[Gerrys]

Hi all this my first post in a long while. I have a k10d that I purchased in 2007. The flash no longer works and although I have a Metz flash, I'd like to get a new camera. So, which one? How does the k30 compare ? I see the pricing is very reasonable. Should I go better ? Like k 3 or 5 etc.
Thanks

[jatrax]

You currently have 3 choices:
The k-30 or k-50 which is the 'entry level' line
The k-5, K-5II, K-5IIs which is the top of the line camera but one generation old
The k-3 which is the current flagship

Any of those will be a nice improvement over the k10d. The k-30, k-50 and the k-5 line all use the same (or very close) 16mp sensor. The k-3 has a different 24mp sensor. One thing to look at is the features you want / need. Top LCD, 5 image bracketing, buttons, and so on are all perhaps more important than the actual image quality as all of these will deliver excellent images.

[savoche]

As jatrax says the main difference between the latest bodies is in the feature set more than in image quality. The K30 is a great camera and probably the most sensible money-wise. If you want a descendant from the K10D line out would be a K-5 (go for a ii or iis) or the K-3. A bit more "advanced" than the K30/K50, but only you can know if you need those extra features.

Oh, and the K-5 family lack focus peeking, the 3/30/50 have that - handy if you have manual focus lenses.

Any of these cameras will be a huge leap ahead of the K10D when it comes to high iso. Not much of a difference at low iso.

And welcome to the forums!

[halfspin]

I cannot recommend enough a K-5iis with the grip. You can't get a grip for the k-30 or k-50. Shooting with the grip increases the pleasure factor exponentially.

[Sergey K]

I had exactly the same choice few months ago when I decided to upgrade my good ol' K100D (which flash didn't work too). First I thought k30 would be the best choice because it's a relatively new model, can use AA batteries (why do I love them?), has better auto focus, video and some other minor improvements. Then I tried it at the store and only then I found some things make me uncomfortable, like relatively small grip, lack of top display, shiny coloured body plastic. For some it won't be a big deal, for me it was so I recommend you to try different cameras yourself and get a feeling.

I ended up buying a k5 18-55wr kit for a very good price and, after selling kit lens, I am more than happy with my choice. It's "that" feeling :-)

[Gerrys]

I had exactly the same choice few months ago when I decided to upgrade my good ol' K100D (which flash didn't work too). First I thought k30 would be the best choice because it's a relatively new model, can use AA batteries (why do I love them?), has better auto focus, video and some other minor improvements. Then I tried it at the store and only then I found some things make me uncomfortable, like relatively small grip, lack of top display, shiny coloured body plastic. For some it won't be a big deal, for me it was so I recommend you to try different cameras yourself and get a feeling.

I ended up buying a k5 18-55wr kit for a very good price and, after selling kit lens, I am more than happy with my choice. It's "that" feeling :-)

Thank all that is some great advice

[dms]

It also depends [as noted by 2 posts above] on how important the ergonomics and weight/size are to you. I have the k-20d (same body as K-10d), k-x, and k-5 (1st limited edition, w/ improved body [grip])--and as regards handling/controls my K-5 and K-20d are excellent, K-x is much less so--but the K-x is noticeably smaller and lighter. I assume the newer K-30, K-50, etc. would be sort of in between, and the K-3 would be similar to the K-10d/20d and K-5. But that is something you need to see by holding them.

[Gerrys]

I am used to the LCD display on my 10d. But it seems that the k30 is a great upgrade minus that feature. Just wondering if the more expensive k5 is worth an LCD. Thoughts, please

[ejhc11]

I cannot recommend enough a K-5iis with the grip. You can't get a grip for the k-30 or k-50. Shooting with the grip increases the pleasure factor exponentially.

+1 I agree too. I have the K50, even though I have small hands its pretty small to get a comfortable grip. I recently got a good deal on the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 and the K50 is tiny to the lens.
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I think the K5II would've been a perfect choice for me if not for the higher price. I already have Canon equipment (50D, 30D, similar to the K5II plus the top LCD) so couldn't go all out for a new Pentax K5II.

[stevebrot]

I went from a K10D to a K-3 this last Spring. The migration was fairly painless and the K-3 is an incredible tool. That being said, any of the currently available Pentax models (with the possible exception of the K-500) will be step up in both image quality and features from your K10D. By step up, I mean superior AF, exposure accuracy, and speed of operation.

Here are some bullet points:

• For value and features the K-5 IIs is pretty hard to beat while it is still available
• The K-30/50 lacks the top LCD and metal build, but is a ton of camera for the money...light weight too
• The K-3 is a lot more money than current pricing for the K-5IIs, but is also a lot more camera
• You can tell the difference between the 24 Mpixel and 16Mpixel output, but it is not huge
• It is worth the time and effort to figure out the differences in the features between the three bodies

As I noted, I chose the K-3, though I was highly tempted by the K-50. A close friend has a K-50 and it is a very nice camera. I might also have bought a K-5 IIs except that the price at the time for body only was almost as much as I paid for the K-3 with lens and grip. At current pricing I may well have bought one.

That being said, I have no regrets with the K-3 purchase.


Steve

Hi all this my first post in a long while. I have a k10d that I purchased in 2007. The flash no longer works and although I have a Metz flash, I'd like to get a new camera. So, which one? How does the k30 compare ? I see the pricing is very reasonable. Should I go better ? Like k 3 or 5 etc.
Thanks

The Pentax K30 had several reported instances of aperture motor failure. I would assume that any shortcomings to the K30 were addressed in the case k50(0). I would get the k50(0), but that is because I have come to appreciate the AA-battery option, whereas the k5 would require the added bulk of a battery grip. In terms of image quality, there is little difference between K5 and K50.

---------- Post added 08-08-14 at 23:39 ----------

I cannot recommend enough a K-5iis with the grip. You can't get a grip for the k-30 or k-50. Shooting with the grip increases the pleasure factor exponentially.

'Shooting with the grip' merely adds weight in my case. In other words: no pleasure at all.

[Gerrys]

So , I've narrowed it down to the 30 or 50. They seem pretty much identical. Does one have an advantage over the other? Which is the newer model? Which way to go?

[jatrax]

So , I've narrowed it down to the 30 or 50.

k-50 is the newer model. k-30 was a bit more stylish and departed somewhat from the traditional Pentax look. It had an issue with some third party lenses because the flash stuck out in front just a bit too much so very big lenses such as the Samyang 24mm tilt-shift will not mount on it. The k-50 returns to more traditional styling but AFAIK is identical internally.

[TER-OR]

I upgraded from K10 to K5 and haven't looked back. I do use the top LCD a lot, I don't think I'd get a camera without that.

[Gerrys]

Thanks all, I went with the k50 ( price was a factor) I am very pleased. It is a big upgrade to my k10. I paid less for the 50 then I did for the 10 seven years ago still learning and reading the manual. I still consider myself a beginner even after 20 + years with pentax. The lack of the top LCD really does not bother me and I do like the live view n the rear. It is well made and does feel good in my hand. So, I am I happy pentaxian. This is my 3rd pentax since my first AF 10. You can't go wrong with any pentax