[jcool]

Have been using a k20 5 or six years and pretty happy with it other than low light situations. Saw the low price ads for the k50 and tempted but everything works fine on k20.... There are so many models out and I read about k5, k3, k5 and II models.if I am to upgrade other than video and sensor going from 14 to 16 mp is it worth it. Obviously money is an issue being retired and fixed income. I know this is kind of a long winded question but to many confusing models to choose from. But $329. Sounds good for the k50.... Thanks.....

[The Squirrel Mafia]

I have 2 K-50 cameras & I'm thinking of getting 2 more. Haha!

The K-50 can put out some amazing photos. I get amazing results up to ISO 3200. I typically process DNG files from ISO 800 to 6400. The out of camera jpegs in that ISO range are pretty decent, but when you see the details that you can extract from the DNG file, you'll be shocked.

I use RawTherapee for post processing.

[stillshot2]

I have no problem using my K30 all up the way up to iso 1600 shooting RAW with in camera noise reduction turned off, and just a little noise reduction applied later in adobe camera raw. The K50 is basically the same camera. I think the upgrade will improve iso capabilities will be improved by about a whole stop, you will get 2 stops more of dynamic range, better color depth, a lighter camera, 100% viewfinder coverage, better autofocus too... so yeah I would do it.

Here: Pentax K-30 vs K20D - Our Analysis

[Imp]

Have been using a k20 5 or six years and pretty happy with it other than low light situations. Saw the low price ads for the k50 and tempted but everything works fine on k20.... There are so many models out and I read about k5, k3, k5 and II models.if I am to upgrade other than video and sensor going from 14 to 16 mp is it worth it. Obviously money is an issue being retired and fixed income. I know this is kind of a long winded question but to many confusing models to choose from. But $329. Sounds good for the k50.... Thanks.....

The K-50 is great for the price. If you have been happy with your K-20, and you don't find yourself needing more features, go with the K-50.

A basic overview - the K-3 II is the current flagship model, which was just released to update the K-3. the K-5IIs was the model just before that, but it has been discounted.

Then there is the K-20, K-30, K-50 line, which is the lower level, mid range bodies.

Lastly, there is the K-s1, which is a funky, fashionable camera.

The K-30 has been discontinued, and the K-50 will probably follow suit because it seems that pentax has merged the K-50 line with the K-s1 line to create a new K-s2, which is the current mid-level body.

So in conclusion, there is the K-5 IIs, K-3, K-3 II line, but that sounds too expensive or too featured for your use. Then there is the K-30, K-50, K-s2 line. the K-s2 is a great camera, but it is new so it is more expensive. Since you are happy with your K-20, I would suggest buying the older camera model, the K-50, with all the amazing prices of goodness.

=)

[Spodeworld]

I have the K-50's twin, the K30. Compared to the K20D, the AF and IQ (noise and dynamic range) are much better.The D20D feels better, and has a few more high end features, but, the K30/50 beats it where it counts most.

[jcool]

I think will get the k50 I did use the simulated infra red feature a lot on the k20 which I don't see on the k50 as well as it sounds stupid but I don't see a black and white mode?

[Imp]

I don't see a black and white mode?

There is the option for in camera black and white - it will be under the color preset option, or whatever it is called.

[stillshot2]

I don't see a black and white mode?

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/man-pdf/k-50.pdf

Pages 159-161 show filters you can use, and monochrome (black and white) is one of them.

[lytrytyr]

Saw the low price ads for the k50 and tempted but everything works fine on k20.

With your manual lenses, you'll appreciate the focus peaking once you get the hang of it.
I got a K-50 18 months ago, and am tempted to get another now.
I'd also recommend the AA adapter.
Then you're not tied to the special Li-ion.

[ramseybuckeye]

I went from K-20d to the K-30 and it was unbelievable, the atutofocus is really improved. In some cases I spouse up to ISO 6400 and regularly use 3200. Manual lenses are so much easier to focus in the viewfinder, and on a tripod you can't beative view with focus peaking. Another feature I love is the level. I also have the K-50 which is nearly the same with a couple of improvements.

[Adam]

Have been using a k20 5 or six years and pretty happy with it other than low light situations. Saw the low price ads for the k50 and tempted but everything works fine on k20.... There are so many models out and I read about k5, k3, k5 and II models.if I am to upgrade other than video and sensor going from 14 to 16 mp is it worth it. Obviously money is an issue being retired and fixed income. I know this is kind of a long winded question but to many confusing models to choose from. But $329. Sounds good for the k50.... Thanks.....

I would go for the K-50, as it's a fairly large generational upgrade over the K20D in just about all areas. It's currently seen as more of a mid-range/entry-level camera, but it does pack an immense number of features for the price.

Check out our K-50 review for more info (bear in mind this was written when the camera cost more than twice as much, $699):
Pentax K-50 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

[ChristianRock]

I'm happy with my K20D. I don't see a reason to upgrade. I bought my wife a K-r that I also get to use a lot, and I have used it with ok results up to ISO 6400. I say ok results because even though images are passable in high ISOs, I much prefer a shot taken with a flash at ISO 500 with my K20D than anything over ISO 800 on the K-r. It probably doesn't help that the K-r is permanently set to JPG - it's one of the wife's demans for HER camera

But seriously, if money is an issue, invest in a fast AF prime instead. I absolutely love my K20D with the DA 35 2.4, I think it's a fantastic combo and I can keep the ISO low because the shots at f2.4 or f2.8 are just terrific. You could probably also get the DA 50 1.8 and still come out ahead. Just a thought.

[Antonio Marques]

We have a K30 and it's great, possibly the best bang for the buck we ever got with a digital camera, but I can't compare it to the K20d as I've never seen one.
I wouldn't shoot above ISO 800 if I want a good quality picture, but where some distortion is allowed I've used it successfully up to 25600.
And as far as I'm concerned it's the one beautiful digital K camera Pentax has made so far, but it seems I'm the minority there.

[jcool]

Wow..thanks everyone.. A lot to think about but with a lot of helpful insight from you folks... I wasn't even looking or needing a camera but i bought the K20 in 2008, getting old, I saw the ads, and..... Anyway I have been researching pricing and comparing, and sure will buy something. Just a body or With the single kit lens, or double kit lens, white , red, black, well I may as well look at canon, Nikon, my brother in-laws is awesome and fast, better in low light, ahhh wait. I have a lot of Pentax lenses..... Back to Pentax..... I am sure we have all been here.... Hehe

[ChristianRock]

If you do decide to upgrade, as people said, the K-30 is the same as the K-30, just a better more ergonomic body (IMHO). I'd get the K-30 before the K-50.

This week the K-30 with kit lens is the "weekly deal" at KEH, so it's 10 dollars off at 339 but you also get free shipping which saves you another 15 bucks or so. Or if you want just the body, usedphotopro.com has them in mint- condition for 329, I think they have free shipping as well, at least they did the last time I checked.

But I must repeat myself... looking at your lens list in your profile, I think you need a normal prime like the DA 35 2.4 before you need a new body. Either way, there's good deals out there