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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
10-06-2016, 08:05 PM
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I went from film to digital by buying a K20D and using my manual focus Pentax screw mount lenses (Super Takumar 28 mm /f3.5, 50 mm f/1.4, and 200mm f/4). Actually Pentax Reps at the annual NYC photo show suggested I start with my older lenses--as that was more like my film camera background.
I only have used and own the K20d, the K-x, and the K-5 and the Q (the Q is my every day/back packing camera). The K-x is quite good and small, but does not allow the control similar to better mechanical film cameras, and its exposure mode dial moves when bumped and the batteries fall out when bumped--so I have it all taped down. l use all the DSLR's for theatre photography and they are all capable--my estimation is they are within 1-1.5 f-stop (ev) of each other in low light ability. But the K-5 menus are much better than the K-20d, and shake reduction is better--it comes on quicker and stays on for a while (with either camera, if you have good technique, you can hand hold a 200 mm lens reliably at 1/15 sec! Amazing!). So yes the K-20D is fine, as is the newer K-5. Although I have not used either of them, I would not get the K-10d, nor the K-7.
About lenses, besides a dozen or so manual focus lenses I own a couple of AF lenses, but I have never used either one in anything except manual focus--so my opinion is suspect. Anyway I would suggest you start with a couple of older mechanical/non-plastic bodied lenses that have real distance scales and depth of field markings, and see what's what. Definitely (IMO) don't start with a kit zoom lens.
Oh--I would suggest start with the most capable software (which IMO is photoshop). CS2 is apparently free and later you can get CS6/etc. And from the start use camera raw. (I purchased a used MacBookG4 for $250 (for PS CS2), and later a used MacBookPro for $500 for (PS CS2)--so I find you don't need the most current computer and memory/speed requirements are quite modest--and the laptop display allows me to accurately assess and print photos.)
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