[ComputerControlled]

I have the option to grab either one of these for right around the $225 mark. Not sure which one might edge the other out. I've done some research, but couldn't come up with any answer on my own. So i figured i'd ask people who actually have used them. Opinions against or for either one?

[normhead]

I've had them both at the same time... The K100D is newer and probably that should be a consideration, but I never really cared much which I had in my hand for snapshots or documentary work. GO with the biggest file size or the lowest shutter count or whatever else makes sense to you.

[blackcloudbrew]

The K100ds is a nice camera - I have one which I had converted to infrared - it also will work with SDM lenses which the *istDS will not.

[Adam]

I'd go ahead and go for the newer body, the K100D super. Even it might seem a bit inadequate, though- you could also try to get a used K-x, which can be found for around $300 if you look hard enough.

Adam
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[paulh]

I have the *istD and a K100D. The K100D is newer & a bit faster, and has SR (shake reduction). The *istD, & DS have a bigger & brighter viewfinder, which makes using MF lenses much nicer. The output is very similar, since they have the same 6.1 mp sensor. Like Norm said, check the shutter counts, otherwise I'd give the K100D a slight edge for everyday AF use.

[Geoff H]

Personally I'd go the the DS viewfinder every time - very similar to the K5 and a proper pentaprism, given that the output will be the same for both cameras I can't see what else would be as important.

[ComputerControlled]

It seems i can get the 100DS for $200, body only. The *istDS will cost me $225 body only. I can get the stock lens with the 100DS for an extra $50. But since i have a 50mm, 135mm and an 80-200mm, not if i really need the lens.

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Last edited by ComputerControlled; 01-13-2012 at 06:26 PM.

[Just1MoreDave]

I like the DS and still have mine, but I'd have to vote for the K100DS. SR is a huge difference, the JPG engine is a lot better and it has a bigger rear LCD. The DS does have a nice viewfinder but the differences are small. The DS does well with TTL flashes, like the AF500FTZ, but it only makes sense if you already own one of those flashes. The TTL flashes aren't very useful on the newer bodies; they lose too many features.

The kit lens for these cameras is the older version, which has a metal mount, distance markings, quick shift and a hood, but is not as good optically as the current design.

Prices seem a little high for either camera. My impression is there are a lot more K100D and K100DS cameras. Pentax was still working on building share with the DS.

[sterretje]

But since i have a 50mm, 135mm and an 80-200mm, not if i really need the lens.

You might want to consider the kit lens as the field of view of a lens mounted on current Pentax dSLRs is narrower than the field of view of the same lens mounted on a full frame / film bodies (factor 1.5x).

Best example with your current lenses
The 135mm mounted on the dSLR will give the same field of view as the 80-200 at 200mm on a film body.
The 50mm mounted on the dSLR will give (more or less) the same field of view as the 80-200 at 80mm on a film body.

If you can live with 80mm as the widest lens on a film body. there is no need for another lens. Else you should look at something that covers roughly 35mm. DA(-L)35/2.4 and older AF or MF lenses come to mind as well as the kit lens that you have mentioned. Although the newer kit lenses are supposed to be better, the older one is not bad (see e.g. Pentax SMC-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL - Review / Test Report); unless you want a prime, I would add the kit lens for $50.

[ComputerControlled]

Those are very good points. I'll consider that!

[Lowell Goudge]

It all depends, if you have a need for SR and HSM then the K100DS, if you use old lenses K and M42 mount take the *istDS because of the bigger viewfinder better metering with old lenses and the support of TTL flash

If you already have a body with SR and H SM support and this is a second body take the *istDS

[GibbyTheMole]

We have both. If they're both the same price, condition & approximate shutter count, I'd get the K100D just for the shake reduction. Otherwise, they're nearly the same camera & both take great photos.

$225 sounds a tad steep, especially for an *istD. I gave $275 for my factory refurb K100D with full warranty from Best Buy well over a year ago. More typical prices are:

*istD - $150-$175 (I've seen them go for as low as $125 here on the forum.)
K100D - $175-$200
K-x - $300-$325

The reason I bring up the K-x is because I also have one of those. And if you can swing it, that's probably the one you want. The K-x is 12 MP vs. 6 MP for the K-100D or *istD, and the high ISO performance is superb. It makes it a MUCH more usable camera in low-light conditions. Though the others are great cameras, and we still use them a lot, I seriously would hold out for a K-x if this is going to be your only DSLR.

Good luck,
Bobbo :-)

[normhead]

+1^ I traded my k100D in for a K-x last year... there are times when I'm happier with the K-x than I am with the K20D. The K-x with 21 ltd is a walk around/ land scape system without peer. Lightweight , sharp with good colour cast and contrast . DSLR excellence with less weight than some point and shoots with much less image quality. The 12 Mp is good enough for prints up ti 23x33 (for a 20x30 canvas.. so as big as anyone is likely to want without going pro. I liked the K100D, I absolutely love the K-x. I've already decided that when I upgrade I'm trading in the K20D and keeping the K-x. If you carry your camera for any period of time, it won't take you long to appreciate a K-x's weight, and I've seen them for as little as $450 new. You should be able to pick one up second hand for $300 if you look.

[ComputerControlled]

The K-x would be nice, but that extra $ is tough for me right now as my hours have been cut at work right now. But i will upgrade once i am in the position. I ended up with the K100DS. Got it this afternoon. Here's a few test shots on my home from work tonight. Just using the Night Scene and stock lens.

[Marc Sabatella]

For me. The original question bools down to SR versus a slightly nicer viewfinder. For most people's uses, SR wins by a landslide. For someone who shoots with manual lenses a lot, tougher call, but I'd still give it to SR, and recommend the O-ME53 viewfinder magnifier to bring the K100D viewfinder more in line with the DS.

There are some for whom it might come down to a secondary concern, though - TTL flash support on DS versus SDM focus support on K100D (be sure to get "Super" model for that, though).