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10-29-2010, 07:22 AM   #1
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Is the K10D or the K20D still worth it?

I'm looking to buy my first DSLR and have decided on Pentax because I prefer the image quality over what is offered in my price range by other brands. I'm wondering if the K10D or the K20D is still worth buying now that the K7 will probably dropping in price somewhat. I prefer the heft of the weather sealed bodies and the extra security of not worrying about getting them wet. I'll be using it for landscapes, nature, and anything else that may catch my eye. My budget is around $600 for the body, but less is better. Which would you guys recommend?

10-29-2010, 08:07 AM   #2
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Is the K10 or K20 worth it? As far as the money aspect, you have to decide that. Unless you want the video capability, I think the K20D would be a better bargain than the K7.
As for the cameras themselves, I can tell you that both of my K20Ds work exactly as they did before the K7 or K5 was introduced.
10-29-2010, 08:28 AM   #3
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I would say you would have a good chance to get a used one now in a very good shape as a lot of people will want to upgrade .
I know that my 20D is an great shape and it's brilliant camera ( I am not selling yet thou ) .
if you do not need the video go for the 20D ,
10-29-2010, 08:38 AM   #4
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I'd agree with what has been said above - the K20d is probably your best option. Unless you want video or need a smaller camera, the K20d produces images that are quite close in terms of quality to the K7 (they share the same sensor). If you find a used K20 you'll be saving $200-250 over used K7s at the moment.

10-29-2010, 08:42 AM   #5
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I would go for K20 as well. k10 are beginning to be oooold cameras (not that they are not capable but more likely that they are more prone to fail).
10-29-2010, 08:43 AM   #6
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K20D has better noise performance than K-7. Not much but still. It's a sacrifice they made to implement video.
I'd say go for K20D.
10-29-2010, 09:18 AM   #7
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I'd echo the others here. After 3 years of loving my k10/k20 combo, I've begun to see that the k10 just isn't up to it anymore. Go with the k20.

10-29-2010, 10:22 AM   #8
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One more agreement for the K20D. I have been very happy with my results.... Assuming you don't need video. though I'd question getting the K7 for video anyway. Use the money you saved from the k7 to go towards good glass.
10-29-2010, 11:41 AM   #9
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Depends what you want to photograph. I prefer the K10D for long exposures and landscapes (no other camera I've seen has better ISO 100 results) and the K20D for more low-light conditions (ISO 200-1600). Neither have video or HDR capabilities in-camera. Both feel exactly the same in hand. Enjoy deciding.
10-29-2010, 03:07 PM   #10
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I bought my K2 when my K10D shutter failed. I still went and got the K10D fixed for $325 from pentax canada because I felt it was worth it. That was a year and 4K shots ago, I find I like it paired sith some lenses more than my K7, and usually my Tamron 28-75 F2.8 is on the K10D and either my sigma 10-20 or 70-200F2.8 (with or without TCs) is on my K7. Just seems to work for me
10-29-2010, 03:16 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by Lowell Goudge Quote
I bought my K2 when my K10D shutter failed. I still went and got the K10D fixed for $325 from pentax canada because I felt it was worth it. That was a year and 4K shots ago, I find I like it paired sith some lenses more than my K7, and usually my Tamron 28-75 F2.8 is on the K10D and either my sigma 10-20 or 70-200F2.8 (with or without TCs) is on my K7. Just seems to work for me
@lowell Goudge, I have the same combination; my K10d has already passed its half-life and still going strong. Perhaps, a year from now, I will replace it with the K-5. I generally find color rendition slightly better on K-7 but the K10D is still a solid camera that I can still use to take great pictures; now I have it used mostly with m42 lens.
10-29-2010, 03:20 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by aleonx3 Quote
@lowell Goudge, I have the same combination; my K10d has already passed its half-life and still going strong. Perhaps, a year from now, I will replace it with the K-5. I generally find color rendition slightly better on K-7 but the K10D is still a solid camera that I can still use to take great pictures; now I have it used mostly with m42 lens.
I know what you mean,. pentax took exception to the split image finder when they repaired mine and put a disclaimer on the work order that the non stock focusing screen would upset the metering.

as if the K10D metering could get any worse with Manual aperture lenses
10-29-2010, 03:32 PM   #13
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How much are you spending? These days (as a K20d user) I would suggest going for the K-X... the prices will likely be the same when the K-R hits the shelves?

The k20d is great. I love it at low iso. The ergonomic are beautiful, very quick to work with. However, the high ISO, in a word, sucks for low light.

The k-X will get you a lot more useful pictures than the K20d will for the same cost, even if the K20d looks better at iso 100 then the kx at iso 200. There is a reason the k7 has the same sensor: iso 100 is just magnificent with rich shadow detail. Go inside, however, and things get really grainy really quickly. The k-x is lighter and really rocks in low light. I wish I had the option when i bought my k20d.

Now: weather sealing. Sounds handy right? I thought so too. Trouble is, no weather sealed lenses. If you can only afford 600 dollars for the body, you better have another 1000 + lying around for a weather sealed lens. Otherwise, you're weather sealing is marginal in really bad weather, realistically.

Pentax weather sealing is great - but you need both parts, or water will enter the lens mount. Good luck deciding!
10-29-2010, 03:55 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by paperbag846 Quote
... If you can only afford 600 dollars for the body, you better have another 1000 + lying around for a weather sealed lens. ...
Well you have obviously paid no attention to what is on the market. for $450 the OP could easily pick up a nice K10 and a brand new DA WR 18-55.
10-29-2010, 04:07 PM   #15
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My apologies, I did not take the WR kit into account (or the 18-125, either).
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