Would an older Pentax DSLR be much of an upgrade?

DaveHolmes · 08-24-2012, 12:50 PM

My girlfriend has a Fuji HS10 but would like to upgrade to a DSLR...

I'm poor as f**k...

Her main gripes with the HS10 are image quality above ISO400 - image quality in general, and the delay in the shutter actually doing anything when she presses the shutter button...

I'm looking for deals on K-m's, K-x's and K20's but would older Pentax dslr's be an improvement on the HS10 - Say K10, K200d, K110, IST(d,ds) etc?

Our boy uses an IST-DL (or S... can't remember) but I haven't seen much off it to be honest (he uses it lees than I'd hoped) should I get her to use that (with better lenses than he has) for a while and see? (hoping he won't mind)

JinDesu · 08-24-2012, 12:59 PM

ISO 800 shot:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/7665970742_0152dbf322_o.jpg

ISO 1600 shot:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/6998959031_e24c40d4f5_o.jpg

ISO 6400 shot:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7665972636_91d27037bf_o.jpg

Full size pictures from my k-x. You judge for yourself. I set my k-x to auto-ISO 100-6400, knowing that if I'm shooting to post on facebook or even flickr, ISO 6400 is still clean.

Blue · 08-24-2012, 01:14 PM

Originally posted by DaveHolmes

My girlfriend has a Fuji HS10 but would like to upgrade to a DSLR...

I'm poor as f**k...

Her main gripes with the HS10 are image quality above ISO400 - image quality in general, and the delay in the shutter actually doing anything when she presses the shutter button...

I'm looking for deals on K-m's, K-x's and K20's but would older Pentax dslr's be an improvement on the HS10 - Say K10, K200d, K110, IST(d,ds) etc?

Our boy uses an IST-DL (or S... can't remember) but I haven't seen much off it to be honest (he uses it lees than I'd hoped) should I get her to use that (with better lenses than he has) for a while and see? (hoping he won't mind)

I have a k-5 and still use my K200d and k20d quite a bit. I have a *istD that I use in specialized situations and actually took it to Africa with me last year as my second body. I use 2 bodies since I use primes lenses predominantly. That said, I wouldn't have a problem with any of those bodies you have on our list. Just remember that the biggest draw back I see with the *istD, and DS isn't the sensor but the buffering and consider these bodies with a special purpose. Unless she is experienced with slr and/or dslr bodies, the K-x may be the better choice on your list.

DaveHolmes · 08-24-2012, 01:33 PM

I have a K-x (which she has used on occasion) and no way I can afford to get her even a used one... The K20's used are going for around the same here, so it's K10 and below...

Will these improve upon the list of her 'gripes' in my OP?

The plan is that we'd share lenses and she'd predominantly be using the Tamron 17-50 2.8

**Ash** · 08-24-2012, 01:40 PM

What's your budget? Cheapest yet best performing camera around would be the K-x but the K-r is not much more expensive and has a number of better features than the K-x that are all practical. You might be lucky to find one at around $400 but the biggest cost is the lenses you might want to get for it.

Blue · 08-24-2012, 01:41 PM

Originally posted by DaveHolmes

I have a K-x (which she has used on occasion) and no way I can afford to get her even a used one... The K20's used are going for around the same here, so it's K10 and below...

Will these improve upon the list of her 'gripes' in my OP?

The plan is that we'd share lenses and she'd predominantly be using the Tamron 17-50 2.8

The ISO issue is a dodgy aspect on anything before K-x. I do o.k. with the K200d within expectations but I have a K-5 for a reason. She may be a candidate for something like an LX5.

JinDesu · 08-24-2012, 01:43 PM

Ah sorry, didn't realize you had a k-x.

But you can easily find a used k-x for $200-300, especially without a lens.

Anvh · 08-24-2012, 02:07 PM

Skip the Km the K200D and K10D use the same sensor but they have better bodies and features if you ask me.

I won't push the ISO above 400 if you don't like noise but you can shoot at ISO800 though.
This one is at ISO800 to give an idea.

DSims · 08-24-2012, 02:14 PM

Yes, it seems to me she should try your boy's camera first (assuming he doesn't mind), since the cost is right! And if you need to get a better lens for it, perhaps try for at least the quality of a DA55-300, Takumar/F 70-210/4-5.6, or similar lens.

But if ISO is a complaint, then the K-r and K-x are obvious front-runners, followed by the K200D, K10D, and K100D (Super if possible).

Yes, I think any of these bodies would help alleviate these 'gripes.'

Also, in my way of thinking, you have way too much redundancy in your primes between 28-55mm. While I also have an FA31, the FA28 is the only other prime I have between 20 and 43mm. While the FA28 is not the be-all, end-all lens, it's quite good and you could get rid of all your other 28s. I also had an F50/1.4 before I got the FA43, and I think you could sell all your other 50s, save perhaps a single M50/1.7 or such (or just get an FA43 and you'll willingly sell them all, including the FA50!). And you could buy a DA35/2.4 and sell all your other 35s.

Here's my simple scenario that I think could actually work:

Keep your FA28 and a favorite MF 50 such as the M50/1.7. Sell all your other 28-50mm lenses (notably including the FA35/2) except the FA50/1.4. Then either keep the FA50/1.4 and add a DA35/2.4, or sell the FA50/1.4 and get an FA43. Take the proceeds and buy a DA*50-135 (or possibly FA77 instead). Now you have a great kit.

adwb · 08-25-2012, 12:46 AM

Originally posted by DaveHolmes

'm looking for deals on K-m's, K-x's and K20's but would older Pentax dslr's be an improvement on the HS10 - Say K10, K200d, K110, IST(d,ds) etc?

Our boy uses an IST-DL (or S... can't remember) but I haven't seen much off it to be honest (he uses it lees than I'd hoped) should I get her to use that (with better lenses than he has) for a while and see? (hoping he won't mind)

Dave go look for a k10d or k110d both will give good results up to iso800 without being noisy and you can remove what there is with little softening as it is a small correction, they are cheap enough now here in the uk.

the last post with advice on lenses is good advice do that, you have more glass than you could ever need,

TaoMaas · 08-25-2012, 04:27 AM

The K10D and K20D are both great cameras, but since this is for your girlfriend, you might want to let her hold one before you go out and buy. They're fairly large cameras by Pentax standards. I love my K10D, but my wife hates it because she thinks it's too heavy. I know this is out of your price range, but I recently bought my wife a used Q and she loves it!

DaveHolmes · 08-25-2012, 08:53 AM

Q is not going to have much of an increase in image quality over the HS10 (if any)...

Going to focus searches on 6-to-10 megapixel dslr's with K-mount (She will have permenent use of the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 and shared use of my other lenses)

Cheers.

TaoMaas · 08-25-2012, 09:05 AM

Originally posted by DaveHolmes

Q is not going to have much of an increase in image quality over the HS10 (if any)...

Maybe not in image qualtiy (if you go strictly by the test charts), but it was a massive increase in "enjoyability". And as anyone will tell you, the best camera is the one you're willing to carry and use. My wife had a Sony bridge camera, but found it too limiting. She moved up to an *istD, but found it too heavy. The Q hit her sweet spot. It's a good enough camera that I've been having to decide between getting one for myself or waiting to see what else Ricoh/Pentax has in the works.

StephenHampshire · 08-25-2012, 09:42 AM

As someone else said, K100D (ideally super as it has dust removal and supports HSM/SDM)
The 6Mpixel CCD is pretty clean at high iso (at least in good light) and a nice compact body. Single control dial only though...My son uses mine (K100D)now and enjoys it very much, we can swap most lenses too.

eddie1960 · 08-25-2012, 10:21 AM

Originally posted by DaveHolmes

Q is not going to have much of an increase in image quality over the HS10 (if any)...

Going to focus searches on 6-to-10 megapixel dslr's with K-mount (She will have permenent use of the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 and shared use of my other lenses)

Cheers.

K 10 is quite usable to 800, and at the lower iso is excellent. over 800 you need to do a fair bit of work on noise, but i've shot mine a fair bit at gigs using a 2.8 zoom and 1600 with decent results
in many ways it will be better than the fuji of course, but i've not seen the fuji hgher iso.

08-24-2012, 12:50 PM	#1
DaveHolmes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 1,501	Would an older Pentax DSLR be much of an upgrade? My girlfriend has a Fuji HS10 but would like to upgrade to a DSLR... I'm poor as f**k... Her main gripes with the HS10 are image quality above ISO400 - image quality in general, and the delay in the shutter actually doing anything when she presses the shutter button... I'm looking for deals on K-m's, K-x's and K20's but would older Pentax dslr's be an improvement on the HS10 - Say K10, K200d, K110, IST(d,ds) etc? Our boy uses an IST-DL (or S... can't remember) but I haven't seen much off it to be honest (he uses it lees than I'd hoped) should I get her to use that (with better lenses than he has) for a while and see? (hoping he won't mind)

08-24-2012, 02:14 PM	#9
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	Yes, it seems to me she should try your boy's camera first (assuming he doesn't mind), since the cost is right! And if you need to get a better lens for it, perhaps try for at least the quality of a DA55-300, Takumar/F 70-210/4-5.6, or similar lens. But if ISO is a complaint, then the K-r and K-x are obvious front-runners, followed by the K200D, K10D, and K100D (Super if possible). Yes, I think any of these bodies would help alleviate these 'gripes.' Also, in my way of thinking, you have way too much redundancy in your primes between 28-55mm. While I also have an FA31, the FA28 is the only other prime I have between 20 and 43mm. While the FA28 is not the be-all, end-all lens, it's quite good and you could get rid of all your other 28s. I also had an F50/1.4 before I got the FA43, and I think you could sell all your other 50s, save perhaps a single M50/1.7 or such (or just get an FA43 and you'll willingly sell them all, including the FA50!). And you could buy a DA35/2.4 and sell all your other 35s. Here's my simple scenario that I think could actually work: Keep your FA28 and a favorite MF 50 such as the M50/1.7. Sell all your other 28-50mm lenses (notably including the FA35/2) except the FA50/1.4. Then either keep the FA50/1.4 and add a DA35/2.4, or sell the FA50/1.4 and get an FA43. Take the proceeds and buy a DA50-135 (or possibly FA77 instead). Now you have a great kit. Last edited by DSims; 08-24-2012 at 02:19 PM.*

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08-24-2012, 12:59 PM	#2
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	ISO 800 shot: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/7665970742_0152dbf322_o.jpg ISO 1600 shot: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/6998959031_e24c40d4f5_o.jpg ISO 6400 shot: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7665972636_91d27037bf_o.jpg Full size pictures from my k-x. You judge for yourself. I set my k-x to auto-ISO 100-6400, knowing that if I'm shooting to post on facebook or even flickr, ISO 6400 is still clean.

08-24-2012, 01:14 PM	#3
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by DaveHolmes My girlfriend has a Fuji HS10 but would like to upgrade to a DSLR... I'm poor as f*k... Her main gripes with the HS10 are image quality above ISO400 - image quality in general, and the delay in the shutter actually doing anything when she presses the shutter button... I'm looking for deals on K-m's, K-x's and K20's but would older Pentax dslr's be an improvement on the HS10 - Say K10, K200d, K110, IST(d,ds) etc? Our boy uses an IST-DL (or S... can't remember) but I haven't seen much off it to be honest (he uses it lees than I'd hoped) should I get her to use that (with better lenses than he has) for a while and see? (hoping he won't mind) I have a k-5 and still use my K200d and k20d quite a bit. I have a istD that I use in specialized situations and actually took it to Africa with me last year as my second body. I use 2 bodies since I use primes lenses predominantly. That said, I wouldn't have a problem with any of those bodies you have on our list. Just remember that the biggest draw back I see with the *istD, and DS isn't the sensor but the buffering and consider these bodies with a special purpose. Unless she is experienced with slr and/or dslr bodies, the K-x may be the better choice on your list.

08-24-2012, 01:33 PM	#4
DaveHolmes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 1,501 Original Poster	I have a K-x (which she has used on occasion) and no way I can afford to get her even a used one... The K20's used are going for around the same here, so it's K10 and below... Will these improve upon the list of her 'gripes' in my OP? The plan is that we'd share lenses and she'd predominantly be using the Tamron 17-50 2.8

08-24-2012, 01:40 PM	#5
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	What's your budget? Cheapest yet best performing camera around would be the K-x but the K-r is not much more expensive and has a number of better features than the K-x that are all practical. You might be lucky to find one at around $400 but the biggest cost is the lenses you might want to get for it.

08-24-2012, 01:41 PM	#6
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by DaveHolmes I have a K-x (which she has used on occasion) and no way I can afford to get her even a used one... The K20's used are going for around the same here, so it's K10 and below... Will these improve upon the list of her 'gripes' in my OP? The plan is that we'd share lenses and she'd predominantly be using the Tamron 17-50 2.8 The ISO issue is a dodgy aspect on anything before K-x. I do o.k. with the K200d within expectations but I have a K-5 for a reason. She may be a candidate for something like an LX5.

08-24-2012, 01:43 PM	#7
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Ah sorry, didn't realize you had a k-x. But you can easily find a used k-x for $200-300, especially without a lens.

08-24-2012, 02:07 PM	#8
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	Skip the Km the K200D and K10D use the same sensor but they have better bodies and features if you ask me. I won't push the ISO above 400 if you don't like noise but you can shoot at ISO800 though. This one is at ISO800 to give an idea.

08-25-2012, 12:46 AM	#10
adwb Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bristol UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,636	Originally posted by DaveHolmes 'm looking for deals on K-m's, K-x's and K20's but would older Pentax dslr's be an improvement on the HS10 - Say K10, K200d, K110, IST(d,ds) etc? Our boy uses an IST-DL (or S... can't remember) but I haven't seen much off it to be honest (he uses it lees than I'd hoped) should I get her to use that (with better lenses than he has) for a while and see? (hoping he won't mind) Dave go look for a k10d or k110d both will give good results up to iso800 without being noisy and you can remove what there is with little softening as it is a small correction, they are cheap enough now here in the uk. the last post with advice on lenses is good advice do that, you have more glass than you could ever need,

08-25-2012, 04:27 AM	#11
TaoMaas Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,574	The K10D and K20D are both great cameras, but since this is for your girlfriend, you might want to let her hold one before you go out and buy. They're fairly large cameras by Pentax standards. I love my K10D, but my wife hates it because she thinks it's too heavy. I know this is out of your price range, but I recently bought my wife a used Q and she loves it!

08-25-2012, 08:53 AM	#12
DaveHolmes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 1,501 Original Poster	Q is not going to have much of an increase in image quality over the HS10 (if any)... Going to focus searches on 6-to-10 megapixel dslr's with K-mount (She will have permenent use of the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 and shared use of my other lenses) Cheers.

08-25-2012, 09:05 AM	#13
TaoMaas Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,574	Originally posted by DaveHolmes Q is not going to have much of an increase in image quality over the HS10 (if any)... Maybe not in image qualtiy (if you go strictly by the test charts), but it was a massive increase in "enjoyability". And as anyone will tell you, the best camera is the one you're willing to carry and use. My wife had a Sony bridge camera, but found it too limiting. She moved up to an *istD, but found it too heavy. The Q hit her sweet spot. It's a good enough camera that I've been having to decide between getting one for myself or waiting to see what else Ricoh/Pentax has in the works.

08-25-2012, 09:42 AM	#14
StephenHampshire Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Winchester Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,523	As someone else said, K100D (ideally super as it has dust removal and supports HSM/SDM) The 6Mpixel CCD is pretty clean at high iso (at least in good light) and a nice compact body. Single control dial only though...My son uses mine (K100D)now and enjoys it very much, we can swap most lenses too.

08-25-2012, 10:21 AM	#15
eddie1960 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,667	Originally posted by DaveHolmes Q is not going to have much of an increase in image quality over the HS10 (if any)... Going to focus searches on 6-to-10 megapixel dslr's with K-mount (She will have permenent use of the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 and shared use of my other lenses) Cheers. K 10 is quite usable to 800, and at the lower iso is excellent. over 800 you need to do a fair bit of work on noise, but i've shot mine a fair bit at gigs using a 2.8 zoom and 1600 with decent results in many ways it will be better than the fuji of course, but i've not seen the fuji hgher iso.