[mfdewittstudios]

Indiana, to be exact. I'm a freelance fine artist ( portraiture ), illustrator and cartoonist, and I just returned to my artwork and exhibiting after repeated long absences dealing with Lupus. I'm on the forum for advice and learning opportunities. I need a solid DSLR for reference photos, and, from the research I've done for the last couple of months, Pentax is my answer. The in body stabilization, good low light operation, lens compatability and detailed imagery sold me. My first Pentax ( which I still have) was the K1000 workhorse that got me through college and the darkroom. I developed Essential Tremors shortly after graduating. I couldn't hold a camera and there wasn't an affordable option until recently with my Samsung Galaxy Tab. Short story already way too long... which would be the best used Pentax on a very tight budget? I love the K-X which has jumped in price, unfortunately. I also like the K20d very much. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much in advance!

[aslyfox]

welcome

when looking for " experienced " equipment, I have had good luck dealing with forum members through the forums' marketplace

it can be sorted by country:

The Pentax Marketplace | Buy & Sell Pentax Cameras and Lenses (United States) - PentaxForums.com

[nixxo2002]

Hi , and welcome .
It all depends on your budget . But if the size and weight critical , I will recommend a few choices .

smallest and very light Pentax Q7 mirrorless camera with small and good lens choices .

Pentax MX-1 compact camera . i still own it ,and its always with me . Camera packed with great options . build in zoom lens .

Pentax Pentax K-S2 , brilliant camera . K- Mount with a lot of lens options . simple to use, light weight , great image quality , articulated screen , dual-control wheels, weather-sealed, wi-fi, in-body stabilization, relatively cheap .

I wish you the best and stay healthy most important .
my best

[robgski]

Welcome! I look forward to seeing your images.

You can find great used gear here on the marketplace, and it's likely that a K-7 or K-5 will serve you well at a relatively low price, but depending your budget, a used K-3 is a great camera.

A sturdy monopod could allow for some more support and still allow you quick mobility.

[Kerrowdown]

Welcome to the forum, hope you find a camera that suits promptly, to allow you to get back into photography rapidly.

[aslyfox]

the forums has a great tool to compare cameras, for example:

K-X vs. K 7 vs. K 3 vs. K- S2

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-cameras-compared/?c1=Pentax+K-x&c...c4=Pentax+K-S2

[wadge22]

Welcome to the forums!

I don't know what your "very tight budget" actually allows, but you may even be able to consider a K-70 if you can find one for a very good deal. I bought one (body only) from Amazon Warehouse not long ago for under $350. It is a very powerful camera for the money (even closer to full price). Full disclosure, though: I have since had reliability issues with it (I believe my own fault, but it makes me slightly hesitant to give a strong recommendation).
A secondhand higher end camera, like a K-5 or K-3, should be a good choice (again, not knowing exactly what your budget is). If you haven't already, check out the user review database of K-mount DSLRs. They are listed with the newest at the top and the oldest at the bottom, and should therefore generally be in descending price order as well. Don't pay too much attention to the prices listed on that page, though. Ebay (for used peer to peer prices) and KEH (for used camera shop prices) are probably a better guide for what to expect to pay for a used older camera. And since you're in Indiana, it might make sense to check out Robert's/UsedPhotoPro.

[Michail_P]

Hello and welcome to the community. Pentax is the answer, visit the marketplace...Greetings from Greece!

[jcdoss]

Welcome to Pentax Forums from Germany!

[mfdewittstudios]

Thank you all so much for the warm welcome and advice! Very tight budget = under $200 ( Told you it was tight 😉 ) As you can see from a couple of my paintings, I lean on my reference photography …so the camera is important. The Pentax image quality is awesome, and the built in stabilization is exactly what I need. Thanks again!

[mfdewittstudios]

Thank you all so much for the warm welcome and advice! Very tight budget = under $200 ( Told you it was tight 😉 ) As you can see from a couple of my paintings, I lean on my reference photography …so the camera is important. The Pentax image quality is awesome, and the built in stabilization is exactly what I need. Thanks again!

[richfam]

KEH currently has a K-7 body (14MP) for $209 and a K-5 body (16MP) for $229. Both rated in Excellent condition and both with 6 month warranties. My sister has a K-7 and really likes it. keh.com