience. If you are familiar with the practice of shooting a DSLR or SLR, you will get the hang of it pretty quickly. There is always the K-01 coming out soon. Probably a little less advanced than the K-5 and pretty much the same camera, minus a few little (or big) things, depending on your wants and needs. The price will be several hundred euro less than a new K-5 as well. If you have absolutely no Pentax gear at all, then it is a toss up between Pentax and other brands...although I am not a fan of the cheap feeling T series (Rebel) line up Canon offers... Jason

02-03-2012, 07:13 AM	#4
Stone G. Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: North Zealand, Denmark Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,516	Originally posted by step91 hi! i am a new one , sorry for my english, i am from italy, i would like to buy my first dslr : the pentax k5, *1) do you think is too much for a beginner?* 2) the other choice is the canon rebel t3i (600d in europe) that is less then k5... can you help me with any advice...thank you! (sorry again for my english...) Not much of a good advice, I know - but actually only YOU can answer to that. The K-5 is not dificult to learn to use, even for a beginner, but it is fairly advanced with many options that a beginner may hardly know "what to do with" in the beginning. On the other hand, the K-5 is a camera that you can grow with for years. So, before buying you have to ask yourself: a. Why and for what will I need/like to have a DSLR? and from that: b. Which features are "must have"; which are "nice to have" and which are "I dont really care"? So, try tell us a bit of what you intend to use your DSLR for.

02-03-2012, 07:14 AM	#5
ggeorge11 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Central Texas Photos: Albums Posts: 218	Get the K5 and grow into it, Use it "green" and as you learn, the camera will serve you well in all of the other modes. The K5 now is a long term investment. There are folks that bought a K7 for their first. I still have my Kx (1st DSLR) and after a 2 years, and in may of 2011 bought my K5, and due to a job, I Just bought my second K5. I love this camera! I still have and use my Kx from time to time, but the K5 is just awesome.

02-03-2012, 07:51 AM	#6
Ferdinand Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Frankfurt Photos: Albums Posts: 89	I also have a K-5 that I love very much. Now even the price has fallen to a pretty attractive level for this class of a camera. I feel that I have a lot more to learn that will keep me busy for years, which is great plus for me. I would also add that one can for sure take great pics without knowing about all the extra features. Indeed you can start to use it in automatic (green) mode and learn gradually additional functions that you may or may not need. In any case, even in an all automatic mode you can make use of some nice features, like the weather sealing, the in-body image stabilisation or the ultra quiet shutter that you do not get with the canon 600d, which is a class below the K-5.

02-03-2012, 08:28 AM	#7
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	The K-5 is as complex as you want it to be. Usually I shoot in TAv mode, which is so versatile. Keep the aperture in a middle range when in the field and adjust the shutter speed to keep the ISO at a good level and I get more "keepers" than "garbage." It seems I learn something new all the time, though, and have been trying to use old '70s vintage manual lenses in controlled environments. The T3 is a less complex camera, more like the Kr from my perspective. If you aren't comfortable controlling the variables yourself it can be handy. I think if you're asking the question you're leaning toward the options the K-5 will give you. I'll add the ergonomics on the K-5 are very intuitive.

02-03-2012, 08:30 AM	#8
telly0050 Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 233	all i can say is, if you are really into photography and willing to spend time to learn it, k5 is great choice. or else, if you are buying a dslr basically just to replace a better point and shoot, it's better to get some entry level dslr for your bucks.

02-03-2012, 12:19 PM	#9
sterretje Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,561	No, the K5 ain't too much. In my opinion, it's just as much as an entrylevel camera. It does lack scene modes but with a little understanding of photography principles you will not miss them. Also, you don't have to use all the functionality that is there; I, for one, definitely don't. Originally posted by ScreamingIdiot May I suggest the Pentax K-01! Not really OP indicates dSLR, not mirrorless.

02-03-2012, 12:23 PM	#10
step91 New Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 2 Original Poster	thank you to everyone! i have finally decided to buy the k5...! i will learn!

02-03-2012, 01:34 PM	#11
Rico Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,204	step91 The K-5 is a great choice for a first DSLR. It is a camera that you can definitely grow into. The price is very good at the moment too.

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02-03-2012, 01:53 PM	#12
Tada New Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 4	I just joined this forum and I too was in same situation as the OP. I bought this camera for my upcoming trip to Italy. I know this camera is too much for my current level as my previous camera was simple point and shoot. However, I am thinking of going into Photography as my hobby and this camera would grow with me a an amateur photographer. I like the fact that K-5 is very durable and weather resistant. With all the glowing reviews that it receives, I have no idea why it doesn't get more publicity. Can anyone recommend all around good lens kit for my K-5? I currently have basic 18-55mm Lens kit. But, I want to have a better single lens that I can take it to Italy with good indoor (Museum/Architecture/sight-seeing) capabilities. Thanks

02-03-2012, 01:59 PM	#13
Ferdinand Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Frankfurt Photos: Albums Posts: 89	Great decision Step91! Welcome in the K5 family!

02-03-2012, 02:14 PM	#14
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Step91, good choice... you will like the ergonomics of the k-5 while getting the best APS-C sensor currently available.

02-03-2012, 02:21 PM	#15
Bratz New Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Lillestrom Photos: Gallery Posts: 10	Originally posted by Tada Can anyone recommend all around good lens kit for my K-5? I currently have basic 18-55mm Lens kit. But, I want to have a better single lens that I can take it to Italy with good indoor (Museum/Architecture/sight-seeing) If you prefer a prime lens I would like to recommend the FA31. Good for indoors with f1.8, great sharpness and if Pentax ever releases a FF camera it will be compatible with this as well. Of course, lens choices are very personal, and you might prefer a zoom lens, but as far as primes go you'll be hard pressed to find someone that is disappointed with the '31.