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03-17-2015, 08:28 AM   #1
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Beginner Camera 250-300 Range

I am new here but looking for some advice. 200-300 is pretty much my price range.

I have lots if old Pentax lenses which I plan on using so am looking for a body only. I currently have an ist D.

A few requirements are x-sync socket, external mic jack for video and a battery grip. I would also prefer the top LCD.

99 percent of my photos are outside in bright light along with low iso exposures at night. I am looking at the K50 but it lacks the features I want but I quite tempting.

There is a shop that has a demo K7 left over (was packed away in the back) for 250 with a 90 day warranty. However I can't seem to find a lot if info about them.

It has everything I need. Is it worth picking up an older pretty much never used K7 for $100 less than the K50? I know that the latter has better low light performance but it makes up for it in build and features.

03-17-2015, 09:06 AM   #2
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No mic Jack k50.
03-17-2015, 09:12 AM   #3
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for top lcd used K5
03-17-2015, 09:37 AM   #4
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K5 series is really what you'll want. K7 has video, but K5 has a much better sensor.

Mid-range units lack the microphone input.

03-17-2015, 09:48 AM   #5
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Thanks. How bad is the sensor on the k7? The price is right and it has everything I need and is literally brand new.
03-17-2015, 10:01 AM   #6
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The K7 sensor (same as the K20d that I have) is a good sensor as long as you keep it at ISO 640 and under. If you think you will spend 99% of the time in bright light as you say, it will be a good match. I love my K20d.

On the other hand, I've seen K5 selling for 250 here in our forums recently, so for the same money - if you wait for a good deal - you could have the newer camera with much better ISO performance, in case you need it.

Having some nice primes really pay off with these older cameras as the faster aperture helps in low light scenarios. I use a DA 35 2.4 a lot (AF, can be had for 100 usually in the used market) and the cheap 50mm manual lenses that are so common out there (got my M 50 1.7 for 30 dollars and a Sears 20mm 1.7 which I love, for 27 dollars).

Last edited by ChristianRock; 03-17-2015 at 10:08 AM.
03-17-2015, 11:02 AM   #7
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If you think you may shoot architecture sometimes, you should look for a K5 only.

The controllable vertical sensor shift range of the K5 is big enough to replace a shift lens.
The shift range of the K7 is just too small for that purpose.

In case you don't know what I mean, have a look here:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/6-pentax-dslr-discussion/275602-compositi...you-using.html


Last edited by RKKS08; 03-17-2015 at 11:18 AM. Reason: Link added
03-20-2015, 08:28 AM   #8
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While I agree that the K5 is much preferable, I don't think the low light capabilities of the K7/K20D are quite so restricted as stated. If you shoot RAW and work with a good converter, you can get very good detail at ISO 1600 - although dynamic range will be a bit less than the newer sensors.

Another possibility is to go with the K-01 which has a mic-in. Add a good LCD loupe (Perfect GGS 3x are very nice) and you'll have a fine camera for outdoors shooting, and that loupe is great for video work. This remains my back-up to the K-3 - and is preferred for some situations. The shutter is extremely quiet - if that's a consideration for your low light endeavors. The K-30/50/500s are blasters by comparison.
03-20-2015, 09:14 AM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by ChristianRock Quote
The K7 sensor (same as the K20d that I have) is a good sensor as long as you keep it at ISO 640
It is nowhere as bad as people make it out to be especially if you are not planning to make giant prints and any noise can easily be dealt with.
This was taken with K7 at Iso 3200 and only needed minimal work in PP. If you can get a K5 that fits in your budget it is the better camera but both produce quality shots and are well built.
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03-20-2015, 09:34 AM   #10
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Although the K-7 is an older body than the K-50, it would still be a huge upgrade over your ist D! If the K-7 you have an eye on is in good shape and from a reputable dealer, I would not hesitate. It the dealer has it for a long time, you could even try to negociate the price down to 200$... At worst, you could sell it back on ebay or the marletplace for about the same price. Not much to lose here...

The choice between it and the K-50 is really a matter of how important for you is a mic, top LCD, shutter noise and overall built quality (metal vs plastic body).

Last edited by CarlJF; 03-20-2015 at 09:42 AM.
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