Now that it is official... Where should your money go?

Buschmaster · 09-10-2012, 04:12 PM

The way I see it, there are 4 possibilities for "main workforce" cameras...

K30
K5
K5 II
K5 IIs

Fair?

Let's call the prices this, I can adjust this if you find something that says otherwise:
K30 $800
K5 $900
K5 II $1300
K5 IIs $1400

I think that should be approximately right...

So the K30 is the smallest, the K5 probably has the "worst" AF, the K5 II and IIs might have even better AF and noise handling than the K30. Right?

To me, the K5 is basically out unless it gets cheaper than the K30 as the K5 II is only so much more expensive than the K30 and if you want feature x, y, z that the 5 vs. the 5 II, it makes sense to just save up a little bit more...

The K30 doesn't have the ability for a battery grip, so that's another piece, and right now I might be leaning towards the K5 II because of the AF and high ISO performance over my K20D.

Last edited by Buschmaster; 09-10-2012 at 04:45 PM.

Adam · 09-10-2012, 04:14 PM

The K-5 II is $1299 ($1300). I'm personally calling shenanigans on any noticeable AF improvement until I see further proof!

JohnBee · 09-10-2012, 04:21 PM

Originally posted by Buschmaster

To me, the K5 is basically out unless it gets cheaper than the K30 as the K5 II is only so much more expensive than the K30 and if you want feature x, y, z that the 5 vs. the 5 II, it makes sense to just save up a little bit more...

I'm anxious to see how the K-5 II performs against the K-5 myself. AF is one thing, but I'm wondering if perhaps Pentax hasn't found a way to squeeze a little more out of this sensor.

JinDesu · 09-10-2012, 04:21 PM

k-5 II if the AF is solid. k-30 if the k-5 II's AF isn't better than it.

twitch · 09-10-2012, 04:26 PM

K5II is just a K5 with the K-30 AF right? Nothing more than this?

**Ex Finn.** · 09-10-2012, 04:28 PM

K-5 II with "exceptional" AF. Or wait till... the next one.

bossa · 09-10-2012, 04:41 PM

My money is going on a second D800/E and either a Nikon 300mm [or a 400].

Time to sell my Pentax rig.

I love it but compared to the D800E it's a no-contest. I was hoping that Pentax had overcome the limitations of 24MP sensors and release a 24MP K-3 whichwould allow me to keep my DA*200 & FA*300 instead of buying Nikon telephotos. Seeing as my D800E has a 15million pixel 1.5x crop mode it's probably pointless hanging onto an APS-C camera anyway. Fast Nikon Tele's with VR cost a fortune.

Last edited by bossa; 09-11-2012 at 12:51 AM.

twitch · 09-10-2012, 04:44 PM

Originally posted by bossa

My money is going on a second D800/E and either a Nikon 300mm.

Time to sell my Pentax rig.

I love it but compared to the D800E it's a no-contest. I was hoping that Pentax had overcome the limitations of 24MP sensors and release a 24MP K-3 whichwould allow me to keep my DA*200 & FA*300 instead of buying Nikon telephotos. Seeing as my D800E has a 15million pixel 1.5x crop mode it's probably pointless hanging onto an APS-C camera anyway. Fast Nikon Tele's with VR cost a fortune.

Bossa, they will release a K-3, question is whether it is in 2 weeks, or in 6 months.

bossa · 09-10-2012, 04:46 PM

Yeah I know but I cannot afford to hold out any longer.. need to reduce debt.

Buschmaster · 09-10-2012, 04:51 PM

Originally posted by Adam

The K-5 II is $1299 ($1300). I'm personally calling shenanigans on any noticeable AF improvement until I see further proof!

Whoops! For some reason I was thinking $1199 and $1299, but I was close.

As far as AF, I'm thinking the same, but I was also thinking the same before the K-5, K-7, and K30 over my K20D, and that was proven to be the case.

Originally posted by JohnBee

I'm anxious to see how the K-5 II performs against the K-5 myself. AF is one thing, but I'm wondering if perhaps Pentax hasn't found a way to squeeze a little more out of this sensor.

Does it have the new Prime processor?

Originally posted by JinDesu

k-5 II if the AF is solid. k-30 if the k-5 II's AF isn't better than it.

I'm in the same boat, I'll certainly be waiting for tests and others impressions for sure!

Originally posted by twitch

K5II is just a K5 with the K-30 AF right? Nothing more than this?

Actually, I believe the K30 has the SAFOX IXi AF (9i) and the K5 II has SAFOX X (10) so it should be an even newer AF if I'm not mistaken. But yes, it is largely the same as the K5, not that that is a bad thing!

Edit: It also has a better LCD and "better high range ISO"

Originally posted by Ex Finn.

K-5 II with "exceptional" AF. Or wait till... the next one.

I always seem to be in the "wait till the next one" category.

Originally posted by bossa

My money is going on a second D800/E and either a Nikon 300mm.

Time to sell my Pentax rig.

I love it but compared to the D800E it's a no-contest. I was hoping that Pentax had overcome the limitations of 24MP sensors and release a 24MP K-3 whichwould allow me to keep my DA*200 & FA*300 instead of buying Nikon telephotos. Seeing as my D800E has a 15million pixel 1.5x crop mode it's probably pointless hanging onto an APS-C camera anyway. Fast Nikon Tele's with VR cost a fortune.

I'm not a big fan of Nikon bodies, but their glass is decent enough. If I were to switch brands it would be to Canon hands down.

Originally posted by twitch

Bossa, they will release a K-3, question is whether it is in 2 weeks, or in 6 months.

I'd say even later, yet.

Originally posted by bossa

Yeah I know but I cannot afford to hold out any longer.. need to reduce debt.

Don't do it!

Catalana · 09-10-2012, 04:56 PM

Originally posted by bossa

My money is going on a second D800/E and either a Nikon 300mm.

Time to sell my Pentax rig.

I love it but compared to the D800E it's a no-contest. I was hoping that Pentax had overcome the limitations of 24MP sensors and release a 24MP K-3 whichwould allow me to keep my DA*200 & FA*300 instead of buying Nikon telephotos. Seeing as my D800E has a 15million pixel 1.5x crop mode it's probably pointless hanging onto an APS-C camera anyway. Fast Nikon Tele's with VR cost a fortune.

Yes, it is time to move on.

Higher flash sync speed, flash system, dual card slots, better auto-focus, crop mode and a number of other features outweigh size and ergonomics. In light of the recent price increases of Pentax lenses, the gap between expensive glass on other systems is much less than before. I'll relegate my K-5 as a backup camera for now. The incremental and major improvements from the K-7 to the K-5II do not equate to an "upgrade path". Time to start reading some other manuals...

**rparmar** · 09-10-2012, 05:09 PM

I agree totally. Pentax does not provide the worldwide service network that Canikon have had for decades. In fact they don't even provide the primary sales network I would expect from a major brand.

Nor do the cameras have the features of other brands. At one time they had the advantage of compact size, but that was before the mirrorless brigade stole their thunder. Despite all of this, Pentax have increased prices, a deliberate policy they announced some years ago. So there goes their last advantage.

I moved to MFT two years ago. I barely use my Pentax rig anymore. Every now and then I come back here to see if they have announced anything that would change my mind. Until they have an EVF and non-crippled mount in a smaller, lighter unit it ain't gonna happen.

I recommend up-sizing to Nikon or down-sizing to the Olympus E-M5, depending on your photographic priorities.

**K6-III** · 09-10-2012, 05:12 PM

I've upgraded to Full Frame by migrating to film while I wait for a full frame digital from Pentax. The K5 is perfectly adequate for my digital needs. Hopefully, by the time Pentax releases an MX Digital, or sony releases a Full Frame NEX, the sensors will be close to film in dynamic range.

cmohr · 09-10-2012, 05:15 PM

Originally posted by Adam

The K-5 II is $1299 ($1300). I'm personally calling shenanigans on any noticeable AF improvement until I see further proof!

I second your vote of shenanigans..

bossa · 09-10-2012, 05:25 PM

Originally posted by Catalana

Yes, it is time to move on.

Higher flash sync speed, flash system, dual card slots, better auto-focus, crop mode and a number of other features outweigh size and ergonomics. In light of the recent price increases of Pentax lenses, the gap between expensive glass on other systems is much less than before. I'll relegate my K-5 as a backup camera for now. The incremental and major improvements from the K-7 to the K-5II do not equate to an "upgrade path". Time to start reading some other manuals...

Well I already have 'moved on' as I have a Nikon D800E etc.. (yellow text in my sig) it's just I have been hanging on like some kid who's scared to leave home.. lol

09-10-2012, 04:12 PM	#1
Buschmaster Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 806	Now that it is official... Where should your money go? The way I see it, there are 4 possibilities for "main workforce" cameras... K30 K5 K5 II K5 IIs Fair? Let's call the prices this, I can adjust this if you find something that says otherwise: K30 $800 K5 $900 K5 II $1300 K5 IIs $1400 I think that should be approximately right... So the K30 is the smallest, the K5 probably has the "worst" AF, the K5 II and IIs might have even better AF and noise handling than the K30. Right? To me, the K5 is basically out unless it gets cheaper than the K30 as the K5 II is only so much more expensive than the K30 and if you want feature x, y, z that the 5 vs. the 5 II, it makes sense to just save up a little bit more... The K30 doesn't have the ability for a battery grip, so that's another piece, and right now I might be leaning towards the K5 II because of the AF and high ISO performance over my K20D. Last edited by Buschmaster; 09-10-2012 at 04:45 PM.

09-10-2012, 04:14 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	The K-5 II is $1299 ($1300). I'm personally calling shenanigans on any noticeable AF improvement until I see further proof! Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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09-10-2012, 04:21 PM	#3
JohnBee Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Newrfoundland Photos: Albums Posts: 4,667	Originally posted by Buschmaster To me, the K5 is basically out unless it gets cheaper than the K30 as the K5 II is only so much more expensive than the K30 and if you want feature x, y, z that the 5 vs. the 5 II, it makes sense to just save up a little bit more... I'm anxious to see how the K-5 II performs against the K-5 myself. AF is one thing, but I'm wondering if perhaps Pentax hasn't found a way to squeeze a little more out of this sensor.

09-10-2012, 04:21 PM	#4
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	k-5 II if the AF is solid. k-30 if the k-5 II's AF isn't better than it.

09-10-2012, 04:26 PM	#5
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	K5II is just a K5 with the K-30 AF right? Nothing more than this?

09-10-2012, 04:28 PM	#6
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	K-5 II with "exceptional" AF. Or wait till... the next one.

09-10-2012, 04:41 PM	#7
bossa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Adelaide Posts: 4,546	My money is going on a second D800/E and either a Nikon 300mm [or a 400]. Time to sell my Pentax rig. I love it but compared to the D800E it's a no-contest. I was hoping that Pentax had overcome the limitations of 24MP sensors and release a 24MP K-3 whichwould allow me to keep my DA200 & FA300 instead of buying Nikon telephotos. Seeing as my D800E has a 15million pixel 1.5x crop mode it's probably pointless hanging onto an APS-C camera anyway. Fast Nikon Tele's with VR cost a fortune. Last edited by bossa; 09-11-2012 at 12:51 AM.

09-10-2012, 04:44 PM	#8
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	Originally posted by bossa My money is going on a second D800/E and either a Nikon 300mm. Time to sell my Pentax rig. I love it but compared to the D800E it's a no-contest. I was hoping that Pentax had overcome the limitations of 24MP sensors and release a 24MP K-3 whichwould allow me to keep my DA200 & FA300 instead of buying Nikon telephotos. Seeing as my D800E has a 15million pixel 1.5x crop mode it's probably pointless hanging onto an APS-C camera anyway. Fast Nikon Tele's with VR cost a fortune. Bossa, they will release a K-3, question is whether it is in 2 weeks, or in 6 months.

09-10-2012, 04:46 PM	#9
bossa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Adelaide Posts: 4,546	Yeah I know but I cannot afford to hold out any longer.. need to reduce debt.

09-10-2012, 04:51 PM	#10
Buschmaster Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 806 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam The K-5 II is $1299 ($1300). I'm personally calling shenanigans on any noticeable AF improvement until I see further proof! Whoops! For some reason I was thinking $1199 and $1299, but I was close. As far as AF, I'm thinking the same, but I was also thinking the same before the K-5, K-7, and K30 over my K20D, and that was proven to be the case. Originally posted by JohnBee I'm anxious to see how the K-5 II performs against the K-5 myself. AF is one thing, but I'm wondering if perhaps Pentax hasn't found a way to squeeze a little more out of this sensor. Does it have the new Prime processor? Originally posted by JinDesu k-5 II if the AF is solid. k-30 if the k-5 II's AF isn't better than it. I'm in the same boat, I'll certainly be waiting for tests and others impressions for sure! Originally posted by twitch K5II is just a K5 with the K-30 AF right? Nothing more than this? Actually, I believe the K30 has the SAFOX IXi AF (9i) and the K5 II has SAFOX X (10) so it should be an even newer AF if I'm not mistaken. But yes, it is largely the same as the K5, not that that is a bad thing! Edit: It also has a better LCD and "better high range ISO" Originally posted by Ex Finn. K-5 II with "exceptional" AF. Or wait till... the next one. I always seem to be in the "wait till the next one" category. Originally posted by bossa My money is going on a second D800/E and either a Nikon 300mm. Time to sell my Pentax rig. I love it but compared to the D800E it's a no-contest. I was hoping that Pentax had overcome the limitations of 24MP sensors and release a 24MP K-3 whichwould allow me to keep my DA200 & FA300 instead of buying Nikon telephotos. Seeing as my D800E has a 15million pixel 1.5x crop mode it's probably pointless hanging onto an APS-C camera anyway. Fast Nikon Tele's with VR cost a fortune. I'm not a big fan of Nikon bodies, but their glass is decent enough. If I were to switch brands it would be to Canon hands down. Originally posted by twitch Bossa, they will release a K-3, question is whether it is in 2 weeks, or in 6 months. I'd say even later, yet. Originally posted by bossa Yeah I know but I cannot afford to hold out any longer.. need to reduce debt. Don't do it!

09-10-2012, 04:56 PM	#11
Catalana Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: California Posts: 190	Originally posted by bossa My money is going on a second D800/E and either a Nikon 300mm. Time to sell my Pentax rig. I love it but compared to the D800E it's a no-contest. I was hoping that Pentax had overcome the limitations of 24MP sensors and release a 24MP K-3 whichwould allow me to keep my DA200 & FA300 instead of buying Nikon telephotos. Seeing as my D800E has a 15million pixel 1.5x crop mode it's probably pointless hanging onto an APS-C camera anyway. Fast Nikon Tele's with VR cost a fortune. Yes, it is time to move on. Higher flash sync speed, flash system, dual card slots, better auto-focus, crop mode and a number of other features outweigh size and ergonomics. In light of the recent price increases of Pentax lenses, the gap between expensive glass on other systems is much less than before. I'll relegate my K-5 as a backup camera for now. The incremental and major improvements from the K-7 to the K-5II do not equate to an "upgrade path". Time to start reading some other manuals...

09-10-2012, 05:09 PM	#12
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,823	I agree totally. Pentax does not provide the worldwide service network that Canikon have had for decades. In fact they don't even provide the primary sales network I would expect from a major brand. Nor do the cameras have the features of other brands. At one time they had the advantage of compact size, but that was before the mirrorless brigade stole their thunder. Despite all of this, Pentax have increased prices, a deliberate policy they announced some years ago. So there goes their last advantage. I moved to MFT two years ago. I barely use my Pentax rig anymore. Every now and then I come back here to see if they have announced anything that would change my mind. Until they have an EVF and non-crippled mount in a smaller, lighter unit it ain't gonna happen. I recommend up-sizing to Nikon or down-sizing to the Olympus E-M5, depending on your photographic priorities.

09-10-2012, 05:12 PM	#13
K6-III Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Montreal Posts: 222	I've upgraded to Full Frame by migrating to film while I wait for a full frame digital from Pentax. The K5 is perfectly adequate for my digital needs. Hopefully, by the time Pentax releases an MX Digital, or sony releases a Full Frame NEX, the sensors will be close to film in dynamic range.

09-10-2012, 05:15 PM	#14
cmohr Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Brisbane. Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,824	Originally posted by Adam The K-5 II is $1299 ($1300). I'm personally calling shenanigans on any noticeable AF improvement until I see further proof! I second your vote of shenanigans..

09-10-2012, 05:25 PM	#15
bossa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Adelaide Posts: 4,546	Originally posted by Catalana Yes, it is time to move on. Higher flash sync speed, flash system, dual card slots, better auto-focus, crop mode and a number of other features outweigh size and ergonomics. In light of the recent price increases of Pentax lenses, the gap between expensive glass on other systems is much less than before. I'll relegate my K-5 as a backup camera for now. The incremental and major improvements from the K-7 to the K-5II do not equate to an "upgrade path". Time to start reading some other manuals... Well I already have 'moved on' as I have a Nikon D800E etc.. (yellow text in my sig) it's just I have been hanging on like some kid who's scared to leave home.. lol