If you could only spend $600 dollars for a new camera, which would you choose?

OldNoob · 02-06-2014, 04:22 AM

I got my k-30 new with kit lens new for $599 last year and have been Very pleased with it so far.
But Just out of Curiosity, If you could spend only $600 dollars for a NEW camera, which would you choose? And why?
It doesn't have to be a Pentax, just any NEW at $600 or under.
Camera lens combo / or fixed lens

Last edited by OldNoob; 02-07-2014 at 04:20 AM.

Na Horuk · 02-06-2014, 05:08 AM - **1 Like**

Well, if I had no cameras or lenses to begin with.. I would look at my priorities.
If video were a priority, I would look at Canon. If I wanted high MP in a low end body, I would look at Nikon. But generally speaking, Canikon is only worth it once you spend over $1500 on the body alone, under that, Pentax has more bang for buck.
Pentax generally has: more compact bodies, great ergonomics, Weather resistant bodies and lenses, compact prime lenses (!).. often a reason why people choose Pentax is because they already have some Pentax lenses, or they want to buy some legacy lenses

Only true alternative that would pique my interest is going into a smaller format, like micro four thirds or mirrorless. But I don't know much about those cameras. For DSLRs, I chose Pentax for a reason, and I think the reasons remain even now

stormtech · 02-06-2014, 06:06 AM - **1 Like**

Are you talking about an interchangeable lens camera or one with a fixed lens?

OldNoob · 02-06-2014, 06:41 AM

Originally posted by stormtech

Are you talking about an interchangeable lens camera or one with a fixed lens?

good point. both.

jogiba · 02-06-2014, 07:14 AM - **1 Like**

I would like a superzoom with 60x 20-1200mm eqiv optical zoom and 4K video mode.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/76-non-pentax-cameras-canon-nikon-etc/231...eqiv-zoom.html

normhead · 02-06-2014, 07:40 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by jogiba

I would like a superzoom with 60x 20-1200mm eqiv optical zoom and 4K video mode.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/76-non-pentax-cameras-canon-nikon-etc/231...eqiv-zoom.html

+1
I know a long time ago when I was looking at digital cameras for use in the photography course I taught, Panasonic Lumix cameras came out at the head of that competition, and I ended up buying 20 of them to fill that niche. So I would definitely look there first, just based on past experience.

stormtech · 02-06-2014, 07:59 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by OldNoob

good point. both.

The reason I asked is that if you were talking about an ILC, is there any budget for lenses? If so then you can't get much of anything with $600 if you will also need lenses.

As far as a fixed lens camera, there are lots of choices. As Norm said Panasonic has many - lots with extensive zoom ranges. Fujifilm also has some nice ones. But with these cameras, you are limited to a smaller sensor. I've tried a couple bridge cameras - mainly the Fujifilm X-S1 which is a super zoom. Has a larger sensor than most at (2/3") and a great zoom range of 24mm-624mm (35mm equivalent). I was really happy with the build quality and the manual zoom (I hate the power zoom on most of this type camera) and did very well in good light. But, in the end I am so spoiled with my K-5IIs with the APS-C sensor I ended up just sticking with that.

So for $600 I would go back to the Fujifilm X-S1 or try the Panasonic FZ-200 which gets mostly excellent reviews. The Fuji is now selling for $350 and the Panasonic for $325.

Nesster · 02-06-2014, 08:09 AM - **1 Like**

I bought a K-30 last summer with the idea that it was the most cost effective and well balanced APS-C camera out there. I would do so again.

**dadipentak** · 02-06-2014, 08:29 AM - **1 Like**

New old stock K-5.

Kameko · 02-06-2014, 08:30 AM - **1 Like**

I'd get the RX100... wait, are we talking new or used?

Rupert · 02-06-2014, 08:56 AM - **1 Like**

I'd buy my Fuji X20....again! Small yet loaded with controls, a very nice OVF with information you can see as you shoot, right in the viewfinder, and a rock solid metal body in a handsome package. A range that covers most carry-around shooting situations and a fast and superb lens that is excellent wide open.
Fujifilm X20 Review - Introduction - PentaxForums.com

Want to save more? The X10 is a bargain and I love it almost as much as the X20. Plenty of great features there too. These are both cameras that make you WANT to carry them at all times...and use them often. Sometimes I get a thrill up my leg just holding them!

Regards!

OldNoob · 02-06-2014, 09:43 AM

. I got my k-30 new with kit lens new for 599 Very pleased with it so far. Just wondering what is out there under 600.
Checked out a Sony a3000 and was utterly amazed at how crappy the cameras' construction was the EVF was useless.
That Canon PowerShot G15 looks quite impressive

northcoastgreg · 02-06-2014, 10:27 AM

Originally posted by dadipentak

new old stock k-5.

+1 ...

yorik · 02-06-2014, 11:03 AM - **1 Like**

If the $600 was to start a system, then probably a Fuji XM1 kit (the basic Pentax kits are 700). If the $600 is for stand alone, then I would borrow $100 and get the Olympus stylus 1.

**Rondec** · 02-06-2014, 11:54 AM

For 600 dollars, I would get a used K5 and a kit lens. Stretching budget a little would get a 18-135.

02-06-2014, 04:22 AM	#1
OldNoob Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 402	If you could only spend $600 dollars for a new camera, which would you choose? I got my k-30 new with kit lens new for $599 last year and have been Very pleased with it so far. But Just out of Curiosity, If you could spend only $600 dollars for a NEW camera, which would you choose? And why? It doesn't have to be a Pentax, just any NEW at $600 or under. Camera lens combo / or fixed lens Last edited by OldNoob; 02-07-2014 at 04:20 AM.

02-06-2014, 07:40 AM - 1 Like	#6
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,450	Originally posted by jogiba I would like a superzoom with 60x 20-1200mm eqiv optical zoom and 4K video mode. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/76-non-pentax-cameras-canon-nikon-etc/231...eqiv-zoom.html +1 I know a long time ago when I was looking at digital cameras for use in the photography course I taught, Panasonic Lumix cameras came out at the head of that competition, and I ended up buying 20 of them to fill that niche. So I would definitely look there first, just based on past experience. Last edited by normhead; 02-06-2014 at 07:45 AM.

02-06-2014, 09:43 AM	#12
OldNoob Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 402 Original Poster	. I got my k-30 new with kit lens new for 599 Very pleased with it so far. Just wondering what is out there under 600. Checked out a Sony a3000 and was utterly amazed at how crappy the cameras' construction was the EVF was useless. That Canon PowerShot G15 looks quite impressive Last edited by OldNoob; 02-20-2014 at 07:32 PM.

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02-06-2014, 05:08 AM - 1 Like	#2
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Well, if I had no cameras or lenses to begin with.. I would look at my priorities. If video were a priority, I would look at Canon. If I wanted high MP in a low end body, I would look at Nikon. But generally speaking, Canikon is only worth it once you spend over $1500 on the body alone, under that, Pentax has more bang for buck. Pentax generally has: more compact bodies, great ergonomics, Weather resistant bodies and lenses, compact prime lenses (!).. often a reason why people choose Pentax is because they already have some Pentax lenses, or they want to buy some legacy lenses Only true alternative that would pique my interest is going into a smaller format, like micro four thirds or mirrorless. But I don't know much about those cameras. For DSLRs, I chose Pentax for a reason, and I think the reasons remain even now

02-06-2014, 06:06 AM - 1 Like	#3
stormtech Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: In the boonies (NW Penna) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,744	Are you talking about an interchangeable lens camera or one with a fixed lens?

02-06-2014, 06:41 AM	#4
OldNoob Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 402 Original Poster	Originally posted by stormtech Are you talking about an interchangeable lens camera or one with a fixed lens? good point. both.

02-06-2014, 07:14 AM - 1 Like	#5
jogiba Banned Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Millstone,NJ Posts: 6,491	I would like a superzoom with 60x 20-1200mm eqiv optical zoom and 4K video mode. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/76-non-pentax-cameras-canon-nikon-etc/231...eqiv-zoom.html

02-06-2014, 07:59 AM - 1 Like	#7
stormtech Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: In the boonies (NW Penna) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,744	Originally posted by OldNoob good point. both. The reason I asked is that if you were talking about an ILC, is there any budget for lenses? If so then you can't get much of anything with $600 if you will also need lenses. As far as a fixed lens camera, there are lots of choices. As Norm said Panasonic has many - lots with extensive zoom ranges. Fujifilm also has some nice ones. But with these cameras, you are limited to a smaller sensor. I've tried a couple bridge cameras - mainly the Fujifilm X-S1 which is a super zoom. Has a larger sensor than most at (2/3") and a great zoom range of 24mm-624mm (35mm equivalent). I was really happy with the build quality and the manual zoom (I hate the power zoom on most of this type camera) and did very well in good light. But, in the end I am so spoiled with my K-5IIs with the APS-C sensor I ended up just sticking with that. So for $600 I would go back to the Fujifilm X-S1 or try the Panasonic FZ-200 which gets mostly excellent reviews. The Fuji is now selling for $350 and the Panasonic for $325.

02-06-2014, 08:09 AM - 1 Like	#8
Nesster Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NJ USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 13,072	I bought a K-30 last summer with the idea that it was the most cost effective and well balanced APS-C camera out there. I would do so again.

02-06-2014, 08:29 AM - 1 Like	#9
dadipentak Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,590	New old stock K-5.

02-06-2014, 08:30 AM - 1 Like	#10
Kameko Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: White Rock Photos: Albums Posts: 450	I'd get the RX100... wait, are we talking new or used?

02-06-2014, 08:56 AM - 1 Like	#11
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123	I'd buy my Fuji X20....again! Small yet loaded with controls, a very nice OVF with information you can see as you shoot, right in the viewfinder, and a rock solid metal body in a handsome package. A range that covers most carry-around shooting situations and a fast and superb lens that is excellent wide open. Fujifilm X20 Review - Introduction - PentaxForums.com Want to save more? The X10 is a bargain and I love it almost as much as the X20. Plenty of great features there too. These are both cameras that make you WANT to carry them at all times...and use them often. Sometimes I get a thrill up my leg just holding them! Regards!

02-06-2014, 10:27 AM	#13
northcoastgreg Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Northern Michigan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,168	Originally posted by dadipentak new old stock k-5. +1 ...

02-06-2014, 11:03 AM - 1 Like	#14
yorik Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Scotts Valley, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 991	If the $600 was to start a system, then probably a Fuji XM1 kit (the basic Pentax kits are 700). If the $600 is for stand alone, then I would borrow $100 and get the Olympus stylus 1.

02-06-2014, 11:54 AM	#15
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,650	For 600 dollars, I would get a used K5 and a kit lens. Stretching budget a little would get a 18-135.

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