[aviduby]

Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here.

---

I just adopted photography as a hobby, so I'm a beginner. Right now I'm interested in spending the least amount of money as possible. I intend to learn as much as I can - as fast as possible. Therefore, I want to start with a camera that I will probably outgrow within 60 to 90 days and at the same time not lose much when I resell it as I will use those proceeds to buy a keeper.
I currently own a Tamron 28-105mm 4-5.6.

Here are my current alternatives:

1. 200D body only - 8,000 actuations - $250.00
2. 100D super including SMC 18-55mm DA- 6,700 actuations - $218.00
3. 100D body only - 4,800 actuations - 135.00
4. Something else you may recommend if the above don’t make sense.


Thanks in advance.

[tomwil]

1. 200D body only - 8,000 actuations - $250.00
2. 100D super including SMC 18-55mm DA- 6,700 actuations - $218.00
3. 100D body only - 4,800 actuations - 135.00

Those prices seem high, compared to eBay K100D and K200D.

[carrrlangas]

You can buy a new K30 + DA18-55WR for 500U$D right now... check the price watch forum and the marketplace!

[Na Horuk]

If you want a DSLR, any of those will be decent, but keep in mind that technology has evolved a lot since then. I don't know why old digital cameras are that expensive. For only double the money you get a brand new, never been touched camera, with modern technology and warranty (warranty is great to have) and a kit lens
If you want top-notch sensor, but it doesn't have to be DSLR, get the mirrorless Pentax K-01. Its not a DSLR, it only has CD AF (no PD AF), no viewfinder, but it has the same modern sensor as K-5, K-30, K-50. And it takes all K mount lenses. It can be found on sale for under $300 sometimes, as low as 250 for a new unit. And if you get a 40mm XS lens with it, youre golden.

Edit: Oh, and if you get something like the K200D, you probably won't outgrow it. It has just about everything, the only question is how long it will hold up, and if modern technology makes it appear outdated by comparison. By itself, it offers just about anything a photographer could need.

[Docrwm]

If you are going Pentax then APS-C is your option and buying new right now is a MUCH better option than the ones you listed. The K-30 is on firesale, as is the original K-5, and the K-01 is still around for $250ish without a lens and has an outstanding sensor in it.

If I had a friend who wanted to progress quickly in photography and wanted a Pentax I'd recommend the K-30 right now. Water resistant, excellent sensor, focus peaking, kit lens, all for <$500. The extended warranty (with a free cleaning) is a whopping $19 extra for 2 years too If I were going used I'd go with our Marketplace because we've had a good group of folks here and the gear is usually in much better shape (and accurately described) here.

[Kozlok]

If you are bent on used, there are typically kx and kr kits for sale here for ~250-300. Better high ISO with those.

[rbefly]

Hello aviduby, Welcome to the Forum!
I will add my support to the recommendations for a new K-30 instead of an older, used body. If you buy a K-30 now, you WON'T be wanting an upgrade in a few months. A few years, maybe. But it'll be brand new, with (as Doc mentioned) inexpensive dealer support, something you can't get with a used body. It's hard to put a price on the peace of mind a warranty brings.
In addition, the K-30 offers the best sensor available for Pentax bodies and most of the latest technology.
Invest in the future, not the past! At least with the camera body; Lenses...that's another story.
JMO,
Ron

[Lowell Goudge]

I just adopted photography as a hobby, so I'm a beginner. Right now I'm interested in spending the least amount of money as possible. I intend to learn as much as I can - as fast as possible. Therefore, I want to start with a camera that I will probably outgrow within 60 to 90 days and at the same time not lose much when I resell it as I will use those proceeds to buy a keeper.
I currently own a Tamron 28-105mm 4-5.6.

Here are my current alternatives:

1. 200D body only - 8,000 actuations - $250.00
2. 100D super including SMC 18-55mm DA- 6,700 actuations - $218.00
3. 100D body only - 4,800 actuations - 135.00
4. Something else you may recommend if the above don’t make sense.


Thanks in advance.

If you are really wanting the most capable camera and considering 6mp is enough (k100 as a possible body) you have one serious trade off. I personally would value the extra functionality of an *istD as more important at this phase than shake reduction on the K100. Get an SD to CF adaptor so you can use SD cards in the *istD. Tis will give you lots of advanced features, best flash system of ANY Pentax camera and be a great start to a system

Then look to pick up a better body when you have explored all you can do with the *istD ( I expect to see you back in abut 2 years)

[K57XR]

I want to start with a camera that I will probably outgrow within 60 to 90 days and at the same time not lose much when I resell it as I will use those proceeds to buy a keeper.
.

You may end up losing more money going this route. There’s a very likely chance you will not get what you paid for your “starter” or sell it as fast as you want to upgrade. I suggest getting your keeper now; whether be it Pentax or other systems. As for what model, you already have good suggestions above. If you can push your budget for a K-30, that would be a great choice. Out of curiosity and not trying to sway you one way or the other but there’s the Canon T2i or T31, Nikon D3100 and some offerings from Sony, most of which you can "hold and try on for size" in stores how did you zero in on Pentax? You did mention about already owning a Tamron 28-105, what body do you use this on?

[atupdate]

I answered your same question in the other thread. My response is available there.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/visitors-center/230864-opinion-best-penta...ml#post2446308

I will add that I bought a used K100D Super with 18-55 lens for my brother about 2 years ago for $200. As you can see, the price hasn't dropped that much.

Tim

[Lowell Goudge]

You may end up losing more money going this route. There’s a very likely chance you will not get what you paid for your “starter” or sell it as fast as you want to upgrade. I suggest getting your keeper now; whether be it Pentax or other systems. As for what model, you already have good suggestions above. If you can push your budget for a K-30, that would be a great choice. Out of curiosity and not trying to sway you one way or the other but there’s the Canon T2i or T31, Nikon D3100 and some offerings from Sony, most of which you can "hold and try on for size" in stores how did you zero in on Pentax? You did mention about already owning a Tamron 28-105, what body do you use this on?

Cameras are not investments. If you want a first cams cheap that will be of value over the long haul because it can't o things other cameras can't, the *istD is the best bet. But just don't expect to sell it in a few monts /years and save money

[K57XR]

Cameras are not investments. If you want a first cams cheap that will be of value over the long haul because it can't o things other cameras can't, the *istD is the best bet. But just don't expect to sell it in a few monts /years and save money

I agree with you. In my opinion good glass are investments. I just got the impression from OP’s post that he wanted to spend the least money as he can. If he actually plan on turning his first purchase around in 90 days to buy a better one then that might just cost more in the long run. I’ve nothing against the *1stD and it’s probably one of the best bet, as well as the other older bodies suggested but based on his max number, $250, he’s already within the K-x or K-r territory. K-30 was just a recommendation if he can push a little bit more.

[Docrwm]

I agree with you. In my opinion good glass are investments. I just got the impression from OP’s post that he wanted to spend the least money as he can. If he actually plan on turning his first purchase around in 90 days to buy a better one then that might just cost more in the long run. I’ve nothing against the *1stD and it’s probably one of the best bet, as well as the other older bodies suggested but based on his max number, $250, he’s already within the K-x or K-r territory. K-30 was just a recommendation if he can push a little bit more.

If it is simply learning a dSLR and you want to spend the least KEH has an *istD for around $120 and it comes with a 90 warranty. They are a solid company that many here have used and would recommend, myself included.

[Lowell Goudge]

I agree with you. In my opinion good glass are investments. I just got the impression from OP’s post that he wanted to spend the least money as he can. If he actually plan on turning his first purchase around in 90 days to buy a better one then that might just cost more in the long run. I’ve nothing against the *1stD and it’s probably one of the best bet, as well as the other older bodies suggested but based on his max number, $250, he’s already within the K-x or K-r territory. K-30 was just a recommendation if he can push a little bit more.

My only Eason for the *istD is that it does things other lat bodies can't. tTL flash as well as P-TTL gives him the chance to explore a to of legacy lenses supported by flash, the flash can do high speed sync with the in body flash, and support off camera HSS with the in body flash, no other body can do these things, therefore its is a part of any system with functions that will not be lost, the K-x and K-r can't do these things,

[aviduby]

Thanks to all of you (tomwil, carrrlangas, Na Horuk, Docrwm, Kozlok, rbefly, Lowell Goudge, K57XR and atupdate) for the feedback.

Tomwil: You are partially right: I checked the links and many of those lower prices were for units that had problems.

Carrrlangas: K30 would be a nice choice; however, right now I’m on a tight budget.

Na Horuk: I agree, technology has evolved and IMHO will continue to evolve –at a much faster and perhaps, more dramatic pace. K-01 may have a lot of bells and whistles, but I want something that “feels” more like a “real” camera, not a P&S.

Docrwm: I didn’t think before of Marketplace and thanks for pointing this out; I will research and see what’s in there. I also appreciate the tip on KEH’s deal on its *istD.

Kozlok: K-r and Kx may be another alternative if I can find them at my budget’s price range.

Rbefly: After reading “yall” feedback and some extra digging I did in the forum, I’m inclined to change strategy and keep whatever I finally buy as second camera and wait longer –and save more- to buy the “keeper”.

Lowell Goudge: I have to say your post intrigued me the most. I have to admit that before your post I didn’t even researched the *ist as an option. Then, I read some older threads –one where you commented of *istD TTL flash benefits- and as a beginner a less expensive TTL flash is a plus. I also liked the mode/setting “dial” (similar to 10D), front and back command dial and pentaprism vs pentamirror. The only –and rather important for me- drawback was that the hand grip is not as deep. Since my hands are large the “feel” and handling of this body worries me.

K57XR: You are right and your post made me rethink strategy -as posted above (Rbefly). Why Pentax? I know Nikkon and Cannon are the top dogs, but I’m a contrarian () and after some online research, Pentax attracted my curiosity –that simple. As for the Tamron AF (IF) 28-105mm F4-5.6, I knew that sooner or later I would end up buying a Pentax; I had also researched this forum’s lenses reviews and found 10 reviews for this particular lens with an average rating of 8.5, so, going to eBay I found and bought it for $35.00 10 days ago.

Atupdate: I fully agree on these cameras holding its value for a long time. At first –and as you pointed out, I was leaning on the 100D for $135.00; but now, $120 for a *istD doesn’t sound bad at all. The only thing I have to figure out is how comfortable this baby feels in my hand.

Lastly, if anybody who owns a *istD can chime in on its ergonomics, mainly the issue of “hand grip is not as deep”, I will also appreciate it.

Thanks again to all of you who posted.