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04-14-2017, 01:07 PM   #1
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What should I buy DSLR or a GR II?

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.

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04-14-2017, 01:58 PM   #2
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The fact that the GR II has a fixed 28mm-equivalent lens would seem to make it a very limiting choice. No doubt, the GR II can take a lot of great pictures and is very compact for travel and street photography but....a lot of landscape and architectural photography needs wider angles to capture broad vistas and tall buildings. And a lot of event photography needs longer lenses for portraits and getting candid shots at a discrete distance from the participants. For those applications, you'll want a camera with interchangeable lenses.

If the K 3 II is too expensive, how about a K-3 or a K-5II?

Best wishes and enjoy what ever you choose!
04-14-2017, 02:04 PM   #3
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The GR is a nice camera. A K-70 and 21mm pancake is a nice combo too - especially if you can get the lens used. The question you must ask yourself is whether or not you want interchangeable lenses to try different types of photography such as street, candid, landscape, portrait, macro, etc. Even with one type of photography, different lenses help achieve various perspectives. If you're beginning a journey that may result in taking different roads - make sure you have the gear to explore.
04-14-2017, 03:02 PM   #4
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For the specialised photography that you like, the ability to change lenses is almost a must. That 50mm f/1.7 would work very nicely on a K3. On the cropped APS-C format it is equivalent to a 75mm short telephoto, idela for street photography. The wide(ish) lens opening would work very well for low light photography as well. The narrower field of view wouldn't be ideal for cityscapes and architecture though. Perhaps you can get just a K-3 body and get started with the manual lens if money is tight. You probably wouldn't want the 18-55 kit lens for your type of photography anyway. Another option to get you started is to look for a cheap used 24mm wide angle. It will supplement the 50mm nicely. After a few months of shooting you will get a feel for what works for you and you can then upgrade to a new lens.

04-14-2017, 03:29 PM   #5
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Decide what features you need (e.g., dslr vs. fixed lens mirrorless), and what the budget is, and only then when done what make/model has what you need.

If Pentax dslr you may need to go with entry level model new, or used. E.g., a K-5 (or K-5 II or IIS) will do almost everything and and be about $250-$400 from reputable company w/ good return policy/warranty such as KEH. Or maybe a used K-x at $150 (I have not looked but anyway a lot less). Ditto for lens(es).

Have you figured in processing, and thus computer, software, and possibly printer? For example a capable used 2012 MAcBookPro and a photo quality printer is likely another $600.Or if you have a good enough computer (likely many computers made in last 5 years to 10 years will be adequate--about 50% of my work is on a 12-14 year old Mac PowerBook G4 and Photoshop CS2), and about $200-300 for a photo printer (10 years ago I got a reconditioned ink jet EPSON for less than $100 and it has been fine--so again it is possible to spend less--but things add up). And then there is software--although this may be freeware.

Last edited by dms; 04-14-2017 at 03:37 PM.
04-14-2017, 03:42 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by photoptimist Quote
The fact that the GR II has a fixed 28mm-equivalent lens would seem to make it a very limiting choice. No doubt, the GR II can take a lot of great pictures and is very compact for travel and street photography but....a lot of landscape and architectural photography needs wider angles to capture broad vistas and tall buildings. And a lot of event photography needs longer lenses for portraits and getting candid shots at a discrete distance from the participants. For those applications, you'll want a camera with interchangeable lenses.
It will take the Ricoh wide-angle 0.75x lens to give you 21mm equiv. And I think it will do 35mm equiv crop in camera.

The GRII is very appealing. I would want to find out more about its low light focusing abilities. Assuming they aren't terrible I would be tempted to start there and see how you go.
04-14-2017, 04:04 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by mikebb Quote
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.
Interested in night photography, not sure about your path, and on budget? It means K-5 (or II or IIs) used. For around $250 to $450 you can have one of those bodies in good shape, and if you later decided to sell/switch you'll not lose a lot.

04-14-2017, 04:13 PM   #8
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I have seen a few K3's on the forum lately and it has a decent on board flash which gives you a few more opportunities. I have really enjoyed mine and my first recent purchase on the forum went very well.
04-14-2017, 04:47 PM - 1 Like   #9
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If you're on a budget and like the K3II, take a hard look at a K70 for perhaps better IQ and many overlapping features. Daughter has one. I have the K3II. K70 is very nice, and I think a great buy at about $600. Also, I think I'd buy for the future, and I think you'll find much more flexibility and better long term investment in a DSLR. For me, I find I'm attracted to many types of photography which a year ago weren't even on the horizon, like doing some astro work as well as macro work. Buy the right DSLR, and you have many options going forward.
04-14-2017, 07:07 PM   #10
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First thing you do is rule out the K-50. It has had the dreaded aperture motor failure issue that plagued the K-30 so don't even think about that one. Let me repeat that just in case I wasn't clear: Do not even consider a K-50. Now you said that you are interested in night photography and personally I would also stay away from the K-3 as I feel it was a step backward from the K-5. K-5ll, K-5lls in regard to handling noise in low light, high ISO photography. Go to Imagingresources.com and compare the different cameras at various ISO's to see which handle noise the best to help you with your decision. Personally I would counsel you to either find a used K-5lls or go for the K-70.
04-14-2017, 09:08 PM   #11
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DSLR for sure. You should check out the used market on the forums or on ebay and you could get some pretty awesome deals.
04-14-2017, 09:11 PM   #12
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After reading through the thread, I too would suggest either the K5IIs or K70. I have scanned enough K30/50 and I saw one K-s2 aperture block problems, so just avoid them. I mainly shoot the same interests as you and my K5IIs is just perfect. With the K70 you get focus peaking for your manual lenses. With a tight budget, I would just pass on the K3/3II/KP. With your interests - glass will be where you will be able to extend your capabilities, so what you save on a body - you will eventually spend on lenses.

If you plan to use a tripod a lot, with manual lenses - then the K70. Focus peaking is through LiveView so it is not really a handheld exercise.

04-14-2017, 09:52 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by mikebb Quote
...Night Photography, Cityscapes/landscape (night or day), street, editorial, and Architecture...
Night photography = DSLR. The GR is reasonably good for low light, but if it's very dark you won't get the same image quality as with a DSLR.
04-15-2017, 03:01 AM   #14
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Welcome

1 I am no expert but I will say that I would first say use the resources of the forum - don't make the "mistake" I made and ignore some sections of the forum when I first joined.

if you have not done so, go to the listings at the top, let's start with "camera" if you want. by using that link you will find reviews of multiple cameras and a tool which allows you to compare cameras side by side along with links to specific camera threads.

the "lens" link does similar

you may want to consider alternative ways to carrying your camera and/or equipment so check out the "Accessories" section

and when you make your decision on what you want check out the Buy/Sell section as well.

2 I would suggest is that you do as you are doing, ask questions and for any help you want.

3 check out this thread:

Need help picking your Pentax gear? Check out our recommended Pentax equipment list! (New for 2016)

Recommended Pentax Gear 2016 - Gear Guides | PentaxForums.com

4 if you can afford the cost, consider going to one of the rental companies, (I have used Lensrental.com from Tennessee) and renting some equipment for your own personal testing. Some of those companies may offer to sell used equipment and some might even apply the rental fee to the purchase price.

5 take photos, practice and post thoughts, experiences and photos here for us to enjoy.

good luck on any "business" you start up
04-15-2017, 05:12 AM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by mikebb Quote
For what it is worth, I am interested in Night Photography, Cityscapes/landscape (night or day), street, editorial, and Architecture.
Both would satisfy your interests. I have the GRii and love it for its image quality and compactness. However it is slow to focus in low light, so depending upon what you are expecting and planning for night photography that could be an issue. The DSLR's mentioned above would all work well for you. I'm guessing that a lot of this will depend upon what your work needs are since you mentioned your boss here. If flash photography is a must both can work, but a DSLR will have an advantage in that you can use on camera flash with more ease, just because the camera is bigger and more comfortable to use. (although you will want a flash that tilt and swivels for best usage). Both will wirelessly trigger an off camera flash that uses PTTL.
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