Help me decide...

trarmstrong · 01-26-2013, 06:40 PM

What I shoot (in order of frequency) - mostly travel other than "indoors":
Indoors
Street
Landscape/Architecture
Night

What I am considering (price break of K-5 makes it harder):

1. Pentax K-5 with 18-55 WR: $899.00
2. Pentax K-30 with 18-55 WR: $846.95

or, the same cameras with the 18-135mm (difference in price between them is $264).

Was originally looking at mirrorless cameras (Olympus OM-D and Fujifilm X-E1, respectfully) however, found them too expensive for the difference in image quality. Besides, I love a good ole fashion viewfinder.

Thank you all.

**jatrax** · 01-26-2013, 07:15 PM

You will not go wrong with either camera, but I would suggest getting the 18-135mm for travel it is a very good zoom range and a small step up from the 18-55 in image quality.

You might go here: Pentax Cameras | Pentax K-5 II / IIs vs. Pentax K-30 vs. Pentax K-01 - Pentax DSLR Comparison - PentaxForums.com for a point by point comparison. Both are excellent cameras and both have advantages over the other in certain areas. Only you can say what is more important to you.

k-5 has 14bit recording, 1/8000 max shutter speed, 5 frame bracketing, can use a battery grip
k-30 has update AF module, improved video, can use AA batteries with adapter

But check out the comparison above, at current price points it comes down to what features you value.

DSims · 01-26-2013, 07:16 PM

Some general advice: Don't spend too much on the body compared to the lens(es). A used K-x or K-r will give you close to the performance of a K-5 or K-30.

I would consider the DA18-135 as a minimum-level lens. It's a good starting point though, and then you can decide if you're looking for anything more. For some people that's all they want. I've still considered getting one for it's wide zoom range, but my DA18-55 just sits in a box somewhere.

Since I went from a K-x to a K-5 to a K-5 IIs, you'll have to ask others regarding the K-5 vs K-30 decision - assuming you still want to buy the body new. I can tell you that I barely noticed the improvement going from the K-x to the K-5, because I already had some very good lenses.

VoiceOfReason · 01-26-2013, 07:40 PM

The K5 is awesome. I would go for it.

Racerdew · 01-26-2013, 09:30 PM

I would buy the best quality you can rather than quantity. Try to get the best lense you can or wait for the money to come. I have a couple nice lenses and some old very average lenses and I always get better quality shots with my better lenses. However you have to spend some money to get them. Buying the body is kind of a toss up.

Both are excellent bodies and have different advantages and you won't make a mistake with either body. I bought a K-5 IIs this past "Black Friday" and I am so happy with the camera. If you have lenses already just buy the body and save for the next dream lense. I think I might favor the k-30 over the 5. Plus the body of the K-30 looks hot. it also has better video if you are going to use it. The newer upgrades might just be the difference. See the lense reviews in the forum for help with lenses. The 50 - 300 MM Pentax lense is not a lot of money for a lense but has very good reviews. It is better than the 55-200 so I hear.

Racerdew

trarmstrong · 01-26-2013, 09:40 PM

Originally posted by Racerdew

I would buy the best quality you can rather than quantity. Try to get the best lense you can or wait for the money to come. I have a couple nice lenses and some old very average lenses and I always get better quality shots with my better lenses. However you have to spend some money to get them. Buying the body is kind of a toss up.

Both are excellent bodies and have different advantages and you won't make a mistake with either body. I bought a K-5 IIs this past "Black Friday" and I am so happy with the camera. If you have lenses already just buy the body and save for the next dream lense. I think I might favor the k-30 over the 5. Plus the body of the K-30 looks hot. it also has better video if you are going to use it. The newer upgrades might just be the difference. See the lense reviews in the forum for help with lenses. The 50 - 300 MM Pentax lense is not a lot of money for a lense but has very good reviews. It is better than the 55-200 so I hear.

Racerdew

I am leaning toward the K-30 with the 18-135mm due to the updated hardware and the lighter/smaller body.

jimr-pdx · 01-26-2013, 09:51 PM

I do not know the battery life of the K-30 with AA adapter, but for 'travel' the long battery of the K-5 is worth remembering. I don't know enough about the K-30 to say much more than that; my K-5 has done excellent work.

mbukal · 01-27-2013, 02:46 AM - **1 Like**

My recommendation for that kind of money: DA35 / 2.4 + DA 18-135 + K30, cheaper lens prime quality, lens for all by little, camera with good focus-sensor-controls-housing

Sagitta · 01-27-2013, 03:21 AM

I have pretty much the same decision facing me, only my main preferences are night, faux-macro (flowers, etc) and family snaps/portraiture. I'm opting (at the moment, it changes frequently as I try to budget myself) for the K-30 body and 18-135WR bought separately simply because the cost of the blue body + 2 year Warranty + lens is like 27 bucks higher than the black body + warranty.

I'm going the K-30 route because the camera is less expensive and has the focus peaking which will be handy for my collection of old manual glass. I figure by this time next year or the year after the true K-5 successor will be out, and it should (hopefully) have the focus peaking included and I can grab that then.

trarmstrong · 01-27-2013, 03:29 AM

Originally posted by Sagitta

I have pretty much the same decision facing me, only my main preferences are night, faux-macro (flowers, etc) and family snaps/portraiture. I'm opting (at the moment, it changes frequently as I try to budget myself) for the K-30 body and 18-135WR bought separately simply because the cost of the blue body + 2 year Warranty + lens is like 27 bucks higher than the black body + warranty.

I'm going the K-30 route because the camera is less expensive and has the focus peaking which will be handy for my collection of old manual glass. I figure by this time next year or the year after the true K-5 successor will be out, and it should (hopefully) have the focus peaking included and I can grab that then.

After looking at the individual DXO numbers and features, I am probably going to get the K-30 and 18-135 ($1029 - Amazon at the moment).

How is the Pentax "colors"? I had a Sony DSLR which I sold within two months due to the colors and files being too digital looking and very contrasty. Almost too perfect. I enjoy the more "film-like" look (Fujifilm and Ricoh GR look).

Thanks.

SKwan · 01-27-2013, 04:47 AM

I suggest to consider a better lens instead of camera. K-30 plus 18-135 should be a good couple. I bought K5 plus 18-135 two years ago. Even I have further bought several lens afterwards and it is always in my bag when go shooting photos.

I like Fuji colors but the company does not take care the DSLR market. I compared the pictures between Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sony and Pentax and finally found Pentax is my preference. Pentax colors has got a one third of reason for me to pick a K5.

This forum provides and excellent Photo Search by Pentax cameras and lens. You may check if the colors are your favorite.

Stephen

kh1234567890 · 01-27-2013, 04:56 AM

Just a couple of thoughts:

Focus peaking isn't the answer to everything. You'd be better off investing in a better focusing screen for use with old manual lenses, especially if you tend to use the viewfinder rather than liveview. If you shoot RAW then you can easily tweak the colours to your desire. You might find the 18-135 disappointing at the long end. If you can live with lens swapping then a 18-55 / 50-200 (or 55-300) combo could be a better (and cheaper) bet.

Allison · 01-27-2013, 04:26 PM

Originally posted by kh1234567890

If you shoot RAW then you can easily tweak the colours to your desire.

As mentioned, raw is always best. Plus in programs like Lightroom, you have channel mixers that you can adjust to your liking. You can even save these adjustments as a preset. Some even sell presets to match very specific films (both color and blackand white).

DSims · 01-27-2013, 05:13 PM

Originally posted by trarmstrong

How is the Pentax "colors"? I had a Sony DSLR which I sold within two months due to the colors and files being too digital looking and very contrasty. Almost too perfect. I enjoy the more "film-like" look (Fujifilm and Ricoh GR look).

In addition to the previously mentioned Photo Search here, I'd highly recommend looking at the PENTAX : Select a PENTAX interchangeable lens camera or a lens model as well as Camera Database and Museum at PBase.com and Over a million full-size sample photos from SLR and mirrorless cameras combined with different lenses This way you can compare to your previous Sony as well as Fujifilm and others. I personally like the CCD sensor of my K200D, but I've enjoyed the colors on all the Pentax DSLRs I've owned.

trarmstrong · 01-27-2013, 07:19 PM

Wow, thanks a lot! You guys are very helpful and "decent" compared to the ones over at dpreview. There is no need for drama when it comes to a passion such as photography (everyone started somewhere). Thanks.

Leaning: Pentax K-30 and either 18-55 + 55-200 or 18-135 kit....eventually get the 35mm f/2.4 as well.

01-26-2013, 06:40 PM	#1
trarmstrong New Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 10	Help me decide... What I shoot (in order of frequency) - mostly travel other than "indoors": Indoors Street Landscape/Architecture Night What I am considering (price break of K-5 makes it harder): 1. Pentax K-5 with 18-55 WR: $899.00 2. Pentax K-30 with 18-55 WR: $846.95 or, the same cameras with the 18-135mm (difference in price between them is $264). Was originally looking at mirrorless cameras (Olympus OM-D and Fujifilm X-E1, respectfully) however, found them too expensive for the difference in image quality. Besides, I love a good ole fashion viewfinder. Thank you all.

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01-26-2013, 07:15 PM	#2
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	You will not go wrong with either camera, but I would suggest getting the 18-135mm for travel it is a very good zoom range and a small step up from the 18-55 in image quality. You might go here: Pentax Cameras \| Pentax K-5 II / IIs vs. Pentax K-30 vs. Pentax K-01 - Pentax DSLR Comparison - PentaxForums.com for a point by point comparison. Both are excellent cameras and both have advantages over the other in certain areas. Only you can say what is more important to you. k-5 has 14bit recording, 1/8000 max shutter speed, 5 frame bracketing, can use a battery grip k-30 has update AF module, improved video, can use AA batteries with adapter But check out the comparison above, at current price points it comes down to what features you value.

01-26-2013, 07:16 PM	#3
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	Some general advice: Don't spend too much on the body compared to the lens(es). A used K-x or K-r will give you close to the performance of a K-5 or K-30. I would consider the DA18-135 as a minimum-level lens. It's a good starting point though, and then you can decide if you're looking for anything more. For some people that's all they want. I've still considered getting one for it's wide zoom range, but my DA18-55 just sits in a box somewhere. Since I went from a K-x to a K-5 to a K-5 IIs, you'll have to ask others regarding the K-5 vs K-30 decision - assuming you still want to buy the body new. I can tell you that I barely noticed the improvement going from the K-x to the K-5, because I already had some very good lenses.

01-26-2013, 07:40 PM	#4
VoiceOfReason Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Mishawaka IN area Photos: Albums Posts: 6,124	The K5 is awesome. I would go for it.

01-26-2013, 09:30 PM	#5
Racerdew Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 285	I would buy the best quality you can rather than quantity. Try to get the best lense you can or wait for the money to come. I have a couple nice lenses and some old very average lenses and I always get better quality shots with my better lenses. However you have to spend some money to get them. Buying the body is kind of a toss up. Both are excellent bodies and have different advantages and you won't make a mistake with either body. I bought a K-5 IIs this past "Black Friday" and I am so happy with the camera. If you have lenses already just buy the body and save for the next dream lense. I think I might favor the k-30 over the 5. Plus the body of the K-30 looks hot. it also has better video if you are going to use it. The newer upgrades might just be the difference. See the lense reviews in the forum for help with lenses. The 50 - 300 MM Pentax lense is not a lot of money for a lense but has very good reviews. It is better than the 55-200 so I hear. Racerdew

01-26-2013, 09:40 PM	#6
trarmstrong New Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 10 Original Poster	Originally posted by Racerdew I would buy the best quality you can rather than quantity. Try to get the best lense you can or wait for the money to come. I have a couple nice lenses and some old very average lenses and I always get better quality shots with my better lenses. However you have to spend some money to get them. Buying the body is kind of a toss up. Both are excellent bodies and have different advantages and you won't make a mistake with either body. I bought a K-5 IIs this past "Black Friday" and I am so happy with the camera. If you have lenses already just buy the body and save for the next dream lense. I think I might favor the k-30 over the 5. Plus the body of the K-30 looks hot. it also has better video if you are going to use it. The newer upgrades might just be the difference. See the lense reviews in the forum for help with lenses. The 50 - 300 MM Pentax lense is not a lot of money for a lense but has very good reviews. It is better than the 55-200 so I hear. Racerdew I am leaning toward the K-30 with the 18-135mm due to the updated hardware and the lighter/smaller body.

01-26-2013, 09:51 PM	#7
jimr-pdx Pentaxian Join Date: May 2010 Location: now 1 hour north of PDX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,897	I do not know the battery life of the K-30 with AA adapter, but for 'travel' the long battery of the K-5 is worth remembering. I don't know enough about the K-30 to say much more than that; my K-5 has done excellent work.

01-27-2013, 02:46 AM - 1 Like	#8
mbukal Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: zagreb Posts: 668	My recommendation for that kind of money: DA35 / 2.4 + DA 18-135 + K30, cheaper lens prime quality, lens for all by little, camera with good focus-sensor-controls-housing

01-27-2013, 03:21 AM	#9
Sagitta Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Maine Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,081	I have pretty much the same decision facing me, only my main preferences are night, faux-macro (flowers, etc) and family snaps/portraiture. I'm opting (at the moment, it changes frequently as I try to budget myself) for the K-30 body and 18-135WR bought separately simply because the cost of the blue body + 2 year Warranty + lens is like 27 bucks higher than the black body + warranty. I'm going the K-30 route because the camera is less expensive and has the focus peaking which will be handy for my collection of old manual glass. I figure by this time next year or the year after the true K-5 successor will be out, and it should (hopefully) have the focus peaking included and I can grab that then.

01-27-2013, 03:29 AM	#10
trarmstrong New Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 10 Original Poster	Originally posted by Sagitta I have pretty much the same decision facing me, only my main preferences are night, faux-macro (flowers, etc) and family snaps/portraiture. I'm opting (at the moment, it changes frequently as I try to budget myself) for the K-30 body and 18-135WR bought separately simply because the cost of the blue body + 2 year Warranty + lens is like 27 bucks higher than the black body + warranty. I'm going the K-30 route because the camera is less expensive and has the focus peaking which will be handy for my collection of old manual glass. I figure by this time next year or the year after the true K-5 successor will be out, and it should (hopefully) have the focus peaking included and I can grab that then. After looking at the individual DXO numbers and features, I am probably going to get the K-30 and 18-135 ($1029 - Amazon at the moment). How is the Pentax "colors"? I had a Sony DSLR which I sold within two months due to the colors and files being too digital looking and very contrasty. Almost too perfect. I enjoy the more "film-like" look (Fujifilm and Ricoh GR look). Thanks.

01-27-2013, 04:47 AM	#11
SKwan Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Hong Kong Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 95	I suggest to consider a better lens instead of camera. K-30 plus 18-135 should be a good couple. I bought K5 plus 18-135 two years ago. Even I have further bought several lens afterwards and it is always in my bag when go shooting photos. I like Fuji colors but the company does not take care the DSLR market. I compared the pictures between Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sony and Pentax and finally found Pentax is my preference. Pentax colors has got a one third of reason for me to pick a K5. This forum provides and excellent Photo Search by Pentax cameras and lens. You may check if the colors are your favorite. Stephen

01-27-2013, 04:56 AM	#12
kh1234567890 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Manchester, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,653	Just a couple of thoughts: Focus peaking isn't the answer to everything. You'd be better off investing in a better focusing screen for use with old manual lenses, especially if you tend to use the viewfinder rather than liveview. If you shoot RAW then you can easily tweak the colours to your desire. You might find the 18-135 disappointing at the long end. If you can live with lens swapping then a 18-55 / 50-200 (or 55-300) combo could be a better (and cheaper) bet.

01-27-2013, 04:26 PM	#13
Allison Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 667	Originally posted by kh1234567890 If you shoot RAW then you can easily tweak the colours to your desire. As mentioned, raw is always best. Plus in programs like Lightroom, you have channel mixers that you can adjust to your liking. You can even save these adjustments as a preset. Some even sell presets to match very specific films (both color and blackand white).

01-27-2013, 05:13 PM	#14
DSims Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,236	Originally posted by trarmstrong How is the Pentax "colors"? I had a Sony DSLR which I sold within two months due to the colors and files being too digital looking and very contrasty. Almost too perfect. I enjoy the more "film-like" look (Fujifilm and Ricoh GR look). In addition to the previously mentioned Photo Search here, I'd highly recommend looking at the PENTAX : Select a PENTAX interchangeable lens camera or a lens model as well as Camera Database and Museum at PBase.com and Over a million full-size sample photos from SLR and mirrorless cameras combined with different lenses This way you can compare to your previous Sony as well as Fujifilm and others. I personally like the CCD sensor of my K200D, but I've enjoyed the colors on all the Pentax DSLRs I've owned.

01-27-2013, 07:19 PM	#15
trarmstrong New Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 10 Original Poster	Wow, thanks a lot! You guys are very helpful and "decent" compared to the ones over at dpreview. There is no need for drama when it comes to a passion such as photography (everyone started somewhere). Thanks. Leaning: Pentax K-30 and either 18-55 + 55-200 or 18-135 kit....eventually get the 35mm f/2.4 as well.