Originally posted by esrandall I started with a K-50 + the 18/55 and 50/200 combo, and a DA 35. That total was about $1100, back in February of 2013. Didn't use the two kit lenses much, mainly used the 35mm. Started working the 18-55 in (was blessed with a sharp copy) because it had pretty good close focus. That close-focus combo quickly led me into macro land, and I used the 35 + Tamron 90mm combo pretty exclusively. Being a gear guy in any hobby I've ever been involved in, I started craving the higher-end K-3. I also borrowed my buddy's K-5, and I found that I loved the weight and added battery life of the grip. Once the price drop hit, I picked up the K-3 this past March. I use it primarily with a Sigma 17-50, and a pile of macro lenses (mainly the Pentax 100 WR).
I'll say that both cameras are great. Sure, the K-3 is better in the build quality department, has the quiet shutter, the ability to use a grip, and the 24MP, but the K-50 is just fine, plenty fast, and makes fantastic pictures. I was convinced that I would make even better pictures with the K-3 (classic gear hound syndrome that applies in a big way with PC gaming and all of the money spent on high-end mice/keyboards/headsets)), and it turned out my pictures were better -- but not because the camera was better. I'm getting better as a photographer, and before I sold off my K-50, I took it for one more run at a local nursery. K-50 + my trusty Sigma 50mm EX DG Macro. I came out of that nursery with some of the best pictures I've ever taken. The only thing I really missed was the better balance between the grip/Tamron 90 (I switched to the Sigma a few minutes in). Same lenses used on both cameras, and same great results. I thought the ability to crop deeper would be huge, but frankly speaking, my technique has improved, so my macro flowers are sharper to begin with, so the 16MP is plenty.
Truth be told, if I could do it all over again, I would have found a deal on a K-5iis, and spent the extra money towards another lens or something. I would have had the build quality, the grip, way better battery life, and a great camera to make nice images. K-3 is great, but my shooting doesn't utilize the improved AF capability (I use spot focus), and I'm always looking to use the lowest ISO possible, so I don't get that high ISO performance advantage either.
With that little story out of the way, I would say that if a grip is important to you, and the better AF ability, then the price is definitely good enough to go for the K-3. If that stuff isn't important to you -- then pick up a K-50 at one of the giveaway prices being offered, and spend the rest on good glass. Forget the 18-55, and all of the budget AF meaning, don't be tempted by the Tamron 28-300's of the world) stuff. Get a fast 17-50 if you shoot short, or spend a little more on the 18-135 if you think you'll need the WR + longer range. You will make images that will only get better as you get to know the camera.
Hi Esrandall, many thanks for your thoughtful post: as luck would have it I am about to go off and collect a
new K5iis - all for the price of £
349! Yes, you read that correctly!
I'm going to pick up a DA 35mm as well, plus I have my Pentax-A 28mm and Pentax-M 500mm too. I will, when money permits, get a wide angle - 21 or 15mm, as well as a zoom - initially I think I will get the 50-200 WR because it is NOT the rubbish lens people might think it is - I've seen enough to know it has limitations, but I will work within them. looking forward to posting some pics in the near future.
Thanks to all who spent time contributing to this thread - I know it will help out people in the same circumstances as I was.