New to DSLRs

thefragger · 09-25-2009, 06:46 AM

Originally posted by aleonx3

Agree with Ash, the extra megapixels come in handy when you need to crop; the other thing to keep in mind is that K10D has more advance features such as pentaprism viewfinder, two dials, TAv mode, green button etc. that you may not be able to find in K100DS.

What do all those additional features do for me?

pbo · 09-25-2009, 07:12 AM

Quote:

What do all those additional features do for me?

One more wheel adds a little bit of control, and - this one I'm not sure about - enables hyper-program mode that Pentax is so proud of

So, when you're shooting program AE, you can turn front wheel to instantly change into Tv mode, or rear wheel to instantly change into Av mode; afterwards, pressing green button takes you back to program.
Also when reviewing pictures, you can use front wheel to change the picture without having to zoom all the way out - useful when you have two pictures of the same subject, and you want to see which one has better focus, per se.

Also, green button would be especially useful for you, since you're going to shoot manual lenses. Basically, you will have to use those lenses in camera's M mode, and you will use aperture ring to set the aperture, and then press green button so that camera can meter and select an appropriate shutter speed. That said, I would guess K100Ds has some sort of feature that does the same thing? Or, how else do so many people around here with older cameras shoot manual lenses?

Marc Sabatella · 09-25-2009, 09:16 AM

Originally posted by pbo

One more wheel adds a little bit of control

In particular, in M mode, the ability to have the shutter speed on one wheel and the aperture on the other, rather than require you to hold a button and turn the wheel to set aperture as the K100D does. Also the ability to use one of the wheels - possibly in conjunction with the OK button - to set ISO, rather than requiring the Fn menu. The other buttons let you change metering modes (multi-segment versus center-weighted versus spot) and other similar settings without using the menu. If you change those things often (I don't), the buttons save work.

Quote:

this one I'm not sure about - enables hyper-program mode that Pentax is so proud of

So, when you're shooting program AE, you can turn front wheel to instantly change into Tv mode, or rear wheel to instantly change into Av mode; afterwards, pressing green button takes you back to program.

Some of the single-wheel cameras have a "half" version of that. Basically, you choose in advance (via the custom menu) whether you want the single (rear) wheel to change you to Tv or Av mode. I have mine set to change to Av mode, not that I ever normally use P mode. But if I do shoot P mode, I can with just a turn of the wheel go into Av mode I just can't *also* go to Tv mode by turnign the other wheel.

Quote:

Also, green button would be especially useful for you, since you're going to shoot manual lenses. Basically, you will have to use those lenses in camera's M mode, and you will use aperture ring to set the aperture, and then press green button so that camera can meter and select an appropriate shutter speed. That said, I would guess K100Ds has some sort of feature that does the same thing? Or, how else do so many people around here with older cameras shoot manual lenses?

You're right - there is a different button. On most single-wheel models, it's AE-L. On the K-m, I think it's the exposure compensation button. The K200D and K-x actually have a Green button, despite having only the one wheel.

thefragger · 09-27-2009, 10:56 AM

And now I'm going to throw a wrench in this whole talk and bring up the option of getting a Pentax K-X body when it comes out-- the local price is $699 with an 18~55 lens at Henry's.

Decisions, decisions...

The only way I could afford this body would be by splitting the cost with my parents... not too much a fan of the co-ownership... but how would this body stack up against the K10D in price/features?

Marc Sabatella · 09-27-2009, 10:09 PM

Still doesn't have the second wheel or larger viewfinder, nor is it weather sealed. But aside form that, check the specs for yourself - it's got a lot going for it.

Timtast1c · 09-27-2009, 11:53 PM

both are great. though sometimes while using my k20d I cant help but wonder how my beloved k10d would do (probably nearly just as good.... in some situations perhaps better!)

**Rondec** · 09-28-2009, 04:11 AM

Originally posted by iceemn360

both are great. though sometimes while using my k20d I cant help but wonder how my beloved k10d would do (probably nearly just as good.... in some situations perhaps better!)

I would say "different" would be the word. My K10 tends to under expose significantly compared to my K20 and the colors look colder over all. I guess it's just the difference in the sensor. Over all, I like the K20 a little better, but to the OP, I would have no problem recommending the K10 if you have the funds. The weather sealing to me is the kicker. Get it with the sealed kit lens and you have a camera you can take almost anywhere.

Unless you need video, I wouldn't get the Kx. Either of the other cameras will be cheaper and offer a good way learn the ins and outs of photography.

systemA · 09-28-2009, 06:39 AM

I'd wholeheartedly recommend the K10d as the market price for it is pretty cheap for such a functional camera

If you have the extra cash for a K20d, I'd go with that as you can better enjoy high-iso shooting (and some extra megapickels).

GerryL · 09-28-2009, 12:49 PM

Go with the K100D super.
I have that DSLR and don't have any regrets getting it.
It produces excellent photos and stood up to every situation I ever encountered including low light.
It is all a matter of knowing your tool and being good at using it.
I never had to crop yet as it is all about framing.

dylansalt · 09-28-2009, 01:59 PM

The K10d is perfectly suitable for a beginner, even if coming from a point and shoot.

I gave my 10d to my 14 & 21yr old (I set cam to green mode, auto select focus and evaluative metering) while at a game farm and told them to have a good time and they got great results.

They have only taken photos basic p&s before.

I'm quite happy to share their results if you have any reservations

Regards

Dylan

thefragger · 09-28-2009, 04:03 PM

Thanks everyone for your input (and putting up with me!); it's greatly appreciated

Alright; so I've got a K100DS at $275 and a K10D for $330 available to me-- price-wise, it looks like the K10D is the better deal of the two... Thoughts?

Oldschool · 09-28-2009, 04:12 PM

Either one will be great. You should choose the one that feels most comfortable in your hands.

thefragger · 09-28-2009, 04:16 PM

Originally posted by Oldschool

Either one will be great. You should choose the one that feels most comfortable in your hands.

Thing is I won't be able to hold either... I have fairly big hands, long fingers (tall, thin kid

)

KJon · 09-28-2009, 05:06 PM

My two cents...I have both the K100D (not "Super") and the K10D...Really like the hi ISO on the K100D and as I do a lot of theatre shooting, it's my go-to camera. Haven't shot the K10D nearly as much as the K100D. When I am shooting the K100D, I don't miss any of the bells and whistles of the K10D.

My vote's for the K100D Super.

Either one is a great camera and you'll be happy with either of them.

Best,
Kevin

res3567 · 09-29-2009, 01:10 AM

JUST GET BOTH!

All kidding aside, the K100DS would probably be the best one to learn on and then once you have mastered all of your DSLR skills, the sky is the limit depending on your funds. I love both cameras, but I shoot with my K100DS more because it is lighter than my K10D. Yea, it ain't got as many "pro" features as the K10D, but it is a blast to use nonetheless.

09-28-2009, 05:06 PM	#29
KJon Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Connecticut, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 542	My two cents...I have both the K100D (not "Super") and the K10D...Really like the hi ISO on the K100D and as I do a lot of theatre shooting, it's my go-to camera. Haven't shot the K10D nearly as much as the K100D. When I am shooting the K100D, I don't miss any of the bells and whistles of the K10D. My vote's for the K100D Super. Either one is a great camera and you'll be happy with either of them. Best, Kevin Last edited by KJon; 09-28-2009 at 05:07 PM. Reason: clarify some confusing language

09-29-2009, 01:10 AM	#30
res3567 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Houston Tx. Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,876	JUST GET BOTH! All kidding aside, the K100DS would probably be the best one to learn on and then once you have mastered all of your DSLR skills, the sky is the limit depending on your funds. I love both cameras, but I shoot with my K100DS more because it is lighter than my K10D. Yea, it ain't got as many "pro" features as the K10D, but it is a blast to use nonetheless. Last edited by res3567; 09-29-2009 at 01:16 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
New to DSLRs	drew39k	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	27	05-27-2010 05:47 PM
new to DSLRs	qclabrat_1	Welcomes and Introductions	2	01-28-2009 01:12 PM
Pentax DSLRS RAW + JPEG, and all DSLRs for that matter.	ebooks4pentax	Pentax DSLR Discussion	5	10-01-2008 01:59 PM
Looking at DSLRs	sigma projects	Pentax DSLR Discussion	0	03-04-2007 05:05 PM
New to dSLRs....	dave sz	Welcomes and Introductions	5	12-16-2006 10:46 AM

09-25-2009, 06:46 AM	#16
thefragger Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Toronto Posts: 142 Original Poster	Originally posted by aleonx3 Agree with Ash, the extra megapixels come in handy when you need to crop; the other thing to keep in mind is that K10D has more advance features such as pentaprism viewfinder, two dials, TAv mode, green button etc. that you may not be able to find in K100DS. What do all those additional features do for me?

09-25-2009, 07:12 AM	#17
pbo Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 891	Quote: What do all those additional features do for me? One more wheel adds a little bit of control, and - this one I'm not sure about - enables hyper-program mode that Pentax is so proud of So, when you're shooting program AE, you can turn front wheel to instantly change into Tv mode, or rear wheel to instantly change into Av mode; afterwards, pressing green button takes you back to program. Also when reviewing pictures, you can use front wheel to change the picture without having to zoom all the way out - useful when you have two pictures of the same subject, and you want to see which one has better focus, per se. Also, green button would be especially useful for you, since you're going to shoot manual lenses. Basically, you will have to use those lenses in camera's M mode, and you will use aperture ring to set the aperture, and then press green button so that camera can meter and select an appropriate shutter speed. That said, I would guess K100Ds has some sort of feature that does the same thing? Or, how else do so many people around here with older cameras shoot manual lenses?

09-25-2009, 09:16 AM	#18
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Originally posted by pbo One more wheel adds a little bit of control In particular, in M mode, the ability to have the shutter speed on one wheel and the aperture on the other, rather than require you to hold a button and turn the wheel to set aperture as the K100D does. Also the ability to use one of the wheels - possibly in conjunction with the OK button - to set ISO, rather than requiring the Fn menu. The other buttons let you change metering modes (multi-segment versus center-weighted versus spot) and other similar settings without using the menu. If you change those things often (I don't), the buttons save work. Quote: this one I'm not sure about - enables hyper-program mode that Pentax is so proud of So, when you're shooting program AE, you can turn front wheel to instantly change into Tv mode, or rear wheel to instantly change into Av mode; afterwards, pressing green button takes you back to program. Some of the single-wheel cameras have a "half" version of that. Basically, you choose in advance (via the custom menu) whether you want the single (rear) wheel to change you to Tv or Av mode. I have mine set to change to Av mode, not that I ever normally use P mode. But if I do shoot P mode, I can with just a turn of the wheel go into Av mode I just can't also go to Tv mode by turnign the other wheel. Quote: Also, green button would be especially useful for you, since you're going to shoot manual lenses. Basically, you will have to use those lenses in camera's M mode, and you will use aperture ring to set the aperture, and then press green button so that camera can meter and select an appropriate shutter speed. That said, I would guess K100Ds has some sort of feature that does the same thing? Or, how else do so many people around here with older cameras shoot manual lenses? You're right - there is a different button. On most single-wheel models, it's AE-L. On the K-m, I think it's the exposure compensation button. The K200D and K-x actually have a Green button, despite having only the one wheel.

09-27-2009, 10:56 AM	#19
thefragger Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Toronto Posts: 142 Original Poster	And now I'm going to throw a wrench in this whole talk and bring up the option of getting a Pentax K-X body when it comes out-- the local price is $699 with an 18~55 lens at Henry's. Decisions, decisions... The only way I could afford this body would be by splitting the cost with my parents... not too much a fan of the co-ownership... but how would this body stack up against the K10D in price/features?

09-27-2009, 10:09 PM	#20
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Still doesn't have the second wheel or larger viewfinder, nor is it weather sealed. But aside form that, check the specs for yourself - it's got a lot going for it.

09-27-2009, 11:53 PM	#21
Timtast1c Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 330	both are great. though sometimes while using my k20d I cant help but wonder how my beloved k10d would do (probably nearly just as good.... in some situations perhaps better!)

09-28-2009, 04:11 AM	#22
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,668	Originally posted by iceemn360 both are great. though sometimes while using my k20d I cant help but wonder how my beloved k10d would do (probably nearly just as good.... in some situations perhaps better!) I would say "different" would be the word. My K10 tends to under expose significantly compared to my K20 and the colors look colder over all. I guess it's just the difference in the sensor. Over all, I like the K20 a little better, but to the OP, I would have no problem recommending the K10 if you have the funds. The weather sealing to me is the kicker. Get it with the sealed kit lens and you have a camera you can take almost anywhere. Unless you need video, I wouldn't get the Kx. Either of the other cameras will be cheaper and offer a good way learn the ins and outs of photography.

09-28-2009, 06:39 AM	#23
systemA Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New York, NY Posts: 385	I'd wholeheartedly recommend the K10d as the market price for it is pretty cheap for such a functional camera If you have the extra cash for a K20d, I'd go with that as you can better enjoy high-iso shooting (and some extra megapickels).

09-28-2009, 12:49 PM	#24
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	Go with the K100D super. I have that DSLR and don't have any regrets getting it. It produces excellent photos and stood up to every situation I ever encountered including low light. It is all a matter of knowing your tool and being good at using it. I never had to crop yet as it is all about framing.

09-28-2009, 01:59 PM	#25
dylansalt Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Durban, South Africa Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,052	The K10d is perfectly suitable for a beginner, even if coming from a point and shoot. I gave my 10d to my 14 & 21yr old (I set cam to green mode, auto select focus and evaluative metering) while at a game farm and told them to have a good time and they got great results. They have only taken photos basic p&s before. I'm quite happy to share their results if you have any reservations Regards Dylan

09-28-2009, 04:03 PM	#26
thefragger Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Toronto Posts: 142 Original Poster	Thanks everyone for your input (and putting up with me!); it's greatly appreciated Alright; so I've got a K100DS at $275 and a K10D for $330 available to me-- price-wise, it looks like the K10D is the better deal of the two... Thoughts?

09-28-2009, 04:12 PM	#27
Oldschool Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Central NJ Posts: 1,278	Either one will be great. You should choose the one that feels most comfortable in your hands.

09-28-2009, 04:16 PM	#28
thefragger Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Toronto Posts: 142 Original Poster	Originally posted by Oldschool Either one will be great. You should choose the one that feels most comfortable in your hands. Thing is I won't be able to hold either... I have fairly big hands, long fingers (tall, thin kid )