Will you buy the new Pentax top-tier model?

Ok - so we all know the goal of Pentax (and other camera makers) is to get you into their entry or mid level range, start getting you hooked on their glass, and then 'move' you up to their high-end model. If you own the high-end model, they would like to sell you the next high-end model if possible. I believe the aim of Pentax in this case is to move up both K200D and K20D users if possible, and attract semi-pro or pro shooters to the system with a standout feature set and design.

So my question is for K200D and K20D users... will you buy the "New K"? If so, what is your motivation? If not, what is stopping you? For the first time in my camera buying history, I think I own a camera that does more than I can utilize - the K20D. I know that upgrading is going to be a pure 'lust' move if I do it, but I'm wondering if I'll miss the K20D if I were to sell it... it is by far the best camera I've owned and feels as 'new' to me as it did 6 months ago. Tough decision, but video, camera size, feature set, high ISO, LCD, OVF, etc. may send me over the edge to an upgrade to the newest model... maybe I should keep the K20D if I go that route regardless... any thoughts from others?

-Mouse

--
Hardly education
All them books I didn't read
They just sat there on my shelf
Looking much smarter than me
The Mouse Gallery
http://s214.photobucket.com/albums/cc130/AMMouse/Pentax%20K100D%20Super/

I just got my K20D three weeks ago... heh. $670 with a Pentax gadget bag and Pentax 3-year warranty sounds like a deal to me. Marketing is about getting you to buy the high-profit item, prudence is about buying the low-profit one. I bought a K100D when they were stupid-cheap, this is the time to be buying a K20D, as I see it, and in all likelyhood I'll be getting serious about a newer body in 18-24 months.

As you've said, there's every chance the K20D is more than is really needed. I think if it really posed serious impediments you would have already rid yourself of it. Most semi to serious K20D users have enough in their lens collection as to preclude the use of a limiting body.

I like new toys immensely. If you need a fix in that department and have the bucks, why not? I stepped into the DSLR game a generation later than many, and as such, my fix comes somewhat more cheaply. For me the K20D is both a new toy and a great camera, making it easy to wait for the prices on whatever comes next to gravitate towards the cellar before I make my next move.
--

Pentax K20D w/DA18-250, FA50-1.4, Sigma 70EX-DG Macro, Sigma 10-20EX-DC, and Tamron 70-300Di
http://s90223656.onlinehome.us/

My K20D is working fine right now--better in some ways since I've been spending more times with some of my primes so for that reason alone I won't be rushing to buy something new. At the very least I'll wait till the price takes a reasonable drop before doing anything. Come to think of it we really don't know what we're getting yet; all we've seen so far is rumours and speculation...
--
Look at the picture, not the pixels...
http://www.lkeithr.zenfolio.com

I think it depends on what if any top-tier features are really important to you.

Having bought a K10D in late Dec 2006, several whale-watching trips in 2007/8 which only got me shots of whale backs and whale tails convinced me that the features I would like to see in an upgrade or replacement were faster AF, better low-light capability, and better than 3fps continuous raw shooting. However as I'm also into birding in a moderate way, and birds are far more accessible for someone from an inland city than whales are, long, fast glass has at least an equal, if not greater interest than a new camera.

So the choice is a hard one: wait to see what will become of the 'Super Telephoto' on the lens roadmap or see what the new K-7 brings

--
http://geoffcole.smugmug.com/

Hey Geoff

I love Pentax (obviously), but I'm suprised you are still with us in some ways... because your needs are really the heart of the strengths of the big 2 - both in bodies and glass. Not that I want rid of you, I swear - I assume you just enjoy Pentax. Who knows, the system could grow to include that super-tele DA eventually, maybe even the SDM TC will surface, much depends on the success of this new model; just as the K10D lineage designs have kept us the last few years.

-Mouse

geoffcole said:

I think it depends on what if any top-tier features are really
important to you.

Having bought a K10D in late Dec 2006, several whale-watching trips
in 2007/8 which only got me shots of whale backs and whale tails
convinced me that the features I would like to see in an upgrade or
replacement were faster AF, better low-light capability, and better
than 3fps continuous raw shooting. However as I'm also into birding
in a moderate way, and birds are far more accessible for someone from
an inland city than whales are, long, fast glass has at least an
equal, if not greater interest than a new camera.

So the choice is a hard one: wait to see what will become of the
'Super Telephoto' on the lens roadmap or see what the new K-7 brings


--
http://geoffcole.smugmug.com/

Click to expand...

--
Hardly education
All them books I didn't read
They just sat there on my shelf
Looking much smarter than me
The Mouse Gallery
http://s214.photobucket.com/albums/cc130/AMMouse/Pentax%20K100D%20Super/

It is certainly a contender when my K10D gives up. And I'm no less a gearhead than any other; getting a new toy is fun !

But the thing is, it took me six months just to figure out how to use the K10D well, and I'm still improving on post-processing the raw files. It's the same camera and the same lenses (mostly) as over two years ago, but the images I get now are far better - low light and high ISO especially - simply because I understand how to get the most out of the camera.

So now matter how much better the K-7 is, getting one still means having to learn the ins and outs of getting the best possible images again. I prefer "using up" the K10 and getting the newest body only when I have to.

--
Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jannem/
Blog: http://janneinosaka.blogspot.com

You can think in terms of one body or in terms of two bodies. With one body only the use of primes for example is difficult: you must always change and it is much more convenient with two bodies. I use a K10 and a K20. A new body would thus replace the K10.
--
Jacques Bijtebier

I won't as I just got my K20D. I try to buy a new camera every 4 years or so. And after buying my first 2 digitals when they first came out. I bought my K20D after it had gotten much cheaper. And that is my plan for the future.

My wish list is better dynamic range, and of course better high ISO.
--
http://www.pbase.com/almatic

A Modest Mouse said:

Hey Geoff

I love Pentax (obviously), but I'm suprised you are still with us in
some ways... because your needs are really the heart of the strengths
of the big 2 - both in bodies and glass. Not that I want rid of you,
I swear - I assume you just enjoy Pentax. Who knows, the system
could grow to include that super-tele DA eventually, maybe even the
SDM TC will surface, much depends on the success of this new model;
just as the K10D lineage designs have kept us the last few years.

-Mouse

Click to expand...

Actually you shouldn't be. My first camera was a Pentax MZ-50 which unfortunately got stolen in November or December 1998. After the insurance payout I replaced it with an MZ-5n and Sigma 28-80 and 100-300mm twin-lens kit in early 1999, then added a 2nd-hand Sigma 24mm in 2003 and a Tamron 90mm macro in Sept 2005.

I'd wanted the *ist-D from about 2004/5, but didn't manage to get agreement from she who must be obeyed (or at least worked around) till about March 2006 by which time the local camera stores had long sold out. The DS and DL didn't impress me with their lack of twin dials, and since the grip was too close to the lens to wrap my fingers around comfortably, the ergonomics didn't suit either.

Took a couple of months to evaluate other options including models from the big two, but as I'd only budgeted to get a new camera and none of the alternatives offered the features I wanted at a price I could afford, the changeover cost of body plus a decent set of non-kit lenses put Canikon in last place. By around Sept/Oct 2006 I was ready to reconsider Canikon with kit lenses, but as the rumours about the K10D were firming towards fact by then, it seemed to be in my best interest to wait. Waiting was very hard since I was devouring all the rumours I could find on this forum, but it was worth it in the end. I think it was the first morning it was available in store that I tried the K10D and took some test shots, and either by that afternoon or the next day that I'd bought one, and despite some unfulfilled desires about AF, low-light, and continuous fps haven't looked back.

When the K20D was released, looked at the specs and the review, compared them with what I wanted in my next camera, decided there didn't seem to be any compelling reason to upgrade, and instead spent my budget for that year on a DA 12-24 and DA* 200. Since I'd been unhappy with the performance of the Sigma 100-300mm F4-5-6.3 kit lens for a very long time, the DA* 200 corrected that in all but reach. As I wasn't in a position to also get the DA* 300 and it is shorter than the 400-500mm F4.5 I'm really wanting it was easy enough to see what turned up. The Bigma is a possibility thats been around for a very long time, but as I'd discovered a liking for primes (an FA 50/1.4 in 2007) and there are all the tales about Sigma unit variability, decided to see what Pentax might come up with before deciding where to go from here.

So yeah, I love my Pentax. Being an enthsiast I'll upgrade or replace bodies and lenses if they're compelling enough and if I can afford to, but I'll do it within the K-mount system. Changing to another mount is not on the cards because Pentax cameras and K-mount compatible lenses provide many of the capabilities I want or require and because I've never seen photography as anything more than a hobby. My job is not related to photography, and so I've never seen lenses or bodies as an investment on which I've got to make a profit.

Cheers,
Geoff.

I've been hapy with K20 for over a year, except for a few minor niggles. Before that I was happy with K10 but for one real niggle - its high-ISO performance. So I'm not desperate to change.

But when the K20 came out early users raved about it; if early users opf K-7 rave about it in ways that deal with my K20 niggles I may buy one. I've always ben a one-body owner but this time if I do buy I'll keeo the K20 too.

K20 niggles?

Live view not really good enough for precise macro focus (my brother's D300 is great for this)
Sync speed

Limited control of flash output (-2 to +1 in stops, D300 allows fractional setting like on the Pentax strobes)
3FPS. I would like 9 but won't get it but, say, 5 would be good.

--
Gerry


First camera 1953, first Pentax 1983, first DSLR 2006
http://www.pbase.com/gerrywinterbourne

Gerry Winterbourne said:

3FPS. I would like 9 but won't get it but, say, 5 would be good.

Click to expand...

5 continuous raw would indeed be good.

--
http://geoffcole.smugmug.com/

I am a happy K10d user. I considered upgrading to K20d but didn't do it. For my type of photography I never need to go higher than ISO 800 and I don't like Live View. The only thing I miss is a faster AF as I take a lot of photos of dogs in action. If the K7d has AF tracking, higher fps or a really fast continuous AF I will definitely consider a purchase....but I will never sell my k10d.

Kind regards
.lars

It is a bit early to make decisions about a camera not even presented officially yet. I believe one has to hold one first and compare viewfinder and user interface and performance and feel to the cameras one already has, in order to make a decision about upgrade or not.

I'm quite happy with what I have now - *ist DS and K10D and doesn't feel that I must upgrade. And then it is the question of price, so far it is indicated that the new K will be quie expensive and for me, I rather spend those money on a upgrade for my turntable.

But if I eventually finds a bag with lots of money, yes I think I will buy it. .)

--
Take care
R
http://www.flickr.com/photos/raphaelmabo

Bich said:

You can think in terms of one body or in terms of two bodies. With
one body only the use of primes for example is difficult: you must
always change and it is much more convenient with two bodies. I use a
K10 and a K20. A new body would thus replace the K10.

Click to expand...

I often use two bodies already: the K10D and either a Yashica Mat or the Pentax 67. Add a third body and I'll start looking like a tourist cliché.

In fact, because I often use a film camera nowadays I'm perhaps more inclined to get the K-m rather than the K-7 if my K10D would die. It is smaller and lighter and more apt for a second body alongside the film one.

--
Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jannem/
Blog: http://janneinosaka.blogspot.com

Surely the answer to this is like any camera-related budget decision: given a finite budget, how is it best spent? In my case, I have the K20D and the kit lens. My first purchase after the camera was to upgrade my PP software ... now I'm saving up for some better glass.

If I already had a good selection of lenses, then I'd be seriously considering the K-7, for sure.

AW

At this particular moment your question has no real sense since we don't have any concrete information about the new K*. All I'm reading here is rumour, opinions, wild guesses. Yes it is interesting because it wets the appetite. It's exciting to know that our favourite brand is about to launch a 'new' dslr which may or may not have the impact that the K 10 had when it was launched.

Your question will certainly be interesting to answer in a few weeks, once the waves have passed. And indeed it's a question I would ask K 10 owners like myself. If I were a K 20 owner I think that it's not the time to consider upgrading. You're still learning about about your box.

Perhaps the better question is, 'do you think tomorrow's K will enable you to take better photographs?'

I think most people here already know the answer to that question, well I do)

Not right away (to upgrade the K10D). I just upgraded my Olympus this week, and may get another lens or two for the Nik this summer. Early autumn, like around my birthday. Eyeing the X70 too and if it is sharp at the long end of the range, it may join the collection first.
--
The Last of the Yashicans.

If it brings at least the level of K20D features, build and performance to a body the size of the K100D (which it sounds like it will) then I could be tempted if the price settles to a decent level. Even more so if there is increased speed of operation (buffer, AF, etc). I prefer smaller SLRs and there are times that the K20D gets left at home purely for that reason.

There are a few minor handling quirks that irritate me on my K20D (the focus dial on the back moves too easily: I usually have it set on centre spot only but often find it knocks its way very easily to the other modes, and I've lost shots as a result). And I would like the live view to be better (essentially it is currently best used for manual focus only). A 100% VF would be great too.

A sensor with more dynamic range would be great - I find the DN range extension in the K20D too often brings with it quite a lot of additional noise, so I've left it switched off.

But video does not interest me.

And the issue of batteries would interest me - if I have to get rid of all the ones I currently have and buy something new for the K7, that would be a factor.
--

http://jonschick.smugmug.com/

--
You pay for what you get but you don't necessarily get what you pay for

I wont for a number of reasons:

1 - Im poor. 2x teenage Kids=poor

2 - I just got my K200D and I havent even come close to exceeding its abilities.

3 - Im not sure I every will run into a case of not being able to get a shot with my K200. The only thing it doesnt do is video.

4 - Because the body is so good I will concentrate on better lenses and accessories (tripods, flash, etc). A good, fast prime will improve my photographic options more than a new body. $1500 buys some really nice glass!

5 - I NEVER buy version 1! Im guessing the new K7 will be significantly different than the K20. Ill wait for the K70 or K700. The K200 is basically the K10 after weight loss and refinement. I like mature, stable tech.

Why I might change my mind at some point:

1 - Win the lottery. That reminds me, must buy ticket.

2 - My K200D dies and I win the lottery.

3 - I would like to shoot HD video at some point but it is not my passion right now. And unless Pentax produces a system that does continuous autofocus like Panasonic, I will wait or get a Panasonic. Ive reached a point in my life where I am done with multi-tools that do nothing really well. Still need to win the lottery though.

4 - I can actually turn my photography into a paying job! Not too far fetched. have you seen what people are paying for yearbook pictures these days? In that case I will want a second body.

5 - Amazon pulls a Crazy Eddy and has a one hour special for $500 with battery grip and "Professional Cleaning Kit." The cleaning kit is a deal breaker.

--
Very happy K200 owner!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ksuwildkat/