Originally posted by yas_min Think lots of dust and temperatures between 0-40°C. One of the reasons I have decided to go with Pentax is because of its weather-sealed body - but is this treatment just going to destroy whatever camera and lenses I buy?
I dunno, dust might be a problem...
I would highly recommend you jump on this
K-5 IIs deal ($699) if you can while it lasts, as it will give you the best bang for your buck over a used K-5 and the savings from not buying the K-3 will let you buy some nice lens(es) and/or accessories (tripod?).
I wouldn't worry about the K-3 sales too much anymore. It just had its Thanksgiving/Christmas ones, and now it should stabilize for the next few months (at least), with only minor drops during that time. Again, the K-5 IIs at that price is a STEAL. And I would argue that at $699, you can't get more camera anywhere, from any brand. Period. And it will satisfy your creative juices for quite some time
I also recommend you read here, as this should be a good launching point for how to start learning to use a DSLR (as it's really freaking complicated at first, there's no doubt):
True Beginners - READ THIS / START HERE!
As for lenses, I highly recommend the DA 18-135 WR, as it will be an excellent starter lens that is extremely versatile and weather sealed, and will offer you a great focal length range from semi-wide to medium telephoto. For many here, it's the only travel lens people use because it really is just so versatile (and again - weather sealed!). That would put you at around $1050 for the two, and assuming what you budget is, possibly a fast prime as well, namely the DA 50mm f/1.8. It will help make that '3D pop' much easier and really give you that shallow depth of field that looks great on portraits, as well as being excellent in low light (you said stage work, yes?) that when coupled with the K-5 IIs extremely low noise, will makes a very, very capable combo in those conditions (unfortunately it isn't weather sealed, and if you want a sealed 'fast 50' you have to spend 3x as much for the DA* 55mm f/1.4).
Of course there's many other ways we can get you to spend your money ( we're very good at that here
), but that would honestly be an excellent start. One other recommendation would be a tripod., and the Pentax Forums recommended travel/portable tripod is here:
Sirui T-025x Travel Tripod In-Depth Review.
Hope this helps, and like I said, the K-5 IIs is what I would do in your shoes.
Oh, and welcome to the forums. You can sign out anytime you like, but you may find you never leave
-Heie