Should I go back to Pentax?

jct us101 · 03-12-2010, 05:34 PM

I start these threads all the time, and usually buy the camera, decide I don't like it, sell it, and then buy another one. Except that this time, I actually have 2 cameras that I like, two different Canon Rebels. I still want a Pentax though because of the lenses and SR mostly, Canon's equivalent of both is not exactly cheap. If I got Pentax I could get an awesome 1.4 manual prime for $50 and the 18-200 kit range with great quality for $150 total, all of which costs just a little more than one of my Canon lenses and gives double the range and quality. I don't know what to do though.

RioRico · 03-12-2010, 05:43 PM

Can't you have it both ways? Aren't there M42-Canon and PK-Canon adapters for those manual lenses? Oh, you want the 18-200 too. Well, I guess you're doomed. Keep churning those purchases and sales; the economy needs you.

PS: Pentax bodies beat Canons in user ratings at DpReview.com if that means anything to you.

jct us101 · 03-12-2010, 05:45 PM

I've owned the *ist DS, K100D, and the K10D before. The *ist DS was an amazing camera, just too slow. The K100D is actually what I think I want to get again, either that or the K-x because of it's high ISO. The 18-55/50-200mm is what I was referring to though.

Lance B · 03-12-2010, 05:49 PM

You really need to fathom why it is that you don't like the cameras that you buy and therefore find the need to sell them. This should give you an insight into what it is you do not like about those cameras and therefore can make an informed decidison as to what you require in a camera.

One thing you need to remember is, though, and that is that every camera brand and camera model is a compromise and that not every brand or model can be everything to everyone.

Much of the debates about which camera brand is best is not so much that "Canon is better than Nikon" or that "Nikon is better than Pentax" or whatever, it is about which brand is best for you and your requirements. Once you can decide what your requirements are, then you are a long way into deciding which brand/model will suit you.

It may be pointless purchasing Pentax if you are a sports enthusiast or birder and require the long lenses of 600mm f4 or whatever.

However, you may want a small camera with SR and superb primes or standard zooms and Pentax fills htis niche perfectly.

Now, some of the things I like about Pentax are:
Ergonomics
Superb lenses
K-7 size (specific model)
Build quality
SR
Features

er1kksen · 03-12-2010, 05:58 PM

Get a K-x. They're fantastic. The T1i is the only current rebel that comes close to its signal-noise-ratio and while the T2i is on about the same level, it's still expensive and lacks SR. I plan to use one of each in parallel in the future but right now the K-x is a pretty tough little package to beat.

Jesus · 03-12-2010, 06:56 PM

Where is the KX selling with the 55x300 and kit lens cheap ?
I wnat one too . The least cheapest I can find is $684 , was hoping for $640 or so

**Rondec** · 03-13-2010, 05:46 AM

Maybe you could get Gary to sell you another camera.

I would quit switching systems. I think with any camera, it takes time to learn how it functions. Every camera and system has its weaknesses and strengths. You can take great photos with every camera out there (even point and shoots). If you are having trouble with your Rebels, it is likely you and not the camera. Even the K10 (which you disliked) takes great photos.

Every time you switch systems, you lose money. Far better to stick it out with one and focus on yourself and how you use it to get better photos.

I am not a big fan of the Rebel class. Sort of feel like Canon cripples them to protect its upper end lines, the xxD and xD classes, but still, you can do fine with them.

Mike.P® · 03-13-2010, 10:25 AM

Stay with Canon ... you know it makes sense

audiobomber · 03-13-2010, 10:36 AM

Originally posted by jct us101

I've owned the *ist DS, K100D, and the K10D before. The *ist DS was an amazing camera, just too slow. The K100D is actually what I think I want to get again, either that or the K-x because of it's high ISO. The 18-55/50-200mm is what I was referring to though.

If slow bothers you, forget the K100D. The K-x is greased lighting in comparison.

Clicker · 03-13-2010, 02:31 PM

Just use what you have, if you buy too many of the same kind in this case digital in the same feature range, you're wasting your money and time. Just stick to one and get out and shoot.

This is advice i should take myself, don't waste time and money on stuff you're not going to use regularly especially when there is no gain in satisfaction or finances. Research and find ONE and stick to it don't waste your time/effort in looking to fill a need/feature when you can be out enjoying making images.

Marc Sabatella · 03-13-2010, 09:43 PM

Originally posted by Jesus

Where is the KX selling with the 55x300 and kit lens cheap ?
I wnat one too . The least cheapest I can find is $684

Considering that's basically $300 lens - and the 18-55 a $75 lens - you're essentially getting the camera for $300. That *is* cheap.

aleonx3 · 03-13-2010, 11:35 PM

Originally posted by Mike.P®

Stay with Canon ... you know it makes sense

I second that... one less person to bid on the prestine m42 lens on fleabay..

johnmflores · 03-13-2010, 11:51 PM

Most importantly - what don't you like about your photographs that makes you want to switch back to Pentax?

And how will a Pentax improve your photography?

RioRico · 03-14-2010, 02:26 AM

Originally posted by johnmflores

And how will a Pentax improve your photography?

Pentax improves EVERYBODY'S photography, of course. High-end Canikony'ans NEED their costly gear because they haven't imbued the mystical Pentax aura. (It's like, if rich people are so smart, why do they need to send their kids to those expensive schools?)

GerryL · 03-16-2010, 07:17 PM

I have been given a Canon XT and the only thing I can say that is good about it is that it is almost like dumbproof!
You won't learn too much photography with the Canon as with the Pentax.
First thing, mine has the 18-55mm kit lens (non-IS) and when I try to look for other lenses for it, it is sooo expensive specially the "IS" ones!
Another thing is that you can't just attache any lens to it, you are actually stuck with the EF ot EF-S lenses..mostly made by Canon too!
As compared to my K100DS, I can do anything with it, and the lenses that I buy are all "IS" or "SR" since the shake reduction is in-body and I don't have to ridiculously buy it everytime I have to buy a lens!
I can do macro, I can attach bellows, do anything with my Pentax..which is a good and a bad thing since with the Pentax, I can be creative with all the tools I need at my disposal and pretty affordable (good), the only bad thing about it is I get LBA since the lenses and the accessories or whatever I can think about for it is affordable!
My Canon XT I usually treat like a P&S if I need to shoot fast and no fuss.
I use the Pentax when I want to be creative and precise.
This much I can say 'coz I have both and use both!
I prefer Pentax and would never part with it!

03-12-2010, 05:34 PM	#1
jct us101 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 3,793	Should I go back to Pentax? I start these threads all the time, and usually buy the camera, decide I don't like it, sell it, and then buy another one. Except that this time, I actually have 2 cameras that I like, two different Canon Rebels. I still want a Pentax though because of the lenses and SR mostly, Canon's equivalent of both is not exactly cheap. If I got Pentax I could get an awesome 1.4 manual prime for $50 and the 18-200 kit range with great quality for $150 total, all of which costs just a little more than one of my Canon lenses and gives double the range and quality. I don't know what to do though.

03-12-2010, 05:43 PM	#2
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	from a former long-time resident of Rodent Park Can't you have it both ways? Aren't there M42-Canon and PK-Canon adapters for those manual lenses? Oh, you want the 18-200 too. Well, I guess you're doomed. Keep churning those purchases and sales; the economy needs you. PS: Pentax bodies beat Canons in user ratings at DpReview.com if that means anything to you.

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03-12-2010, 05:45 PM	#3
jct us101 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Rohnert Park, CA Posts: 3,793 Original Poster	I've owned the ist DS, K100D, and the K10D before. The ist DS was an amazing camera, just too slow. The K100D is actually what I think I want to get again, either that or the K-x because of it's high ISO. The 18-55/50-200mm is what I was referring to though.

03-12-2010, 05:49 PM	#4
Lance B Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 593	You really need to fathom *why* it is that you don't like the cameras that you buy and therefore find the need to sell them. This should give you an insight into what it is you do not like about those cameras and therefore can make an informed decidison as to what you require in a camera. One thing you need to remember is, though, and that is that every camera brand and camera model is a compromise and that not every brand or model can be everything to everyone. Much of the debates about which camera brand is best is not so much that "Canon is better than Nikon" or that "Nikon is better than Pentax" or whatever, it is about which brand is best for *you* and *your* requirements. Once you can decide what *your* requirements are, then you are a long way into deciding which brand/model will suit *you*. It may be pointless purchasing Pentax if you are a sports enthusiast or birder and require the long lenses of 600mm f4 or whatever. However, you may want a small camera with SR and superb primes or standard zooms and Pentax fills htis niche perfectly. Now, some of the things I like about Pentax are: Ergonomics Superb lenses K-7 size (specific model) Build quality SR Features

03-12-2010, 05:58 PM	#5
er1kksen Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Forestville, NY Photos: Albums Posts: 1,801	Get a K-x. They're fantastic. The T1i is the only current rebel that comes close to its signal-noise-ratio and while the T2i is on about the same level, it's still expensive and lacks SR. I plan to use one of each in parallel in the future but right now the K-x is a pretty tough little package to beat.

03-12-2010, 06:56 PM	#6
Jesus Inactive Account Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sedona Az Posts: 216	Where is the KX selling with the 55x300 and kit lens cheap ? I wnat one too . The least cheapest I can find is $684 , was hoping for $640 or so

03-13-2010, 05:46 AM	#7
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,662	Maybe you could get Gary to sell you another camera. I would quit switching systems. I think with any camera, it takes time to learn how it functions. Every camera and system has its weaknesses and strengths. You can take great photos with every camera out there (even point and shoots). If you are having trouble with your Rebels, it is likely you and not the camera. Even the K10 (which you disliked) takes great photos. Every time you switch systems, you lose money. Far better to stick it out with one and focus on yourself and how you use it to get better photos. I am not a big fan of the Rebel class. Sort of feel like Canon cripples them to protect its upper end lines, the xxD and xD classes, but still, you can do fine with them.

03-13-2010, 10:25 AM	#8
Mike.P® Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Milton, Hampshire, UK Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,154	Stay with Canon ... you know it makes sense

03-13-2010, 10:36 AM	#9
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by jct us101 I've owned the ist DS, K100D, and the K10D before. The ist DS was an amazing camera, just too slow. The K100D is actually what I think I want to get again, either that or the K-x because of it's high ISO. The 18-55/50-200mm is what I was referring to though. If slow bothers you, forget the K100D. The K-x is greased lighting in comparison.

03-13-2010, 02:31 PM	#10
Clicker Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,241	Just use what you have, if you buy too many of the same kind in this case digital in the same feature range, you're wasting your money and time. Just stick to one and get out and shoot. This is advice i should take myself, don't waste time and money on stuff you're not going to use regularly especially when there is no gain in satisfaction or finances. Research and find ONE and stick to it don't waste your time/effort in looking to fill a need/feature when you can be out enjoying making images.

03-13-2010, 09:43 PM	#11
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Originally posted by Jesus Where is the KX selling with the 55x300 and kit lens cheap ? I wnat one too . The least cheapest I can find is $684 Considering that's basically $300 lens - and the 18-55 a $75 lens - you're essentially getting the camera for $300. That is cheap.

03-13-2010, 11:35 PM	#12
aleonx3 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Brampton, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,996	Originally posted by Mike.P® Stay with Canon ... you know it makes sense I second that... one less person to bid on the prestine m42 lens on fleabay..

03-13-2010, 11:51 PM	#13
johnmflores Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somerville, NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,361	Most importantly - what don't you like about your photographs that makes you want to switch back to Pentax? And how will a Pentax improve your photography?

03-14-2010, 02:26 AM	#14
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by johnmflores And how will a Pentax improve your photography? Pentax improves EVERYBODY'S photography, of course. High-end Canikony'ans NEED their costly gear because they haven't imbued the mystical Pentax aura. (It's like, if rich people are so smart, why do they need to send their kids to those expensive schools?)

03-16-2010, 07:17 PM	#15
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	I have been given a Canon XT and the only thing I can say that is good about it is that it is almost like dumbproof! You won't learn too much photography with the Canon as with the Pentax. First thing, mine has the 18-55mm kit lens (non-IS) and when I try to look for other lenses for it, it is sooo expensive specially the "IS" ones! Another thing is that you can't just attache any lens to it, you are actually stuck with the EF ot EF-S lenses..mostly made by Canon too! As compared to my K100DS, I can do anything with it, and the lenses that I buy are all "IS" or "SR" since the shake reduction is in-body and I don't have to ridiculously buy it everytime I have to buy a lens! I can do macro, I can attach bellows, do anything with my Pentax..which is a good and a bad thing since with the Pentax, I can be creative with all the tools I need at my disposal and pretty affordable (good), the only bad thing about it is I get LBA since the lenses and the accessories or whatever I can think about for it is affordable! My Canon XT I usually treat like a P&S if I need to shoot fast and no fuss. I use the Pentax when I want to be creative and precise. This much I can say 'coz I have both and use both! I prefer Pentax and would never part with it!