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

PentaxForums-User · 12-15-2009, 09:47 AM

I have a K20D now... I'm looking for the BEST back-up body for under $300/$350 max (on here or EBAY).

Would be great if batteries, etc. from my K20D were compatible with my new (used) back-up body... but not 100% mandatory if price/quality ratio is good.

I looked at the DSLR review section, but got confused with all the stats. So I'm asking a general consensus/opinion so I know what to specifically look for to buy and target that one.

Pentax *ist D
Pentax *ist DS
Pentax *ist DS2
Pentax *ist DL
Pentax *ist DL2

Pentax K10D
Pentax K100D
Pentax K110D
Pentax K100D Super
Pentax K200D

THANKS!

GerryL · 12-15-2009, 10:00 AM

If you want the controls and all the accessories (batteries, grips, etc) to be exactly like the K20D, then your best bet would be the K10D (10mp).

If you want same weather sealing that can also accept a grip but less wheels with grip and controls not similar to K20D then get the K200D (10mp).

If you want high ISO performance although only 6mp, then get the K100D super (6mp).

I have read a lot of posts that say the K100D super was the best camera so far from the 6mp era..actually even better than the K10D.

I know others will chime on this and might tell you otherwise.

PentaxForums-User · 12-15-2009, 10:04 AM

Which is BEST Low-Cost Pentax DSLR UNDER $300 Used?
I have a K20D now... I'm looking for the BEST back-up body for under $300/$350 max (on here or EBAY).

Would be great if batteries, etc. from my K20D were compatible with my new (used) back-up body... but not 100% mandatory if price/quality ratio is good.

I looked at the DSLR review section, but got confused with all the stats. So I'm asking a general consensus/opinion so I know what to specifically look for to buy and target that one.

Pentax *ist D
Pentax *ist DS2
Pentax *ist DL2

Pentax K10D
Pentax K100D Super
Pentax K200D (Might be over $350 used?)

THANKS!

(FYI... I didn't mean to post twice... I wanted to add a poll to the previous post, but couldn't. Is there a way to delete a previous post?)

GerryL · 12-15-2009, 10:12 AM

Pentax *ist D (uses compact flash not compatible with the newer Pentax DSLRs, 1.8" LCD)
Pentax *ist DS (has pentaprism, 6mp, 2" LCD)
Pentax *ist DS2 (has pentaprism, 6mp, 2.5" LCD)
Pentax *ist DL (has pentamirror, 6mp, less focus points, 2" LCD)
Pentax *ist DL2 (has pentamirror, 6mp, less focus points, 2.5"LCD)

*All of the above has no body-SR

Pentax K10D (10mp, SR, dual wheels, weathersealing, pentaprism)
Pentax K100D (6mp, SR, high ISO performance, pentamirror)
Pentax K110D (6mp, no SR, pentamirror, high ISO perf)
Pentax K100D Super (6mp, SR, pentamirror, High ISO perf, dust reduction, first to accept SDM lenses)
Pentax K200D (10mp, K10D sensor, Pentamirror, weathersealing, accepts grips)

Hertizel · 12-15-2009, 10:57 AM

Well, the best is obviously k10D, if you can find it in that price range. Having sayd that, K100D Super is also a nice little camera if you don't need huuuuuge prints. And it works on AA, wich is great for those remote place vacations when you cant get a plug to recharge the battery.

babajoof · 12-15-2009, 11:05 AM

For full compatibility (batteries, etc.) it would have to be the K10D, however, it looks like they're going for about $400 on ebay, maybe $350 if you're really lucky. As of today you can still get a refurb. K10D from Best Buy for $380 or a refurb. K100D for $270. You'd have to get rechargeable batteries for the K100D, though.

BBear · 12-15-2009, 11:56 AM

I currently have the following bodies:

Kx
K10D
K100D Super
*Ist DL

And in my situation, I wanted a "pro" body (K10D) and a compact "beater" to carry around. I first bought the *Ist DL, took it on a trip to Europe and LOVE IT. But missed the SR.

Then I got the K100D Super, which is very similar to the DL but has SR and a slick body. Felt in love again.

But lastly, the Kx was released, very small body and KILLER ISO. Well.. it is out of your budget, so no need to coment on the Kx.

Out of the three cameras, I would definitely get the K100D Super, because it is very compact and it has a better ISO than my K10D. So my reasoning is basically SIZE & ISO.

If you don't mind SIZE and your K20D already has a good ISO, then I'd say get the K10D.

So basically I am voting for K100D Super OR k10D.

I hope it helps.

BB

Alfisti · 12-15-2009, 02:15 PM

K10D, there's not a shadow of a doubt. It's not in the same league as the others.

pxpaulx · 12-15-2009, 02:40 PM

You can get a refurbished K10d from bestbuy (online only) for $379 plus tax/shipping. They also have the k100d for $279 if that is too much. Definitely best bets considering you get a refurb warranty for 90 days (any problems typically crop up in this timeframe).

GerryL · 12-15-2009, 03:17 PM

From the previous thread you posted, I will still go for the K100D super.
No firmware upgrades (might be perfect..hehe).
Nice little camera with great high ISO performance.
I love my camera!

Eruditass · 12-15-2009, 04:06 PM

Best bang for buck? I'd go for K100D Super or K2000, cheap and imo better than the *ist series (due to SR) while not being much more expensive. The k10D, K200D are a step up but are also ~$100+ more used/refurb

K10D would be good though because of what it shares with the K20D.

snostorm · 12-15-2009, 04:47 PM

I voted for the D and DS2. If the purpose is to put together a quality kit at minimum price, then you should also consider external flash into the equation, and the ability to use TTL flashes, with high end Pentax branded TTL flashes available dirt cheap, cannot be ignored. SR admittedly allows you to push handheld available light photography considerably further, but I was able to get some pretty amazing handheld shots with the DS. . .

That being said, a sub-$300 K10 would be an awesome starting point with its feature set, and I personally couldn't pass on a less than $300 K100DS at a Ritz store closing clearance, even tho I already had 4 Pentax DSLR bodies. . .

Scott

Steve Beswick · 12-15-2009, 08:20 PM

If I remember correctly, KEH has k10's for right around $300 right now.

Mystic · 12-16-2009, 02:05 AM

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

**tomwil** · 12-16-2009, 12:16 PM

Originally posted by GerryL

Pentax *ist DL (has pentamirror, 6mp, less focus points, 2" LCD)

The Pentax *istDL has a 2.5" LCD.

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

12-15-2009, 09:47 AM	#1
PentaxForums-User Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 263	Which is BEST Low-Cost Pentax DSLR UNDER $300 Used? I have a K20D now... I'm looking for the BEST back-up body for under $300/$350 max (on here or EBAY). Would be great if batteries, etc. from my K20D were compatible with my new (used) back-up body... but not 100% mandatory if price/quality ratio is good. I looked at the DSLR review section, but got confused with all the stats. So I'm asking a general consensus/opinion so I know what to specifically look for to buy and target that one. Pentax ist D Pentax ist DS Pentax ist DS2 Pentax ist DL Pentax *ist DL2 Pentax K10D Pentax K100D Pentax K110D Pentax K100D Super Pentax K200D THANKS!

12-15-2009, 10:04 AM	#3
PentaxForums-User Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 263 Original Poster	POLL: Which is BEST Low-Cost Pentax DSLR UNDER $300 Used? Which is BEST Low-Cost Pentax DSLR UNDER $300 Used? I have a K20D now... I'm looking for the BEST back-up body for under $300/$350 max (on here or EBAY). Would be great if batteries, etc. from my K20D were compatible with my new (used) back-up body... but not 100% mandatory if price/quality ratio is good. I looked at the DSLR review section, but got confused with all the stats. So I'm asking a general consensus/opinion so I know what to specifically look for to buy and target that one. Pentax ist D Pentax ist DS2 Pentax *ist DL2 Pentax K10D Pentax K100D Super Pentax K200D (Might be over $350 used?) THANKS! (FYI... I didn't mean to post twice... I wanted to add a poll to the previous post, but couldn't. Is there a way to delete a previous post?)

12-15-2009, 04:06 PM	#11
Eruditass Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,207	Best bang for buck? I'd go for K100D Super or K2000, cheap and imo better than the ist series (due to SR) while not being much more expensive. The k10D, K200D are a step up but are also ~$100+ more used/refurb K10D would be good though because of what it shares with the K20D. Last edited by Eruditass; 12-15-2009 at 04:56 PM.*

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12-15-2009, 10:00 AM	#2
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	If you want the controls and all the accessories (batteries, grips, etc) to be exactly like the K20D, then your best bet would be the K10D (10mp). If you want same weather sealing that can also accept a grip but less wheels with grip and controls not similar to K20D then get the K200D (10mp). If you want high ISO performance although only 6mp, then get the K100D super (6mp). I have read a lot of posts that say the K100D super was the best camera so far from the 6mp era..actually even better than the K10D. I know others will chime on this and might tell you otherwise.

12-15-2009, 10:12 AM	#4
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	Pentax ist D (uses compact flash not compatible with the newer Pentax DSLRs, 1.8" LCD)* Pentax ist DS (has pentaprism, 6mp, 2" LCD)* Pentax ist DS2 (has pentaprism, 6mp, 2.5" LCD)* Pentax ist DL (has pentamirror, 6mp, less focus points, 2" LCD)* Pentax ist DL2 (has pentamirror, 6mp, less focus points, 2.5"LCD)* All of the above has no body-SR Pentax K10D (10mp, SR, dual wheels, weathersealing, pentaprism)* Pentax K100D (6mp, SR, high ISO performance, pentamirror) Pentax K110D (6mp, no SR, pentamirror, high ISO perf) Pentax K100D Super (6mp, SR, pentamirror, High ISO perf, dust reduction, first to accept SDM lenses) Pentax K200D (10mp, K10D sensor, Pentamirror, weathersealing, accepts grips)

12-15-2009, 10:57 AM	#5
Hertizel Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Lisbon Posts: 85	Well, the best is obviously k10D, if you can find it in that price range. Having sayd that, K100D Super is also a nice little camera if you don't need huuuuuge prints. And it works on AA, wich is great for those remote place vacations when you cant get a plug to recharge the battery.

12-15-2009, 11:05 AM	#6
babajoof Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Missouri Posts: 30	For full compatibility (batteries, etc.) it would have to be the K10D, however, it looks like they're going for about $400 on ebay, maybe $350 if you're really lucky. As of today you can still get a refurb. K10D from Best Buy for $380 or a refurb. K100D for $270. You'd have to get rechargeable batteries for the K100D, though.

12-15-2009, 11:56 AM	#7
BBear Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: CT / NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 822	I currently have the following bodies: Kx K10D K100D Super Ist DL And in my situation, I wanted a "pro" body (K10D) and a compact "beater" to carry around. I first bought the Ist DL, took it on a trip to Europe and LOVE IT. But missed the SR. Then I got the K100D Super, which is very similar to the DL but has SR and a slick body. Felt in love again. But lastly, the Kx was released, very small body and KILLER ISO. Well.. it is out of your budget, so no need to coment on the Kx. Out of the three cameras, I would definitely get the K100D Super, because it is very compact and it has a better ISO than my K10D. So my reasoning is basically SIZE & ISO. If you don't mind SIZE and your K20D already has a good ISO, then I'd say get the K10D. So basically I am voting for K100D Super OR k10D. I hope it helps. BB

12-15-2009, 02:15 PM	#8
Alfisti Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toronto (for now) Posts: 1,748	K10D, there's not a shadow of a doubt. It's not in the same league as the others.

12-15-2009, 02:40 PM	#9
pxpaulx Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 2,867	You can get a refurbished K10d from bestbuy (online only) for $379 plus tax/shipping. They also have the k100d for $279 if that is too much. Definitely best bets considering you get a refurb warranty for 90 days (any problems typically crop up in this timeframe).

12-15-2009, 03:17 PM	#10
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	From the previous thread you posted, I will still go for the K100D super. No firmware upgrades (might be perfect..hehe). Nice little camera with great high ISO performance. I love my camera!

12-15-2009, 04:47 PM	#12
snostorm Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago suburb, IL, USA Posts: 1,535	I voted for the D and DS2. If the purpose is to put together a quality kit at minimum price, then you should also consider external flash into the equation, and the ability to use TTL flashes, with high end Pentax branded TTL flashes available dirt cheap, cannot be ignored. SR admittedly allows you to push handheld available light photography considerably further, but I was able to get some pretty amazing handheld shots with the DS. . . That being said, a sub-$300 K10 would be an awesome starting point with its feature set, and I personally couldn't pass on a less than $300 K100DS at a Ritz store closing clearance, even tho I already had 4 Pentax DSLR bodies. . . Scott

12-15-2009, 08:20 PM	#13
Steve Beswick Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ontario, California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,736	If I remember correctly, KEH has k10's for right around $300 right now.

12-16-2009, 02:05 AM	#14
Mystic Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Lithuania Photos: Gallery Posts: 490	why the K-m is not listed? I think it's the best backup alternative.

12-16-2009, 12:16 PM	#15
tomwil Site Supporter Join Date: May 2009 Location: Maryland USA Posts: 778	Originally posted by GerryL Pentax ist DL (has pentamirror, 6mp, less focus points, 2" LCD)* The Pentax *istDL has a 2.5" LCD.