Need a stopgap DSLR before buying a K5 - suggestions?

Spock · 11-18-2010, 10:33 PM

I sold my K7 and plan to upgrade to a K5. As I was told that that the second wave of stocks are still a month away in Australia, plus the fact I want to wait for the price to drop a bit, I am thinking of buying a stopgap camera.

I am thinking about a K200, K10, or a K20, or perhaps a KX - which I may keep later as a second body.

My budget is modest however - I don't want to throw away too much good money that may be better used for the K5 purchase!

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

tsangpo · 11-18-2010, 11:05 PM

Left of field suggestion but how about a film camera? Should keep you interested enough for a month.

Bramela · 11-18-2010, 11:17 PM

You should be able to pick up a K10 for very reasonable price. I have been using one over the last 6 weeks as a backup (k20 in for repair) and it does more than a satisfactory job IMHO (results somewhat dependant on what lens you will be using.).

My efforts for last month with K10d can be see here. (.all but top row of shots)

Bramela's Album: Single in November - PentaxForums.com

Hope this helps you

JesseDavis · 11-18-2010, 11:44 PM

I'll second the K10, which around here is about $150 (Japan) and it's got that pro build. The drawback is that it suffers noise at any iso past 400, and pattern noise at 1600, which just can't be dealt with. I do shoot at 1600 sometimes but make sure you expose to the right.

K20 is also cheap though, and for that you get the same body but with more pixels and better noise, which will make it more likely to be kept as a backup body once you have your K-5.

...I'm also waiting for the price drop.... and some reviews

Hypocorism · 11-19-2010, 12:10 AM

Originally posted by Spock

My budget is modest however - I don't want to throw away too much good money that may be better used for the K5 purchase!

Any suggestions?

Yeah, control your impatience and give your P&S a good workout in the meantime.

That good money that you intend to throw after bad will definitely be needed because K-5 street price ain't gonna drop in .Au anytime before close to mid next year.

The model is riding on a high - has been gaining image like a cult icon in its own little world - and CRK and local retailers will screw that for what they can. Also as you'd know the greys won't bother too much over it.
And self-importing isn't an option either because K-5 was released on our dirt bearing a most unusually attractive price tag in the first place, giving it less room to move.
You do the sums.

.R.

Spock · 11-19-2010, 01:30 AM

Originally posted by Hypocorism

Yeah, control your impatience and give your P&S a good workout in the meantime.

Good suggestion, but I have just purchased a FA*200 F2.8 lens that used up all the money from the sale of my K7 (and then some!) and so I may not be getting a K5 for a little while as a result. In the meantime I need something I can mount the FA* to!

I would have thought a used K200 would have been my cheapest option but they seem to be selling for as much if not more than used K10s. Strange.

btw - I thought about going back to film but that would be a bit of a dead end so it isn't really an option.

Hypocorism · 11-19-2010, 02:05 AM

Originally posted by Spock

... I have just purchased a FA*200 F2.8 lens ...

I would have thought a used K200 would have been my cheapest option but they seem to be selling for as much if not more than used K10s. Strange.

btw - I thought about going back to film but that would be a bit of a dead end so it isn't really an option.

Yep, film isn't a serious up/down/side-grade option is it!? Really only for luddites who have a vested interest in equipment and enjoy sniffing chemicals.
Those same ones who polish their collections of vinyl records and wear corduroy pants.

I see your prob, we simply don't have that huge s/h local market like US residents do, prices are always commensurate with supply & demand which long distance shipping and interbank exchanges doesn't help.

Looks like a new K-x could be the realistic path though, bloody affordable now too for what it brings and at least its sensor will be able to hang in there and do justice with that FA*200 F2.8 - plus would have a bit of resale value left in it too when you're ready to take the big jump.
Maybe I should sell you my K-x and upgrade myself.

.R.

hcc · 11-19-2010, 02:35 AM

I woud agree with two earlier posts that a K10 would be a nice, cheap option and WR.

Food for thoughts

**Rondec** · 11-19-2010, 05:30 AM

Go with the kx, unless you really need the sealing that the K10 offers.

Impartial · 11-19-2010, 07:12 AM

Originally posted by Spock

Good suggestion, but I have just purchased a FA*200 F2.8 lens that used up all the money from the sale of my K7 (and then some!) and so I may not be getting a K5 for a little while as a result. In the meantime I need something I can mount the FA* to!

I would have thought a used K200 would have been my cheapest option but they seem to be selling for as much if not more than used K10s. Strange.

btw - I thought about going back to film but that would be a bit of a dead end so it isn't really an option.

It shouldn't really be a surprise that K200D holds its value well; K200D is da b0mb! :-) Seriously, there is a market for a smaller body than the K10/20, and while the K200D lacks certain pro features it retains the top LCD and grip options of the upper tier.

WR, the K10D sensor but with slightly better high-ISO performance and .jpegs; what's not to love?

So if you aren't going to 6MP or to film, your budget option is the k-m/k-2000, your high-ISO and video option is the k-x, your big body option is the K10D, and your right-size WR option is the K200D. If you are thinking of buying the K20D, you shouldn't have sold your K7. :-)

Spock · 11-19-2010, 08:46 AM

Originally posted by Impartial

If you are thinking of buying the K20D, you shouldn't have sold your K7. :-)

I understand where you're coming from, but the fact is a used K20 is half the price of a K7.

But on that note, maybe I should have bought a K20 new instead of the K7 and saved myself some money!

WerTicus · 11-19-2010, 09:19 AM

toughen up princess and wait it out.

**NaClH2O** · 11-19-2010, 09:44 AM

If you can find one for AUD 150 or under, the ist *DS might be another option. No weather sealing and no shake reduction, but a nice little body just the same. But not worth more than 150.
BTW, the K20D is a much better camera than the K-x if you find a K20D for close to the price of a K-x go with the K20D.

NaCl(and good luck, it's a bummer to be without a camera)H2O

paperbag846 · 11-19-2010, 09:57 AM

I would buy a k10d/k20d for low iso quality, or the KX for high iso / portability, and use it for a good year while the k-5's price normalizes. What I would likely buy is simply the cheapest body that you can find. These things are all throwaway, and the less you spend on your body, the better (unless we are talking about massages).

Stringmike · 11-19-2010, 09:57 AM

You might find the smaller, dimmer viewfinder of the pentamirror models a bit annoying. I owned a K200D for a while - a really super camera, but the viewfinder really felt lacking.

The K10D has to be the best bargain around - I use a K20D as my main body and still have a K10D as backup.

I still miss my DS - especially its super small size - and you might consider one if you get a bargain.

Mike

11-18-2010, 10:33 PM	#1
Spock Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 674	Need a stopgap DSLR before buying a K5 - suggestions? I sold my K7 and plan to upgrade to a K5. As I was told that that the second wave of stocks are still a month away in Australia, plus the fact I want to wait for the price to drop a bit, I am thinking of buying a stopgap camera. I am thinking about a K200, K10, or a K20, or perhaps a KX - which I may keep later as a second body. My budget is modest however - I don't want to throw away too much good money that may be better used for the K5 purchase! Any suggestions? Thanks!

11-19-2010, 12:10 AM	#5
Hypocorism Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Melbourne .au Posts: 623	Originally posted by Spock My budget is modest however - I don't want to throw away too much good money that may be better used for the K5 purchase! Any suggestions? Yeah, control your impatience and give your P&S a good workout in the meantime. That good money that you intend to throw after bad will definitely be needed because K-5 street price ain't gonna drop in .Au anytime before close to mid next year. The model is riding on a high - has been gaining image like a cult icon in its own little world - and CRK and local retailers will screw that for what they can. Also as you'd know the greys won't bother too much over it. And self-importing isn't an option either because K-5 was released on our dirt bearing a most unusually attractive price tag in the first place, giving it less room to move. You do the sums. .R. Last edited by Hypocorism; 11-19-2010 at 12:24 AM.

11-19-2010, 09:44 AM	#13
NaClH2O Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bronx NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,631	DS If you can find one for AUD 150 or under, the ist *DS might be another option. No weather sealing and no shake reduction, but a nice little body just the same. But not worth more than 150. BTW, the K20D is a much better camera than the K-x if you find a K20D for close to the price of a K-x go with the K20D. NaCl(and good luck, it's a bummer to be without a camera)H2O

11-19-2010, 09:57 AM	#15
Stringmike Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Arizona Posts: 283	Stick with pentaprism models You might find the smaller, dimmer viewfinder of the pentamirror models a bit annoying. I owned a K200D for a while - a really super camera, but the viewfinder really felt lacking. The K10D has to be the best bargain around - I use a K20D as my main body and still have a K10D as backup. I still miss my DS - especially its super small size - and you might consider one if you get a bargain. Mike

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Suggestions for first DSLR??	miltllama	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	25	06-03-2010 08:02 PM
Looking at buying a new Pentax DSLR	Ron720	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	14	09-06-2009 08:45 PM
First DSLR, Pentax suggestions	deadpink	Pentax DSLR Discussion	31	10-07-2008 01:13 AM
One reason to refrain from buying Pentax DSLR's	SLC Flyfishing	Pentax News and Rumors	6	03-07-2008 05:49 PM
UPDATED Buying a new dSLR camera	Rak	General Talk	18	12-09-2006 07:46 AM

11-18-2010, 11:05 PM	#2
tsangpo Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 78	Left of field suggestion but how about a film camera? Should keep you interested enough for a month.

11-18-2010, 11:17 PM	#3
Bramela Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Newcastle Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,284	You should be able to pick up a K10 for very reasonable price. I have been using one over the last 6 weeks as a backup (k20 in for repair) and it does more than a satisfactory job IMHO (results somewhat dependant on what lens you will be using.). My efforts for last month with K10d can be see here. (.all but top row of shots) Bramela's Album: Single in November - PentaxForums.com Hope this helps you

11-18-2010, 11:44 PM	#4
JesseDavis Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Yokohama Photos: Albums Posts: 180	I'll second the K10, which around here is about $150 (Japan) and it's got that pro build. The drawback is that it suffers noise at any iso past 400, and pattern noise at 1600, which just can't be dealt with. I do shoot at 1600 sometimes but make sure you expose to the right. K20 is also cheap though, and for that you get the same body but with more pixels and better noise, which will make it more likely to be kept as a backup body once you have your K-5. ...I'm also waiting for the price drop.... and some reviews

11-19-2010, 01:30 AM	#6
Spock Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 674 Original Poster	Originally posted by Hypocorism Yeah, control your impatience and give your P&S a good workout in the meantime. Good suggestion, but I have just purchased a FA200 F2.8 lens that used up all the money from the sale of my K7 (and then some!) and so I may not be getting a K5 for a little while as a result. In the meantime I need something I can mount the FA to! I would have thought a used K200 would have been my cheapest option but they seem to be selling for as much if not more than used K10s. Strange. btw - I thought about going back to film but that would be a bit of a dead end so it isn't really an option.

11-19-2010, 02:05 AM	#7
Hypocorism Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Melbourne .au Posts: 623	Originally posted by Spock ... I have just purchased a FA200 F2.8 lens ... I would have thought a used K200 would have been my cheapest option but they seem to be selling for as much if not more than used K10s. Strange. btw - I thought about going back to film but that would be a bit of a dead end so it isn't really an option. Yep, film isn't a serious up/down/side-grade option is it!? Really only for luddites who have a vested interest in equipment and enjoy sniffing chemicals. Those same ones who polish their collections of vinyl records and wear corduroy pants. I see your prob, we simply don't have that huge s/h local market like US residents do, prices are always commensurate with supply & demand which long distance shipping and interbank exchanges doesn't help. Looks like a new K-x could be the realistic path though, bloody affordable now too for what it brings and at least its sensor will be able to hang in there and do justice with that FA200 F2.8 - plus would have a bit of resale value left in it too when you're ready to take the big jump. Maybe I should sell you my K-x and upgrade myself. .R.

11-19-2010, 02:35 AM	#8
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	I woud agree with two earlier posts that a K10 would be a nice, cheap option and WR. Food for thoughts

11-19-2010, 05:30 AM	#9
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,653	Go with the kx, unless you really need the sealing that the K10 offers.

11-19-2010, 07:12 AM	#10
Impartial Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 208	Originally posted by Spock Good suggestion, but I have just purchased a FA200 F2.8 lens that used up all the money from the sale of my K7 (and then some!) and so I may not be getting a K5 for a little while as a result. In the meantime I need something I can mount the FA to! I would have thought a used K200 would have been my cheapest option but they seem to be selling for as much if not more than used K10s. Strange. btw - I thought about going back to film but that would be a bit of a dead end so it isn't really an option. It shouldn't really be a surprise that K200D holds its value well; K200D is da b0mb! :-) Seriously, there is a market for a smaller body than the K10/20, and while the K200D lacks certain pro features it retains the top LCD and grip options of the upper tier. WR, the K10D sensor but with slightly better high-ISO performance and .jpegs; what's not to love? So if you aren't going to 6MP or to film, your budget option is the k-m/k-2000, your high-ISO and video option is the k-x, your big body option is the K10D, and your right-size WR option is the K200D. If you are thinking of buying the K20D, you shouldn't have sold your K7. :-)

11-19-2010, 08:46 AM	#11
Spock Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 674 Original Poster	Originally posted by Impartial If you are thinking of buying the K20D, you shouldn't have sold your K7. :-) I understand where you're coming from, but the fact is a used K20 is half the price of a K7. But on that note, maybe I should have bought a K20 new instead of the K7 and saved myself some money!

11-19-2010, 09:19 AM	#12
WerTicus Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Perth Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 1,514	toughen up princess and wait it out.

11-19-2010, 09:57 AM	#14
paperbag846 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,395	I would buy a k10d/k20d for low iso quality, or the KX for high iso / portability, and use it for a good year while the k-5's price normalizes. What I would likely buy is simply the cheapest body that you can find. These things are all throwaway, and the less you spend on your body, the better (unless we are talking about massages).