[TaoMaas]

Should I upgrade to K3 or spend the money into buying an upgraded and good quality lens...

Upgrade the lens. It far outlasts camera bodies these days.

[jeallen01]

Went from a K-r to a K-30 for traveling, and the IQ improvement was very noticeable, but it is also a bit heavier.

Also have a K-5 & a K-3 - and they are a LOT heavier, so bear that in mind!

I still take the K-30 when traveling as it gives superb results with the 18-135 and the Sigma 10-20 F4-5.6. IMHO, you really need an UWA lens in Europe!

[TER-OR]

Don't forget the used market. Watch the Marketplace here - there are plenty of opportunities even for used K3 bodies. Then you could pursue Adam's advice and find a nice lens to couple with it.

[Hehe]

I've decided to go with the K3 18-135mm kit. However I've also been suggested by the guy in the camera shop to go with a Olympus OMD EM5 with the pro 12-40mm f2.8 lens. They have a special deal on the camera and lens combo at the moment. Does anyone have any experience with this combo? Would you recommend it over the K3 with the 18-135?

[Paul the Sunman]

Quite a contrast! A mirrorless 4/3 camera against an APS-C DSLR. This is a bigger choice than just a camera for here and now; you will be buying into a system and a philosophy. Are you happy with an electronic viewfinder and smaller sensor? I haven't used the OMD EM5, but it's clearly a very good camera. Both cameras are weather sealed and have in-body shake reduction. The 12-40 f2.8 lens is much faster than the 18-135, but at 18-60 APS-C-equivalent, is much less flexible as a walk-around zoom.

Don't be swayed by a salesman: read everything you can on both systems.

[Hehe]

Quite a contrast! A mirrorless 4/3 camera against an APS-C DSLR. This is a bigger choice than just a camera for here and now; you will be buying into a system and a philosophy. Are you happy with an electronic viewfinder and smaller sensor? I haven't used the OMD EM5, but it's clearly a very good camera. Both cameras are weather sealed and have in-body shake reduction. The 12-40 f2.8 lens is much faster than the 18-135, but at 18-60 APS-C-equivalent, is much less flexible as a walk-around zoom.

Don't be swayed by a salesman: read everything you can on both systems.

It's annoying that there isn't just one choice. That there is hundreds of choices.. haha. I've been doing readings up on both cameras. The K3 out preforming in most aspects (and I much prefer the optical viewfinder) however the lens. I remember reading somewhere that DPreview mentioned that the Pro 12-40 f2.8 was one of the best or the best lens they have ever reviewed. So it's hard to decide. But yes I do really like the versatility of the 18-135mm would present, especially when doing street photography.. but is the versatility worth it over the fast and sharp 12-40..

[officiousbystander]

I have the EM5 and the K5. The EM5 is the K5 Mini Me. If you get both beware it's LBA x2. You'd be happy with either as long as you are conscious of the impact of a smaller sensor on IQ and depth of field. The 12-40mm pro lens is $999 at B&H. I imagine the deal is like getting a lens with a free camera attached. Make sure it's the Pro and not the 12-50 kit lens. Sometimes sales people can be confused or confusing.
With the Olympus deal the lens is probably better than the camera. With the K3 deal the camera is better than the lens.

[Hehe]

I have the EM5 and the K5. The EM5 is the K5 Mini Me. If you get both beware it's LBA x2. You'd be happy with either as long as you are conscious of the impact of a smaller sensor on IQ and depth of field. The 12-40mm pro lens is $999 at B&H. I imagine the deal is like getting a lens with a free camera attached. Make sure it's the Pro and not the 12-50 kit lens. Sometimes sales people can be confused or confusing.
With the Olympus deal the lens is probably better than the camera. With the K3 deal the camera is better than the lens.

Yeah exactly, I've always been pushed towards glass over body so I'm not sure if I should be getting the olympus.. haha

[Hehe]

I'm so conflicted haha both have advantages .. what would you guys pick?