Upgrading From K-x

vega · 12-23-2012, 02:38 PM

I hope this is the right section for this, as the new year rolls in I was thinking about buying a new DSLR. Because, I've been solely a Pentax user I'd like to stick with the system rather than jumping ship to Nikon or Canon. I've had the Kx for a few years and I like it a lot but it does have its drawbacks as no on screen AF points, 720p video, 12mp, lack of line in audio and some other minor things that come with age. I don't wanna spend an arm and a leg as I'm poor and a cheapskate so I dont plan on buying K-5 II but I'd like something better than my handy K-x. I've seen good prices on the K-01 but the lack of viewfinder turns me off as I find shooting on an LCD to be slow and unresponsive (though I dont know what it's like on the k-01). I also do a lot of concert shooting and I heard the the sensor isnt so good in low light so that worries me? I figured you guys might know what are some better options than I or perhaps upgraded from the K-x yourself and can give a good recommendation. My friends are telling me to go Canon and I don't want to so please any help you can give is appreciated.

hcc · 12-23-2012, 03:31 PM

Coming from a K-x, you have two obvious choices : K-30 and K-01, unless you would be prepare to consider the last units of K-5. All these dSLRs are based upon the K-5 sensor (with some tweaks) and they deliver outstanding IQ. If you do not like the K-01, go for the K-30. It has WR, has dual-dials and an optical viewfinder.

You will not get better value and IQ for the same price with Canikon

Hope that the comment may help.

Adam · 12-23-2012, 03:34 PM

I'd say go with the k-30; it's better in just about every aspect. There's no reason to switch to Canon unless you plan on shooting lots of sports later on.

vega · 12-23-2012, 05:42 PM

Thanks for the replies so far! The k-30 looks extremely nice! Is it possibly to run an external mic to this camera? If not that's quite ok, I was actually quite impressed with K-x's mic quality but using an external mic for live performances is always a plus, especially when I dont have to synch them later on lol.

Gareth.Ig · 12-23-2012, 06:16 PM

I have recently moved from a K-x to a used K-5. Very affordable upgrade. Easy to pick up a used K-5 in the market place right now and still plenty of camera to grow into. I understand the Autofocus is not as good as the K-30 or K-5 II, but it has worked well enough for me for my son`s Christmas shows this year.

vega · 12-23-2012, 06:37 PM

While doing some research I found this side by side comparison of the K-x vs K-30 not only does the K-30 take the title they also voted it best entry level DSLR overall
here's the comparison: Pentax K-30 vs K-x - Our Analysis
and here's the top 10: The best recent entry-level DSLRs

userage · 12-23-2012, 06:39 PM

I actually just moved from my K-x to a K7 o.O

But as everyone has stated, go for a K30 if you can. They are pretty well priced at the moment. Or for a used K5 if you can which would be better since it has a mic input among many other things.

Ikarus · 12-24-2012, 04:11 PM

The only new feature I am missing with the K-x is focus peaking for easier handling of my fast manual focus primes, so I got myself a K-01 as a back-up body, which at the current bargain price was too hard to resist. I've found the live-view on the K-01 to be a significant improvement over the one in the K-x, so I'm not missing the OVF as much as I thought I would.

While I'm sure that the K-30 is a fine camera, it still seemed a bit too incremental to make it worth the investment. For my next major upgrade, I'm looking for more substantial improvements like an articulated screen.

ihasa · 12-24-2012, 04:42 PM

The K30 is a steal for what you're getting. Especially if you're buying in the UK (or EU). Far better feature set than any Canon in the price range.

CP140 · 12-24-2012, 04:46 PM

Upgraded from a K-r to K-30 about six weeks ago... go for the K-30...

JVi · 12-24-2012, 08:32 PM

Just went from a KX to a used K5 and the difference is like night and day.
The K5 focuses so much more efficiently with a DA*55 1.4 and the DA 18-55 WR. There are so many more bells and whistles on the K5 it is amazing in comparison.

What was concerning me regarding the K30 was the reported shorter battery life and the lack of the option to use an auxiliary grip giving even more battery power in reserve for the K5.

BirdDude007 · 12-25-2012, 07:37 PM

I upgraded to a K-5 from a K-x but I still refuse to get rid of the K-x, that is a gem of a camera and actually takes similar IQ shots that the K-5 does, it's just that the K-5 is way easier to use, I really like the features such as WR/top LCD screen/battery grip option/all metal alloy frame/front and rear dials(to name a few)
You can pick up a nice used older K-5 in here and online for a good price, it is an awesome camera no matter what you might hear from all the folks that ditched their K-5s for K-5II/K-5IIs, I myself have a hard time discerning the difference between shots taken from either cameras(maybe because of my "old man" eyes)
If you end up getting a K-5 I highly suggest you hang onto that K-X, it is an awesome camera.

vega · 12-28-2012, 09:21 PM

Thanks everyone and Bird Dude I totally plan on keeping my K-x! It seems to be a pretty split decision at this point but I'm so happy to hear about all the different upgrades and it seems either choice is a good one. I think if I find a good deal on a used k-5 here on the forums I'll go for that, but gonna keep my eyes out for a k-30 while waiting for a good k-5 to jump out at me.

bass3587 · 01-04-2013, 07:25 AM

I upgraded from the K-x to the K5 and I've never looked back. I still have my K-x as a back up and it works great in that role. Biggest difference for ME is the ability to use a battery grip, top LCD, better image quality, responsiveness, two mode dials, better sensor, weather resistance, external mic port and much more. I can go on and on as it's a better camera all around but I think you get my drift. That being said the K-30 and K-01 are great cameras but I don't see such a huge improvement over the K-x to warrant the purchase. Search the used market for a K-5 but if not go for the K-30...just my opinion. YMMV

normhead · 01-04-2013, 07:33 AM

At the price of K-5s these days, I don't see how you can pass them up. We still have our K-x, it's a nice light weight second body to put a telephoto on and put into a waste holster in case we encounter wildlife. But K-5s do all our heavy lifting these days. My last one cost us $800.

12-23-2012, 02:38 PM	#1
vega Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Boston Posts: 54	Upgrading From K-x I hope this is the right section for this, as the new year rolls in I was thinking about buying a new DSLR. Because, I've been solely a Pentax user I'd like to stick with the system rather than jumping ship to Nikon or Canon. I've had the Kx for a few years and I like it a lot but it does have its drawbacks as no on screen AF points, 720p video, 12mp, lack of line in audio and some other minor things that come with age. I don't wanna spend an arm and a leg as I'm poor and a cheapskate so I dont plan on buying K-5 II but I'd like something better than my handy K-x. I've seen good prices on the K-01 but the lack of viewfinder turns me off as I find shooting on an LCD to be slow and unresponsive (though I dont know what it's like on the k-01). I also do a lot of concert shooting and I heard the the sensor isnt so good in low light so that worries me? I figured you guys might know what are some better options than I or perhaps upgraded from the K-x yourself and can give a good recommendation. My friends are telling me to go Canon and I don't want to so please any help you can give is appreciated.

12-23-2012, 03:34 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	I'd say go with the k-30; it's better in just about every aspect. There's no reason to switch to Canon unless you plan on shooting lots of sports later on. 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:

12-24-2012, 04:11 PM	#8
Ikarus Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: California Photos: Albums Posts: 484	The only new feature I am missing with the K-x is focus peaking for easier handling of my fast manual focus primes, so I got myself a K-01 as a back-up body, which at the current bargain price was too hard to resist. I've found the live-view on the K-01 to be a significant improvement over the one in the K-x, so I'm not missing the OVF as much as I thought I would. While I'm sure that the K-30 is a fine camera, it still seemed a bit too incremental to make it worth the investment. For my next major upgrade, I'm looking for more substantial improvements like an articulated screen. Last edited by Ikarus; 12-24-2012 at 04:38 PM.

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12-23-2012, 03:31 PM	#2
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	Coming from a K-x, you have two obvious choices : K-30 and K-01, unless you would be prepare to consider the last units of K-5. All these dSLRs are based upon the K-5 sensor (with some tweaks) and they deliver outstanding IQ. If you do not like the K-01, go for the K-30. It has WR, has dual-dials and an optical viewfinder. You will not get better value and IQ for the same price with Canikon Hope that the comment may help.

12-23-2012, 05:42 PM	#4
vega Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Boston Posts: 54 Original Poster	Thanks for the replies so far! The k-30 looks extremely nice! Is it possibly to run an external mic to this camera? If not that's quite ok, I was actually quite impressed with K-x's mic quality but using an external mic for live performances is always a plus, especially when I dont have to synch them later on lol.

12-23-2012, 06:16 PM	#5
Gareth.Ig Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Cochrane, AB Photos: Gallery Posts: 508	I have recently moved from a K-x to a used K-5. Very affordable upgrade. Easy to pick up a used K-5 in the market place right now and still plenty of camera to grow into. I understand the Autofocus is not as good as the K-30 or K-5 II, but it has worked well enough for me for my son`s Christmas shows this year.

12-23-2012, 06:37 PM	#6
vega Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Boston Posts: 54 Original Poster	While doing some research I found this side by side comparison of the K-x vs K-30 not only does the K-30 take the title they also voted it best entry level DSLR overall here's the comparison: Pentax K-30 vs K-x - Our Analysis and here's the top 10: The best recent entry-level DSLRs

12-23-2012, 06:39 PM	#7
userage Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 198	I actually just moved from my K-x to a K7 o.O But as everyone has stated, go for a K30 if you can. They are pretty well priced at the moment. Or for a used K5 if you can which would be better since it has a mic input among many other things.

12-24-2012, 04:42 PM	#9
ihasa Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: West Midlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,066	The K30 is a steal for what you're getting. Especially if you're buying in the UK (or EU). Far better feature set than any Canon in the price range.

12-24-2012, 04:46 PM	#10
CP140 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Greater Vancouver Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 190	Upgraded from a K-r to K-30 about six weeks ago... go for the K-30...

12-24-2012, 08:32 PM	#11
JVi Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ontario Posts: 115	Just went from a KX to a used K5 and the difference is like night and day. The K5 focuses so much more efficiently with a DA*55 1.4 and the DA 18-55 WR. There are so many more bells and whistles on the K5 it is amazing in comparison. What was concerning me regarding the K30 was the reported shorter battery life and the lack of the option to use an auxiliary grip giving even more battery power in reserve for the K5.

12-25-2012, 07:37 PM	#12
BirdDude007 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Las Vegas NV Photos: Albums Posts: 784	I upgraded to a K-5 from a K-x but I still refuse to get rid of the K-x, that is a gem of a camera and actually takes similar IQ shots that the K-5 does, it's just that the K-5 is way easier to use, I really like the features such as WR/top LCD screen/battery grip option/all metal alloy frame/front and rear dials(to name a few) You can pick up a nice used older K-5 in here and online for a good price, it is an awesome camera no matter what you might hear from all the folks that ditched their K-5s for K-5II/K-5IIs, I myself have a hard time discerning the difference between shots taken from either cameras(maybe because of my "old man" eyes) If you end up getting a K-5 I highly suggest you hang onto that K-X, it is an awesome camera.

12-28-2012, 09:21 PM	#13
vega Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Boston Posts: 54 Original Poster	Thanks everyone and Bird Dude I totally plan on keeping my K-x! It seems to be a pretty split decision at this point but I'm so happy to hear about all the different upgrades and it seems either choice is a good one. I think if I find a good deal on a used k-5 here on the forums I'll go for that, but gonna keep my eyes out for a k-30 while waiting for a good k-5 to jump out at me.

01-04-2013, 07:25 AM	#14
bass3587 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 517	I upgraded from the K-x to the K5 and I've never looked back. I still have my K-x as a back up and it works great in that role. Biggest difference for ME is the ability to use a battery grip, top LCD, better image quality, responsiveness, two mode dials, better sensor, weather resistance, external mic port and much more. I can go on and on as it's a better camera all around but I think you get my drift. That being said the K-30 and K-01 are great cameras but I don't see such a huge improvement over the K-x to warrant the purchase. Search the used market for a K-5 but if not go for the K-30...just my opinion. YMMV

01-04-2013, 07:33 AM	#15
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	At the price of K-5s these days, I don't see how you can pass them up. We still have our K-x, it's a nice light weight second body to put a telephoto on and put into a waste holster in case we encounter wildlife. But K-5s do all our heavy lifting these days. My last one cost us $800.