I use autofocus and want to purchase a pentax body only...what would you go with

[Adam]

For what purpose? If you're looking for a DSLR, they two that are currently available (K-30 and K-5 II/s) are both great. You can learn more about them in our reviews:

Pentax K-5 II / IIs Review - Introduction - PentaxForums.com
Pentax K-30 Camera Review - Introduction - PentaxForums.com

[jatrax]

More information?

Are you interested in digital or film?
What are your priorities? video? stills? water resistance?
What is your budget?

For digital if budget is not an issue then k-5II or k-5IIs is the obvious choice. For somewhat less the k-30 is at a very good price right now as it is being replaced by k-50. For film someone else will need to answer.

[aviduby]

Almost the same question; however right now I'm interested in spending the least amount of money as possible. I just adopted photography as a hobby, so I'm a beginner. I intend to learn as much as I can as fast as possible. Therefore, I want to start with something that I will probably outgrow within 60 days and then jump for a keeper. I currently own a Tamron 28-105mm 4-5.6.
Here are my current alternatives:

1. 200D body only - 8,000 actuations - $250.00
2. 100D super including SMC 18-55mm DA- 6,700 actuations - $218.00
3. 100D body only - 4,800 actuations - 135.00

Your opinions will be highly valuable for my final decision.
Thanks in advance.

[Clavius]

Hopefully the best Pentax is in the pipeline right now, ready to be announce pretty soon. They need a new killer flagship. I would just wait for a while, even if you're not interested in their new high-end model. Because as soon as it appears, the prices of the rest of the line up will drop some more.

[Class A]

Hopefully the best Pentax is in the pipeline right now, ready to be announce pretty soon.

There is absolutely no substance to this speculation.

The current Pentax cameras are excellent as they are. No need to wait for anything.
The K-30 surely won't go down in price because of a new flagship model (whenever that may appear) because it has already been replaced by the K-50 and is being sold at clearance prices.

[Clavius]

There is absolutely no substance to this speculation.

The current Pentax cameras are excellent as they are. No need to wait for anything.

They are all based on 2010 technology. It is only reasonable to believe/hope/pray(?) that something big and new is comming soon. It doesn't really matter how excellent the current models are.

[Class A]

They are all based on 2010 technology.

Not true.

The AF modules are newer than that.
If you are referring to the sensor, it hasn't really been superseded by something significantly better.

It is only reasonable to believe/hope/pray(?) that something big and new is comming soon. It doesn't really matter how excellent the current models are.

Why "pray" (in particular if you agree that the current models are excellent)?

Obviously, Pentax will announce a new camera at some point in time. But I do not see how you can justify the term "soon". If you just mean "before the end of this year" then you are probably right, but I do believe "soon" is misleading.

[Clavius]

If you are referring to the sensor, it hasn't really been superseded by something significantly better.

That completely depends on what someone defines as "better". I personally find extra resolution very helpfull. While high ISO performance can be stolen for all I care.

Why "pray" (in particular if you agree that the current models are excellent)?

A product doesn't have to be a failure to be superceded by a new one. Nor does it have to be discontinued when it is. It's just high time for a new flagship camera from Pentax.

Obviously, Pentax will announce a new camera at some point in time. But I do not see how you can justify the term "soon". If you just mean "before the end of this year" then you are probably right, but I do believe "soon" is misleading.

Before the end of the year is pretty soon. Especially in Pentax terms.


Class A, The OP asks for an opinion. He doesn't specifiy any further needs or whishes. "What would you do?", he specifically asks. This is what I myself would do. I don't see how my own personal opinion is even debatable.

[TER-OR]

Were I to buy a new body today, I'd buy a KIIs. However, buying a used K-5 will be far less expensive.

[atupdate]

Here are my current alternatives:

1. 200D body only - 8,000 actuations - $250.00
2. 100D super including SMC 18-55mm DA- 6,700 actuations - $218.00
3. 100D body only - 4,800 actuations - 135.00

Your opinions will be highly valuable for my final decision.
Thanks in advance.

You can do a side by side comparison of the features of all three cameras here: Pentax Cameras | Pentax K200D vs. Pentax K100D Super vs. Pentax K100D - Pentax DSLR Comparison - PentaxForums.com

There isn't a huge difference between the 100D and 100D Super. The big difference is between the 200D and the 100D's.

The 200D has more mega-pixels (10.2 vs 6) but overall lower ISO's (100-1600 vs 200-3200). The higher mega-pixels will allow you to crop the images more, which is similar to having a longer zoom on the 6MP camera. The lower ISO of the 200D has generated rave reviews for portraits by the owners (https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/129204-anyone-else-miss-k200d.html).

Besides cost, you need to think about which is more important - High ISO or mega-pixels.

I recently upgraded from a DS to a K-r. I primarily upgraded to add shake reduction, high ISO performance and MP. I still love my 6 MP DS and am letting my kids learn on it. Looking strictly at cost, I think the K100D at $135 is the best value. It would hope that it would still be worth at least $100 six months from if you don't run the shutter count into the 20K or more range.

Hope this helps.

Tim

I recently

[RKKS08]

And don't forget the K200D is weather resistant.
Of models older than the K200D, only the K10D is.

[lguckert79]

I have a k10d for sale with a grip +2 batteries for 200

[2her0ck]

K-30 or the K-5iis if you want to buy brand-new. or I would recommend the 200D instead of the 100D as it has better specs but it all depends on the price.