Just Curious - backup camera w/ K30

Trudger1272 · 07-03-2013, 03:17 PM

If you owned a K-30 as your first and only DSLR, which model would you choose as a back-up camera? I'm just curious as to what others think, being this is my predicament. Thanks!

Adam · 07-03-2013, 03:31 PM - **1 Like**

I'd say nothing would be better then another K-30

Na Horuk · 07-03-2013, 03:38 PM

Well, assuming the backup camera has to be cheaper than the main camera, I would say K-x or K-01. Small, but still K mount and quality.
K200D if you need WR in backup body.

Oh, or the new K-500, if you can get it at a decent price.

jimr-pdx · 07-03-2013, 03:52 PM

I agree with what's been said here. My set is K-5 then K-01 then Q, and other than some lock-up as I decide what to use

it's a great set. If you're seeking smaller, the Q / Q10 deals (or the upcoming Q7 if you can wait) can really do the job.

carrrlangas · 07-03-2013, 04:21 PM

Why cheaper or different? What would be better than an exact same unit as a backup?

loco · 07-03-2013, 04:36 PM

My first DSLR was the K-r so that is my backup. I also have an old Finepix F10 point and shoot that I could use in a pinch. I'm keen on the new Ricoh GR though when the price comes down.

WA-surfer · 07-03-2013, 04:40 PM

I've just been down this road and went for a second K30 as my second body for an upcoming South African safari adventure. I figured there were benefits of having exactly he same controls on both bodies. For the safari i ill probably run with a wider 18-135 on one body and a 55-300 tle on he other body. Cant wait - i leave in 3 weeks!

Trudger1272 · 07-03-2013, 06:49 PM

Originally posted by WA-surfer

Cant wait - i leave in 3 weeks!

Hope you enjoy your trip!

Thanks all, sound advice. Honestly a second K-30 body (definitely black) keeps creeping into my mind. Especially since I love the one I own.

Originally posted by loco

I'm keen on the new Ricoh GR though when the price comes down.

I'll more than likely be settling on a MX-1 shortly after I purchase a second body and prime glass.

Primes4ever · 07-03-2013, 07:06 PM

There are obvious advantages to having both cameras with the same controls so another K-30 is an attractive choice. Personally my K-5 backup is the K-01 strictly because I got it so cheap and it uses the same battery and charger which is good for travel. I used to keep my old bodies as backups but found that I prefer both cameras to be similar vintage and as a result both cameras get used. It's nice that both have great high ISO performance and excellent dynamic range. My two cents worth.

**dms** · 07-03-2013, 08:05 PM

It is not obvious--why a back up? e.g.,

To use if 1st breaks--but if that maybe the conditions would cause a similar camera to break. So either the same--or vastly different (e.g. mechanical film camera).If same the lenses work on both--if vastly different nothing works on both!

On the other hand maybe you really mean you wants something small and fast to use with wider angle lens--a rangefinder/P&S digital.

Personally I think either another K30, or a rangefinder/P&S. (Actually for myself it would be a film camera--but that's just me.)

MegaPower · 07-03-2013, 08:32 PM

Get K200D or K10D.
the next choice would be Kx/Kr, then K7.

kshapero · 07-05-2013, 01:35 PM

I use my Q as a backup (and of course it is fun to use on its own)

**ramseybuckeye** · 07-05-2013, 08:03 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Trudger1272

If you owned a K-30 as your first and only DSLR, which model would you choose as a back-up camera? I'm just curious as to what others think, being this is my predicament. Thanks!

Definitely another K-30. Since the K-30 is the only DSLR you've had, you would be disappointed with the limitations of older cameras. Besides, there are some excellent K-30 deals on as they clear them out for the K-50.

pinholecam · 07-05-2013, 08:19 PM

A K01 is probably the best smaller option that uses all the lenses and still be not that big as another dslr.

Personally though, I'd consider a DP1m or GR or the smaller form factor and weight and what they give above another K01/K30 option in resolution (esp. DP1m)

Trudger1272 · 07-05-2013, 11:57 PM

Originally posted by dms

it would be a film camera

I have two film cameras already, but sadly not Pentax. FM2 & FM2n and until I trade them, I'm locked into two lens systems. I'll be contacting KEH soon though.

07-03-2013, 03:17 PM	#1
Trudger1272 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Photos: Albums Posts: 288	Just Curious - backup camera w/ K30 If you owned a K-30 as your first and only DSLR, which model would you choose as a back-up camera? I'm just curious as to what others think, being this is my predicament. Thanks!

07-03-2013, 03:31 PM - 1 Like	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	I'd say nothing would be better then another K-30 Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Balance between a teaching camera and a backup camera for my K-5	MSL	Pentax DSLR Discussion	20	03-08-2012 08:08 PM
Just curious about APS-C	Alizarine	Pentax DSLR Discussion	6	02-15-2012 02:06 AM
Curious: Is It Just Me?	Mike Cash	General Talk	20	02-10-2012 12:46 PM
just curious	gokenin	Pentax DSLR Discussion	8	06-13-2010 12:50 PM
Just Curious...	NLAlston	Pentax DSLR Discussion	4	02-01-2008 03:50 PM

07-03-2013, 03:38 PM	#3
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Well, assuming the backup camera has to be cheaper than the main camera, I would say K-x or K-01. Small, but still K mount and quality. K200D if you need WR in backup body. Oh, or the new K-500, if you can get it at a decent price.

07-03-2013, 03:52 PM	#4
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	I agree with what's been said here. My set is K-5 then K-01 then Q, and other than some lock-up as I decide what to use it's a great set. If you're seeking smaller, the Q / Q10 deals (or the upcoming Q7 if you can wait) can really do the job.

07-03-2013, 04:21 PM	#5
carrrlangas Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Joensuu (Finland) Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,761	Why cheaper or different? What would be better than an exact same unit as a backup?

07-03-2013, 04:36 PM	#6
loco Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,846	My first DSLR was the K-r so that is my backup. I also have an old Finepix F10 point and shoot that I could use in a pinch. I'm keen on the new Ricoh GR though when the price comes down.

07-03-2013, 04:40 PM	#7
WA-surfer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Perth, Australia Posts: 118	I've just been down this road and went for a second K30 as my second body for an upcoming South African safari adventure. I figured there were benefits of having exactly he same controls on both bodies. For the safari i ill probably run with a wider 18-135 on one body and a 55-300 tle on he other body. Cant wait - i leave in 3 weeks!

07-03-2013, 06:49 PM	#8
Trudger1272 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Photos: Albums Posts: 288 Original Poster	Originally posted by WA-surfer Cant wait - i leave in 3 weeks! Hope you enjoy your trip! Thanks all, sound advice. Honestly a second K-30 body (definitely black) keeps creeping into my mind. Especially since I love the one I own. Originally posted by loco I'm keen on the new Ricoh GR though when the price comes down. I'll more than likely be settling on a MX-1 shortly after I purchase a second body and prime glass.

07-03-2013, 07:06 PM	#9
Primes4ever Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Cambridge, Ontario Posts: 179	There are obvious advantages to having both cameras with the same controls so another K-30 is an attractive choice. Personally my K-5 backup is the K-01 strictly because I got it so cheap and it uses the same battery and charger which is good for travel. I used to keep my old bodies as backups but found that I prefer both cameras to be similar vintage and as a result both cameras get used. It's nice that both have great high ISO performance and excellent dynamic range. My two cents worth.

07-03-2013, 08:05 PM	#10
dms Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New York, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,192	It is not obvious--why a back up? e.g., To use if 1st breaks--but if that maybe the conditions would cause a similar camera to break. So either the same--or vastly different (e.g. mechanical film camera).If same the lenses work on both--if vastly different nothing works on both! On the other hand maybe you really mean you wants something small and fast to use with wider angle lens--a rangefinder/P&S digital. Personally I think either another K30, or a rangefinder/P&S. (Actually for myself it would be a film camera--but that's just me.)

07-03-2013, 08:32 PM	#11
MegaPower Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hong Kong / Irvine, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 636	Get K200D or K10D. the next choice would be Kx/Kr, then K7.

07-05-2013, 01:35 PM	#12
kshapero Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South Florida, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 437	I use my Q as a backup (and of course it is fun to use on its own)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

07-05-2013, 08:03 PM - 1 Like	#13
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,291	Originally posted by Trudger1272 If you owned a K-30 as your first and only DSLR, which model would you choose as a back-up camera? I'm just curious as to what others think, being this is my predicament. Thanks! Definitely another K-30. Since the K-30 is the only DSLR you've had, you would be disappointed with the limitations of older cameras. Besides, there are some excellent K-30 deals on as they clear them out for the K-50.

07-05-2013, 08:19 PM	#14
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,706	A K01 is probably the best smaller option that uses all the lenses and still be not that big as another dslr. Personally though, I'd consider a DP1m or GR or the smaller form factor and weight and what they give above another K01/K30 option in resolution (esp. DP1m)

07-05-2013, 11:57 PM	#15
Trudger1272 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Photos: Albums Posts: 288 Original Poster	Originally posted by dms it would be a film camera I have two film cameras already, but sadly not Pentax. FM2 & FM2n and until I trade them, I'm locked into two lens systems. I'll be contacting KEH soon though.