Goodbye K20D... hello... who?

ChristianRock · 03-25-2016, 09:36 AM

So I sold the K20D. I might pick one up down again down the road. But for now it's gone... we still have the K-r and that stays at home with my wife.

So for about 300 dollars I'm going to upgrade to a newer model... the obvious candidate would be the K-50 (or the K-30) but the aperture motor problems make me hesitate. So I basically am considering two options right now...

K-5 - great sensor, top level DSLR build, 14 bit raw, lots of controls...

and

K-S1 - I haven't heard of those failing like the K-30 and K-50 models (maybe there aren't many of them?). The 20MP sensor to me looks great and the extra resolution, to mee, plus the lack of AA filter, seems to more than make up for the 12 bit raw compared to K-5. So I would actually put the IQ of the K-S1 a bit above the K-5.
The downside, of course, is less controls, only one wheel. I can deal with it in the K-r (going back and forth between modes when I want to change a parameter before going back to M). So I'm thinking I might get used to it in the K-S1 as well.

Still, the lure of a more pro-quality body in the K-5 is very tempting...

Thoughts?

Rupert · 03-25-2016, 09:46 AM

Originally posted by ChristianRock

K-5 - great sensor, top level DSLR build, 14 bit raw, lots of controls...

There is a K5IIs + Grip over in the Marketplace this morning for a bargain price. If I didn't have the K1 on order I would snap it up fast! My K5IIs was badly damaged in an accident, but it has been the best Pentax I have ever owned. Just superb!

Go check it out!

Regards!

**paulh** · 03-25-2016, 09:47 AM

I'm kind of in the same boat as you...I'm using older bodies (*ist D, K10D), but will be looking to upgrade eventually. I'm not in a hurry and can sit back and wait for a nice deal to come along. I'm avoiding the K-30 and K-50 for the reasons you mentioned. I almost pulled the trigger on a K-S1 during the holidays when Samy's was blowing them out for $200 after rebate. At the moment, I'm gravitating towards a K-5, or newer variant if the price is right. The K-S2 also looks like a worthy contender, although I really prefer the flagship bodies. But it has a nice feature set, and seems sturdy and reliable enough.

Good luck whatever you decide. I thought you got some great images from your K20D, btw!

ChristianRock · 03-25-2016, 09:48 AM

Originally posted by Rupert

There is a K5IIs + Grip over in the Marketplace this morning for a bargain price. If I didn't have the K1 on order I would snap it up fast! My K5IIs was badly damaged in an accident, but it has been the best Pentax I have ever owned. Just superb!

Go check it out!

Regards!

I did put a budget on my original post.

Otherwise people would ultimately suggest the K-1, I'm sure

Again, my budget is around 300 dollars.

Originally posted by paulh

I'm kind of in the same boat as you...I'm using older bodies (*ist D, K10D), but will be looking to upgrade eventually. I'm not in a hurry and can sit back and wait for a nice deal to come along. I'm avoiding the K-30 and K-50 for the reasons you mentioned. I almost pulled the trigger on a K-S1 during the holidays when Samy's was blowing them out for $200 after rebate. At the moment, I'm gravitating towards a K-5, or newer variant if the price is right. The K-S2 also looks like a worthy contender, although I really prefer the flagship bodies. But it has a nice feature set, and seems sturdy and reliable enough.

That is what I'm trying to decide - get newer and better sensors or older flagships?

Originally posted by paulh

Good luck whatever you decide. I thought you got some great images from your K20D, btw!

Thank you

And you get great images out of your older bodies as well, for sure!

bertwert · 03-25-2016, 09:49 AM

If I were you I'd try for a K-5.

**BCtoad** · 03-25-2016, 09:50 AM

I totally agree with Rupert I love my 5lls,even a bit more than my K3.

bertwert · 03-25-2016, 09:55 AM - **1 Like**

Here are the current K-5 cameras in the marketplace in your budget:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/316460-sal...lens-sold.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/305445-sale-k-5-body.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/306055-sal...8-55mm-wr.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/296691-sal...-8mm-more.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/310765-sal...ic-f-sr44.html

ChristianRock · 03-25-2016, 09:57 AM

Originally posted by BCtoad

I totally agree with Rupert I love my 5lls,even a bit more than my K3.

What's the use of me saying I have a budget, you guys just suggest whatever you want anyway

bertwert · 03-25-2016, 09:59 AM

Originally posted by ChristianRock

What's the use of me saying I have a budget, you guys just suggest whatever you want anyway

Hey I found you 5 K-5s in your budget...

But yeah you could do with a K-1...

ChristianRock · 03-25-2016, 10:02 AM

Originally posted by bertwert

Hey I found you 5 K-5s in your budget...

But yeah you could do with a K-1...

I hadn't seen your post when I posted that...

Originally posted by bertwert

Here are the current K-5 cameras in the marketplace in your budget:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/316460-sal...lens-sold.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/305445-sale-k-5-body.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/306055-sal...8-55mm-wr.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/296691-sal...-8mm-more.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/310765-sal...ic-f-sr44.html

A few of those are not for sale anymore, you listed stuff back to October

Others are out of the country and I'd prefer not to have to deal with taxes and possible international shipping for returns, if something is not right. One of them I did contact a few days ago (it was an older one) and the seller never responded. People just forget to update their posts when they sell, it seems. They should expire. What's the use of a for sale post made half a year ago?

Anyway, I do have options, for sure, even from KEH, but I haven't decided yet what I want to do. Hence... this thread

bertwert · 03-25-2016, 10:05 AM

Originally posted by ChristianRock

A few of those are not for sale anymore, you listed stuff back to October Others are out of the country and I'd prefer not to have to deal with taxes and possible international shipping for returns, if something is not right. One of them I did contact a few days ago (it was an older one) and the seller never responded. People just forget to update their posts when they sell, it seems. They should expire. What's the use of a for sale post made half a year ago?

Well I tried to help...

I believe MP threads do expire at some time.
I just listed everything I could find that was not marked as sold...

Good luck and enjoy the K-3 we'll force you to get.

**paulh** · 03-25-2016, 10:07 AM

The K-S1's are selling for around $300 these days. Basically a KS-2 in a smaller & lighter package and no WR. PF member Rondec picked one up recently, and is pretty happy with his, IIRC. He's got some impressive images from it in his Flickr stream if you want to take a look.

ChristianRock · 03-25-2016, 10:14 AM

Originally posted by paulh

The K-S1's are selling for around $300 these days. Basically a KS-2 in a smaller & lighter package and no WR. PF member Rondec picked one up recently, and is pretty happy with his, IIRC. He's got some impressive images from it in his Flickr stream if you want to take a look.

I know! I've seen someone describe the 20MP sensor in the KS1 and KS2 as the most "CCD like" since... well, CCDs

Looking at flickr examples, it makes sense. I don't think it's just the processing. I really enjoy the output of that sensor. Believe me, I've seen thousands of pictures by now

I'm *almost* at the point of deciding for the K-S1, in fact, even if it's far more of an entry level camera than the K-5. But I think I'll give it some more thought this weekend.

Na Horuk · 03-25-2016, 10:15 AM

The K-50 is a great, classic, traditional DSLR, with the proven 16MP sensor. The K-S1 is definitely not traditional. It has lots of features, good sensor, but its stylish appearance, LED lights, On/Off button are all very different. The controls are a little different, as well. Between these two, I really suggest you go to a store or photo club or something where you can hold both cameras. The K-S1 is one of those cameras that you will fall in love with, or you will never like it. The K-50 is a more safe choice. A decent performer, doesn't stand out form the crowd, but definitely holds its own.
So, what do you prefer?

Rupert · 03-25-2016, 10:17 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ChristianRock

Anyway, I do have options, for sure, but I haven't decided yet what I want to do. Hence... this thread

Here's another option for you.....buy the K5IIs in the Marketplace....a certain squirrel will loan you the additional $225 for six months...interest free.
The only catch is that for that 6 months you have to install the logo I have below in your signature.....after that, you can leave or remove it. I would have put no conditions, but some decisions are not mine to make around here!

Some would rather be shot....some would really love the K5IIs enough to bite their tongue? Decisions!

Regards!

03-25-2016, 09:36 AM	#1
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910	Goodbye K20D... hello... who? So I sold the K20D. I might pick one up down again down the road. But for now it's gone... we still have the K-r and that stays at home with my wife. So for about 300 dollars I'm going to upgrade to a newer model... the obvious candidate would be the K-50 (or the K-30) but the aperture motor problems make me hesitate. So I basically am considering two options right now... K-5 - great sensor, top level DSLR build, 14 bit raw, lots of controls... and K-S1 - I haven't heard of those failing like the K-30 and K-50 models (maybe there aren't many of them?). The 20MP sensor to me looks great and the extra resolution, to mee, plus the lack of AA filter, seems to more than make up for the 12 bit raw compared to K-5. So I would actually put the IQ of the K-S1 a bit above the K-5. The downside, of course, is less controls, only one wheel. I can deal with it in the K-r (going back and forth between modes when I want to change a parameter before going back to M). So I'm thinking I might get used to it in the K-S1 as well. Still, the lure of a more pro-quality body in the K-5 is very tempting... Thoughts?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
With some sadness, goodbye DA16-85... and hello Sigma 17-50 f/2.8	BigMackCam	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	15	12-02-2015 10:17 AM
goodbye kr, hello mx-1?	pizzavandriver	Pentax Compact Cameras	19	12-06-2014 12:32 PM
Goodbye Photography. Hello Photomanipulation	LeDave	Photographic Technique	59	04-21-2010 07:55 PM
goodbye Nikon, hello Pentax	nostatic	Welcomes and Introductions	6	02-18-2008 09:38 PM
Goodbye Canon, Hello Pentax	desame.one	Welcomes and Introductions	6	02-16-2008 08:25 PM

03-25-2016, 09:46 AM	#2
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123	Originally posted by ChristianRock K-5 - great sensor, top level DSLR build, 14 bit raw, lots of controls... There is a K5IIs + Grip over in the Marketplace this morning for a bargain price. If I didn't have the K1 on order I would snap it up fast! My K5IIs was badly damaged in an accident, but it has been the best Pentax I have ever owned. Just superb! Go check it out! Regards!

03-25-2016, 09:47 AM	#3
paulh Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: DFW Texas/Ventura County, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 33,269	I'm kind of in the same boat as you...I'm using older bodies (*ist D, K10D), but will be looking to upgrade eventually. I'm not in a hurry and can sit back and wait for a nice deal to come along. I'm avoiding the K-30 and K-50 for the reasons you mentioned. I almost pulled the trigger on a K-S1 during the holidays when Samy's was blowing them out for $200 after rebate. At the moment, I'm gravitating towards a K-5, or newer variant if the price is right. The K-S2 also looks like a worthy contender, although I really prefer the flagship bodies. But it has a nice feature set, and seems sturdy and reliable enough. Good luck whatever you decide. I thought you got some great images from your K20D, btw!

03-25-2016, 09:48 AM	#4
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910 Original Poster	Originally posted by Rupert There is a K5IIs + Grip over in the Marketplace this morning for a bargain price. If I didn't have the K1 on order I would snap it up fast! My K5IIs was badly damaged in an accident, but it has been the best Pentax I have ever owned. Just superb! Go check it out! Regards! I did put a budget on my original post. Otherwise people would ultimately suggest the K-1, I'm sure Again, my budget is around 300 dollars. Originally posted by paulh I'm kind of in the same boat as you...I'm using older bodies (*ist D, K10D), but will be looking to upgrade eventually. I'm not in a hurry and can sit back and wait for a nice deal to come along. I'm avoiding the K-30 and K-50 for the reasons you mentioned. I almost pulled the trigger on a K-S1 during the holidays when Samy's was blowing them out for $200 after rebate. At the moment, I'm gravitating towards a K-5, or newer variant if the price is right. The K-S2 also looks like a worthy contender, although I really prefer the flagship bodies. But it has a nice feature set, and seems sturdy and reliable enough. That is what I'm trying to decide - get newer and better sensors or older flagships? Originally posted by paulh Good luck whatever you decide. I thought you got some great images from your K20D, btw! Thank you And you get great images out of your older bodies as well, for sure!

03-25-2016, 09:49 AM	#5
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	If I were you I'd try for a K-5.

03-25-2016, 09:50 AM	#6
BCtoad Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. Posts: 135	I totally agree with Rupert I love my 5lls,even a bit more than my K3.

03-25-2016, 09:55 AM - 1 Like	#7
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Here are the current K-5 cameras in the marketplace in your budget: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/316460-sal...lens-sold.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/305445-sale-k-5-body.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/306055-sal...8-55mm-wr.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/296691-sal...-8mm-more.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/310765-sal...ic-f-sr44.html

03-25-2016, 09:57 AM	#8
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910 Original Poster	Originally posted by BCtoad I totally agree with Rupert I love my 5lls,even a bit more than my K3. What's the use of me saying I have a budget, you guys just suggest whatever you want anyway

03-25-2016, 09:59 AM	#9
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Originally posted by ChristianRock What's the use of me saying I have a budget, you guys just suggest whatever you want anyway Hey I found you 5 K-5s in your budget... But yeah you could do with a K-1...

03-25-2016, 10:02 AM	#10
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910 Original Poster	Originally posted by bertwert Hey I found you 5 K-5s in your budget... But yeah you could do with a K-1... I hadn't seen your post when I posted that... Originally posted by bertwert Here are the current K-5 cameras in the marketplace in your budget: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/316460-sal...lens-sold.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/305445-sale-k-5-body.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/306055-sal...8-55mm-wr.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/296691-sal...-8mm-more.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/310765-sal...ic-f-sr44.html A few of those are not for sale anymore, you listed stuff back to October Others are out of the country and I'd prefer not to have to deal with taxes and possible international shipping for returns, if something is not right. One of them I did contact a few days ago (it was an older one) and the seller never responded. People just forget to update their posts when they sell, it seems. They should expire. What's the use of a for sale post made half a year ago? Anyway, I do have options, for sure, even from KEH, but I haven't decided yet what I want to do. Hence... this thread

03-25-2016, 10:05 AM	#11
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Originally posted by ChristianRock A few of those are not for sale anymore, you listed stuff back to October Others are out of the country and I'd prefer not to have to deal with taxes and possible international shipping for returns, if something is not right. One of them I did contact a few days ago (it was an older one) and the seller never responded. People just forget to update their posts when they sell, it seems. They should expire. What's the use of a for sale post made half a year ago? Well I tried to help... I believe MP threads do expire at some time. I just listed everything I could find that was not marked as sold... Good luck and enjoy the K-3 we'll force you to get.

03-25-2016, 10:07 AM	#12
paulh Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: DFW Texas/Ventura County, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 33,269	The K-S1's are selling for around $300 these days. Basically a KS-2 in a smaller & lighter package and no WR. PF member Rondec picked one up recently, and is pretty happy with his, IIRC. He's got some impressive images from it in his Flickr stream if you want to take a look.

03-25-2016, 10:14 AM	#13
ChristianRock Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: People's Republic of America Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,910 Original Poster	Originally posted by paulh The K-S1's are selling for around $300 these days. Basically a KS-2 in a smaller & lighter package and no WR. PF member Rondec picked one up recently, and is pretty happy with his, IIRC. He's got some impressive images from it in his Flickr stream if you want to take a look. I know! I've seen someone describe the 20MP sensor in the KS1 and KS2 as the most "CCD like" since... well, CCDs Looking at flickr examples, it makes sense. I don't think it's just the processing. I really enjoy the output of that sensor. Believe me, I've seen thousands of pictures by now I'm almost at the point of deciding for the K-S1, in fact, even if it's far more of an entry level camera than the K-5. But I think I'll give it some more thought this weekend.

03-25-2016, 10:15 AM	#14
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	The K-50 is a great, classic, traditional DSLR, with the proven 16MP sensor. The K-S1 is definitely not traditional. It has lots of features, good sensor, but its stylish appearance, LED lights, On/Off button are all very different. The controls are a little different, as well. Between these two, I really suggest you go to a store or photo club or something where you can hold both cameras. The K-S1 is one of those cameras that you will fall in love with, or you will never like it. The K-50 is a more safe choice. A decent performer, doesn't stand out form the crowd, but definitely holds its own. So, what do you prefer?

03-25-2016, 10:17 AM - 1 Like	#15
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123	Originally posted by ChristianRock Anyway, I do have options, for sure, but I haven't decided yet what I want to do. Hence... this thread Here's another option for you.....buy the K5IIs in the Marketplace....a certain squirrel will loan you the additional $225 for six months...interest free. The only catch is that for that 6 months you have to install the logo I have below in your signature.....after that, you can leave or remove it. I would have put no conditions, but some decisions are not mine to make around here! Some would rather be shot....some would really love the K5IIs enough to bite their tongue? Decisions! Regards!