Which is BEST Low-Cost Pentax DSLR UNDER $300 Used?

rjm · 12-28-2009, 07:35 AM

The value proposition of the K10D at $300 is unequaled. Though it seems to be the best backup for a K20D is another K20D at $500. What's $200 compared to the eternal pain of going back to a backup camera and having that camera work almost-but-not-quite-and-not-really-as-well-as your main shooter. That's got to be reserved for a special circle of Hell.

ivoire · 12-30-2009, 09:14 PM

factory refurbished k10d for $380 is hard to beat

PENTAX - Factory-Refurbished 10.2-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera - Black - K10D

Alfisti · 01-01-2010, 11:53 AM

The problem with the 10D is you cannot adjust each lens' af setting. Considering the price of lenses it's a mega feature.

**Biff** · 01-10-2010, 08:54 AM

I can't imagine a better value than the K200D, compared with any current DSLR, even at somewhat over $300. But to the OP's question about price, I bought my first K200D at just over $300 as a re-furb (it's like new, can't tell from new) and second for WELL under $300 on Overstock Auction. The second was also sold as a re-furb, but is packaged like and looks like new, absolutely amazing. These cameras feel and handle great, are solid and WR.

Inspector 17 · 01-10-2010, 09:59 AM

The k10d at ISO 100 is phenomenal

usable up to iso 400

taking a chance above iso 400

If you use your backup k10d at iso 100 and your k20d at all higher iso, you will, to me, be optimizing your resources

**xs400** · 01-15-2010, 11:13 AM

I have a K20 and K100D. I like the small size and weight of the K100D. As others have said, the low light performance of the K100d is better compared to the K10 - that's another reason I like the K100D. As a back up camera, I like the K100. saying that, I plan to replace the K100D with a K-X, someday, primarily for the low light performance.

rfortson · 01-15-2010, 11:33 AM

K100D Super, hands down best image quality and compatibilty with all the latest lenses.

I had the K10D, and it's okay below ISO 400, but that's not what I use. Plus, it acted strange with my 16-50. Never used the K200D, but again, I think the 10mp CCD was going a tad too far. 6mp on the CCD is the sweet spot, hence my recommendation of the K100D Super.

GeneV · 01-17-2010, 09:06 PM

The K100d is certainly the deal at $200--if you aren't using SDM.

speedoo · 01-17-2010, 11:43 PM

Another very helpful thread for this newish pentaxian.

GeneV · 01-27-2010, 01:57 PM

Originally posted by Alfisti

The problem with the 10D is you cannot adjust each lens' af setting. Considering the price of lenses it's a mega feature.

I believe that feature only exists on the K20d and K7, so that pretty much excludes all the bargains. It is definitely a nice feature, but, if you use the K10d debug mode to make the master adjustment, I don't find it to be that critical on most lenses. Your mileage may vary, though.

WillCarney · 01-27-2010, 02:21 PM

Originally posted by ivoire

factory refurbished k10d for $380 is hard to beat

PENTAX - Factory-Refurbished 10.2-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera - Black - K10D

I bought a K10D from them. Would not focus with any lens, returned it withing three days of arrival. I bought a K200D from them and it had problems as well. I returned it with in a week. Best Buy refurb's might not be a good buy. I voted "other" I am no longer looking for a Pentax DSLR and back to using film for my night and astro work. I use a point & shoot or camcorder for my digital "quickies". I will most likely buy a Canon T1i and dump my Pentax stuff next year, unless Pentax comes out with a better night performer.

William

GeneV · 01-27-2010, 02:30 PM

Originally posted by WillCarney

I bought a K10D from them. Would not focus with any lens, returned it withing three days of arrival. I bought a K200D from them and it had problems as well. I returned it with in a week. Best Buy refurb's might not be a good buy. I voted "other" I am no longer looking for a Pentax DSLR and back to using film for my night and astro work. I use a point & shoot or camcorder for my digital "quickies". I will most likely buy a Canon T1i and dump my Pentax stuff next year, unless Pentax comes out with a better night performer.

William

There have been a number of reports of refurbs from various sources that weren't refurbished. It is a bit disturbing.

lesmore49 · 01-27-2010, 10:42 PM

Originally posted by Mystic

why the K-m is not listed? I think it's the best backup alternative.

True...I bought a KM as a backup to my K10D and a general, daily carry around.

GeneV · 01-28-2010, 10:12 AM

Originally posted by lesmore49

True...I bought a KM as a backup to my K10D and a general, daily carry around.

I've not seen it available under $300, but I may have just missed it.

Jools · 04-10-2010, 02:18 PM

My two cents worth...
I have owned a second hand K200D (my first dslr) for close to 6 months and am still learning its limitations and strengths but I am satisfied with it.
Still, I went "retro" and picked up a *ist D (recently from here on PF) as a second body because of its TTL capability, I like its 6.1 MP, the pentaprism and the body feels good. I shoot mostly with manual lenses and speed is not an issue nor is the smaller LCD screen. I am aiming at concentrating on macro/nature shots with this one.

Really had I been able to afford it and available at this moment, I would have gone with another K200D. But the *ist D feels like a good purchase at this moment.

View Poll Results: Which is BEST Low-Cost Pentax DSLR UNDER $300-$350 Used?
Pentax *ist D	20	9.52%
Pentax *ist DS2	10	4.76%
Pentax *ist DL2	4	1.90%
Pentax K100D Super	63	30.00%
Pentax K200D (Might be over $350 used?)	52	24.76%
Pentax K10D	113	53.81%
Other (Specify)	10	4.76%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 210. You may not vote on this poll

01-10-2010, 09:59 AM	#35
Inspector 17 Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Southeastern USA Posts: 75	k10d at iso 100 can hardly be beat The k10d at ISO 100 is phenomenal usable up to iso 400 taking a chance above iso 400 If you use your backup k10d at iso 100 and your k20d at all higher iso, you will, to me, be optimizing your resources

04-10-2010, 02:18 PM	#45
Jools Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: SW Wisconsin by way of Venezuela Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,398	*Went with a ist D as a second body** My two cents worth... I have owned a second hand K200D (my first dslr) for close to 6 months and am still learning its limitations and strengths but I am satisfied with it. Still, I went "retro" and picked up a ist D (recently from here on PF) as a second body because of its TTL capability, I like its 6.1 MP, the pentaprism and the body feels good. I shoot mostly with manual lenses and speed is not an issue nor is the smaller LCD screen. I am aiming at concentrating on macro/nature shots with this one. Really had I been able to afford it and available at this moment, I would have gone with another K200D. But the ist D feels like a good purchase at this moment.

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12-28-2009, 07:35 AM	#31
rjm Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kyoto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 72	The value proposition of the K10D at $300 is unequaled. Though it seems to be the best backup for a K20D is another K20D at $500. What's $200 compared to the eternal pain of going back to a backup camera and having that camera work almost-but-not-quite-and-not-really-as-well-as your main shooter. That's got to be reserved for a special circle of Hell.

12-30-2009, 09:14 PM	#32
ivoire Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,381	factory refurbished k10d for $380 is hard to beat PENTAX - Factory-Refurbished 10.2-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera - Black - K10D

01-01-2010, 11:53 AM	#33
Alfisti Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toronto (for now) Posts: 1,748	The problem with the 10D is you cannot adjust each lens' af setting. Considering the price of lenses it's a mega feature.

01-10-2010, 08:54 AM	#34
Biff Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: SF Bay Area Photos: Albums Posts: 1,081	I can't imagine a better value than the K200D, compared with any current DSLR, even at somewhat over $300. But to the OP's question about price, I bought my first K200D at just over $300 as a re-furb (it's like new, can't tell from new) and second for WELL under $300 on Overstock Auction. The second was also sold as a re-furb, but is packaged like and looks like new, absolutely amazing. These cameras feel and handle great, are solid and WR.

01-15-2010, 11:13 AM	#36
xs400 Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: San Francisco Bay Area Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,929	I have a K20 and K100D. I like the small size and weight of the K100D. As others have said, the low light performance of the K100d is better compared to the K10 - that's another reason I like the K100D. As a back up camera, I like the K100. saying that, I plan to replace the K100D with a K-X, someday, primarily for the low light performance.

01-15-2010, 11:33 AM	#37
rfortson Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,129	K100D Super, hands down best image quality and compatibilty with all the latest lenses. I had the K10D, and it's okay below ISO 400, but that's not what I use. Plus, it acted strange with my 16-50. Never used the K200D, but again, I think the 10mp CCD was going a tad too far. 6mp on the CCD is the sweet spot, hence my recommendation of the K100D Super.

01-17-2010, 09:06 PM	#38
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	The K100d is certainly the deal at $200--if you aren't using SDM.

01-17-2010, 11:43 PM	#39
speedoo Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New York, USA Posts: 123	Another very helpful thread for this newish pentaxian.

01-27-2010, 01:57 PM	#40
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by Alfisti The problem with the 10D is you cannot adjust each lens' af setting. Considering the price of lenses it's a mega feature. I believe that feature only exists on the K20d and K7, so that pretty much excludes all the bargains. It is definitely a nice feature, but, if you use the K10d debug mode to make the master adjustment, I don't find it to be that critical on most lenses. Your mileage may vary, though.

01-27-2010, 02:21 PM	#41
WillCarney Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bloomington, Illinois Posts: 66	Originally posted by ivoire factory refurbished k10d for $380 is hard to beat PENTAX - Factory-Refurbished 10.2-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera - Black - K10D I bought a K10D from them. Would not focus with any lens, returned it withing three days of arrival. I bought a K200D from them and it had problems as well. I returned it with in a week. Best Buy refurb's might not be a good buy. I voted "other" I am no longer looking for a Pentax DSLR and back to using film for my night and astro work. I use a point & shoot or camcorder for my digital "quickies". I will most likely buy a Canon T1i and dump my Pentax stuff next year, unless Pentax comes out with a better night performer. William

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01-27-2010, 02:30 PM	#42
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by WillCarney I bought a K10D from them. Would not focus with any lens, returned it withing three days of arrival. I bought a K200D from them and it had problems as well. I returned it with in a week. Best Buy refurb's might not be a good buy. I voted "other" I am no longer looking for a Pentax DSLR and back to using film for my night and astro work. I use a point & shoot or camcorder for my digital "quickies". I will most likely buy a Canon T1i and dump my Pentax stuff next year, unless Pentax comes out with a better night performer. William There have been a number of reports of refurbs from various sources that weren't refurbished. It is a bit disturbing.

01-27-2010, 10:42 PM	#43
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,342	Originally posted by Mystic why the K-m is not listed? I think it's the best backup alternative. True...I bought a KM as a backup to my K10D and a general, daily carry around.

01-28-2010, 10:12 AM	#44
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by lesmore49 True...I bought a KM as a backup to my K10D and a general, daily carry around. I've not seen it available under $300, but I may have just missed it.