Thanks for the replies. They've given me some stuff to think about. A couple of things:
Originally posted by wizofoz (how many lenses do you need?/can you afford? )
Well, that's going to depend. I'd say about a lens a year. We bought our dream home a couple of years ago which is why it's taken so long to actually buy a camera. I tend to spend money more on my wife than on myself so, most of the money I've bee saving has gone to provide things for her. Moving forward, I'd say about $300 - $500 a year on lenses. I've got a lot of general accessories left over from my film days so a flash and a few camera specific things are all I'll need other than lenses.
Quote: I could be wrong here, but my impression is that neither the K30 nor d7K is renowned for their video performance, so this is probably a wash
The D7000 is a one generation old camera (as is the K-5 classic) while the K-30 enjoys the benefits of some technological advances.
Yeah, my concern is not necessarily the video quality of the camera per se. The fact that these cameras shoot 1080p is enough. I actually prefer 24 fps for the "movie look" but the additional 60 fps of the k-30 is nice for slow motion stuff. On the D7000 it would be nice to have the external mic for sound whereas on the K-30 there is no jack for one. Like I said, I go round and round with this thing.
Quote: Your point about availability in the US is a valid one, and may be something to consider. Here where I live, I can find Pentax in virtually every major camera store, so I have no basis for judging how much of an issue that is.
If that were the case here, the decision would be much easier. Pentax stuff is completely vacant from any and every store I go into. A friend of mine admitted he had literally never heard of Pentax before.
Quote: ....and then there is also the added cache of swimming against the flow.... (but that's probably just the contrarian in me)
This too. I like doing my own thing. However, I've found that also sometimes works against me. Like in this situation. If I go Nikon, I'll have the ability to borrow lenses from a friend or two. If I go Pentax, I'm on my own.
Originally posted by RonHendriks1966 So you really took a bite in your own ass on this. If you had bought a K-x two years ago, you would have had the experience off working with it and giving all the answers you are looking for at the time.
Tell me about it lol. Yeah, I honestly wish I had been able to purchase a camera a couple of years ago. Would have made everything a lot easier and, hopefully, I'd already have some good shots. Unfortunately, this was not an option.
Quote: There is no such thing as a system for ever!
Good point. I know things happen and situations change and such but, I'm not what you would call a spender. Once I buy into a system, I'm going to be locked in for the most part. I'm not a professional photographer. I enjoy taking pictures and sharing them. Possibly putting a couple up on my walls. I can see myself upgrading a camera body every few years but, if I become invested in lenses and accessories, I don't see myself ever picking up and changing systems. I just couldn't justify the cost.
Quote: I suggest you buy the K-30 with the one kitlens and go play around with it. You will find answers to your questions, like wich lenses to use, what specifications do I need for my work and is that on the K-30, can I work around limitations of my camerasystem (that goes for all camera's, but different).
Good strong advice that I plan to follow.
Hopefully, I'll find out over the next few days what kind of deal I'll be able to get on the D7000. Again, if I can't do it, my decision is easy. Honestly though, I'm not sure which way I want it to go.