pre-purchase questions about k-x and XSi

johnnyz86 said:

I like the ability to use old lenses, I like using manual focus, even manual aperture, especially if it has IS. There are tons of us that do - check out pentaxforums.com for more information on lenses and a large community of pentax mf'ers.

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And if I go the k-x route, I will be asking many more questions on the forum for you all to answer.

eruditass said:

Not sure, was -2.5 on the XSi not enough for you?

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The -3 on the XSi is perfect. I dialed it back to -2.5 just for comparison, and it's oaky but not as good as the -3. But after reading some other responses here, I think this is a non-issue, since most people seem to agree that the glasses on-and-off routine gets old pretty quickly.

Hi Math !

I just bought a K-x and was considering a Canon Xsi before. I really like the feel of the pentax because the grip is really steep. For me, that is what makes it very comfortable. It really allows me to grip the camera firmly, even with one hand, and my hands are big enough.

I have hold a canon Xsi before and I can say it feels quite good in my hands also, but the K-x feels just as good if not better. For what it's worth, I too dislike the feel of the olympus models that I could put my hands on.
Good luck with your choice!
Karl

Hi Math Guy. The XSI is a good camera no doubt but her are my thought about the two

Grip. While the T1I improves the XSI grip i still prefer the KX grip by a large degree and would be a tough compromise especially with heavier lenses

Lenses. Many will wave the Canon or Nikon flag for lens selection but will actually only ever use two or three lenses ever! Make your decision based on your personal use.

My reason for Pentax was my access to old lenses of which I have at least 4. These I got for so cheap it has really allowed me to learn about the craft which was what i wanted from the system all along. Also Pentax has special modes for manual lenses and works very well indeed

Green button. The Pentax Green button allows you to choose Auto or Program in any mode. I am 90% of the time in Manual and will hit the green button when I arrive at a scene to get my basic reading and tweak aperture or shutter accordingly.

SR. Shake reduction in body so my Manual M50 f1.7 is stabilized and i got that for $45.00 canadian. Even Cannons famous Nifty Fifty EFS501.8 cant do that

Dont get me wrong I use a EOS400D at work and its fine but for low light my K10D with 501.7 is better for me. Honestly i dont see a huge difference in noise between the two of these but the Kx results admittedly look impressive. I think there is no question it is great value.

If however for some reason you cave and get the Canon I dont think you would regret it either for the most part it is of course a personal choice
Cheers
Roger

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/7925236@N02/

Kp0c said:

Hi Math !

I just bought a K-x and was considering a Canon Xsi before. I really like the feel of the pentax because the grip is really steep. For me, that is what makes it very comfortable. It really allows me to grip the camera firmly, even with one hand, and my hands are big enough.

I have hold a canon Xsi before and I can say it feels quite good in my hands also, but the K-x feels just as good if not better. For what it's worth, I too dislike the feel of the olympus models that I could put my hands on.
Good luck with your choice!
Karl

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Thanks, Karl. I'm feeling a lot better about the k-x now, after hearing quite a few of you tell me that it feels much more substantial than the small Olympus.

djezraj said:

Also Pentax has special modes for manual lenses and works very well indeed.

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Really? I would be interested to know more about this, since the availability of good, fast manual primes is one thing that attracts me to the Pentax.

math guy said:

djezraj said:

Also Pentax has special modes for manual lenses and works very well indeed.

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Really? I would be interested to know more about this, since the availability of good, fast manual primes is one thing that attracts me to the Pentax.

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Search this forum for the "pictorial guide to using manual lenses" (sometimes it works better to search using Google) for complete instructions. Some of the specific details of which button to press vary from model to model, but the basic process is the same on all: set an option when you first get the camera to allow use of fully manual lenses, then when using the lens, put the camera in M mode, set aperture on lens, ht button on camera to get it to stop down momentarily to take a meter reading and automatically set a shutter speed for you, or a different button to get it to stop down for longer and actually display the meter reading. If the lens supports auto-aperture (has an "A" position on the aperture ring), none of that is even necessary - full exposure automation works as with modern lenses.

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Marc Sabatella
http://www.marcsabatella.com/
Blog: http://marcsabatella.blogspot.com/
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcsabatella/

math guy said:

djezraj said:

Also Pentax has special modes for manual lenses and works very well indeed.

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Really? I would be interested to know more about this, since the availability of good, fast manual primes is one thing that attracts me to the Pentax.

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Hi Again. I think Mark has said for the most part what you need to know so thanks mark! And perhaps I should clarify a bit. It is not so much a "mode" but the Pentax cameras unlike some manufacturers allow a manual aperture (setting in the menu) So as mark said you can make the camera "stop down" for metering with the green button. So its basically 1.choose desired aperture 2. hit green button 3. shoot!

It is advised to use centre weighted or spot metering with the older lenses and you may need to adjust your exposure a bit t compensate depending on the scene. I find my M50 f1.7 can underexpose without compensation so I simply adjust shutter or aperture after i press the green button.

Anyway my point is that i do not know of any other brand that offers this level of flexibly in using legacy product. I think you may also want to check out pentaxphotogallery.com they have a great catalog of users photos in which you may search by lens. Also Pentax forums has a great lens user review section to help you find the right used lens for you
Cheers
Roger Salvesen
Tom Lee Music
Internet sales support

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/7925236@N02/

Thanks to Marc and Roger for your explanation. It is amazing how much people are willing to help in these forums -- and I haven't even gotten my camera yet. Thanks again!

You haven't bought yet? The K-x is twin lens kit has gone up in price. Now about $750 (Amazon).

No, several unexpected expenses. First $200 on my tractor. Then $450 on my truck. I went to the store today, though, and handled some of the Nikons which folks on this thread said were similar in feel to the k-x. I liked the feel of those. So I'm convinced that the k-x will be the one I get. It's just a matter of waiting until I'm sure I can swing the money.

For major purchases, I tend to do a lot of research ahead of time and then wait until I find a good deal. Or at least until I'm convinced that the price probably isn't dropping. I'm watching the 18-55 & 55-300 kit, which is currently $648 on Amazon. I don't know much about PMA, but several folks have recommended waiting until after that, as that is often when new models are announced, bringing down the prices of older models. Not that Pentax is going to announce a replacement to the k-x, but it could be that other manufacturers will announce a new competitor.

At any rate, I'll post a follow-up on this thread when I take the plunge.

Just a quick note to say that when Amazon dropped the price back down to $653, I ordered the 18-55 + 55-300 kit today. I guess it'll be a week before it arrives, so this should be a long week.

Anyway, thanks for all the input. I'm sure you'll be getting a lot more questions from me in the future.

math guy said:

Just a quick note to say that when Amazon dropped the price back down to $653, I ordered the 18-55 + 55-300 kit today.

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Just $9 over the lowest price we've seen - not bad. Just before Christmas I paid $272 plus tax for a DA55-300 in hopes of getting some kind of upgrade down the line for my aging K100D - something between the K-x and K-7 would be ideal. If I end up getting a K-x though, I'll be kicking myself for buying the retail lens instead of the cheaper DA-L kit kens. One thing I've thought about is buying a dual lens kit anyway and selling the DA-L 55-300 to maybe cut the price difference between it and the DA version in half.

I was at a kids event today and borrowed another parent's D5000 for a few shots on my SD card. Man - 12.3MP with a very usable ISO3200 is a treat. Congrats on your purchase.

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Group Captain Mandrake: 'I was tortured by the Japanese, Jack, if you must know; not a pretty story....Strange thing is they make such bloody good cameras.' ( Dr. Strangelove , 1964)

I am wondering what your experience is after receiving your camera as someone who wears eyeglasses. I have also received my k-x but I find that with my glasses on I cannot see the corners of the frame very well. Is there any adjustment I can do to help? I am seriously considering returning the camera because of this - a shame since the camera works fine otherwise.

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Proud owner of Canon S30, S45, A710, Fuji F31fd

I haven't had any trouble with it. In fact, I had planned to just start wearing my contacts again, but I've found I don't really need to. And I use the VF exclusively, not live view. In all fairness, though, I don't often use the shooting info in the VF, since I usually have all of that set before shooting. When I do use that info in the VF, it is mainly three things: shutter speed, aperture value, and in-focus indicator. And those three are centrally located, so I doubt they are affected by your trouble seeing the corners. As far as framing goes, I haven't had any trouble with that. But everyone is different, so you have to be the judge of whether you are having trouble with it or not.

Before changing cameras, though, make sure the other camera improves in this area. I don't find the K-x's VF much smaller than others I had tried in stores, unless you move up to a larger class of cameras. And then that's a whole different conversation anyway.
Either way, good luck and happy shooting with whatever you settle on.

photogazer said:

I am wondering what your experience is after receiving your camera as someone who wears eyeglasses. I have also received my k-x but I find that with my glasses on I cannot see the corners of the frame very well. Is there any adjustment I can do to help? I am seriously considering returning the camera because of this - a shame since the camera works fine otherwise.

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Proud owner of Canon S30, S45, A710, Fuji F31fd

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-- Joe S.
'The laws of nature are but the mathematical thoughts of God.' ~ Euclid

Thanks. I think the issue is that my glasses are fairly thick (I have -6 in one eye and -7 in the other, and some astigmatism as well). This causes my eye to be further away from the viewfinder, and the corners of the frame become hidden as a result. Not sure if this has to do with the fact that the k-x VF has a higher magnification compared to other cameras - I don't seem to have the problem with Canon XS or T1i. The sad part is that the problem is there on both the Pentax k-x and Nikon D5000, the two cameras I am really considering.

Anyway, it seems unless I want to shoot with the four corners cut off I have no choice but to give up at this point. I envy ppl who don't have to wear glasses or don't have a high prescription, coz this is such a nice camera!

math guy said:

I haven't had any trouble with it. In fact, I had planned to just start wearing my contacts again, but I've found I don't really need to. And I use the VF exclusively, not live view. In all fairness, though, I don't often use the shooting info in the VF, since I usually have all of that set before shooting. When I do use that info in the VF, it is mainly three things: shutter speed, aperture value, and in-focus indicator. And those three are centrally located, so I doubt they are affected by your trouble seeing the corners. As far as framing goes, I haven't had any trouble with that. But everyone is different, so you have to be the judge of whether you are having trouble with it or not.

Before changing cameras, though, make sure the other camera improves in this area. I don't find the K-x's VF much smaller than others I had tried in stores, unless you move up to a larger class of cameras. And then that's a whole different conversation anyway.
Either way, good luck and happy shooting with whatever you settle on.

photogazer said:

I am wondering what your experience is after receiving your camera as someone who wears eyeglasses. I have also received my k-x but I find that with my glasses on I cannot see the corners of the frame very well. Is there any adjustment I can do to help? I am seriously considering returning the camera because of this - a shame since the camera works fine otherwise.

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Proud owner of Canon S30, S45, A710, Fuji F31fd

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-- Joe S.
'The laws of nature are but the mathematical thoughts of God.' ~ Euclid

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Proud owner of Canon S30, S45, A710, Fuji F31fd

photogazer said:

I don't seem to have the problem with Canon XS or T1i.

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Now that you mention it,one of the things I really liked about the XSi (which was my other finalist) was how bright the VF seemed. Maybe it was just bigger.

photogazer said:

The sad part is that the problem is there on both the Pentax k-x and Nikon D5000, the two cameras I am really considering.

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That makes sense, as these two cameras are about the same size.

photogazer said:

Anyway, it seems unless I want to shoot with the four corners cut off I have no choice but to give up at this point. I envy ppl who don't have to wear glasses or don't have a high prescription, coz this is such a nice camera!

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It definitely is a great camera, but not if you can't see what you're shooting.

Have you had a chance to look at the new Canon T2i? It's a step up in price from the K-x, but the reviews seem to indicate that its low-light capability is up there with the K-x (which for me was the selling point on the K-x). I haven't looked at it in person, but I imagine that its VF would be similar to the T1i which you said was good for you.

math guy said:

I guess it'll be a week before it arrives, so this should be a long week.

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I ordered mine through one of my reward programs, and it took a month! It gave me a long time to do some reading up!

I've had my K-x for about a month; wow! It has done everything I want. I have taken shots of my kids in the hockey arena, at high ISO, that I never could have done before. I find that if you get the exposure right, ISO up to 3200 is amazing.

My father has a D90 (one of the cameras I was looking at as well). We're gonna put them head to head in a high ISO shootout one of these days!

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Gebco

Pentax K-x with 18-55 kit lens, 55-300 lens, AF-360FGZ flash, Pentax-M 50mm f/2.0, Pentax-A 35-70mm, Tokina 28mm f/2.8
Pentax Program Plus, Pentax AF240Z flash
Sony V3-an awesome performer!
HVL-F32X
Olympus C-60, a great little camera
Canon MP530

gebco said:

I ordered mine through one of my reward programs, and it took a month! It gave me a long time to do some reading up!

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A month -- holy cow!

gebco said:

I've had my K-x for about a month; wow! It has done everything I want. I have taken shots of my kids in the hockey arena, at high ISO, that I never could have done before. I find that if you get the exposure right, ISO up to 3200 is amazing.

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I agree. In fact, for 4x6 snapshots, I'm happy with 6400 ISO. I would rather have slightly grainy than blurry.

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-- Joe S.
'The laws of nature are but the mathematical thoughts of God.' ~ Euclid

I haven't seen the t2i in the local stores yet, but I will keep an eye out for it if it has similar low light capabilities. Though based on dimensions I will certainly miss out on the compactness of the k-x. I was so looking forward to a k-x equipped with a pancake prime as the ideal lowlight travel package!

math guy said:

photogazer said:

I don't seem to have the problem with Canon XS or T1i.

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Now that you mention it,one of the things I really liked about the XSi (which was my other finalist) was how bright the VF seemed. Maybe it was just bigger.

math guy said:

The sad part is that the problem is there on both the Pentax k-x and Nikon D5000, the two cameras I am really considering.

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That makes sense, as these two cameras are about the same size.

math guy said:

Anyway, it seems unless I want to shoot with the four corners cut off I have no choice but to give up at this point. I envy ppl who don't have to wear glasses or don't have a high prescription, coz this is such a nice camera!

Click to expand...

It definitely is a great camera, but not if you can't see what you're shooting.

Have you had a chance to look at the new Canon T2i? It's a step up in price from the K-x, but the reviews seem to indicate that its low-light capability is up there with the K-x (which for me was the selling point on the K-x). I haven't looked at it in person, but I imagine that its VF would be similar to the T1i which you said was good for you.

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Proud owner of Canon S30, S45, A710, Fuji F31fd

All that being said both cameras are very good. Since I have both Pentax and Canon I can say that those people on the Canon list who have upgraded from the Xsi have very fond memories of the camera and often miss it for their newer and bigger 50D or 7D cameras. And most people on this list love the k-x. In your case the advantage of using older lenses makes the k-x the obvious choice. If you were concerned in other areas I would tend to recommend the one that did that best whatever it might be.
Kent Gittings