New DSLR Buyer - Leaning toward the K200D

Hello all!

I'm finally making the jump from a P&S to a DSLR. My "excuse"? -- I'm getting married at the end of June, and going to the Bahamas for my Honeymoon.

Thanks to a lot of info on the forums here, as well as some hands-on time in-store, I think I'm ready to purchase the K200D. My budget is limited though, so my plan is to go with the 18-55 mm kit lens, as well as the DA 50-200MM F4-5.6 ED Lens. As a beginner into photography, I'm hoping that will give me enough options for shooting a variety of portraits and landscapes on my vacation. Thoughts? Opinions?

I also plan to get UV filters as protection for both lenses (I know some people laugh at that, but I'd rather get salt water, sand & grit on a $40 filter than have to repair or replace a damaged lens). Any other suggestions for tropical pictures? ND perhaps? Circular Polarizer? This is all pretty new to me.

I'm also wondering what type of SD memory card will suffice. I haven't been able to find anything in the search for write speed on the K200. Is something like the SanDisk Extreme III overkill for this camera? Especially with a limited buffer? Would the Ultra II be a better choice? 20 MB and 10 MB write speeds respectively for those cards I believe. Any other suggestions? I'm planning to shoot RAW or maybe RAW + JPG.

Assuming some of you reading this have the K200, do you have a preferred/recommended brand for rechargeable AA batteries? I've seen a few mentions of Sanyo Eneloops, but haven't used them.

As far as a camera bag goes, I was originally thinking something small, and "inconspicuous" to carry around (how possible that is, I have no idea). Recently however, I came across the Lowepro Slingshot and it looks like a nice alternative to carrying around a bag. What do most of you prefer when you're going for a walk with your gear?

Oh, last question. I promise! Well.. for now. Any tips on reducing the likelihood of having my new gear stolen on holidays? I've heard horror stories of things even going missing from the safes in hotel/resort rooms.

Thanks very much in advance. I've researched most of this stuff to death, I'm just looking for some last-minute validation of my findings and plans. Sorry for the very, very long post!

Doug

Eneloops get very good reviews. I picked up a 4 pack for about $15 on the weekend for my wife's M20 point and shoot.

I'd go with Extreme 3's if you can find a good price for them. BH has some good deals and there are rebates to be had as well.

Paul
--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/simonfencer/

Hi Doug, I'm sure you are going to get some great advice, far better than I could give, but whatever equipment you decide on, do get the camera early enough to learn how to get out what the eqipment is capable of giving. Quite a few people have come unstuck moving from P&S to DSLR's at first, and you don't want a large learning curve on your honeymoon... err, make that you really don't! ;O)
Good luck and best wishes for the wedding.
--
Trevor.

I think you have made the right choice in going with the K200D and the 2 kit lens.

My initial purchase was the DL2 with the 2 kit lenses and when I upgarded to the K10D, the wife took over the DL2 and finds the kit lenses perfect for her as they are sharp, but light enough for her to carry all day.

The main advantage with the K200D is the picture modes, which work exactly the same as on a P&S. Use one of these, or the Program mode and you should have a lot of memorable images.

For a bag, I have a selection of sizes and shapes, but I usually take the Slingshot 200 for all day walking or the small shoulder bag for regular stops.

With 1 body and 2 lenses, you should get away with the Slingshot 100

Most of all, enjoy your Honeymoon......

--
Dal

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dal1970/

The K200D is a great choice. If you are looking for an all around lens, I suggest the Tamron / Pentax 18-250mm. Personally, I went with the kit II lens, 50mm F/1.4, and the Tamron 70-300. PF does not bother me, since it can easily be removed in software. I did not think the 55-300 justified the extra 200 dollar cost.

I am still learning the functions of the camera. I do not know how program mode works even after reading the manual many times, but the other functions are useful and fairly obvious.
--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26515482@N02/

Doug S79 said:

Hello all!

I'm finally making the jump from a P&S to a DSLR. My "excuse"? -- I'm
getting married at the end of June, and going to the Bahamas for my
Honeymoon.

Click to expand...

Congrats!

Doug S79 said:

Thanks to a lot of info on the forums here, as well as some hands-on
time in-store, I think I'm ready to purchase the K200D. My budget is
limited though, so my plan is to go with the 18-55 mm kit lens, as
well as the DA 50-200MM F4-5.6 ED Lens. As a beginner into
photography, I'm hoping that will give me enough options for shooting
a variety of portraits and landscapes on my vacation. Thoughts?
Opinions?

Click to expand...

The K200D with both kits lenses are an extremely good deal when bundled.

Doug S79 said:

I also plan to get UV filters as protection for both lenses (I know
some people laugh at that, but I'd rather get salt water, sand & grit
on a $40 filter than have to repair or replace a damaged lens). Any
other suggestions for tropical pictures? ND perhaps? Circular
Polarizer? This is all pretty new to me.

Click to expand...

Nothing wrong with UV filters. I recommend B+W UV filters. I recently bought a Polarized filter but, have yet to really use it a lot due to weather.

Doug S79 said:

I'm also wondering what type of SD memory card will suffice. I
haven't been able to find anything in the search for write speed on
the K200. Is something like the SanDisk Extreme III overkill for this
camera? Especially with a limited buffer? Would the Ultra II be a
better choice? 20 MB and 10 MB write speeds respectively for those
cards I believe. Any other suggestions? I'm planning to shoot RAW or
maybe RAW + JPG.

Click to expand...

I have all Ultra II's (2x 1GB and a new 4GB SDHC) for my K200D. The speed is fine.

Doug S79 said:

Assuming some of you reading this have the K200, do you have a
preferred/recommended brand for rechargeable AA batteries? I've seen
a few mentions of Sanyo Eneloops, but haven't used them.

Click to expand...

1 set of Sanyo Eneloops and 1 set of Sony CyberEnergy ...both give about the same amount of performance.

Doug S79 said:

As far as a camera bag goes, I was originally thinking something
small, and "inconspicuous" to carry around (how possible that is, I
have no idea). Recently however, I came across the Lowepro Slingshot
and it looks like a nice alternative to carrying around a bag. What
do most of you prefer when you're going for a walk with your gear?

Click to expand...

I use a LowePro SlingPack 100. It holds my K200D, 18-50 EX, 360 flash, lens caps, Lenspen, 3 memory cards, 8 AA batteries. Still room for a FA 50mm prime

--
Pentax K200D w/ Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 EX
http://www.pbase.com/metalfab/pentax

Enloop batteries and a Pentax sling bag, I find this bag better than than a Lowepro and less expensive too plus it's got the Pentax logo.

Cheers,

Rene

See my comments here.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=27908311

Also,

I just got the lowepro aw200. It fits a sigma 10-20, and the K200 with the kit pair 18-55 and 50-200, and an AF360 flash and some bit and peices.

Dave

Doug S79 said:

Thanks to a lot of info on the forums here, as well as some hands-on
time in-store, I think I'm ready to purchase the K200D. My budget is
limited though, so my plan is to go with the 18-55 mm kit lens, as
well as the DA 50-200MM F4-5.6 ED Lens. As a beginner into
photography, I'm hoping that will give me enough options for shooting
a variety of portraits and landscapes on my vacation.

Click to expand...

It will. You're mostly missing a "fast" lens for indoor / low light use, but the flash certainly works and is probably more convenient. You can always add a faster lens later.

I personlly use this combo all the time, but depending on how you feel about such things, you might be happier with the 18-250. Samples and comparisons I've seen suggest the difference in image quality is pretty insignificant, with some saying the two-lens kit wins, others saying the 18-250 does, bu equally small amounts. I'm OK with carrying a handful of lenses around (I use a Lowepro Nova 2 for that), but the 18-250 would let you get away with caryring just one and using an even smaller bag. I also recently got a (smaller) Tamrac Aero 25 that would be just big enough for the 18-250, I think - it's clearly big enough for the 18-55, and the 18250 isn't that much bigger until you extend it. I like that the aero 25 can also potentially carry the camera with two small lenses, and is actually less obtrusive than many bags I saw that could only carry the camera & one lens. The 25 isn't big enough for the two-lens kit you're talking about, though - I'm talking the DA40 plus one of the kit lenses, no hood).

Doug S79 said:

Assuming some of you reading this have the K200, do you have a
preferred/recommended brand for rechargeable AA batteries? I've seen
a few mentions of Sanyo Eneloops, but haven't used them.

Click to expand...

There are basically two kinds: the low self-discharge ones like Enelopp and I think also Hybrio, and everything else. I'd pass on the everything else.

--
Marc Sabatella
http://www.marcsabatella.com/photo/

Where do you purchase the pentax bag?

OPTMEKX7 said:

Enloop batteries and a Pentax sling bag, I find this bag better than
than a Lowepro and less expensive too plus it's got the Pentax logo.

Cheers,

Rene

Click to expand...

Great choice, I came here from Nikon and love the K200D results straight out of the camera. Jpeg's are very good and can be adjusted in Picasa so don't write them off, as they will give you far more leeway with cards. I bought a 4gb cheapie on Amazon and its great, bonkers capacity on jpeg, something like over 800.

I would recommend the kit lens, "and" think long and hard before you ever ditch it.

Kit lenses tend to have a "it'll do for now" reputation but the Mk11 18 - 55, (make sure this is what you get), is a very sharp lens and I believe that you could spend a fortune on other glass and see very little improvement.

I also looked at the 50 - 200, but after reading on here about how sharp the Tamron 70 - 300 was I decided to call my dealer, and they said that while they had the 50 - 200, and that they would make more money if I bought it, they could never recommend it over the Tamron, on that advice I bought the Tamron and it has to be the best value lens I have ever owned, it is incredibly sharp for a cheap lens.

You must get a polariser for the kit lens, 52mm hoya will cost about £15 on the great auction site and will astound you with the results when shooting water over sand, see below, also gives real punch to blue sky, clouds, and colours in general, never leave home without it. All the best for the wedding and for the years ahead, don't forget us when you come back, and wow us with your great beach shots.

Drew Bethel said:

OPTMEKX7 said:

Enloop batteries and a Pentax sling bag, I find this bag better than
than a Lowepro and less expensive too plus it's got the Pentax logo.

Cheers,

Rene

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

HI Drew, I got my Pentax from Henry's Camera in Canada but you can order it from Pentax Imaging USA. The reason I like it is it is not too bulky and it will hold a K100d w/ DA16-45 attach, and 2 med.range zooms, plus my 8 enloop and a charger and a cleaning kit. I don't have an external flash yet but there is room for it. Two of my friends actually bought the more expensive Lowepro but returned them in exchange for the Pentax when they got a hold of it. The Pentax logo looks cool too.

Cheers,

Rene

I got my Pentax K200D last week, I got some Sanyo Eneloop batteries and so far they've been great! 700+ shots and counting and still going strong.

I got a Sandisk Extreme III 4gb SDHC Card, no complaints, the buffer also clears very quickly with this card.

--
Pentax K200D w/ Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL II
-Sandisk Extreme III 4gb SDHC Card
-Sanyo Eneloop NiMH Batteries

My photos: http://www.flickr.com/kris91
Pentax K200D User Group: http://flickr.com/groups/k200d/

I am just like you, except for the newlywed part (married 22 years) and the Bahamas part. (Went to Chicago for one night.)

I have been obsessing over DSLR comparisons, and then thinking maybe I don't need a DSLR at all. I tend to be in a hurry with taking pictures, and tend to point and shoot, so maybe that's what I should stick with. But the speed and the quality keep nagging at me.

I've been comparing the Canon XSi, Sonly A300, and the Pentax K200. I frequent all the related forums. And the Pentax just keeps pulling me. I just love all the photos I see here. There's just something about them. I commend all the photographers, and know that's the most relevant factor. But there's something about the camera too....

I have all the same questions you do, so I'm glad you posted. Good luck with the camera and the wedding and the honeymoon! : )

--
Elizabeth
efg40

rationalroot said:

I just got the lowepro aw200.

Click to expand...

Eh? Would that be the...

• Lowepro SlingShot 200 AW,
• Lowepro Vertex 200 AW,
• Lowepro Nova 200 AW,
• or Lowepro Inverse 200 AW ?

--

General Turgidson: 'Well, I don't think it's quite fair to condemn a whole program because of a single slip-up, sir.' (Dr. Strangelove, 1964)

Doug S79 said:

... my plan is to go with the 18-55 mm kit lens, as
well as the DA 50-200MM F4-5.6 ED Lens.

Click to expand...

Welcome to the forum, congratulations on your marriage, and good luck on your honeymoon!

I have the 50-200 and the Tamron 70-300, and don't tend to use the 50-200 all that much. It's light, but it's slow, and somewhat soft at the long end, especially wide open. If you have any desire to shoot wildlife---I shoot birds and a daughter who is sometimes not much tamer---200mm may not be enough reach.

For the same money, a 70-300 is better value. The Tamron ($130ish) is sharper, but it has a purple fringing (PF) problem in very high contrast areas. Doesn't show up a lot, not for me anyway, but when it does show up it can be fairly obvious. If you post-process it removes nicely, and the lens otherwise very good. If you're concerned about the purple, look at the Sigma 70-300, which a bit more expensive ($180ish) and has no PF problem at all.

The other issue with the kit lens and a consumer zoom, either 50-200 or 70-300, is that both of your lenses are slow. Part of the DSLR advantage is being able to shoot well in low light, but the maximize that you need a fast lens. A good third lens would be the Pentax FA50 F1.4 (roughly $200), probably the most widely-owned Pentax prime lens. It's a great low-light lens and a great portrait lens. For a sunny beach honeymoon, a low light lens is probably optional. For long term use, especially indoors, a fast prime is a good idea. Another option is the FA35/2, slightly wider and costs a bit more.

Doug S79 said:

Assuming some of you reading this have the K200, do you have a
preferred/recommended brand for rechargeable AA batteries? I've seen
a few mentions of Sanyo Eneloops, but haven't used them.

Click to expand...

Eneloops. Period. You will recharge them once, at most, during your entire honeymoon.

--
Brett Turner
Pentax K100D
bturner.zenfolio.com

well, eneloops are fine when you are not taking 100 photos are day, also have a look at imedions (from maha), i've got a pack, and they've lasted at least as long as the eneloops i used (eneloops - 364 shots vs about 350 so far for the imedions, and still going), both including long exposure photos (not real long but longer than 5 seconds and less than 30) and some flash usage

for travel, i'd recommend energizer lithiums, i got about 800 shots on one set, i feel the rechargeables are more for leaving in the camera when you might take photos
lithiums are for when you definitely will be taking photos

saves having to carry a charger around (it's a problem if you have the maha c9000 charger as it is quite hefty)

in terms of lens selection, i'd definitely try to include a fast or at least quality prime lens (i'm a prime convert), to me they just feel a lot sharper and more precise

regarding memory cards, get a few, i don't think the extremes are that much more expensive than the ultra's, might be worth it, if you ever think about upgrading (they're also faster to transfer to your computer)

hth

--
dave

Pentax K200D
Fuji F50
http://dtracorp.com

dtra said:

well, eneloops are fine when you are not taking 100 photos are day,

Click to expand...

They're also fine if you are taking hundreds of photos a day. Just expect to charge them every night. I do that with my cell phone, too...

dtra said:

(eneloops -
364 shots

Click to expand...

Was that your high in many trials, or did you consistently get exactly that many, or did you only try once? Even though they are sold as "fully charged", they're really not. You should get more shots after charging them yourself. But in any case, yes, if you're regularly shooting more than that in a day, but less than the 800 you say you get from lithium, then indeed, lithium might seem to make more sense. But still, it's a hell of a lot more expensive to buy a new set of lithiums every day (not to mention correspondingly worse for the environment), and really, even if you get only 364 shots per charge, two sets of Eneloops would still get you through just about any day that a single set of lithium AAs would.

--
Marc Sabatella
http://www.marcsabatella.com/photo/

T.A.N. said:

... get the camera early enough to learn how to get out what the eqipment is
capable of giving. Quite a few people have come unstuck moving from
P&S to DSLR's at first, and you don't want a large learning curve on
your honeymoon... err, make that you really don't! ;O)
Good luck and best wishes for the wedding.
--
Trevor.

Click to expand...

Haha, thanks Trevor.

I know a month is very little time to take on something as complicated as SLR photography (don't know if there's a better term for that, but I'm referring to non-P&S work), but hopefully with the K200 I can fall back on the scene modes if I really get into trouble!

Hopefully I'll be picking it up tomorrow!

Dal1970 said:

I think you have made the right choice in going with the K200D and
the 2 kit lens.

...

The main advantage with the K200D is the picture modes, which work
exactly the same as on a P&S. Use one of these, or the Program mode
and you should have a lot of memorable images.

Click to expand...

That's exactly what I was thinking. Thanks for reinforcing that. Even if I end up totally confusing myself with the manual settings to begin with, at least I have the option of using the scene modes, but with a better quality camera!

Dal1970 said:

For a bag, I have a selection of sizes and shapes, but I usually take
the Slingshot 200 for all day walking or the small shoulder bag for
regular stops.

With 1 body and 2 lenses, you should get away with the Slingshot 100

Click to expand...

Thanks for mentioning the 100 vs the 200. How customizable are the compartments in the 200? Would it be able to double as an actual back pack with only a camera and a couple lenses in there?

Dal1970 said:

Most of all, enjoy your Honeymoon......

--
Dal

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dal1970/

Click to expand...

Thanks very much!

Doug