Originally posted by bgm1956 I'm contemplating moving from film to digital. I know I'm late to the game, but I had a great amount trouble finally deciding to give up the Pentax LX. I of course want to stick with Pentax and am considering either a K-5 or a K-3. I don't think I'll be someone who wants to spend a great deal of time correcting images on a computer. I want a camera that will just take the best possible picture right out of the box. I will want to use some of my old glass so I need interchangeable focusing screens. I will be picking up some AF lenses as well. Most of the use will be outdoors, camping trips, vacations, wildlife, etc. But I also will use it at the grandson's sports games and sometimes they are indoors. Some of the indoor events are less than ideal lighting. Between these two of these cameras, which one would you chose and why?
I am an old, long-time film shooter. I shot film exclusively for some 30 years, and waited until digital became good enough to nearly match the standards I had become accustomed to. Eventually, digital would not only match but would prove to be far more capable and more economical. The money saved by going without film and processing compensated for upgrades in newer camera bodies as the technology progressed. Something to consider in choosing your first DSLR, which have at this point have reached a very high level of advancement! You might still cherish your old film collection, but you have some really amazing imaging capabilities to look forward to- that is how far the DSLR has now come. I have by now had plenty of experience with numerous DSLR bodies.
I started out before any camera had auto anything, with a Vivitar SLR, plus 50mm and 135mm lenses. An experienced friend showed me how to work the camera and recommended slide film for economy and easy storage. That was all for 6 years until the camera stopped working, Upon shopping for a new camera, I chose a Pentax ME Super with the M 50mm f/1.4 and a mid-telephoto zoom lens, as auto focus (AF) was not yet developed. It would be another 6 years until I added my first AF body, the SF-!n and the "F" 50mm f/1.7 lens. I eventually updated to the PZ-!p and also the MZ-S and a slew of AF lenses.
In your case, with your advanced experience, and the type of body you are accustomed to, I recommend that you go some extra and get a new KP. I still have my K-5 IIs (the last and best of the K-5 series) which I still like very much, and use occasionally. As to low light, it remained tops by a small margin, even compared to the newer K-3. I take very good care of my equipment. But for the past 2 years now, the KP is my main camera. Furthermore, it is enjoying an amazing price drop, the current price being time sensitive. I shop mostly at B&H of NYC. Both black and silver versions are being offered with extra accessories at no charge. But do get a spare battery.
I got mine in silver, a relief from the usual black and it is a beauty. That price for a unique compact-stye camera, but with excellent weather-resistant (WR) metal construction (magnesium alloy), is outstanding. The KP also has outstanding capability for low-light shooting with very low noise (grain), even coming close to the Pentax full frame (FF) performance. it has the newest advanced set of controls to make shooting more efficient.
It also has a body form not far off from that of the old Pentax MF bodies, that is- not having a bulky right-hand grip unless a motorized frame advancement is added. Of course, with the KP, frame advancement is motorized anyway! But as to handling, it would be a natural for you. And of great importance here (and for me also)- its processor is outstanding for excellent JPEG quality right out of the camera! Just do one extra (easy) set-up step for optimum results. I will fill you in later. That was a very pleasant surprise on top of all its other attributes!
As to lenses, you will want a good general lens having WR construction. The two standouts are the rather costly but fine very compact Pentax 20-40mm f/2.8-4 DC WR Limited (a premium-constructed lens) and the DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 DC WR, a very well-built but still compact lens having a very useful and versatile zoom range. (I highly recommend it) I would say, with the KP's ability for low noise at higher sensitivity ISO settings, this lens could do as well or better for low light compared to a larger-aperture lens on a lesser body.
Last edited by mikesbike; 04-28-2020 at 05:10 PM.