OK, I am a beginner and I want a Pentax. I used (and still own) an old Pentax ME for my crime scene photography class almost 20 years ago. I bought it from a pawn shop and it came with a 35mm and maybe a 50. I can’t find the other lens at the moment.
So, I want to stay loyal to the camera that started it all for me. I have always had an interest in photography. I just never really had more than a point and shoot or cell phone. But even with a cell phone I enjoy taking a good photo, or experimenting with the “pro” settings on my Samsung Note 5 phone camera.
I have wanted a K3 II for the longest time. I honestly know I could and would be just fine with a Ks2 or K50. But for some reason I am hung up on the K3 II. Now the $850+ price is the only reason I don’t already have the K3 II right now. I just about have the boss talked into letting me get it too. If I got everything I wanted it would be $1500+, if I get the bare minimum it would be $1200+ on total.
Now I just heard about these Ricoh GR II cameras. And for about $600 I could have what sounds like an awesome camera. And I still support Ricoh Pentax. I know a GR is a LOT different than a K3II or a KS, K50 for that matter. But maybe I should go the cheapest most bang for my buck route.
For what it is worth, I am interested in Night Photography, Cityscapes/landscape (night or day), street, editorial, and Architecture.
Now in total disclosure, I am in a position that I can incorporate a lot more photography into my days than I used too (hence the serious thought of a nice “real camera”). In the pipe dreams, I would like to turn the hobby into some extra funds with a webpage or blog. Or if I were good enough some freelance stuff on local events. But that is not anything I expect to happen very soon. Just saying it because I think that is one of my hang ups where I feel that I need a DSLR.
What do you guys think I should do? Could I get what I need for night/low light, and cityscapes, dark city streets and alleys with a GR II and a tripod? Or should I just go for one of the DSLRs?
Also, I do realize that the only good camera is the one you have with you when you want a photo. And obviously, the GR could be with me 24/7 since it can go in a jacket or cargo/jeans pocket. I do think I would carry a K3, KS, or K50 a lot too. But I could see times I wouldn’t when I could or would have had the GR in a pocket.