[Morbo]

Hey folks. I used to post here pretty regularly while I was doing my Lego 365 projects, but haven't really picked up my camera in earnest in about 3 years. I'm finally going on my honeymoon in Iceland in June and is time to buy a new camera because my near 10 year old K100D Super just ain't gonna cut it.

I also haven't been following camera news of any kind in almost as long. So I need some help figuring out what to get.
I don't think I'll be going full frame so I'm more interested in the other cameras. I'm looking for what are the top 2 or 3 models. I'll be using said camera for every type of shooting and would also like to be able to attach a battery grip.

Thanks y'all!

[Na Horuk]

Hey, welcome back!
1) K-1, full frame, coming soon
2) K-3II, APSC flagship
3) K-S2, APSC, cool mid-upper tier

[bertwert]

K-3 or K-5 would be your best bet.

[Adam]

Hey folks. I used to post here pretty regularly while I was doing my Lego 365 projects, but haven't really picked up my camera in earnest in about 3 years. I'm finally going on my honeymoon in Iceland in June and is time to buy a new camera because my near 10 year old K100D Super just ain't gonna cut it.

I also haven't been following camera news of any kind in almost as long. So I need some help figuring out what to get.
I don't think I'll be going full frame so I'm more interested in the other cameras. I'm looking for what are the top 2 or 3 models. I'll be using said camera for every type of shooting and would also like to be able to attach a battery grip.

Thanks y'all!

I would recommend the K-3. It's got the same hardware as the latest K-3 II, but instead of on-board GPS, it has a flash. Plus, it's a bit cheaper.

Pentax K-3 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

Adam
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[jimr-pdx]

If the wedding is getting expensive the K-50 is a great camera and an impressive bargain.

[dakight]

If you want to attach a battery grip your only options other than the K-1 full frame are the K-3 and the K-3 II in a new body or K-5, K-5 II. The K-50 and KS-2 do not have grip support.

[Morbo]

I would recommend the K-3. It's got the same hardware as the latest K-3 II, but instead of on-board GPS, it has a flash. Plus, it's a bit cheaper.

Pentax K-3 Review - Introduction | PentaxForums.com Reviews

So it's the only real difference the flash / GPS?

If the wedding is getting expensive the K-50 is a great camera and an impressive bargain.

Heh- the wedding was in 2010. But we finally have time and money to go on our honeymoon after 6 years.

[bertwert]

So it's the only real difference the flash / GPS?

Yes it is.

[normhead]

Honestly, anyone who would ask us, but, give us a budget here.

Iceland you say?

K-3 with an 18-135 bundled if you can find it for a good price. The 55-300 for telephoto and you've got everything covered.

If it were me I'd go for a K-S2 and 18-135

Click on the link image below. If you mention Pentax forum somehow, something happens, I'm not sure what.



But, my choice would be


A $120 more for a tilting back screen and 20 MP and water resistant.
200 less than the K-3 package.

I didn't go shopping, you can probably do better.

[bertwert]

If it were my I'd go for a K-S2 and 18-135

No battery grip.

like to be able to attach a battery grip

[Adam]

So it's the only real difference the flash / GPS?

Pretty much. The K-3 II also has the pixel shift resolution feature, which is innovative but has limited practical applications.

How Pentax Pixel Shifting Works - Articles and Tips | PentaxForums.com
Pentax K-3 II Pixel Shift Resolution Tests - Hands-on Reviews | PentaxForums.com

[Morbo]

I'll probably look to get at least one new lens but I've already got the 18-55 from the K100D Super, along with a cheapo 70-300 macro, a Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 (favorite lens), and a Pentax 50mm f/1.2.
Since Iceland is more about the wide open spaces I'm looking to get a good quality wide angle to replace the stock 18-55.

I'm assuming all those lenses will still work on a K3 II?

[bertwert]

I'm assuming all those lenses will still work on a K3 II?

Yes they will!

What 50/1.2 do you have?

[RobA_Oz]

Pretty much. The K-3 II also has the pixel shift resolution feature, which is innovative but has limited practical applications.

You'd need to pack a tripod to use that feature, but I imagine it might produce some great results for landscape work in Iceland.

[Morbo]

Yes they will!

What 50/1.2 do you have?

Sorry it's a 1.4, this one: Pentax Normal SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens 20817 B&H Photo