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**clickclick** · 09-14-2017, 07:56 PM

Well, eliminate, "Best price for what it does, regardless of construction and available lenses.", and I'd say all of the above - or it wouldn't be a Pentax!

Fcsnt54 · 09-14-2017, 08:04 PM

I'm going to say Menu system, Image quality, and aspect ratio

surfar · 09-14-2017, 08:36 PM

The feature i look for first is the on/off button....its got to have one of those!

Pentikonian · 09-14-2017, 09:27 PM

Camera has to 1) fit my hands and have controls I can easily manipulate, and 2) have a viewfinder with specs good enough my odd eyes can use with no/ minimal issues.

automorphism · 09-14-2017, 10:18 PM

These days, the image quality is pretty good from most cameras. So, I put lenses. That is mainly because I like nature photography and a quality long lens is a big draw for me, and is something I am looking for in my next camera system. I would put low-light performance next on the list because these days I've basically maxed out the abilities of my current camera (K-50). By the way, the K-50 is still an awesome camera, and even though I am currently looking for an upgrade, I am going to keep it until it dies because in the domains that it excels, it produces wonderful pictures.

**BarryE** · 09-15-2017, 12:22 AM

Dynamic range (second would be lens quality)

**iheiramo** · 09-15-2017, 01:16 AM

When I bought into Pentax my entry level Nikon had been stolen with 2 lenses I had. I read quite a lot reviews before I made my mind and came to conclusion that Pentax offered most for the money for still photographer. I don't do video, so it has zero value for me.

Now, after about 4 years with Pentax, I believe I came to right conclusion. The strengths of Pentax suits my needs and the weaknesses of the system are totally irrelevant. I'll stick to Pentax until this changes. This is just a hobby for me and not even the one where most of my money goes, so I wont by the best equipment. I want system that satisfy my needs as cheaply as possible.

I voted for the best price, but in truth I'm looking for best value for me.

**ffking** · 09-15-2017, 01:33 AM - **1 Like**

Call me perverse, but since they stopped using JCII stickers, I always look for the Doomed sticker on any camera I buy.

Fogel70 · 09-15-2017, 01:57 AM

To me it's the whole package that are most important.
It not the 99 great features that matters most, it the 1 bad feature that going to make the difference.

The weakest link need to be as strong as possible.

talgarik · 09-15-2017, 02:18 AM

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

ergonomics - if I cannot get comfortable in the camera's operation, I'm not going to want to work with it....

I agree. Every spec in the poll makes sense but It turns out to be useless if I am not comfortable using the camera.

**robgski** · 09-15-2017, 03:07 AM

Originally posted by mohb

Good controls and user interface, if it's not good to handle then all the other technical marvels are irrelevant.

Originally posted by pschlute

Shutter release

These two replies on the first page tie into my own. Ultimately, IMO, the picture quality relies on the photographer's ability to manually choose the proper balance between ISO, Shutter, and Aperture for the effect desired I waited to buy a DSLR until one that was fully manual was available at a reasonable price, and the K-5 was the DSLR I purchased. That it was compatible with the lenses I already owned, and had great features and performance, was gravy. If there'd been a DSLR equivalent of a K1000, that's what I would have purchased.

None of this implies that I don't appreciate the support and options a modern DSLR gives a photographer, Av is my most used setting when walking around.

Andrea K · 09-15-2017, 07:38 AM

Dynamic Range & superb jpg image processing.

**WPRESTO** · 09-15-2017, 07:48 AM

Ultimately = WILL I USE THIS CAMERA and if I do, will I be happy with the images it captures?

leekil · 09-15-2017, 11:09 AM - **1 Like**

My choice was: I want the smallest possible package that meets my standards.

...but this choice is kind of an open answer; my standards include most of the other things on the list. I have a K-1, despite it being quite a bit heavier than I like; I would definitely go for a smaller/lighter version of K-1, but probably not if it sacrificed the rest of "my standards".

**monochrome** · 09-15-2017, 11:20 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by leekil

My choice was: I want the smallest possible package that meets my standards.

...but this choice is kind of an open answer; my standards include most of the other things on the list. I have a K-1, despite it being quite a bit heavier than I like; I would definitely go for a smaller/lighter version of K-1, but probably not if it sacrificed the rest of "my standards".

That's always the problem, isn't it?

I want what I want, except to have what I want I can't have what I want.

View Poll Results: what is the most important feature when buying a new (or used) camera?
Best Auto-focus for my budget.	8	10.26%
Highest MP for my budget.	3	3.85%
Best low light performance for my budget.	3	3.85%
Absolute top quality lenses are available for the system.	6	7.69%
Good mid price lenses are available for the system,	8	10.26%
I want the system with the best kit lenses.	0	0%
I want the smallest possible package that meets my standards.	2	2.56%
Overall system price for what i want is the most important thing.	15	19.23%
Water resistance.	1	1.28%
Rugged construction.	6	7.69%
Best price for what it does, regardless of construction and available lenses.	9	11.54%
Something you didn't think of, which I've listed below.	17	21.79%
Voters: 78. You may not vote on this poll

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09-14-2017, 07:56 PM	#31
clickclick Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2016 Location: East Coast Posts: 2,904	Well, eliminate, "Best price for what it does, regardless of construction and available lenses.", and I'd say all of the above - or it wouldn't be a Pentax!

09-14-2017, 08:04 PM	#32
Fcsnt54 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: California Posts: 621	I'm going to say Menu system, Image quality, and aspect ratio

09-14-2017, 08:36 PM	#33
surfar Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: mid nth coast,nsw Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,147	The feature i look for first is the on/off button....its got to have one of those!

09-14-2017, 09:27 PM	#34
Pentikonian Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Arizona Posts: 780	Camera has to 1) fit my hands and have controls I can easily manipulate, and 2) have a viewfinder with specs good enough my odd eyes can use with no/ minimal issues.

09-14-2017, 10:18 PM	#35
automorphism Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Ontario, Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 791	These days, the image quality is pretty good from most cameras. So, I put lenses. That is mainly because I like nature photography and a quality long lens is a big draw for me, and is something I am looking for in my next camera system. I would put low-light performance next on the list because these days I've basically maxed out the abilities of my current camera (K-50). By the way, the K-50 is still an awesome camera, and even though I am currently looking for an upgrade, I am going to keep it until it dies because in the domains that it excels, it produces wonderful pictures.

09-15-2017, 12:22 AM	#36
BarryE Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Hampshire, UK Posts: 1,654	Dynamic range (second would be lens quality)

09-15-2017, 01:16 AM	#37
iheiramo Unoriginal Poster Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Espoo Photos: Albums Posts: 3,182	When I bought into Pentax my entry level Nikon had been stolen with 2 lenses I had. I read quite a lot reviews before I made my mind and came to conclusion that Pentax offered most for the money for still photographer. I don't do video, so it has zero value for me. Now, after about 4 years with Pentax, I believe I came to right conclusion. The strengths of Pentax suits my needs and the weaknesses of the system are totally irrelevant. I'll stick to Pentax until this changes. This is just a hobby for me and not even the one where most of my money goes, so I wont by the best equipment. I want system that satisfy my needs as cheaply as possible. I voted for the best price, but in truth I'm looking for best value for me.

09-15-2017, 01:33 AM - 1 Like	#38
ffking Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Old South Wales Posts: 6,039	Call me perverse, but since they stopped using JCII stickers, I always look for the Doomed sticker on any camera I buy.

09-15-2017, 01:57 AM	#39
Fogel70 Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Photos: Albums Posts: 3,062	To me it's the whole package that are most important. It not the 99 great features that matters most, it the 1 bad feature that going to make the difference. The weakest link need to be as strong as possible.

09-15-2017, 02:18 AM	#40
talgarik Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Italy Posts: 72	Originally posted by pepperberry farm ergonomics - if I cannot get comfortable in the camera's operation, I'm not going to want to work with it.... I agree. Every spec in the poll makes sense but It turns out to be useless if I am not comfortable using the camera.

09-15-2017, 03:07 AM	#41
robgski Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,817	Originally posted by mohb Good controls and user interface, if it's not good to handle then all the other technical marvels are irrelevant. Originally posted by pschlute Shutter release These two replies on the first page tie into my own. Ultimately, IMO, the picture quality relies on the photographer's ability to manually choose the proper balance between ISO, Shutter, and Aperture for the effect desired I waited to buy a DSLR until one that was fully manual was available at a reasonable price, and the K-5 was the DSLR I purchased. That it was compatible with the lenses I already owned, and had great features and performance, was gravy. If there'd been a DSLR equivalent of a K1000, that's what I would have purchased. None of this implies that I don't appreciate the support and options a modern DSLR gives a photographer, Av is my most used setting when walking around.

09-15-2017, 07:38 AM	#42
Andrea K Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rome, Italy Posts: 822	Dynamic Range & superb jpg image processing.

09-15-2017, 07:48 AM	#43
WPRESTO Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 59,142	Ultimately = WILL I USE THIS CAMERA and if I do, will I be happy with the images it captures?

09-15-2017, 11:09 AM - 1 Like	#44
leekil Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,003	My choice was: I want the smallest possible package that meets my standards. ...but this choice is kind of an open answer; my standards include most of the other things on the list. I have a K-1, despite it being quite a bit heavier than I like; I would definitely go for a smaller/lighter version of K-1, but probably not if it sacrificed the rest of "my standards".

09-15-2017, 11:20 AM - 1 Like	#45
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by leekil My choice was: I want the smallest possible package that meets my standards. ...but this choice is kind of an open answer; my standards include most of the other things on the list. I have a K-1, despite it being quite a bit heavier than I like; I would definitely go for a smaller/lighter version of K-1, but probably not if it sacrificed the rest of "my standards". That's always the problem, isn't it? I want what I want, except to have what I want I can't have what I want.

What is the most important feature in a camera?

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!