sznajder
Well-known member
I was wondering if anyone here went from Pentax K20d to Nikon D300? How do they compare in IQ ? Thanks in advance.
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From Pentax to Nikon
- Thread starter sznajder
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Check out
http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/pentaxk20d_samples/
and
http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/nikond300_samples/
and judge for yourself
http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/pentaxk20d_samples/
and
http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/nikond300_samples/
and judge for yourself
mais51
Veteran Member
Why it took you so long I went from Pentax Spotmatic I and II to Nikon F3 years ago ...Just kidding
Welcome to the Nikon family
Welcome to the Nikon family
Lexus330
Senior Member
Welcome,I think Nikon has better IQ.
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Regards
Cris T.
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Regards
Cris T.
Hi. I came from a K10D to a D300s just a few weeks ago. I never owned a K20, but I used one a few times. Let me just say that I loved my K10, and was overall quite happy with the IQ. The thing that pushed me to the D300s was the AF. The AF on the Nikon is simply amazing, IMHO. It is extremely fast and accurate, and makes a difference in catching shots even in the default single shot setting. The camera, as a whole, is just faster than the K10, though you might expect that given that I paid over 3 times as much for the D300s as for the K10.
Another area very impressive about the D300s is the metering. It is extremely accurate. My K10 required me to think about lighting situations and adjust accordingly in many cases, while the Nikon seems much more accurate. As far as strict IQ goes, I was very happy with the K10, and I think the K20 is plenty good also. If IQ was the only thing I was interested in, I probably would have gone with a K7, and kept my lenses, but the AF on the Nikon sealed the deal for me. You would not in any way be disappointed with any aspect of the D300, in my opinion...it is truly an impressive camera and is very capable. Examples of beautiful images taken with the D300 are plentiful on the net. On the other hand, if you have a lot of Pentax glass, and IQ is your primary concern, the K20 and K7 are capable of beautiful images also. It comes down to personal preference. good luck!
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http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/williamuzzell
Another area very impressive about the D300s is the metering. It is extremely accurate. My K10 required me to think about lighting situations and adjust accordingly in many cases, while the Nikon seems much more accurate. As far as strict IQ goes, I was very happy with the K10, and I think the K20 is plenty good also. If IQ was the only thing I was interested in, I probably would have gone with a K7, and kept my lenses, but the AF on the Nikon sealed the deal for me. You would not in any way be disappointed with any aspect of the D300, in my opinion...it is truly an impressive camera and is very capable. Examples of beautiful images taken with the D300 are plentiful on the net. On the other hand, if you have a lot of Pentax glass, and IQ is your primary concern, the K20 and K7 are capable of beautiful images also. It comes down to personal preference. good luck!
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http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/williamuzzell
Mac88025
Leading Member
My last Pentax was a K10D and migrated to D300 in late 2008. To be candid, I cannot say that the switch has improved my type of photography that much but I just couldn't bring myself to invest any more $$ into Pentax. I just got frustrated with the lack of availability of Pentax equipment and 3rd party support. The migration was not cheap, the D300 is useless (and overkill) without good glass so be prepared.
Saying that, the D300 is in a different league entirely, both build, operation and features. In fact, it is more than a little daunting at first due to all the options/controls. Also, if you are into sports or action photography, the Nikon's AF system is simply amazing. I was able to shoot BIF (bird in flight) for the first time and got many keepers of an osprey that was circling around mebecause I was too close to its nest.
My understanding is that the K20D is a very capable camera. From a pure IQ perspective, don't know that you are going to be gaining that much from iso 1600 down. Yes, you can shoot up to 3200 with the D300 but only when absolutely necessary due to the loss of detail.
Saying that, the D300 is in a different league entirely, both build, operation and features. In fact, it is more than a little daunting at first due to all the options/controls. Also, if you are into sports or action photography, the Nikon's AF system is simply amazing. I was able to shoot BIF (bird in flight) for the first time and got many keepers of an osprey that was circling around mebecause I was too close to its nest.
My understanding is that the K20D is a very capable camera. From a pure IQ perspective, don't know that you are going to be gaining that much from iso 1600 down. Yes, you can shoot up to 3200 with the D300 but only when absolutely necessary due to the loss of detail.
Having switched from K10 to a D300s as well... Here are my 2cents:
IQ-wise, D300 is vastly superior to K10... The switch was eye-opening for me... but K20 and D300(s) are very close... where you'll see the most difference is overall usability, AF speed and flash work...
What I don't like, is the camera size... After K100d, K10 and the K7 for a few days, D300s still feels like one fat pig on steroids... But damn it feels good in hands!!!
And I really miss Pentax Limited primes...
Oh, and don't believe the myth about Nikon colors being flat when compared to Pentax... simply find out what Picture Control stands for...
IQ-wise, D300 is vastly superior to K10... The switch was eye-opening for me... but K20 and D300(s) are very close... where you'll see the most difference is overall usability, AF speed and flash work...
What I don't like, is the camera size... After K100d, K10 and the K7 for a few days, D300s still feels like one fat pig on steroids... But damn it feels good in hands!!!
And I really miss Pentax Limited primes...
Oh, and don't believe the myth about Nikon colors being flat when compared to Pentax... simply find out what Picture Control stands for...
olyflyer
Forum Pro
I went from Oly E-3 to d300s, but I was considering Pentax as an alternative. I am happy with the D300s but I still have Pentax in my mind occasionally. I have a few Pentax lenses which I really would like to see used again.
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http://www.olyflyer.blogspot.com/
I just went from a K10D to Nikon D300. At iso 100 (200 for the D300), I'd actually say that I prefer the Pentax sensor, but for anything above that, the D300's nicer.
The reason I switched was for the AF, and I have definitely not been disappointed. The AF on the D300 is so far from Pentax territory, even with screw drive lenses that it's a revelation. I can track a running 4 year old with an 85/1.8 shooting at 1.8! I've been used to getting less than 1/4 keepers due to focus (I like to shoot shallow DOF), but with the D300 that has changed dramatically.
After the AF and general speed of the camera, I suppose flash accuracy is next on the list of niceties coming from Pentax. It's spot on with the D300, with my K10D, I always had to dial in +0.7 stops and +1.3 if off camera.
Also, second hand Nikon glass is actually cheaper than Pentax equivalents.
What don't I like? I miss the DA limiteds and to some extent the ergonomics of the K10D (TAv mode, general accessibility, but that may change once I get used to the D300).
As for the in-body SR, I'm happily giving that up in favour of the advantages of the Nikon.
Jens
The reason I switched was for the AF, and I have definitely not been disappointed. The AF on the D300 is so far from Pentax territory, even with screw drive lenses that it's a revelation. I can track a running 4 year old with an 85/1.8 shooting at 1.8! I've been used to getting less than 1/4 keepers due to focus (I like to shoot shallow DOF), but with the D300 that has changed dramatically.
After the AF and general speed of the camera, I suppose flash accuracy is next on the list of niceties coming from Pentax. It's spot on with the D300, with my K10D, I always had to dial in +0.7 stops and +1.3 if off camera.
Also, second hand Nikon glass is actually cheaper than Pentax equivalents.
What don't I like? I miss the DA limiteds and to some extent the ergonomics of the K10D (TAv mode, general accessibility, but that may change once I get used to the D300).
As for the in-body SR, I'm happily giving that up in favour of the advantages of the Nikon.
Jens
Went from K10d to D300 a year ago. Most of what Mac wrote is the same for me.
My biggest changes are that I miss the in body VR/SR wich was realy nice, maybe not as good as VR 2 but still a lot better than nothing.
On my Pentax I shot a lot of jpeg's and they where fine as they came, with my Nikon beast there are so many parameters I can screw up that I switched to RAW for 100% of my shots.
My beloved Tamron 28-75 wich performed like a champ on my K10D is a soso lens on my D300. Focusses slower than all my other lenses, needs more light and the crispness I always loved is kinda gone.
But when I put on a good piece of Nikor glass WOW... we're back in action and then some. Sportsshots that where impossible for my Pentax now are easy. ISO up atleast 1 1/2 stop.
2nd hand glass of excellent quality is much easier to come by than Pentax, shops have your gear in stock and you don't have to wait half a year before your fitting becomes available.
Welcome and enjoy
My biggest changes are that I miss the in body VR/SR wich was realy nice, maybe not as good as VR 2 but still a lot better than nothing.
On my Pentax I shot a lot of jpeg's and they where fine as they came, with my Nikon beast there are so many parameters I can screw up that I switched to RAW for 100% of my shots.
My beloved Tamron 28-75 wich performed like a champ on my K10D is a soso lens on my D300. Focusses slower than all my other lenses, needs more light and the crispness I always loved is kinda gone.
But when I put on a good piece of Nikor glass WOW... we're back in action and then some. Sportsshots that where impossible for my Pentax now are easy. ISO up atleast 1 1/2 stop.
2nd hand glass of excellent quality is much easier to come by than Pentax, shops have your gear in stock and you don't have to wait half a year before your fitting becomes available.
Welcome and enjoy
Way back from DS2 to D200. Was amazed at the focusing speed with a 2.8 AF-S lens. Have loved the Nikon gear ever since.
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JohnE
I have enjoyed taking these images: http://www.pbase.com/jpower
Below, Phoenix City Hall with Nikkor 10.5mm on D200
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JohnE
I have enjoyed taking these images: http://www.pbase.com/jpower
Below, Phoenix City Hall with Nikkor 10.5mm on D200
JMichael007
Active member
I sold my K20D about 4 months ago to move to the D300s and have not regretted the decision. The other posters ahead of me said it well - AF speed, metering, flash system/metering, handling, are all great with D300s.
IQ is not any better, and sometimes not quite as good. But I have slowly learned a few LR tricks to help (I shoot RAW), so in general I think IQ is on par. I do miss the extra pixels occasionally when I need to crop, but even that's minor.
The kicker for me was more glass available with AF-S focusing. I shoot in church a lot, and the quieter the camera/lens the better. Pentax's SDM system was a bit slower and, if dpreview's Pentax forum is any indication (along with PentaxForums . com) then it's not as reliable either. Nikon's better glass with AF-S is pricey, though!
I do miss the feel of the K20D in my hands, but I have quickly grown to love the D300s ergos as well. Now I have to figure out how to afford all the toys I need to go with it...
But you won't be disappointed with the move.
Mic
IQ is not any better, and sometimes not quite as good. But I have slowly learned a few LR tricks to help (I shoot RAW), so in general I think IQ is on par. I do miss the extra pixels occasionally when I need to crop, but even that's minor.
The kicker for me was more glass available with AF-S focusing. I shoot in church a lot, and the quieter the camera/lens the better. Pentax's SDM system was a bit slower and, if dpreview's Pentax forum is any indication (along with PentaxForums . com) then it's not as reliable either. Nikon's better glass with AF-S is pricey, though!
I do miss the feel of the K20D in my hands, but I have quickly grown to love the D300s ergos as well. Now I have to figure out how to afford all the toys I need to go with it...
But you won't be disappointed with the move.
Mic
When trying to decide if I should upgrade to the K7 from my K100D (which I quickly out grew) I played with the K7 for a couple of weeks. While it was hands down better than my K100D I kept going back to the D300s and switching systems. For me it wasn't that hard as I only purchased a couple of lenses the most expensive being a Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 and the Pentax 540 flash.
The main reason for switching for me was:
BTW I still use the Petax 540 flash in my strobe setup as it fires optically!!!
The main reason for switching for me was:
- With our newborn the K100D wasn't focusing fast enough
- Wanted more manual controls without having to dig through the menu system
- Wanted the ability to shoot jpeg + raw
- Faster burst rate
BTW I still use the Petax 540 flash in my strobe setup as it fires optically!!!
BiscuitMonster
Senior Member
I went from a K10D to a D300s, no regrets. No weird pattern noise, no undecisive AF. Comparing it to the K20D, you'll probably find less of a gap IQ-wise, but from what I've seen from a K-7 that I tested I prefer Nikon's output.
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Pavel
http://flickr.com/photos/pavel/
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Pavel
http://flickr.com/photos/pavel/
I came from a K200d to a D300s just a few weeks agobut still pentaxian. . The thing that pushed me to the D300s was the AF and the accesories.
ilike the pentax vivid color .
the K200 is capable ofprducing a beautiful images. ICOUNTED THE 2 SYSTEMS
ilike the pentax vivid color .
the K200 is capable ofprducing a beautiful images. ICOUNTED THE 2 SYSTEMS
Marshy27
Senior Member
I came from a k20d to a d300 almost a year ago and IQ isnt too much different really.
BUT.......
thats where it ends, the nikon powers ahead in functionality, speed, focusing etc etc.
I was a pentax prime user. had a bad time getting over losing my primes but now running with nikon primes and loving them.
Good move from pentax to nikon.
Tip: because i wanted to make a living out of photography, i could not get any work (assisting) with the pentax system. nothing against pentax but pros want nikon or canon assistants and i know why now.
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Cheers
Paul
BUT.......
thats where it ends, the nikon powers ahead in functionality, speed, focusing etc etc.
I was a pentax prime user. had a bad time getting over losing my primes but now running with nikon primes and loving them.
Good move from pentax to nikon.
Tip: because i wanted to make a living out of photography, i could not get any work (assisting) with the pentax system. nothing against pentax but pros want nikon or canon assistants and i know why now.
--
Cheers
Paul
superakuma
Leading Member
I did the samething but from the k20 to the d90. I would also agree that the iq was very similar. When I shot pentax I also had some really nice limited series glass to go with it. When I had the nikon I had some old nikon glass.
The biggest difference was the af speed of the nikon camera espeically in low light. It locked on instanty even with a slow f/5.6 lens.
I do miss my pentax glass but I don't regret going into nikon.
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Sai Saelee
http://www.saelee.smugmug.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23709141@N02/
Mac88025
Leading Member
Not sure if I am a "Penikon" but I still have my K10D. I have sold off quite a few Pentax mount lenses but have not been able to part with the primes and better lenses, yet. Although, I haven't shot seriously with the K10D for several months so should just liquidate. Yet, every time I consider selling the DA70/Ltd or the FA50/1.4, I just can't do it. Even though I have the Nikon 85/1.8D and 50/1.4D, neither equals the Pentax lenses. To go on, I have the Vivitar 105/2.5 Series 1 (Kiron) macro and also the Nikon AF-S 105/2.8VR. I think the Vivitar is a superior lens (at least my copy) though not as usable (MF vs AF-S and VR). In truth, I also have the Tamron 90/2.8 in Nikon which I believe is the best of all three macros. It may not have the build of either the Vivitar or Nikon but it sure can deliver the goods.
The moral of the story, good glass is hard to part with. I have a lot of great Pentax memories (almost 30 years) but there is no going back. It was a difficult and costly decision but no regrets.
The moral of the story, good glass is hard to part with. I have a lot of great Pentax memories (almost 30 years) but there is no going back. It was a difficult and costly decision but no regrets.
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