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07-21-2011, 08:45 PM   #1
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From Pentax to Nikon?

Hey guys, what downsides would I experience going from a K-X to a D3100? On the other hand, what would I gain? Nikon seems to offer a wider variety of lenses for less money, although I could be incorrect. Thanks in advance!

07-21-2011, 09:16 PM   #2
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QuoteOriginally posted by SirJangly Quote
Hey guys, what downsides would I experience going from a K-X to a D3100? On the other hand, what would I gain? Nikon seems to offer a wider variety of lenses for less money, although I could be incorrect. Thanks in advance!
One consideration: The D3100 will not autofocus with non-AF-S (or HSM) lenses, meaning all the "D" series. Nikon has come out with a $199 35 1.8G and just now, the 50 1.8G, so those primes will work on the D3100, as will most modern Nikon zooms, but the older primes and zooms that do not have in-lens motors will not be AF lenses on the D3100. This includes many Tamron and Tokina lenses, also.

When pricing AF lenses, make sure they have in-body motors; Nikon AF-S (or "G") designations indicate this. Sigma HSM does also.

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07-22-2011, 12:00 AM   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by SirJangly Quote
Hey guys, what downsides would I experience going from a K-X to a D3100? On the other hand, what would I gain? Nikon seems to offer a wider variety of lenses for less money, although I could be incorrect. Thanks in advance!
You will be a tiny part of a huge flock...
07-22-2011, 12:20 AM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by philippe Quote
You will be a tiny part of a huge flock...
Sorry still on the fence.

07-22-2011, 12:30 AM   #5
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If it's cheap lenses you want in Nikon land, then a D90 is probably a better option as it has the same sensor as the K-x, and has a AF screw drive which would give you access to the cheaper Nikon lenses.
07-22-2011, 02:09 AM   #6
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The K-x and D3100 cameras are very similar, apart from ergonomics and taste in general.

Yes, Nikon (and Canon) has by far the larger lens selection. But the Pentax lineup has some unique things that the big 2 do in fact not match. I'd say the biggest downside you'll experience will be excluding yourself from the unique gems in the Pentax lens catalog: the characterful, compact short fast primes. No other brand offers lenses equal to the Pentax DA and FA limiteds.

On the other hand, you'll gain access to the good stuff in the Nikon system, namely the excellent flash system and the excellent, albeit very big-ticket long, fast lenses.

The big question is: Will you eventually want/need/desire a set of compact, short fast primes? If so, keep the K-x. If not, you can be just as happy with the Nikon, not accounting for taste and ergonomics.

Sincerely,
--Anders.
07-22-2011, 02:40 AM   #7
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What about losing inbody shake reduction? I don't think the Nikon wil have that. I love screwing a 1950 Helios on my K5 and having shake reduction with it. If you want stabilization with Nikon, it will have to be in the lens. So, you'll definetely lose stabilization for MF glass. I would hate to lose my SR, I wouldn't be able to use my Vivitar 800mm F8.0 handheld any more. How many 800mm lenses are there for Nikon with stabilization?

And, I don't know if it's important to you, but you'll lose the exclusiveness of Pentax. Comparing cameras to cars: you will be driving a Ford and no longer a Audi. Don't get me wrong, nothing wrong with Ford of course... But you won't stand out in the crowd any more.


Last edited by Clavius; 07-22-2011 at 02:56 AM.
07-22-2011, 05:21 AM   #8
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As a K-x owner that just switched to a D300 I'd go with the K-x IF you aren't planning on upgrading to high end glass(Nobody ever does, but that doesn't stop us). IMHO the K-x is a much better camera than the D3000 and has a much larger selection of lenses because of the limitations in lens selection for the D3000-5000 bodies. It's also build better and has better ergonomics IMHO. I'd go with the K-x or K-r over the D3-5000 series if I was looking for a basic kit < 1000 bucks.
07-28-2011, 05:18 PM   #9
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Without knowing what specifics you are after in making a change, it would seem going from a K-x to a 3100 is moving one step sideways.
07-29-2011, 02:53 AM   #10
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Even though I own a Nikon (D7000) I don't like the the models below this one and much prefer the Canon 550d which can be had for a similar price as the lower end Nikon's

Canon has a huge selection of lenses to choose from.
05-13-2012, 05:04 AM   #11
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More like - you'll be driving a Mercedes instead of an Audi as neither of these products are designed or manufactured in the USA.
05-13-2012, 05:21 AM - 1 Like   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by shortfatnbalding Quote
More like - you'll be driving a Mercedes instead of an Audi as neither of these products are designed or manufactured in the USA.
Check date of original posts.
05-13-2012, 05:35 AM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by shortfatnbalding Quote
More like - you'll be driving a Mercedes instead of an Audi as neither of these products are designed or manufactured in the USA.
Here is the last camera designed or manufactured in the USA but production ceased in 1969.
05-13-2012, 12:36 PM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by jogiba Quote
Here is the last camera designed or manufactured in the USA but production ceased in 1969.
Didn't Graflex crank out some large format gear until the early 1970s?
05-13-2012, 05:48 PM   #15
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@Tom S - so you're the new moderator I take it?
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