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06-23-2015, 07:10 PM   #1
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K-50 or K-3

I am looking into getting my first DSLR and was drawn to the k50 for its weather sealing, image quality, and many other features that seem to surpass any other camera in its price range. I am looking at the kit with the 18-135mm lens which seems to be around $649.00 on adorama and b&h. My question is, in a few months or a year from now, will I regret not spending the extra $400 for the k3 with the same kit lens? I will mainly be using this to take photos rock climbing and hiking, possibly some beach/ocean landscapes and architecture too. I have attached a couple photos I have taken with my friends Canon 500D and 15-85mm lens that I have been borrowing.


Last edited by mr_spencer; 12-15-2015 at 09:46 PM.
06-23-2015, 07:25 PM   #2
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The K-3 is a pretty big upgrade over the K-50. If you can afford it, I'd go for it.

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06-23-2015, 07:31 PM   #3
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If you are going to be toting it around while rock climbing you might also want to take the K3's larger size and weight into consideration.
I would get the K50 and spend the extra $400 on more glass, but my skills are a long way from pushing the K50's limits so YMMV.
06-23-2015, 07:53 PM - 1 Like   #4
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Things to consider, the K50 can not use a grip so you will have to carry an extra battery separate from the camera. The K3 is much heavier than the K3, especially with a grip. I have both so I know. The K3 is my main camera body. When I want something for walkabout I use the K50. For the price you really can not beat the K50 right now. It really is a nice camera, small, lightweight and weatherproof. However it has some limitations and is rather awkward when mounting larger lenses. My 18-135 and K50 seem lIke the perfect match, however longer lenses seem unbalanced on it. I have yet to dive into all the features on the K3 and it is built like a tank. You might perfectly happy with the K50, but the K3 will give more options to explore in the future. I like both cameras although if I had to choose one it would be my K3. Hope this helps.

Michael

06-23-2015, 09:09 PM   #5
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Michael, just out of interest ...

if you took the same shot with both your K-50 and K3, with the same settings and the same lens ... could you tell from looking at the images which shot came from which camera?
06-23-2015, 10:34 PM   #6
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There are many difference between the two camera's, 16mp 12-bit RAW versus 24mp 14-bit RAW and in between the option for K-S2 with 20mp 12-bit RAW. The images you show can be made with all these camera's and you won't know the difference unless you maybe print them real large or crop heavy.

The biggest advanced for the K-3 is the more robust metalen body that can take a little bump.

If you have no intention to smack the camera then the cheapest option is your best.
06-23-2015, 10:59 PM   #7
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I started with the K50 18 months ago and recently upgraded to the K3. I'm a tech guy and old film guy. I think if I had started with the K3 I would have been overwhelmed and frustrated. I think your thought of the K50 with the 18-135 is a good one for what you are going to use it for. Save some extra $ for another lens after you get your feet wet. The K50 can take amazing photos.

06-23-2015, 11:08 PM   #8
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In a few months you will regret not getting the K3. Get it now!


BTW: Where are the boulders dude? They look awesome, if a little beyond my abilities. Mostly stick to slabs when I'm on granite.
06-23-2015, 11:40 PM   #9
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Billk,

Those two shots are both from Black Mountain, which is right outside of Palm Springs, CA.

Ted,

Why would you say the K3 is overwhelming? Are there just a lot more features as compared to the k50?

thanks everyone for the replys so far, hopefully they both keep dropping in price
06-24-2015, 12:09 AM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by mr_spencer Quote
Why would you say the K3 is overwhelming? Are there just a lot more features as compared to the k50?
K3 is ( was ) the flagship camera for Pentax before the new K3ii came out, so it have way more features than K50, besides the sensor is different for example it have a top LCD screen, its able to use a grip, no AA filter ( sharper images ), able to use wifi card, titanium alloy body, -3EV focusing, and it feels like a real hard piece of hardware.. K50 is a great camera too, my girldfriend use it, but is more basic, there will be a time when you will want to have a more pro equipment that gives you more features..
06-24-2015, 01:27 AM   #11
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For rock-climbing, I think there might be times when you would be VERY grateful to have the adjustable LCD screen of the K-S2, actually. Take shots around corners, hah, which might even help you to find handholds, take shots of people behind you, etc etc. Waterproof, lighter than the K3, and the sensor/processing gives very good results.
06-24-2015, 01:44 AM   #12
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Apart from the low cost right now, the K-50 has three advantages:
Lighter weight, better performance at ISO 6400, and the ability to use AA batteries in the body.
For me, those advantages make the K-50 the camera of choice for carrying around, when compared with the current "flagships".
06-24-2015, 02:33 AM   #13
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I vote K50 unless you need something specific from K3-ii

QuoteOriginally posted by mr_spencer Quote
. . . my first DSLR and was drawn to the k50 for its weather sealing, image quality, and many other features that seem to surpass any other camera in its price range . . .
I just purchased that same kit, upgrading from a K200D which has been my friend for seven years.
QuoteOriginally posted by mr_spencer Quote
. . . I am looking at the kit with the 18-135mm lens which seems to be around $649.00 on adorama and b&h. . . .
That 18-135 is a really fun lens. It is what made me go for the kit rather than the body (despite the fact I'd indulged LBA too much this year). I hadn't read comments from ANYONE who had that lens who didn't like it. And I agree -- it is the lens I wish I'd gotten with my K200D starting out.
QuoteOriginally posted by mr_spencer Quote
. . . My question is, in a few months or a year from now, will I regret not spending the extra $400 for the k3 with the same kit lens? . . .
Two years from now, you can probably get the K-3ii for close to $400 if Pentax's historical price drop pattern still holds. Unless you NEED something the K-3ii does NOW, I'd just get the K50. And then you can have a backup body when they have a firesale on the K3-ii!
06-24-2015, 02:39 AM   #14
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fredralphfred, he talk wisdom
06-24-2015, 04:00 AM   #15
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I have both and am happy with both. I'd suggest going with the cheaper body and get the better lens. In two years you can upgrade the body and you'll already have the better lens.
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