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11-19-2013, 07:56 PM - 1 Like   #1
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Should I upgrade to K-50 or K-3

I have always been using starter user-friendly Pentax cameras like Super Program, MZ 30, K-m, and K-r when they came out. Due to my lifestyle of hiking and trekking with my dog, I want to upgrade my camera to either K-50 or directly jump on to K-3.

K-50 seems to allow a gradual jump for me as I can concentrate on directly putting it to use. There is not much change in overall camera design and settings required. The weather resistance ability will come in handy right away.

Otoh, K-3 will allow me to go directly to the top quality stuff. I will struggle a bit in the beginning, because the change will be too much for me, but lingering on to beginner's models for too long, perhaps this is the route I should take.

If budget is not a problem, what will you suggest K-50 or K-3?

Will K-3 be a bit challenging for me and more than what I really need? Or do you suggest its time to get K-3 and start honing up my skills to take them to a new level rather than continue with the basics?

I am always on the go, covering long distances, taking pictures on the go too. I hardly have time to go for professional shots. I can't afford playing with manual settings. It is all kind of setting ISO to 100 or lowest possible and playing with shutter or aperture priority modes to get what I want to get. An example picture is attached.

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11-19-2013, 08:00 PM   #2
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If you've been sticking to the Pentax entry-level models and have been happy with them, I would recommend going for the K-50. It's already going to feel a lot more advanced and better-built than the K-r, and it's an upgrade in just about every area.

The K-3 has larger files and requires faster cards as a result. I'm not sure how much you'd benefit from the added resolution for everyday shots.

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11-19-2013, 08:17 PM   #3
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the K-3 is no harder to use than the K-30/50.

The difference for you between these cameras is more likely to be weight and battery life with the K-3 having more of both.
11-19-2013, 08:18 PM   #4
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That makes sense Adam. Thank you for the advice.

11-19-2013, 08:21 PM   #5
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Nice and one happy dog!

Oops - that was off topic.
11-19-2013, 08:29 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by twitch Quote
the K-3 is no harder to use than the K-30/50.

The difference for you between these cameras is more likely to be weight and battery life with the K-3 having more of both.
Since I already carry a heavy backpack and a handy Lowepro Sport bag for easy access to camera and lenses, weight is definitely an issue. I plan on carrying only one camera and one lens (perhaps the Pentax SMC-DA 18-135 mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] WR )

I think weight, picture quality in low light (but not excessive low light), shake, some level of weather resistance, and my slow adaptation to change in technology are determining factors.
11-19-2013, 08:30 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by Ole Quote
Nice and one happy dog!

Oops - that was off topic.


11-19-2013, 09:33 PM   #8
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Well, the K30 together with the DA18-135 make good company. My son uses this combination and loves the light weight when he moves around. I on the other hand used to have a K5 + DA* 16-50/2.8 but have also switched to the K30 + DA*16-50/2.8. With the latter combo, the camera is no more "light". In a sense, it weights as much as a K5 + DA*16-50/2.8 combo.
11-19-2013, 10:47 PM   #9
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I would suggest Pentax K-5 II(s) instead of K-50. It is a better camera than K-50 considering updated AF module and costs significantly less than K-3.
11-19-2013, 11:10 PM   #10
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I think the K-3 will bring along hidden costs such as a need for more and faster cards, better PC for editing etc.
11-19-2013, 11:25 PM   #11
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K-3 is new tech, and I rarely trust new tech. If you are rich enough to buy K-3 then I would recommend a K-5ii with good glass instead.

Your dog is in snow, so wouldn't it be cool (sic) to have a K-5 plus a big collection of good glass? 18-135, 55-300, both WR. Or maybe some star primes?

This might seem like contradictory advice to what I said to a guy in India in another thread, but my basic idea is that all current Pentax DSLRs punch above their weight in terms of quality, they are all splendid. So unless you are buying the absolute cheapest, it is better to aim low for the body and buy extra lenses. (Wow this is a pugilistic paragraph!)

Last edited by Bagga_Txips; 11-19-2013 at 11:34 PM.
11-19-2013, 11:53 PM   #12
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Suhail, why did you not consider the K30? it is very similar to the K50 in specs and should be cheaper now that the K50 is out.
11-20-2013, 02:27 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by Bagga_Txips Quote
If you are rich enough to buy K-3 then I would recommend a K-5ii with good glass instead.
+1

treat yourself on an additional prime such as Da 35 2.4
11-20-2013, 07:45 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by felixkh Quote
Suhail, why did you not consider the K30? it is very similar to the K50 in specs and should be cheaper now that the K50 is out.
Felix,

I read your two posts. Honestly speaking, it never occurred to me that K-30 would still be available. In Canada, K-30 is available online on fewer sites and there is only $100 price difference between K-30 and K-50 and the latter is available in some cool colours that are a nice departure from ubiquitous black. I will try to find in the biggest Canadian photography store (Henrys) near my home if they are still carrying K-30 though.
11-20-2013, 07:46 PM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by disya2 Quote
I would suggest Pentax K-5 II(s) instead of K-50. It is a better camera than K-50 considering updated AF module and costs significantly less than K-3.
Disya,

That is a good suggestion. It has good weather resistance that suites my need. I will definitely check it out.
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