Originally posted by Muse This will be my first DSLR, have shot a digital P&S for 6.5 years (Samsung Digimax V3, 3.2mp with viewfinder and LCD, an OK camera but minimum 9 seconds between shots!). I ordered the 2 kit lens package, including the 18-55mm and 55-300mm lenses. Ordered a few accessories to start:
3rd party hoods, Op/Tech Pro strap
2 sets of Eneloop AA's
Already have an OK tripod, lens cleaning kits
Thinking about eventually getting the Tamron 28-75MM F2.8 XR Di Lens
Need to get a bag of some sort to carry it around (suggestions appreciated)
What's the logical progression in:
1. Getting to know the equipment
2. Testing to make sure everything's OK
I hope the hoods you got were the bayonet mount ones for Pentax lenses and not the screw-on ones. Both will work, but the bayonet ones (even 3rd party ones) are easier to install and remove and you can reverse them on the lens for easy storage. I was able to get one for my 18-55mm kit lens on eBay for like $15. I had to spend a little more on the 55-300mm hood because it was a genuine Pentax hood for the 55mm lens, but I do not regret the decision.
I love my Op/Tech Pro Loop strap. It's very convenient the way you can take off the padded part and the two short ends join together to be a sort-of hand strap. I've used this strap on all of my last three camera systems (Olympus DSLR, Panasonic FZ50, and now the Pentax KX) and would have a hard time using anything else. With the angled design, the strap works well as either a shoulder or neck strap, and I've yet to feel any fatigue from it hanging either place even on all-day outings.
Can't go wrong with Eneloops. If you have a little bit of money to burn, I'd recommend getting a better charger than the one that typically comes with the batteries, but it's not a requirement. I got the La Crosse Technology BC-700 on the recommendation of numerous members of this forum, and it's been great. It's been very effective at reviving some older NiMH batteries that were no longer holding a charge.
Just FYI, I replaced my shorter kit zoom with a Sigma 18-50mm EX f/2.8 (used from Adorama) and love it. The f/2.8 throughout the whole zoom range really lets the already awesome low light ability of the KX shine. My 18-55mm kit zoom was a little too soft for my liking, and what's weird is I've never been the type of person to notice when a lens is "soft", so I guess my sample must have been pretty bad! You'll love the 55-300mm -- that's just a very nice lens, especially considering it's a kit lens.
I'm a bag man (like a "bag lady") -- I love camera bags. My wife says I buy and change camera bags more often than she does purses, but that's recently calmed down a bit, and she's sarcastically exaggerating (at least a little). All of my bags are Lowepro and I currently have:
LowePro Slingshot 200AW
I don't use the Slingshot anymore -- I bought it for the design/access to the gear, but could never really get used to or like the single strap. I took this on European cruise/tour a couple of years ago, and it wasn't very comfortable for all day use. I think few single-strap/sling bags would be, but that might just be me.
LowePro Stealth Reporter D200AW
This is medium sized shoulder bag with a built-in all weather cover. It can easily hold everything you have in your kit and maybe a little more. When I feel like using a shoulder bag, this is the one I always grab.
LowePro Stealth Reporter D400AW
This is a large shoulder bag with a built-in all weather cover. It an easily hold two DSLR systems, so I use this when I'm going on a longer trip and need to bring some extra electronics with me (for me or the family). It's big, but not too bulky. It's not too bad carrying it half-empty either.
LowePro FastPack 200
This is a two-strap backpack but similar design/access as the Slingshot. The upper compartment is significantly bigger. You can also get a version that has a slot for storing a notebook PC. This is my combination camera bag/man purse, and is my current bag that I take everywhere with me. It doesn't really scream "CAMERA BACKPACK!", and you can get it in a pretty good variety of colors. I like it much better than the Slingshot.
I'd also recommend getting a Giottos Rocket Air Blower for cleaning the lenses, camera body, and even the sensor when needed. Don't cheap-out and just get the 75-cent blower with a brush glued on it -- the Giottos model has a filter on it so you're not just blowing more dust on the lens, sensor, etc., and it really blows a lot of air. I recommend getting it from B&H or Adorama (make sure you click on the links for either one of those at the PentaxForums site so it helps this forum -- see
HERE).
I would also get two medium to large microfiber cloths for generally cleaning the camera and lens casing, LCD, and even the lens. You'll want one that's dedicated to just cleaning the lens (you could also use that one for the LCD). Opinions will always vary, but I only clean lens glass with my breath and a dedicated microfiber cloth and only after I've blown any debris away with the rocket blower. I've never ended up with scratched lens, cleaning marks, etc. I've never subscribed to using cleaning fluids, lens pens , etc., but again -- opinions vary.
By the numbers from your message:
#1: These are digital cameras -- not film, so shoot away! Definitely read the manual or at least have it handy for a while to refer to it when you encounter a feature on the camera that you don't completely understand, but you're going to learn the most by actually using the camera. Like others mentioned, I did copy the PDF version to my smartphone for quick reference on the go.
I know this is your first DSLR, but don't be intimidated. The main differences between it and your previous camera is that it's a much better camera and you can switch lenses. Other than that, it's just a new device that you need to become familiar with over time. I'm willing to bet you'll love it.
#2: One test you could do is check your autofocus accuracy (just point it at a sign or something with a lot of detail) and try it both with and without LiveView since it uses two different focus methods. Then just look at the images on a big screen to see what your success rate is. Some people have reported needing to calibrate the autofocus (search the forums). Thankfully, I did not (so far) and you more than likely will not need to either. Just try all the features, put it through a good testing, and you'll also learn about the camera along the way.
Have fun! Come back to this forum with any questions -- this is a great group! And don't forget that while you're buying new gear and use Adorama or B&H, always go to their websites through the links on this one (click
HERE for more info) so it helps the forum! Also, don't forget to routinely browse the Marketplace section here for typically great deals on used items.
-- Chris