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11-22-2010, 07:08 PM   #1
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Canon t2i or Pentax k-r...?

Camera buying time is getting closer (about a week now).
Whatever camera I get will be used for many things... random everyday shots, portraits/weddings, prints, stock photography, ect...

I'm torn between the k-r w/18-55mm & 55-300mm, and the t2i w/18-55mm & something ~55-300mm.
Both are pretty much the same price right now.

I'd like to hear some opinions from people who either have used a t2i, k-r, or both... which would you get right now with a budget of ~$1000?

11-23-2010, 11:57 AM   #2
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QuoteOriginally posted by photochimp Quote
Camera buying time is getting closer (about a week now).
Whatever camera I get will be used for many things... random everyday shots, portraits/weddings, prints, stock photography, ect...

I'm torn between the k-r w/18-55mm & 55-300mm, and the t2i w/18-55mm & something ~55-300mm.
Both are pretty much the same price right now.

I'd like to hear some opinions from people who either have used a t2i, k-r, or both... which would you get right now with a budget of ~$1000?
If video is a major use you might be better off with Canon, but if still pictures are the thing then Pentax has the edge.
11-23-2010, 12:12 PM   #3
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For what you want to do , any of these camera will do the trick. I have the K-X kit that I chosse over the Canon kit .
My reason were- smaller camera, more sturdy & good kit lenses. The 55-300mm is a great lense for the price in the kit
11-23-2010, 12:20 PM   #4
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I picked the k-x when I matched it up against the t2i. Obviously, the k-r would fare even better.

11-23-2010, 01:34 PM   #5
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I didn't think much of the T2i, but seeing it perform like this:
T2i meets the 35-350L - FM Forums

makes me realize it might be a heck of a nice camera for the money. The sensor is excellent, and the AF performance seems to be pretty decent for a lower end body.
11-23-2010, 04:59 PM   #6
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I had almost written-off the t2i until I started looking at more images taken with it.
Some of the what I've seen from it are really making this decision hard.
11-23-2010, 06:06 PM   #7
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If you plan on acquiring more lenses besides the kit one, specially primes, you're better off with Pentax. If you just want shoot with one or maybe two cheap zooms, get the Canon.

11-23-2010, 06:25 PM   #8
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Don't make a mistake of thinking that just because somebody is taking great pics with X camera attached to L-glass, you'll be getting the same results... Because if you intend to shoot the kit glass most of the time... well... it doesn't really matter what you'll go for...

Though, realistically speaking K-R looks like the best deal for the money.... unless you're willing to stretch it up and get one of the great 60D deals floating around...
11-24-2010, 12:27 PM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by alexeyga Quote
Don't make a mistake of thinking that just because somebody is taking great pics with X camera attached to L-glass, you'll be getting the same results... Because if you intend to shoot the kit glass most of the time... well... it doesn't really matter what you'll go for...
I'm not making that mistake. I only intend to use the kit lenses until I can afford some others. I take a lot of nature and landscape shots. I'd like to get more into macro and available-light portraits. I make some money regularly with my photos (not a lot, but some), and have an idea of where my skill level is at right now and what I expect from myself.

Take the lens and photographer out of the equasion (even though I know they're very important parts of the equasion)... the sensor in the Canon t2i can capture amazing images. 18MP, 14bit colour depth, pretty decent in low-light, handles noise fairly well. The k-r/k-x sensor seems to be very good too though... just less MP and 12bit colour.
11-24-2010, 01:11 PM   #10
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It seems to me that the K-r and the t2i are neck to neck competitors, unless you want to do video where the Canon is clearly better. I'd pick between the two based on the lenses that you think you will use, as that will ultimately make the most difference.
11-26-2010, 11:58 PM   #11
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One major advantage the k-r has that I haven't seen anyone mention:

In-body image stabilization. On old lenses this is a godsend.

This is the #1 reason I chose Pentax over everyone else. I do video as well, but I have the k-7 which can have manual video control with a workaround. I do not know if the k-r has a similar workaround.

That being said, at the base level, the t2i is a superior video camera. 1080p24, 720p60, full manual control, etc. If you're serious about video that full manual control should be the pivotal point here. Unless the k-r has a workaround I don't know about.

Basically, if I had to choose between those two, I'd choose the k-r for mostly photography and maybe a short video clip or two. But for serious video, the t2i wins.
11-30-2010, 02:26 AM   #12
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If you're not going to use old manual lenses, then t2i maybe a better choice. Canon lenses are cheaper and more available (both new and used).

I choose Pentax because I own a lot of Nikon pre-Ai lenses. I can fit them to a Canon with an adapter just fine, but I can fit them on a Pentax without an adapter and get image stabilisation.

Heck, a D5000 or D31000 may seem to be a more logical choice since majority of my lenses are Nikon, but they don't have in-body VR. They don't meter correctly with any camera anyway.

But to be honest, if I don't already own my existing gear and will be working on a budget, i'd get:

T2i Kit
EF 28 f1.8
EF 50 f1.8 II
EF 100 f2 USM (or 85/1.8, but the 100/2 is just SICK)

For that price, you can't get an equivalent Pentax system. That's the poor man's:

K-r kit
FA 31 f1.8 Ltd
FA 43 f1.9 Ltd
FA 77 f1.8 Ltd

Last edited by RolloR; 11-30-2010 at 02:33 AM.
11-30-2010, 07:35 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by RolloR Quote
If you're not going to use old manual lenses, then t2i maybe a better choice. Canon lenses are cheaper and more available (both new and used).
Well I'm usually pretty poor and do plan on looking for some old used manual lanses. I want to find a decent macro or two and maybe a 35mm.


QuoteOriginally posted by RolloR Quote
But to be honest, if I don't already own my existing gear and will be working on a budget, i'd get:

T2i Kit
EF 28 f1.8
EF 50 f1.8 II
EF 100 f2 USM (or 85/1.8, but the 100/2 is just SICK)

For that price, you can't get an equivalent Pentax system. That's the poor man's:

K-r kit
FA 31 f1.8 Ltd
FA 43 f1.9 Ltd
FA 77 f1.8 Ltd
Um... what you're suggesting is way out of my $1000 budget...

Today is buying day. At least, I want it to be. I could put it off and wait for a sale, but I've already been waiting too long. Unless I change my mind I'll be ordering a k-r. Too bad I couldn't find a deal like the $749.99USD for the 18-55 & 55-300 kit. Best I can find here in Canada is $899.99 (anyone know of a better deal let me know quick).
11-30-2010, 07:40 AM   #14
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899 is the best i've seen for canada shipping
I lean towards the pentax myself as I like the in camera SR, but i really could care less about video
11-30-2010, 07:43 AM   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by RolloR Quote

I choose Pentax because I own a lot of Nikon pre-Ai lenses. I can fit them to a Canon with an adapter just fine, but I can fit them on a Pentax without an adapter and get image stabilisation.


I didn't realise Nikon F lenses fit without an adapter. they just work full manual (like all my crippled m and k lenses?)
I've seen some nice deals on old nikon glass that i passed up not knowing this
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