Anyone NOT pleased w/K20D ergonomics, BUT bought it do to potential??

benjikan · 06-23-2008, 12:39 PM

Originally posted by phatjoe

Hello:

I'm in the market for a new DSLR (little invested in glass). I've read so many positive reviews on the K20D, that I decided to check out Pentax.

1st try at store A:
Honestly, it was okay in my hands, but the other DSLRs felt better. For example the Sony A700, and Nikon D300. I think these cameras have a fatter grip. When I wrap my fingers, and palm around them, they occupy more my hands (feel tighter in my hands). I know that Pentax is known for their ergonomics so I gave it a second try.

2nd try at store B:
Unfortunately, they only had a K10D, no A700/D300. On its own it felt fine. Of course, I couldn't compare it against anything. I'm wondering if I could get use to it.

I really like this camera, the 14MP, live view, weather sealing, etc. It just didn't fit my hands as well as the others. I was actually thinking of going back to store A and try again (maybe try and convince myself

)

Anyone, NOT like the ergonomics of the K20D, but bought it due to it's picture potential, options, etc?

Do you think the "feel" of a camera is something someone can get use to?

I feel odd on this one...

Thx,
PJ .

This is a joke, right? I have used them all and the K20D especially with the Grip is an ergonomic marvel. One of the first things I noticed about the K10D and K20D was how seamless the grip is with the two. The lines are beautiful and works so nicely with the lines of the body. On the Canon it is like a poorly designed after thought. I suggest you try out the Pentax with the grip.

Ben

Gooshin · 06-23-2008, 12:41 PM

Originally posted by Fl_Gulfer

So the K100D and the K20D are the same body?

the K10D is the same body as the K20D

the K100D is the same as K200D

he wrote that after selling his 100 for the 10, when moved to the 20 the ergonomics didnt change

ll_coffee_lP · 06-23-2008, 02:36 PM

Some good responses in here that will hopefully help.

Here's my (c), (c)'s.

If you are more than a hobbyist then you will ultimate choose the camera that has the options you need and ones that you can grow into. Both the K10 and the K20 are excellent in this regard, but each camera maker makes excellent models.

If you are a hobbyist....then you have a couple of things to think about.
1.) Which system makes the most sense to you and your needs. All systems are a bit different and have different stress points. Canon has fast autofocus, Pentax has fabulous older lenses that work seamlessly with the new digital bodies, Nikons are ugly (sorry, I had to put that in there).
2.) Buy the camera that feels the best in your hands and is the most intuitive to use. If you don't then you are likely to become frustrated with the controls and ultimate take less pictures - which defeats the whole point.

As others have pointed out...both the K10 and K20 feel significantly different with the grip attached. Once you have the grip you are likely to never take it off...it feels that good. It's not for everyone I would gather, but if you are interested in Pentax you should at least give it a go.

Good luck.

c[_]

Art Vandelay II · 06-23-2008, 02:41 PM

I know I'm in the minority here but I actually prefer the ergonomics of the Canon 5D over the K10/K20D. But that is mainly due to the fact that I prefer Canon's placement of the dual control wheels. I still haven't gotten used to the location of the front dial on my K10D, it just doesn't feel very natural to me. I'd rather it be behind a recessed shutter release ala Canon. However I do love the shape and size of the body. It's nice and portable without the battery grip and it's extremely comfortable with it.

The Canon 40D, Nikon D300, and Sony A700 are all quite large. I do think they are all comfortable, but I'd rather have the option of adding a battery grip to make it larger if necessary. That way you can have either a portable camera or a "comfortable brick" depending on your mood/use/taste.

Arpe · 06-23-2008, 06:22 PM

One thing I do not like about the K20D is the location of the AF button on the back. I would like it swapped with the +/- (exposure compensation) button. Without a tripod or monopod it makes my grip on the camera a compromise while focussing. I don't think (though may be wrong) anyone tries to contually alter the +/- button while shooting, whereas the AF button is continually used by me while shooting, and having the AF button higher up would help my camera grip.

rfortson · 06-23-2008, 10:06 PM

Originally posted by Gooshin

the K10D is the same body as the K20D

the K100D is the same as K200D

he wrote that after selling his 100 for the 10, when moved to the 20 the ergonomics didnt change

Yep, what you said.

Zewrak · 06-24-2008, 12:33 AM

Originally posted by Arpe

One thing I do not like about the K20D is the location of the AF button on the back. I would like it swapped with the +/- (exposure compensation) button. Without a tripod or monopod it makes my grip on the camera a compromise while focussing. I don't think (though may be wrong) anyone tries to contually alter the +/- button while shooting, whereas the AF button is continually used by me while shooting, and having the AF button higher up would help my camera grip.

Id want it put in the front. Next to the shutter release or just like the raw button is placed but on the right side.

Arpe · 06-24-2008, 05:27 PM

But you need to be able to use it with a different finger to the shutter release finger, really only leaving your thumb or the one next to the pointer (whatever it's called), and that longest finger is holding the camera. Left hand is zooming or focussing.

phatjoe · 06-24-2008, 06:01 PM

I will be heading back to the camera store this weekend. As mentioned earlier in this thread, I'll play around more with the settings/functions/controls. In particular, change from single shot to motor drive, change the focus point, change the exposure mode, change the focus mode, the WB, the exposure bracketing. Anything else you can recommend that I should focus on?

Thx

falconeye · 06-25-2008, 04:30 AM

Originally posted by Arpe

the one next to the pointer (whatever it's called), and that longest finger

Middle finger ?

Arpe · 06-25-2008, 05:25 PM

Originally posted by falconeye

Middle finger ?

Same to you!

Stratman · 06-25-2008, 05:35 PM

Originally posted by phatjoe

I will be heading back to the camera store this weekend. As mentioned earlier in this thread, I'll play around more with the settings/functions/controls. In particular, change from single shot to motor drive, change the focus point, change the exposure mode, change the focus mode, the WB, the exposure bracketing. Anything else you can recommend that I should focus on?

Thx

If they have a grip there, attach that, and you will like it MUCH more, mine NEVER comes off of my K10D except when i have to charge the battery in the body....

konraDarnok · 06-25-2008, 06:57 PM

I've never really thought about the question.

I bought on features and economics -- without ever touching any camera.

But in my case, the K10D with the grip is much more comfortable over the coarse of a day. Without the grip, my 'pinky finger' and subsequent forearm muscles attached to it got fatigued rather quickly.

Arpe · 06-26-2008, 12:11 AM

To tell you the truth ergonomics didn't come into the equation for me. I think I'd get used to whatever I use. I don't think the others are that bad that I couldn't.

06-23-2008, 12:39 PM	#16
benjikan Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Paris, France Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,308	Originally posted by phatjoe Hello: I'm in the market for a new DSLR (little invested in glass). I've read so many positive reviews on the K20D, that I decided to check out Pentax. 1st try at store A: Honestly, it was okay in my hands, but the other DSLRs felt better. For example the Sony A700, and Nikon D300. I think these cameras have a fatter grip. When I wrap my fingers, and palm around them, they occupy more my hands (feel tighter in my hands). I know that Pentax is known for their ergonomics so I gave it a second try. 2nd try at store B: Unfortunately, they only had a K10D, no A700/D300. On its own it felt fine. Of course, I couldn't compare it against anything. I'm wondering if I could get use to it. I really like this camera, the 14MP, live view, weather sealing, etc. It just didn't fit my hands as well as the others. I was actually thinking of going back to store A and try again (maybe try and convince myself) Anyone, NOT like the ergonomics of the K20D, but bought it due to it's picture potential, options, etc? Do you think the "feel" of a camera is something someone can get use to? I feel odd on this one... Thx, PJ . This is a joke, right? I have used them all and the K20D especially with the Grip is an ergonomic marvel. One of the first things I noticed about the K10D and K20D was how seamless the grip is with the two. The lines are beautiful and works so nicely with the lines of the body. On the Canon it is like a poorly designed after thought. I suggest you try out the Pentax with the grip. Ben

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Should I keep the K20D I just bought?	happygodavid	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	24	10-08-2009 04:20 PM
K20D vs K200D (with some A700 for good measure): Ergonomics	muraii	Pentax DSLR Discussion	19	07-15-2009 04:07 PM
K20D ergonomics & K7?	slrl0ver	Pentax DSLR Discussion	2	07-03-2009 08:50 AM
Nearly dead, but very pleased! My first K20D pics!	Javaslinger	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	17	02-14-2009 01:08 AM
So, I bought a K20D	Zenit B	Pentax DSLR Discussion	6	06-28-2008 03:48 PM

06-23-2008, 12:41 PM	#17
Gooshin Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Toronto, the one in Canada. Posts: 5,610	Originally posted by Fl_Gulfer So the K100D and the K20D are the same body? the K10D is the same body as the K20D the K100D is the same as K200D he wrote that after selling his 100 for the 10, when moved to the 20 the ergonomics didnt change

06-23-2008, 02:36 PM	#18
ll_coffee_lP Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,972	Some good responses in here that will hopefully help. Here's my (c), (c)'s. If you are more than a hobbyist then you will ultimate choose the camera that has the options you need and ones that you can grow into. Both the K10 and the K20 are excellent in this regard, but each camera maker makes excellent models. If you are a hobbyist....then you have a couple of things to think about. 1.) Which system makes the most sense to you and your needs. All systems are a bit different and have different stress points. Canon has fast autofocus, Pentax has fabulous older lenses that work seamlessly with the new digital bodies, Nikons are ugly (sorry, I had to put that in there). 2.) Buy the camera that feels the best in your hands and is the most intuitive to use. If you don't then you are likely to become frustrated with the controls and ultimate take less pictures - which defeats the whole point. As others have pointed out...both the K10 and K20 feel significantly different with the grip attached. Once you have the grip you are likely to never take it off...it feels that good. It's not for everyone I would gather, but if you are interested in Pentax you should at least give it a go. Good luck. c[_]

06-23-2008, 02:41 PM	#19
Art Vandelay II Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 886	I know I'm in the minority here but I actually prefer the ergonomics of the Canon 5D over the K10/K20D. But that is mainly due to the fact that I prefer Canon's placement of the dual control wheels. I still haven't gotten used to the location of the front dial on my K10D, it just doesn't feel very natural to me. I'd rather it be behind a recessed shutter release ala Canon. However I do love the shape and size of the body. It's nice and portable without the battery grip and it's extremely comfortable with it. The Canon 40D, Nikon D300, and Sony A700 are all quite large. I do think they are all comfortable, but I'd rather have the option of adding a battery grip to make it larger if necessary. That way you can have either a portable camera or a "comfortable brick" depending on your mood/use/taste.

06-23-2008, 06:22 PM	#20
Arpe Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,452	One thing I do not like about the K20D is the location of the AF button on the back. I would like it swapped with the +/- (exposure compensation) button. Without a tripod or monopod it makes my grip on the camera a compromise while focussing. I don't think (though may be wrong) anyone tries to contually alter the +/- button while shooting, whereas the AF button is continually used by me while shooting, and having the AF button higher up would help my camera grip.

06-23-2008, 10:06 PM	#21
rfortson Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,129	Originally posted by Gooshin the K10D is the same body as the K20D the K100D is the same as K200D he wrote that after selling his 100 for the 10, when moved to the 20 the ergonomics didnt change Yep, what you said.

06-24-2008, 12:33 AM	#22
Zewrak Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Nowhere, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 654	Originally posted by Arpe One thing I do not like about the K20D is the location of the AF button on the back. I would like it swapped with the +/- (exposure compensation) button. Without a tripod or monopod it makes my grip on the camera a compromise while focussing. I don't think (though may be wrong) anyone tries to contually alter the +/- button while shooting, whereas the AF button is continually used by me while shooting, and having the AF button higher up would help my camera grip. Id want it put in the front. Next to the shutter release or just like the raw button is placed but on the right side.

06-24-2008, 05:27 PM	#23
Arpe Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,452	But you need to be able to use it with a different finger to the shutter release finger, really only leaving your thumb or the one next to the pointer (whatever it's called), and that longest finger is holding the camera. Left hand is zooming or focussing.

06-24-2008, 06:01 PM	#24
phatjoe Inactive Account Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 29 Original Poster	I will be heading back to the camera store this weekend. As mentioned earlier in this thread, I'll play around more with the settings/functions/controls. In particular, change from single shot to motor drive, change the focus point, change the exposure mode, change the focus mode, the WB, the exposure bracketing. Anything else you can recommend that I should focus on? Thx

06-25-2008, 04:30 AM	#25
falconeye Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Munich, Alps, Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,871	Originally posted by Arpe the one next to the pointer (whatever it's called), and that longest finger Middle finger ?

06-25-2008, 05:25 PM	#26
Arpe Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,452	Originally posted by falconeye Middle finger ? Same to you!

06-25-2008, 05:35 PM	#27
Stratman Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: St Louis, Missouri U S A Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,464	Originally posted by phatjoe I will be heading back to the camera store this weekend. As mentioned earlier in this thread, I'll play around more with the settings/functions/controls. In particular, change from single shot to motor drive, change the focus point, change the exposure mode, change the focus mode, the WB, the exposure bracketing. Anything else you can recommend that I should focus on? Thx If they have a grip there, attach that, and you will like it MUCH more, mine NEVER comes off of my K10D except when i have to charge the battery in the body....

06-25-2008, 06:57 PM	#28
konraDarnok Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Photos: Albums Posts: 969	I've never really thought about the question. I bought on features and economics -- without ever touching any camera. But in my case, the K10D with the grip is much more comfortable over the coarse of a day. Without the grip, my 'pinky finger' and subsequent forearm muscles attached to it got fatigued rather quickly.

06-26-2008, 12:11 AM	#29
Arpe Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,452	To tell you the truth ergonomics didn't come into the equation for me. I think I'd get used to whatever I use. I don't think the others are that bad that I couldn't.