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Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 11-30-2015, 04:28 PM  
K3 or K3ii to replace K10D
Posted By gcap74
Replies: 12
Views: 2,166
Where are you seeing the K3 II @ Samy's for that low? I am seeing $896
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 11-29-2015, 01:18 PM  
K3 or K3ii to replace K10D
Posted By gcap74
Replies: 12
Views: 2,166
Makes sense.... What about the pixel shift. is it a noticeable difference when used?
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 11-29-2015, 12:50 PM  
K3 or K3ii to replace K10D
Posted By gcap74
Replies: 12
Views: 2,166
Hi all! My K10D was damaged in a house fire last year and I am finally getting around to getting it replaced with my insurance company. It took a little back and forth with them, but I finally got them to agree to a price that will allow me to replace it. Now I am in a position where I need to make a decision soon and I am having a lot of trouble deciding which way to go... K3 or K3ii.

I am strictly an amateur who enjoys taking a wide variety of different shots... My K10D was my introduction to photography 8 years ago and I was glad that I made the decision to go Pentax. My biggest issues with the K10D as I learned more and more were the low ISO performance (I never was able to get anything printable at more than 400 ISO and even that was a stretch. Auto-focus was a bit of an issue sometimes but I used a lot of old manual lenses so I was using manual focus a lot anyway. I preferred to not use the flash as I never was able to master its use, even with the Sigma TTL flash I bought.

So my first thought was to buy the K3ii. It was the newest and seemed like a no-brainer. But then I started to look into it... First there is the lack of flash. I dont use it generally, but suddenly the idea of not having it is scary... Then it also seems like it's HIGH ISO performance isnt quite as good.

But the flip side is that the extra stop of SR may be a huge benefit, and while I don't do a lot of tripod landscape stuff, I have done it before and pixel shift seems really interesting.

Then there is the price. Body for body it seems similar. I can get the K3ii for about $100 more. But there are some pretty decent packages with the K3 that include a 50mm, battery grip or small flash for the same price or less than the K3ii. What I find odd is that I can't find a single package deal for the K3ii... not even something with a kit lens. It is body only no matter where I look (Adorama has a bundle, but it just has random accessories like a bad, SD card... things I don't need). So for the price of the K3ii I can get the K3 with the DA 50mm f/1.8, and battery grip from B&H. Or for $100 less I can get it will the same 50mm and the AF-200FG flash.

In the end its not a big deal to buy the 50mm separately, and I doubt I need the battery grip right away, but if I got the K3ii I would probably want the small flash.

So I guess I am looking for advice as to which way to go... Will I notice a difference in High ISO performance with the K3ii? And is there any reason people know of why there are no kits offered? It just seems so different than any camera I have ever seen before, makes me wonder if there is something going on with the K3ii.

I have to purchase this week to make the insurance claim, so I need to decide soon.

Thanks for all the help!
Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 04-26-2009, 06:16 AM  
Need flash help!!!
Posted By gcap74
Replies: 4
Views: 1,892
Hello all.

I am a relatively new to the K10D and just recently purchased my first flash for it. After some research I decided that the Sigma 530 (non-super) was the best bet for me at this point given its low cost. I am basically just looking for something that is an upgrade from the on-board flash that would give me the tilt and swivel function.

However, this is where my problem seems to come in. Everytime I tilt the flash even a little to bounce the light my images essentially come out black. I have the camera in Av and the flash set to TTL... If I put the flash down it washes out the scene...

What am I missing?

Thanks

--Greg
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 01-05-2009, 12:00 PM  
Potentially stupid tripod question
Posted By gcap74
Replies: 12
Views: 2,192
Thanks Roy.

I haven't heard of the Amvona until now, but a quick look at their site makes me think that these may be a good bet for my needs. I noticed that the company is actually 2 towns over from me... You would think that would mean I could call them and see if I can check them out for myself, but my guess is they wont let me :(

Curious as why you say to get it at auction? most of the auction prices i've seen seem to be in line with what they are charging on their site....
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 01-04-2009, 04:19 PM  
Potentially stupid tripod question
Posted By gcap74
Replies: 12
Views: 2,192
Thanks again. The Slik is really intriguing because of the height and the positive reviews its received. Plus the center column can be mounted upside down (not as flexible as the Giottos but still nice).

I looked at the Manfrotto that you mentioned, but it seems I could get the Giottos with a basic head for the same price.

Speaking of that, does anyone have opinions on ball head vs. pan/tilt head? The Slik has the pan/tilt head and the Induro has the ball head. Should I be looking at one over the other?
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 01-04-2009, 03:51 PM  
Potentially stupid tripod question
Posted By gcap74
Replies: 12
Views: 2,192
Steve

Thanks for the info on the Induro. I checked it out, and they seem to have one for $180 at B&H in stock that will extend up to 64". There is also a Slik Pro 700 that extends up to 74" (I'm 6'2" so the more height the better). I thought about getting the Giottos now and then buying a head later on... but maybe one of these other 2 are a better option....
Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories 01-04-2009, 02:53 PM  
Potentially stupid tripod question
Posted By gcap74
Replies: 12
Views: 2,192
Hello to all. I am a relatively new K10D user who is just starting to explore the world of photography. As part of this, I have determined that I am in desperate need of a tripod. My budget is VERY limited however. I am looking at a few different options, however the recent review here on the Giottos MT-9360 was very intriguing. I like the idea that I can remove the center column and use it parallel to the horizon. The price for those tripod legs at B&H is $155 and it comes with a monopod (not something I need, but having it for free is nice). However, it doesnt have a head. Adding any head to it would be over my budget. It seems that the legs themselves have a threaded screw for the head... Can the camera be used directly attached to that? Or is a head required?
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 04-09-2008, 05:43 PM  
only getting 8-bit RAW images on K10D
Posted By gcap74
Replies: 2
Views: 2,311
So I just started playing around with my K10D and I noticed that the RAW images I am getting are only 8-bit according to Adobe Camera Raw. I was under the impression that I should be getting 12-bit color. Is there a setting I am missing?
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 04-09-2008, 06:40 AM  
Final decision - K10D vs K200D
Posted By gcap74
Replies: 43
Views: 9,816
Well, I just wanted to thank everyone again. The camera arrived from Abes of Maine yesterday. UPS ground got it to me overnight (From NJ to Mass). I was very pleased with Abes. This is not a gray market product. It is a brand new unit with all original packaging and a US Warranty. For people who arent comfortable with the Abes call back, do what I did, dont bother placing the order online at all. Just pick up the phone and call. I was very pleased.

Now I have this 10D and no idea what to do with it ;) I guess I have to do more reading... Does anyone have any recomendations as to what settings are required to sharpen the JPEGS (that was the only complaint I heard about the camera) and also, which RAW format is prefered?
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 04-06-2008, 11:33 AM  
Final decision - K10D vs K200D
Posted By gcap74
Replies: 43
Views: 9,816
Ok, well Robert's Imaging wasnt there on Sunday, so I called Abes of Maine. I figured I could handle the high pressure upsells and just do what I had to do... I decided to call rather than submit online so that I would avoid the call back. The upselling wasnt bad, except for the guy trying to tell me that the K10D battery only lasts 30 minutes... The other things he offered, UV filter, high speed card waranty seemed like reasonable things to offer and the prices weren't silly. I didnt BUY them, but i didnt feel cheap and dirty either. I verified that it is NOT a grey market product and has the USA Warranty....

So its done! Should be coming this week.... I am so excited :)

Thanks everyone for your help!
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 04-06-2008, 11:14 AM  
Final decision - K10D vs K200D
Posted By gcap74
Replies: 43
Views: 9,816
Thank you all for your well thought out comments! I think I have finally made up my mind... I am going to go with the K10D. Here are my reasons.

1) The K10D seems like a camera I can grow into. I really see the benefit of having more controls at my fingertips.

2) Personally I like a camera with a little more bulk to it.

3) While the potential image enhancements are nice on the K200D, the ability to learn to use the K10D as a photographic tool seem like a bigger deal to me. I was ready to buy the K10D in December, but lacked the funds.... I would have been happy then, I'll be happy with the quality now.

4) The viewfinder. I really want the biggest, brightest viewfinder I can find.... I struggle with composition, so i think this will help me.

Well, I've decided to give Robert's Imaging a try... calling them now!
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 04-05-2008, 01:02 PM  
Final decision - K10D vs K200D
Posted By gcap74
Replies: 43
Views: 9,816
Well, thanks everyone for all the answers... I THINK at this point I am going to get the K10D. I want to go with my gut. The K10D was the camera I wanted, and if I had had the money a month ago would have bought from B+H when it was $715. Now they are out of stock :( I've been talking myself into the K200D, but I think that the K10D is a camera I can grow into, not out of.

Now the question is where to buy it....

Bestbuy has it for $737, but they are also going to chagre me tax.

Abes of Maine has it for $726. I've heard they can be annoying, but once I get past the sales call are fine.

Roberts Imaging has it for $715 with shipping. I've heard a few people here and there buy from them, but cant seem to find a ton of information on them. Does anyone know if they are reputable?
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 04-05-2008, 08:17 AM  
Final decision - K10D vs K200D
Posted By gcap74
Replies: 43
Views: 9,816
Ok, I have finally gotten my tax refund and I will be making my purchase by the end of the day today.... Still beating my head against a wall about the K10D vs the K200D. I've tried to weigh the pros and cons of each, and it seems that its not a clear cut decision. Either way there are things that I will lose. I'm a new photographer... I have learned a fair amount by reading like crazy and experimenting with an old Canon T70 and Pentax K1000. So in a way, I'm not even sure which of the features are more important to me at this point. Here is how I see the breakdown:

K10D advantages:

Bigger viewfinder
Dual dials
More button controls
More shooting modes (TAv)
Better buffer (not sure about this one)


K200D advantages:

Newer kit lens (supposed to be sharper)
Possibly improved IQ (I PLAN on shooting mostly RAW, will this even matter?)
Available from better resellers
Better High ISO performance
Improved Shake Reduction
Improved Dynamic Range (Honestly, I dont even know what this means)
bigger LCD


So I guess the question is this... It seems to me that the 200D should give me slightly better IQ and a better lens... Do the features of the K10D override this? I dont mind using the meuns for some things. One of the things I would like to control is the light metering. I tend to take a lot of sunset shots and I've found that spot metering has helped me with this. I notice that the K10D has a dial for light metering, but does the K200D at least have the ability to use different meterings?

One thing I am thinking is that if I get the K200D it will probably have a higher resale value later on given that its newer. Therefore, I could probably use the K200D now to learn and perhaps trade up to a K20D or maybe the K30D or whatever the next generation is in a couple of years. My thought is that the K10D would be older and thus less valuable down the road...

So basically I am completely confused... I want to do this today... Please help!
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 03-31-2008, 04:48 PM  
what do I lose by going with the 200D
Posted By gcap74
Replies: 23
Views: 4,833
Well, I am getting an intriguing offer for a used K10D (I'm now leaning that way again). The camera seems in good condition and has some extras that are offered at an attractive price. However, the camera has 17,000 actuations.... Is that a lot? I really have no idea...
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 03-30-2008, 06:49 PM  
what do I lose by going with the 200D
Posted By gcap74
Replies: 23
Views: 4,833
Well, I think I may reconsider the used idea... there is something nice about a nice brand new camera, but buying from a trusted source and getting the K10D that I really want makes more sense in some ways. The thing is, I have NO IDEA what to look for and what questions to ask to make sure I get a quality product....
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 03-30-2008, 02:40 PM  
what do I lose by going with the 200D
Posted By gcap74
Replies: 23
Views: 4,833
Thanks everyone for your comments....

I am starting to lean towards the K200D.

I like that I can buy it from a reputable dealer for a more reasonable price. The only local dealers who carry Pentax only have the K100 available to hold and use. I've held it and I like it. Its bigger than the Rebel and the D60 and I like that... Is the K200D bigger than the K100? I dont think the extra dial is going to be a big deal... I'm curious about the TAv mode, but I honestly have no idea what it is.... Would I use it frequently?

I think if I went with my heart I would get the K10D. I think there are fewer things I would regret... but I have been so scared off by some of the resellers out there, and I cant seem to justify spending more on it than the K200D, especially if the reseller is questionable. Right now I can get the K200D with the better kit lens for $730 on Amazon (sold BY Amazon). The CHEAPEST I can find the K10D is $750 for the body only from Adorama and Newegg. I would have to spend another $100 at least to get the kit lens, so I am looking at getting the K10D for $100 more...

Does anyone know a REPUTABLE dealer who is selling the K10D for less that $800? It seems silly that as it gets older it gets more expensive...

So the last real hangup is the lack of a dedicated ISO button (does the K10D even have that?), the viewfinder, and the lack of TAV mode (assuming that is something I would even want).... I'm babbling, but that is what I have been reduced to in this... If only I had the money at christmas time and could have gotten the K10D for $500 after rebate... well such is life.
Forum: Pentax DSLR Discussion 03-30-2008, 12:02 PM  
what do I lose by going with the 200D
Posted By gcap74
Replies: 23
Views: 4,833
Ok, at long last my tax return is coming this week... so I finally have gotten clearance to buy my camera. Of course since I decided on the K10D I've slowly watched every reputable reseller either stop selling it or raise the price to a point where it seems silly. Buy.com had it reasonably, but upon further review its being sold from someone called Pricepiggie.com (Amazon had one from them last week) and I am not thrilled about the prospect of doing that. I am also not thrilled about buying used from ebay. Its taken me 3 years to convince my wife I should get a DSLR, and once I do, that is the one I am going to have for a while.... so used scares me.

I have decided on the Pentax system for the following reasons...

1) I like the in-camera stabilization.

2) I like that I can buy old Pentax prime lenses and use them. I dont mind manually focusing, in fact with my 50mm flim lens I sometimes prefer it.

3) I like the ergonomics of the Pentax. The Rebel is WAY too small, and I just dont think the Nikons are comfortable to hold.

I had selected the K10D because it seemed like a camera I could grow with. I am new to photography, but I dont want a camera that will limit me. I plan to shoot in Av mode most of the time, but sometimes I see the benefit of going full manual. I have no need for scene modes.

So the K10D seemed PERFECT for me (I mean sure I'd love the K20D.... but I'd also love the Canon 5D... Somethings just arent happening)

Of course now with stock dwindling I may not be able to get the K10D.

So I started to think about the K200D. It seems to be that there are some intriguing options that the camera offers.

1) Slightly smaller body. I held both the K10D and the K100D and if I was 100% honest with myself the K100 fit a little better in my hand.

2) slightly larger LCD Screen

3) AA batteries.... I have NO IDEA if this is a plus or a minus. I currently use a Canon S3IS and LOVE that I can change the batteries when needed... but will an SLR just chew through them?

3) The fact that is a newer generation would make me think that there is a reasonable chance that improvements in IQ over the K10D were made....

4) Comes with the newer kit lens (however I'm not sure about this anymore, cant get a solid answer)

However there are some problems too:

1) only one thumb dial. I dont think this will be a huge problem, but when in manual mode it seems that 2 would be helpful

2) Lack of certain modes... I have read so much at this point I cant even remember what they are.

3) smaller, pentamirror viewfinder. I have the S3IS now which has the LCD viewfinder so ANY viewfinder is an improvement... How much of a big deal is the pentaprisim of the K10D

4) AA batteries... see comment above... I have no idea if this is good or bad

5) the general sense that this is a "beginner's camera". Will I not be able to grow with this?

It seems that at this point I can get them both for the same price, but the 200 is a) at better resellers and b) BRAND NEW, not end of life.

Does anyone have any guidance? Are there any positives/negatives about the 200D that I am missing? I need help here....
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