Originally posted by Plainfaced I got my K-01 just before Xmas 2012. I've only ever owned Digital P&S's. I have a Canon A-1 film SLR, so when I had made the decision to purchase a DSLR/ILC, the decision was easy, after seeing the reviews of the K-01 - as I was really tied to any format.
So now after a few months, I'm most certainly a proud Pentaxian...
I am worried though that my K-01 will kick the bucket. With it now being discontinued, I'm worried that I won't be able to find a replacement.
Are the current lineup of Pentax DSLRs a good camera? Nikon and Canon have flooded the market with their 'Brand' - From what I can gather though, Pentax can most certainly roll with the big boys, with build and image quality?
Being discontinued should not be a concern. Your K-01 should last for years, and even if it has problems, Pentax will probably have parts for at least five years (I got a cracked faceplate on my K-x replaced well after it was discontinued). I have other Pentax dSLRs going back to 2006 that still work perfectly.
If you decide to switch from a K-01 to a dSLR, I don't think you will have anything to worry about. The current dSLRs, the K-5ii and K-30, are excellent cameras, that use more or less the same 16MP sensor; they will probably have moved onto new models before your K-01 kicks the bucket. The K-01 was a unique model in the Pentax lineup, but their dSLRs are always reliable, compact, and provide great image quality.