Pentax K10D or Canon 30D

egordon99 · 12-08-2008, 02:43 PM

I would think to just use manual focus for a static shot like that. Not sure how LiveView works on the K20D, but on the 40D a shot like that would be fairly straightforward. You activate LiveView, and then can zoom in 5x or 10x and it makes it pretty clear when it's in focus (using manual focus of course) I was able to use autofocus with my 30mm f/1.4 and 40D while out Trick-or-treating this year. Using the center point, it didn't have much trouble locking in, and I was at f/1.4, ISO3200, 1/20s, so it was pretty dark

My K10D and FA 50mm f/1.4 would have choked and died in that situation.

jct us101 · 12-08-2008, 02:45 PM

Well that doesn't really help.

The K10D wouldn't have been able to lock on to the brightly lit bridge whatsoever?

egordon99 · 12-08-2008, 02:51 PM

I'm not sure, I never went out at night to shoot a bridge. I was just relaying my "low light" autofocus experience. Sorry it didn't help....

But seriously, a shot like that is fairly static, so you can easily take the time to manual focus it (as opposed to my trick-or-treating where my five month old was starting to get cranky and I barely had time to compose.....)

jct us101 · 12-08-2008, 02:56 PM

Well, things like that are what I mostly shoot, so I really don't think I would have a problem with the AF issues. Other than that though, I can't really think of any reason not to switch, other than having to sell my canon equipment.

comet4 · 12-08-2008, 03:03 PM

My K10D AF ok. I manage to lock on 1s, f5.6, ISO1600...so is that the same luminance as 1/15s, f1.4, ISO3200?

jct us101 · 12-08-2008, 03:04 PM

Originally posted by comet4

My K10D AF ok. I manage to lock on 1s, f5.6, ISO1600...so is that 1/15s, f1.4, ISO3200?

What do you mean?

comet4 · 12-08-2008, 03:24 PM

If I am correct, 1s, f5.6, ISO1600 and 1/15s, f1.4, ISO3200 both produces the same exposure. That means K10D is also able to lock onto a dark environment.

jct us101 · 12-08-2008, 04:07 PM

Ah ok. I still have no idea what that means...but I think I have a slight idea.

egordon99 · 12-09-2008, 05:34 AM

ISO100, f/4, 1/60s is "equivalent" to ISO200, f/4, 1/120s, as well as ISO100, f/2.8, 1/120s

Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Exposure" is a good read on the exposure "triangle" (ISO, shutter speed, f-stop)

I think you would be better served by taking some time to learn photography rather than making a big system switch. I don't say that to be mean, just honestly trying to be helpful. Understanding exposure will most likely be a much bigger help to your photography than any difference between Pentax and Canon.

egordon99 · 12-09-2008, 05:39 AM

On the other forum I mentioned, a poster was upset that their photos weren't that good (kit lens and a Rebel, NO lighting), they wanted to shoot people/portaits/events/WEDDINGS, obviously didn't know much about photography, but was asking if she should switch a D700/24-70, and if that would make her pictures more "pro" (I kid you not!) She got a firm lashing

NOT saying this is you, but folks seem to get caught up in the equipment side of the equation, rather than concentrating on lighting/skill/composition/etc....

I always say you should NOT upgrade until (1)You're able to take an excellent picture with whatever gear you have, (2)Know WHY that picture came out great, and (3)Identify a scenario where you would NOT be able to take such a great picture with your current equipment.

Anyway, I wish you luck and I can tell you're leaning towards Pentax, so if you want to go for it, go for it! Just don't expect miracles right away....

kenyee · 12-09-2008, 04:38 PM

Originally posted by egordon99

was asking if she should switch a D700/24-70, and if that would make her pictures more "pro" (I kid you not!) She got a firm lashing

Are you serious? A monkey could make wedding pics look more pro w/ a D700 set to iso 2500 and a 24-70...of course then she'll be mad she's being called a monkey...

jct us101 · 12-09-2008, 04:47 PM

Well I don't mean to show off or anything, but I think I have the technical side of this down. Flickr: SF Lights' Photostream

The only thing is that I can't afford any other lenses from canon due to their cost, so I'm stuck with my 28-135, and I'm just wanting to get some of those Pentax older prime lenses for their great image quality.

**Marc Langille** · 12-09-2008, 04:58 PM

Originally posted by flyer

I think you got it wrong. The K20D is less noisy than the K10D.

With respect, at lowest ISO, the K10D's CCD sensor is stellar under normal exposures. Both sensors seem to have strengths and weaknesses.

jct us101 · 12-09-2008, 05:23 PM

Yes, and the colors are also richer with a CCD than CMOS.

Jman02 · 12-09-2008, 06:10 PM

soccerjoe5 wrote:

Might I ask though what kind of photography you're into? If you're a shooter that NEEDS fast AF and FPS, I'd recommend the 30D. If you're into traveling, everyday shooting, landscapes and such the K10D won't let you down.

I own the K10D and this is the ONE thing that irks me to no end. The reason being is I have young kids and it reminds me too much of the point and shoots in this area. I have missed WAY too many good shots because the stinking AF stalls and won't allow me to shoot the photo even though focus looks fine through the lens. I love pretty much everything about this camera. It has the build quality of a D300 Nikon or better, feels great, looks great, has the weather sealing that no others even close in price can match. The battery lasts forever too.

but the things that I do not like:
1) slow AF
2) poor in low light
3) shutter sound
4) not the best auto white balance (get yellowish photos once and awhile)

Believe me I have contemplated buying brand X. I have looked at the Sony's. I have a buddy that has one and he likes it. The build quality is kind of cheapish and I don't like using compact flash or pro duo cards. I have looked at the Canons and you have to spend quite a bit to get a decent camera in my opinion. I don't like the Rebel line at all..... another cheapo feeling camera. The Nikon??... the D90 would probably be my starting point and the cost of image stablization lenses is quite staggering. So my feeling is....I am hoping Pentax comes out with a K30D type that has everything the K10/20 does.....and the only improvement to be fast AF , better low light shooting and more FPS. I know others would want different things than me...but this is just MY wishlist.

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12-08-2008, 02:43 PM	#31
egordon99 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Outside of Philly Posts: 1,561	I would think to just use manual focus for a static shot like that. Not sure how LiveView works on the K20D, but on the 40D a shot like that would be fairly straightforward. You activate LiveView, and then can zoom in 5x or 10x and it makes it pretty clear when it's in focus (using manual focus of course) I was able to use autofocus with my 30mm f/1.4 and 40D while out Trick-or-treating this year. Using the center point, it didn't have much trouble locking in, and I was at f/1.4, ISO3200, 1/20s, so it was pretty dark My K10D and FA 50mm f/1.4 would have choked and died in that situation.

12-08-2008, 02:45 PM	#32
jct us101 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 3,793 Original Poster	Well that doesn't really help. The K10D wouldn't have been able to lock on to the brightly lit bridge whatsoever?

12-08-2008, 02:51 PM	#33
egordon99 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Outside of Philly Posts: 1,561	I'm not sure, I never went out at night to shoot a bridge. I was just relaying my "low light" autofocus experience. Sorry it didn't help.... But seriously, a shot like that is fairly static, so you can easily take the time to manual focus it (as opposed to my trick-or-treating where my five month old was starting to get cranky and I barely had time to compose.....)

12-08-2008, 02:56 PM	#34
jct us101 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 3,793 Original Poster	Well, things like that are what I mostly shoot, so I really don't think I would have a problem with the AF issues. Other than that though, I can't really think of any reason not to switch, other than having to sell my canon equipment.

12-08-2008, 03:03 PM	#35
comet4 Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 19	My K10D AF ok. I manage to lock on 1s, f5.6, ISO1600...so is that the same luminance as 1/15s, f1.4, ISO3200?

12-08-2008, 03:04 PM	#36
jct us101 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 3,793 Original Poster	Originally posted by comet4 My K10D AF ok. I manage to lock on 1s, f5.6, ISO1600...so is that 1/15s, f1.4, ISO3200? What do you mean?

12-08-2008, 03:24 PM	#37
comet4 Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 19	If I am correct, 1s, f5.6, ISO1600 and 1/15s, f1.4, ISO3200 both produces the same exposure. That means K10D is also able to lock onto a dark environment.

12-08-2008, 04:07 PM	#38
jct us101 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 3,793 Original Poster	Ah ok. I still have no idea what that means...but I think I have a slight idea.

12-09-2008, 05:34 AM	#39
egordon99 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Outside of Philly Posts: 1,561	ISO100, f/4, 1/60s is "equivalent" to ISO200, f/4, 1/120s, as well as ISO100, f/2.8, 1/120s Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Exposure" is a good read on the exposure "triangle" (ISO, shutter speed, f-stop) I think you would be better served by taking some time to learn photography rather than making a big system switch. I don't say that to be mean, just honestly trying to be helpful. Understanding exposure will most likely be a much bigger help to your photography than any difference between Pentax and Canon.

12-09-2008, 05:39 AM	#40
egordon99 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Outside of Philly Posts: 1,561	On the other forum I mentioned, a poster was upset that their photos weren't that good (kit lens and a Rebel, NO lighting), they wanted to shoot people/portaits/events/WEDDINGS, obviously didn't know much about photography, but was asking if she should switch a D700/24-70, and if that would make her pictures more "pro" (I kid you not!) She got a firm lashing NOT saying this is you, but folks seem to get caught up in the equipment side of the equation, rather than concentrating on lighting/skill/composition/etc.... I always say you should NOT upgrade until (1)You're able to take an excellent picture with whatever gear you have, (2)Know WHY that picture came out great, and (3)Identify a scenario where you would NOT be able to take such a great picture with your current equipment. Anyway, I wish you luck and I can tell you're leaning towards Pentax, so if you want to go for it, go for it! Just don't expect miracles right away....

12-09-2008, 04:38 PM	#41
kenyee Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston, PRofMA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,026	Originally posted by egordon99 was asking if she should switch a D700/24-70, and if that would make her pictures more "pro" (I kid you not!) She got a firm lashing Are you serious? A monkey could make wedding pics look more pro w/ a D700 set to iso 2500 and a 24-70...of course then she'll be mad she's being called a monkey...

12-09-2008, 04:47 PM	#42
jct us101 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 3,793 Original Poster	Well I don't mean to show off or anything, but I think I have the technical side of this down. Flickr: SF Lights' Photostream The only thing is that I can't afford any other lenses from canon due to their cost, so I'm stuck with my 28-135, and I'm just wanting to get some of those Pentax older prime lenses for their great image quality.

12-09-2008, 04:58 PM	#43
Marc Langille Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NW Arkansas, USA Posts: 4,710	Originally posted by flyer I think you got it wrong. The K20D is less noisy than the K10D. With respect, at lowest ISO, the K10D's CCD sensor is stellar under normal exposures. Both sensors seem to have strengths and weaknesses.

12-09-2008, 05:23 PM	#44
jct us101 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 3,793 Original Poster	Yes, and the colors are also richer with a CCD than CMOS.

12-09-2008, 06:10 PM	#45
Jman02 Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 39	soccerjoe5 wrote: Might I ask though what kind of photography you're into? If you're a shooter that NEEDS fast AF and FPS, I'd recommend the 30D. If you're into traveling, everyday shooting, landscapes and such the K10D won't let you down. I own the K10D and this is the ONE thing that irks me to no end. The reason being is I have young kids and it reminds me too much of the point and shoots in this area. I have missed WAY too many good shots because the stinking AF stalls and won't allow me to shoot the photo even though focus looks fine through the lens. I love pretty much everything about this camera. It has the build quality of a D300 Nikon or better, feels great, looks great, has the weather sealing that no others even close in price can match. The battery lasts forever too. but the things that I do not like: 1) slow AF 2) poor in low light 3) shutter sound 4) not the best auto white balance (get yellowish photos once and awhile) Believe me I have contemplated buying brand X. I have looked at the Sony's. I have a buddy that has one and he likes it. The build quality is kind of cheapish and I don't like using compact flash or pro duo cards. I have looked at the Canons and you have to spend quite a bit to get a decent camera in my opinion. I don't like the Rebel line at all..... another cheapo feeling camera. The Nikon??... the D90 would probably be my starting point and the cost of image stablization lenses is quite staggering. So my feeling is....I am hoping Pentax comes out with a K30D type that has everything the K10/20 does.....and the only improvement to be fast AF , better low light shooting and more FPS. I know others would want different things than me...but this is just MY wishlist.