[condor27596]

I was wondering for the future what is the best camera
that uses the AA batteries? I'm figuring it is not the K-5IIs
that everybody loves.

Thanks.

[stevebrot]

K-3 with optional grip

If the grip is not something you want, the K-50 with AA battery holder would be the next best bet.


Steve

[tomwil]

If the grip is not something you want, the K-50 with AA battery holder would be the next best bet.

Or, the K-500, which is less expensive and already comes with the AA battery holder and a lens.

[condor27596]

That does not look to be that significant upgrade over what I have (K200).
I guess I'll eventually be planning on other battery needs.

[ivanvernon]

I was wondering for the future what is the best camera
that uses the AA batteries? I'm figuring it is not the K-5IIs
that everybody loves.

Thanks.

Actually, I use AA batteries with my K-5II and aftermarket battery grip. The battery grip comes with two trays, one for the regular batteries and another for the AA batteries. The grip cost, as I recall, about $60.00 and seems to be as good as the Pentax grip except not weather resistant.

[audiobomber]

That does not look to be that significant upgrade over what I have (K200).
I guess I'll eventually be planning on other battery needs.

Really? The K-50 bests the K200D in every conceivable way:

• Dual control dials
• Larger (100% coverage), brighter pentaprism OVF vs. pentamirror
• Better IQ - Higher resolution, lower noise, increased dynamic range
• Live view AF, focus peaking, focus magnification
• Video capability

I don't know what more you could ask for.

[stevebrot]

Really? The K-50 bests the K200D in every conceivable way:

My thoughts too. The K200D is a great camera and a wonderful value when it was made, but the K-50 is an order of magnitude nicer camera and a true bargain at its current pricing. No, it does not accept a grip, but then the K-5II might be a better choice for half again more money if you include the grip. The AA battery holder for the K-50 is about $30.


Steve

[aleonx3]

That does not look to be that significant upgrade over what I have (K200).
I guess I'll eventually be planning on other battery needs.

I know how you feel about the k-200D (great camera by its standard), I use to own and think I will never settle for anything more than my k-100D.

I then sold my k-100D when I got an opportunity to upgrade and never look back.

[Aristophanes]

Really? The K-50 bests the K200D in every conceivable way:

• Larger (100% coverage), brighter pentaprism OVF vs. pentamirror
• Dual control dials
• Better IQ - Higher resolution, lower noise, increased dynamic range
• Live view AF, focus peaking, focus magnification
• Video capability

I don't know what more you could ask for.

I agree. I sold my K200D when I got a K-7. Did not like that and received a K-x (loved the size but crippled without focus point indicators). Have a K-30 in addition to the K-x.

AA batteries are awesome. They weigh more, but they are readily available and work very well.

[condor27596]

I won't upgrade until later this year. I did not realize it was such an upgrade.

I really like the really big knobs on top of the k-5. My eyes are getting not good.

Maybe I just need to figure on a little pile of batteries and a charger.

I'm taking a lot more pics and am getting a lot better results the last few months. I want to maybe upgrade one good time and have it be good for 5 years. Or more.

I have been particuarly frustrated with the focus ability with the ist and the k200 in low light levels.

I would also like to have better control if the flash coming on. It doesn't at critical moments. I have a flash that goes on top it is adjustable power but not smart.

[DSims]

Really? The K-50 bests the K200D in every conceivable way:

• Dual control dials
• Larger (100% coverage), brighter pentaprism OVF vs. pentamirror
• Better IQ - Higher resolution, lower noise, increased dynamic range
• Live view AF, focus peaking, focus magnification
• Video capability

I don't know what more you could ask for.

I think you need to conceive a little more. Battery Grip and nice CCD color are two advantages of the K200D.


But as you say, the K-50 is a significant upgrade, not just a small one.



I wouldn't allow the battery issue to limit you to only the mid and low-line models. I was happy with AA batteries too, but you'll soon adjust and wonder why you ever thought it mattered.

[audiobomber]

I think you need to conceive a little more. Battery Grip and nice CCD color are two advantages of the K200D.

Yes, I forgot about the battery grip. That is a K200D advantage.

I don't accept "CCD colour" as an advantage. The old Sony/Pentax 6mp and 10mp sensors had an overly warm white balance that you may have preferred, but was not accurate. CMOS sensors from the K-x through the K-5 II went to the opposite end of the spectrum, they were too cool (blue). The K20D sensor had the most accurate white balance, IMO, The K-3 is also excellent.

WB is infinitely variable on a digital camera. Adjust it whatever way you like. DXOMark measurements for the K-50 show it has slightly better colour depth than the K200D (23.7 vs. 22.4 bits), so colour is a K-50 advantage.

[condor27596]

I read up more on the K50 and it seems really good. I'm going to save up for my birthday and get it this fall.

[6BQ5]

I read up more on the K50 and it seems really good. I'm going to save up for my birthday and get it this fall.

Or, for less money you can get a K-30. It's the same camera for all intentions and purposes. I think the supply of NOS K-30s is still decent, is it not?

[noelpolar]

That does not look to be that significant upgrade over what I have (K200).
I guess I'll eventually be planning on other battery needs.

I went from a K200 to a K5ii. and thougth I'd miss the AA's........ subsequently haven't at all! 5-700 shots out of a battery and a with a spare not being that expensive whats the issue......charger is small to.