[Allison]

Okay. This is the time to decide if I buy a new camera or not. I am only considering the k5IIs right now (unless someone has a really compelling arguement otherwise). Please weigh in.

Pros:
1. I have some amazon gift cards and they are burning a hole in my pocket right now. With recent price drops, I can have the camera for less than I spent on the k5 two years ago.
2. I have 14 more weddings to shoot in 2013 and i have already started booking 2014. I think shooting with two cameras is the right decision for me.
3. My LBA is currently in remission and honestly, I am not buying another lens until I know the outcome of FF.
4. I have to buy something for my tax deductions.
5. Selling the *istDL is long overdue. If I buy I can also sell the K20 and grip further reducing my cost.
6. This is the last break between weddings where I have long enough to incorporate a new camera into my system.
Cons:
1. Why are there suddenly so many deals/price changes? Is something new shortly to be released? Will that something be a much more impressive aps-c and I will regret the k5IIs?
2. I could upgrade my iPad this year instead of a camera. Then I could go all out in a FF in 2014 (but only if they give us FF).
3. My current set up is working. I don't have to shoot with two cameras.
4. I have purchased some flashes and new sample albums this year. There is also advertising to renew. Maybe I don't need to spend anything else for tax deductions.
5. Maybe it won't feel like much of an upgrade - is the improved AF really that improved?
6. Purchasing a new camera will eventually lead me to spending more money on another grip.

Please help.

[VoiceOfReason]

Do it! Pull the trigger! I swear I am not an enabler...

[mike.hiran]

I can't say much about the importance of your other expenses/tax issues so I'll leave that up to you.

But regarding the AF of the k5ii(s), I think it's faster, more decisive, more accurate and way better in low light. That's really the main reason I bought it and I am not disappointed. The extra sharpness of the iis is pretty awesome though too - it adds a bit more pop to my photos.

I know when I've shot in situations where having 2 types of lenses (one short zoom, one long or maybe one fast, one zoom), having 2 bodies was very helpful. In a fast paced environment like a wedding, I would think that would help a lot.

If you're going to be a 2 body shooter eventually anyway, then maybe now is the time. But it's far from necessary - you just have to balance out your other financial considerations...

[bkpix]

Having two (functionally) identical bodies is great for shooting events of all kinds.

Besides which, most people say shooting weddings with just one body is a mistake. They're probably right.

The IIs is down around $950 on Amazon.

I vote yes.

[Sandy Hancock]

Seriously Allison, get the K-5 IIs; two fully-capable bodies will make life *much* easier.

The resolution and AF accuracy and low-light capability are better with the K-5 IIs, and the only downside is an increased potential to create moire (rare in my experience). In those situations, just shoot the K-5.

I think waiting for something which might not arrive for a while, when there is something already available which will help your business, is silly.

[civiletti]

I wonder if you will have moire trouble with high sheen, mesh, and fine-patterned fabrics without an AA filter.

[kenafein]

You could sell the k20d and the *istDL, and pick up a used K5 from the market. Then you could still get your iPad and be ready for the next thing.

[SyncGuy]

GET THE K5IIS.............

Like, seriously...

[Papa Lazarou]

Yep go for it!
Just sold my K-5 and upgraded to the IIS. It is well worth the upgrade. Noticeably sharper images and faster/more accurate focussing. No micro AF adjustment required for any of my lenses now too!

[newmikey]

I have already answered the question for my self as a big resounding YES! My only question remaining is "when?" and I'm working on it...

[steve1307]

Its a yes from me, and thats 10 from 10 responses

[Ash]

Would have to agree with the rest Allison. I'm sure this all doesn't help your wallet, but the IIs is a near perfect APS-C camera. It's an improvement on your *ist DL and K20D. So much so, it will help you get the most out of your photographic ventures.

[Allison]

But regarding the AF of the k5ii(s), I think it's faster, more decisive, more accurate and way better in low light. That's really the main reason I bought it and I am not disappointed. The extra sharpness of the iis is pretty awesome though too - it adds a bit more pop to my photos.

This is why I am thinking of picking up the iis instead of a second k5. The improved performance of the AF in low light is especially appealing.

I wonder if you will have moire trouble with high sheen, mesh, and fine-patterned fabrics without an AA filter.

I was worried about this, but i think that keeping the k5 would help. I don't believe it will be an issue with most wedding dresses, but it could happen with more with the tuxes, bridesmaids dresses, or a random guests clothing. I am thinking I would shoot wide on the iis and tele on the k5 during the ceremony. If I get some moire on a picture during the dancing part of the reception it won't be a big deal since I do try to keep some of the ambient in the shot and the dj lights cause all sorts of colors. I just don't think it would be very noticeable in those shots unless you are really pixel peeping. Plus, those pictures are never printed large.

Seriously Allison, get the K-5 IIs; two fully-capable bodies will make life *much* easier.

The resolution and AF accuracy and low-light capability are better with the K-5 IIs, and the only downside is an increased potential to create moire (rare in my experience). In those situations, just shoot the K-5.

I think waiting for something which might not arrive for a while, when there is something already available which will help your business, is silly.

Sandy - your post says it all, so I am going to go for it. I really want to move to a two body system, the iis offers some extras, and it is already here. I won't be buying a camera that is released in august because I won't have enough time with it between events. Btw, I love that you have the k01 in your kit too...I would love to add that in for personal stuff, but I have to keep this to one camera at a time.

[Sandy Hancock]

Sandy - your post says it all, so I am going to go for it. I really want to move to a two body system, the iis offers some extras, and it is already here. I won't be buying a camera that is released in august because I won't have enough time with it between events. Btw, I love that you have the k01 in your kit too...I would love to add that in for personal stuff, but I have to keep this to one camera at a time.

You wont regret it Allison. Don't believe the nay-sayers; the K-5 IIs is a genuine upgrade from the K-5.

My K-01 often goes with me for events too. I typically have the K-5 IIs (with 50-135 or 70-200) and K-5 (with 16-50) on a BlackRapid double sling, and the K-01 around my neck with the 10-17. It is great to have that range available at all time, and a capable video camera there when you need it. Switching lenses on the fly is a pain.

The thing I really like about the K-01 is when the pros in the pit give you props for carrying a film camera

[TER-OR]

If you don't think your K-20 would suit your needs as the second body, I can't argue with either a used K-5 or the new K5IIs. Event shooting isn't my forte, but of course the low-light capability for the K5s are useful at receptions and in halls etc. Personally, I think if you can avoid flashes at these events you can get more casual images.