Originally posted by PSS I am brand new to photography and I'm getting ready to make my first DSLR purchase and follow with some formal classes. After waffling over purchasing a D90 or a K-7, the K-7 is the now the frontrunner. I don't really need help comparing the two since, being in a Pentax forum, I know what advice I would get. But I had two quick questions I wanted to ask that would help solidify my decision:
1. For a novice is this too much camera for me to start with? I want to find a balance between a good first-time user camera, but also one for me to grow into. One of my concerns is that this camera is too advanced for a newbie.
2. My budget allows me to purchase the kit with the 18-55mm lens. I have seen criticism of this lens so I wondered if I should just buy the body with a separate lens. My feeling is for the steep learning curve I face the 18-55 lens was fine, but still wanted any advice.
Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Welcome to the foum. There has been a very similar thread and discussion that I encourage to read:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-beginners-corner-q/86997-pentax-k-...-beginner.html
No, the K-7 is not too advanced. I bought a K-7 as my first dSLR: I choosed the K-7 because of it wide range of options, its superb viewfinder, the weather resistance and the continuous shooting characteristics.
Simply I was in a similar position as you are. I considered the K-7, K-x, D90 and 500D. At the end, I focused on my needs: I shot often outdoor, with motion and actions; I wanted the weather resistance and continuous shooting at high rate (5 fps). I went to a shop to try all these cameras. The K-7 was the best fit in my hands (the K-x was not far). Importantly, the K-7 had the nicest viewfinder with the D90, but the latter was far too bulky and heavy. The K-7 was by far my first choice and I have no regret.
All in all, I have had the K-7 for 2 months: I love it and I learned a lot, even if I am still using the P mode primarily. The Pentax Forum is a great place to learn, and there are many very helpful contributors.
I can recommend the K-7. It is not too advanced.
For the lens, "you get what you pay", but many pentaxians will tell you that the kit lens is a good start. I would recommend you to get the 18-55mm WR to have the weather-resistance for both camera and lens.
I did not get for the kit lens because my budget allowed it. But the beauty of the dSLR is that you can add a lens later in your collection (in 6 months time of 1 year).
Lastly I recommend you (for any camera) to get a good memory card. If you shoot video or do some serious continuous shooting, you do need a good quality and fast card. I would recommend a Sandisk class 10: the price for the 4 Gb or 8 Gb cards have dropped and are more affordable.
Happy hunting and all the best with the K-7...