Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 

Reply
Show Printable Version Search this Thread
03-28-2015, 03:21 PM   #1
Forum Member




Join Date: May 2013
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Posts: 90
Choices

I have narrowed my choices to either a K50 or KS1, Leaning more towards a K50. Which camera would have the features for growth?

03-28-2015, 03:37 PM - 2 Likes   #2
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
jatrax's Avatar

Join Date: May 2010
Location: Washington Cascades
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 12,991
QuoteOriginally posted by PhotoHeron Quote
Which camera would have the features for growth?
What do you mean by "growth"?

Despite the radically different look there is surprisingly little difference in the specifications between them. K-S1 has 20mp sensor the k-50 has 16mp. The k-50 has 2 control wheels the k-s1 only has 1. k-s1 can tether using the FluCard, k-50 cannot. K-s1 has HDMI out, k-50 does not. Other than that it appears to be mostly body style. Both are mid range cameras that lack high end features, but supply more than enough to keep most photographers going for years.

Personally if I had to choose I would go with the k-50, for the two control wheels. But that is just me, I've learned to use both wheels automatically and not having them would be an issue, for me.

What features do you think you need to "grow" into?
03-28-2015, 04:17 PM - 1 Like   #3
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
Stavri's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: at a Bean & Leaf
Photos: Albums
Posts: 1,832
By growth I assume the OP is talking about a camera that doesn't hold your hand but challenges you and rewards your time and effort.
If you want growth, you gotta go
with the dslrs who offer the most buttons and switches. I'm partly joking but personally the best decision I've made was to jump straight into a k20d, ( spending time with) a medium-advanced dslr made me a better photographer. My advice, shoot for a K5/ii/s it will be intimidating at first but you'll be a better photographer as a result.

Last edited by Stavri; 03-28-2015 at 04:22 PM.
03-28-2015, 04:44 PM - 2 Likes   #4
Veteran Member




Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Waterford
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 454
In truth, there is very little wrong with the K-S1, especially if you can get it at a knockdown price. I think the results are better than the K30 and the K5, both of which I also have.

However, the K50 does have WR, which can be useful and reassuring. If you aren't basing your decision on the need for WR, I would try to handle both cameras, and choose on the basis of how it feels in your hand, as both will give you good results and hours or years of fun, and both are amazing value right now.

03-28-2015, 05:43 PM - 1 Like   #5
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
jatrax's Avatar

Join Date: May 2010
Location: Washington Cascades
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 12,991
QuoteOriginally posted by Bagga_Txips Quote
choose on the basis of how it feels in your hand,
+1 wise words.
03-29-2015, 12:16 AM - 1 Like   #6
Veteran Member
lightbox's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 599
QuoteOriginally posted by Bagga_Txips Quote
choose on the basis of how it feels in your hand
Therein lies the problem, at least from what I can tell. None of the local camera shops around me deal in Ricoh/Pentax. It seems like an online-only proposition.

*edited*
My original response was longer, but it detracted from the OP's topic.

Last edited by lightbox; 03-29-2015 at 12:30 AM.
03-29-2015, 06:01 AM   #7
Forum Member




Join Date: May 2013
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Posts: 90
Original Poster
I want to able to grow into a camera and delve into its less frequently used settings to be creative.

03-29-2015, 08:38 AM - 2 Likes   #8
Pentaxian
SpecialK's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: So California
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 16,479
QuoteOriginally posted by PhotoHeron Quote
I want to able to grow into a camera and delve into its less frequently used settings to be creative.
Most settings are for function rather than creativity - such as 1/3 or 1/2 steps for ISO adjustment...

Shutter, aperture, ISO, lens, composition. That is your creativity.
03-29-2015, 11:45 AM - 3 Likes   #9
Pentaxian
reeftool's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Upstate New York
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 9,542
It's been 8 years since I made the jump from film to a DSLR and I currently own a K10D and K5. I'm amazed at how few of all those features that so many people consider important I ever use. I am mostly concerned with the ergonomics of any camera body I own. My camera pretty much stays in Av and all I ever change is the ISO and AF modes and sometimes the metering mode and EV if conditions warrant. I want my controls available on buttons and dials without having to scroll through any menus. For that reason, I would choose the K50 over the KS1 with little hesitation as I despise scrolling through menus and want as many controls handy on the camera body as possible. The K50 is also weather sealed which is a big plus. I'm sure both are fine cameras but the K50 is much closer to what I am used to using. Since I shoot manually quite a bit, having the 2 dials is a big plus.
03-29-2015, 12:01 PM - 1 Like   #10
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
jatrax's Avatar

Join Date: May 2010
Location: Washington Cascades
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 12,991
QuoteOriginally posted by reeftool Quote
It's been 8 years since I made the jump from film to a DSLR and I currently own a K10D and K5. I'm amazed at how few of all those features that so many people consider important I ever use. I am mostly concerned with the ergonomics of any camera body I own. My camera pretty much stays in Av and all I ever change is the ISO and AF modes and sometimes the metering mode and EV if conditions warrant. I want my controls available on buttons and dials without having to scroll through any menus. For that reason, I would choose the K50 over the KS1 with little hesitation as I despise scrolling through menus and want as many controls handy on the camera body as possible. The K50 is also weather sealed which is a big plus. I'm sure both are fine cameras but the K50 is much closer to what I am used to using. Since I shoot manually quite a bit, having the 2 dials is a big plus.
+1 ^^^ very wise words. Buttons and geegaws are all fine, but in the field Av mode and get the focus right is what brings home the good stuff.
03-29-2015, 12:54 PM - 1 Like   #11
Master of the obvious
Loyal Site Supporter
savoche's Avatar

Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Lowlands of Norway
Posts: 18,307
Yep, you won't find creativity in the camera, you have to find that in yourself. However, understanding the basics of exposure and how changing the settings affects the image will make the camera a tool, rather than a hindrance, for your creativity.

The two cameras you're looking at are very similar in their feature sets, so none of them will hold you back in that sense. For me good ergonomics is a key factor - if the camera is uncomfortable to hold and to use, well, I won't enjoy using it. So, if at all possible, find a shop that carries both cameras so you can try them in your hand.

(I know I wouldn't want a camera without two control wheels, though.)
03-29-2015, 01:07 PM   #12
Forum Member




Join Date: May 2013
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Posts: 90
Original Poster
I understand the camera is the tool, it is how you use the tool to make the best image. Everyone has been very helpful in answering my questions., thank you..
03-29-2015, 02:29 PM   #13
Veteran Member




Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,854
I also think you'd want the 2 wheels for your camera this really is invaluable in term of efficancy, control and ergonomics. More buttons is also better overall, you might never need them all or don't care but if we speak of "grow", then having more buttons and more modes is something that help make your camera practical and a good tool.

So I'd say like stavri a K5/K5-II/K5-IIs (pro line with more buttons) or a K50/K30 (entry level line but with 2 wheels well made still and lighter).
03-29-2015, 03:43 PM   #14
Senior Member
LoneWolf's Avatar

Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 141
QuoteOriginally posted by Nicolas06 Quote
I also think you'd want the 2 wheels for your camera this really is invaluable in term of efficancy, control and ergonomics. More buttons is also better overall, you might never need them all or don't care but if we speak of "grow", then having more buttons and more modes is something that help make your camera practical and a good tool.

So I'd say like stavri a K5/K5-II/K5-IIs (pro line with more buttons) or a K50/K30 (entry level line but with 2 wheels well made still and lighter).
Totally agree for stills.

The cameras mentioned above are also weather resistant. They all also have a larger grip then the K-S1 and, in the opinion of many coming from older PENTAX DSLR's, a more ergonomic one. This coupled with their extra weight makes them better I think for use with 450gm plus lenses. If however you think you will be doing a lot of video then the K-S1 has its merits.

A lot however depends on your budget and how soon you need your DSLR. If you need it now then, from your selection, I would probably choose the K50. If you could wait a bit longer for the K-S2 price to reduce (it's bit expensive at the moment being a new model) this may be a better choice for you. It has everthing and more than the K-S1 It is weather resistant, has two wheels and has a large and more contoured grip.

Incidentally, where are you coming from: smart phone, family compact, enthusiasts compact, bridge camera, film camera,etc.? Your answer may allow others who have made such a decision in the past to give you the benefit of there experiences.
03-30-2015, 07:23 AM   #15
Forum Member




Join Date: May 2013
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Posts: 90
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by LoneWolf Quote
Totally agree for stills.

The cameras mentioned above are also weather resistant. They all also have a larger grip then the K-S1 and, in the opinion of many coming from older PENTAX DSLR's, a more ergonomic one. This coupled with their extra weight makes them better I think for use with 450gm plus lenses. If however you think you will be doing a lot of video then the K-S1 has its merits.

A lot however depends on your budget and how soon you need your DSLR. If you need it now then, from your selection, I would probably choose the K50. If you could wait a bit longer for the K-S2 price to reduce (it's bit expensive at the moment being a new model) this may be a better choice for you. It has everthing and more than the K-S1 It is weather resistant, has two wheels and has a large and more contoured grip.

Incidentally, where are you coming from: smart phone, family compact, enthusiasts compact, bridge camera, film camera,etc.? Your answer may allow others who have made such a decision in the past to give you the benefit of there experiences.
I have had a Nikon DSLR in the past. Currently just using a Canon powerzoom point and shot.. I do not use my smartphone for pictures. I have still my Pentax Super m film camera, which I used for years..
Reply

Bookmarks
  • Submit Thread to Facebook Facebook
  • Submit Thread to Twitter Twitter
  • Submit Thread to Digg Digg
Tags - Make this thread easier to find by adding keywords to it!
camera, choices, dslr, k50, photography
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Standard zoom lens choices pencilnink Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 8 05-09-2011 10:53 PM
Cruise: Lens choices. Help needed psychdoc Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 47 01-05-2011 06:58 AM
Pentax choices make me feel miserable... coloseu Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 16 02-26-2009 08:53 AM
choices choices forestG Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 7 12-15-2007 05:00 AM
Help Needed With Lens Choices quartz Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 7 05-15-2007 01:03 AM



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:39 AM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top