Where to buy a K-5

BobbyA · 09-18-2012, 04:12 PM

I currently own a K-x and its time to upgrade to a K-5. With the announcement of the K-5II I noticed the K-5’s have come down a bit and perhaps the time is right.
I have noticed some great prices at the following places:
$799 at BPPhoto
$739 at Daxmart
$839 at Buydig
All seem too good to be true and all have their fair share of bad reviews.
1. Has anyone here had any experience with these guys?
2. Can anyone recommend a place to get a good deal on a K-5 right now?
3. With the announcement of the K-5II, what is the opinion of the forum whether the prices on the K-5 will drop further or should I buy now while they are available?
Thanks

**crewl1** · 09-18-2012, 04:27 PM

I think with the prices as low as they are at the moment it is best not to try to save a little more at an unknown vendor and take a chance on a bad experience.

Adorama or BHPhoto are reputable, will give good service and you can also get the pentax extended warranty. Buy through the forum link to get the benefits for you and the site.

Buschmaster · 09-18-2012, 04:28 PM

Go with B&H. Pretty good price and definitely a reputable site.

Edit! Make Sure to support the site while buying it through B&H!

Docrwm · 09-18-2012, 04:38 PM

I agree with whst the others have said, plus buy the $19.95 extended warrant.

BobbyA · 09-18-2012, 04:44 PM

Docrwm
I see that you own a Kx and K5. Silly question but I have to ask, do you see a major difference between the photos that the two cameras produce?

Docrwm · 09-18-2012, 04:50 PM

Originally posted by BobbyA

Docrwm
I see that you own a Kx and K5. Silly question but I have to ask, do you see a major difference between the photos that the two cameras produce?

Yes, but the K-5 is harder to just pick up and get the shot. I'm still learning, and being frustrated, with the K-5 but it's like they say when it works it's wonderful.

**crewl1** · 09-18-2012, 04:54 PM

I also had K-x and K-5 together until recently. There was not much difference on photos taken with either in static controlled situations.

But in most situations such as sports, kids, anywhere you needed fast response, or in lower light situations the K-5's better responsiveness, AF and handling makes it a joy to use.

The K-x became a shelf queen because the K-5 was so much more camera and a pleasure to use, and the WR came in handy many times.

I recently gave the K-x to my niece and picked up another K-5 at half what I paid for my first one, Ilike it so much.

Last edited by crewl1; 09-18-2012 at 05:01 PM.

BobbyA · 09-18-2012, 05:21 PM

Thanks to both of you. I shoot mostly portraits and the low light feature interests me the most, due to the better 16mp sensor no doubt. What lenses do you guys use?

treebeard · 09-18-2012, 05:40 PM

Originally posted by Buschmaster

Go with B&H. Pretty good price and definitely a reputable site.

Edit! Make Sure to support the site while buying it through B&H!

+1

wedgetail · 09-18-2012, 05:51 PM

I use a K5 for event photography all low light stage performances no flash allowed. My kx has a manual 85 1.9 super tack and the K5 is the Tamron 17-50 2.8 or the sigma 30mm 1.4

Docrwm · 09-18-2012, 05:56 PM

Originally posted by BobbyA

Thanks to both of you. I shoot mostly portraits and the low light feature interests me the most, due to the better 16mp sensor no doubt. What lenses do you guys use?

For portraits the higher DR of the K-5 comes itnto play on creatively lit shots. I REALLY like my Vivitar 85/1.4 for portraits - it takes a lot more to get it right but when I do, the results put my DA70 to shame. I wonder if the FA77 is the best of both worlds? An FA85 is just out of reach. I also find that the shots from my little, inexpensive, DA35/2.4 are really nice.

**crewl1** · 09-18-2012, 06:33 PM

I don't do much portrait work yet.
Most of my low light use is indoor sports for which I have the Tamron 28-75 2.8 and Sigma 70-200 2.8.
I could not say if the k-5 is going to give you a tremendous improvement over your k-x for portraits as the k-x has an excellent sensor.
For my use the k-5 is leaps and bounds ahead of the k-x in usability.

BobbyA · 09-18-2012, 07:09 PM

Most of the portrait work I do is glamour and boudoir, not family and such and so I often shoot in low light to acheive the proper mood and setting. I love the K-x in every way except in low light situations where I feel the photos are slightly grainy and must be corrected in PS. I also need another camera to serve as a backup for photo gigs and from what I see the K-5 is about as good as you can get. Now I just need to find a deal!

**Basset** · 09-18-2012, 07:22 PM

Originally posted by crewl1

I don't do much portrait work yet.
Most of my low light use is indoor sports for which I have the Tamron 28-75 2.8 and Sigma 70-200 2.8.
I could not say if the k-5 is going to give you a tremendous improvement over your k-x for portraits as the k-x has an excellent sensor.
For my use the k-5 is leaps and bounds ahead of the k-x in usability.

Don't forget that quiet shutter! I would gather that the K-5ii cameras would have the same quiet shutter. . . .

dmeadows85 · 09-19-2012, 07:10 AM

I have used BuyDig twice before with no issues at all, and just ordered a K-5 from them today for $815 shipped (found a $25 coupon code online). I will know in 4-7 business days if my continued trust in them is warranted!

09-18-2012, 04:12 PM	#1
BobbyA Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Las Vegas, NV Photos: Albums Posts: 27	Where to buy a K-5 I currently own a K-x and its time to upgrade to a K-5. With the announcement of the K-5II I noticed the K-5’s have come down a bit and perhaps the time is right. I have noticed some great prices at the following places: $799 at BPPhoto $739 at Daxmart $839 at Buydig All seem too good to be true and all have their fair share of bad reviews. 1. Has anyone here had any experience with these guys? 2. Can anyone recommend a place to get a good deal on a K-5 right now? 3. With the announcement of the K-5II, what is the opinion of the forum whether the prices on the K-5 will drop further or should I buy now while they are available? Thanks

09-18-2012, 05:51 PM	#10
wedgetail Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: adelaide Photos: Albums Posts: 211	I use a K5 for event photography all low light stage performances no flash allowed. My kx has a manual 85 1.9 super tack and the K5 is the Tamron 17-50 2.8 or the sigma 30mm 1.4 Last edited by wedgetail; 09-18-2012 at 05:54 PM. Reason: wrong lens spec

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09-18-2012, 04:27 PM	#2
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	I think with the prices as low as they are at the moment it is best not to try to save a little more at an unknown vendor and take a chance on a bad experience. Adorama or BHPhoto are reputable, will give good service and you can also get the pentax extended warranty. Buy through the forum link to get the benefits for you and the site.

09-18-2012, 04:28 PM	#3
Buschmaster Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 806	Go with B&H. Pretty good price and definitely a reputable site. Edit! Make Sure to support the site while buying it through B&H!

09-18-2012, 04:38 PM	#4
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	I agree with whst the others have said, plus buy the $19.95 extended warrant.

09-18-2012, 04:44 PM	#5
BobbyA Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Las Vegas, NV Photos: Albums Posts: 27 Original Poster	Docrwm I see that you own a Kx and K5. Silly question but I have to ask, do you see a major difference between the photos that the two cameras produce?

09-18-2012, 04:50 PM	#6
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by BobbyA Docrwm I see that you own a Kx and K5. Silly question but I have to ask, do you see a major difference between the photos that the two cameras produce? Yes, but the K-5 is harder to just pick up and get the shot. I'm still learning, and being frustrated, with the K-5 but it's like they say when it works it's wonderful.

09-18-2012, 04:54 PM	#7
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	I also had K-x and K-5 together until recently. There was not much difference on photos taken with either in static controlled situations. But in most situations such as sports, kids, anywhere you needed fast response, or in lower light situations the K-5's better responsiveness, AF and handling makes it a joy to use. The K-x became a shelf queen because the K-5 was so much more camera and a pleasure to use, and the WR came in handy many times. I recently gave the K-x to my niece and picked up another K-5 at half what I paid for my first one, Ilike it so much. Last edited by crewl1; 09-18-2012 at 05:01 PM.

09-18-2012, 05:21 PM	#8
BobbyA Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Las Vegas, NV Photos: Albums Posts: 27 Original Poster	Thanks to both of you. I shoot mostly portraits and the low light feature interests me the most, due to the better 16mp sensor no doubt. What lenses do you guys use?

09-18-2012, 05:40 PM	#9
treebeard Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Windham, NH Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 793	Originally posted by Buschmaster Go with B&H. Pretty good price and definitely a reputable site. Edit! Make Sure to support the site while buying it through B&H! +1

09-18-2012, 05:56 PM	#11
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by BobbyA Thanks to both of you. I shoot mostly portraits and the low light feature interests me the most, due to the better 16mp sensor no doubt. What lenses do you guys use? For portraits the higher DR of the K-5 comes itnto play on creatively lit shots. I REALLY like my Vivitar 85/1.4 for portraits - it takes a lot more to get it right but when I do, the results put my DA70 to shame. I wonder if the FA77 is the best of both worlds? An FA85 is just out of reach. I also find that the shots from my little, inexpensive, DA35/2.4 are really nice.

09-18-2012, 06:33 PM	#12
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	I don't do much portrait work yet. Most of my low light use is indoor sports for which I have the Tamron 28-75 2.8 and Sigma 70-200 2.8. I could not say if the k-5 is going to give you a tremendous improvement over your k-x for portraits as the k-x has an excellent sensor. For my use the k-5 is leaps and bounds ahead of the k-x in usability.

09-18-2012, 07:09 PM	#13
BobbyA Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Las Vegas, NV Photos: Albums Posts: 27 Original Poster	Most of the portrait work I do is glamour and boudoir, not family and such and so I often shoot in low light to acheive the proper mood and setting. I love the K-x in every way except in low light situations where I feel the photos are slightly grainy and must be corrected in PS. I also need another camera to serve as a backup for photo gigs and from what I see the K-5 is about as good as you can get. Now I just need to find a deal!

09-18-2012, 07:22 PM	#14
Basset Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 340	Originally posted by crewl1 I don't do much portrait work yet. Most of my low light use is indoor sports for which I have the Tamron 28-75 2.8 and Sigma 70-200 2.8. I could not say if the k-5 is going to give you a tremendous improvement over your k-x for portraits as the k-x has an excellent sensor. For my use the k-5 is leaps and bounds ahead of the k-x in usability. Don't forget that quiet shutter! I would gather that the K-5ii cameras would have the same quiet shutter. . . .

09-19-2012, 07:10 AM	#15
dmeadows85 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Decatur, GA Photos: Gallery Posts: 69	I have used BuyDig twice before with no issues at all, and just ordered a K-5 from them today for $815 shipped (found a $25 coupon code online). I will know in 4-7 business days if my continued trust in them is warranted!