hello everyone,,,,new to this forum, and new to SLR...that is I don't have one yet...just looking at the reviews and trying to make a decision....don't know much about photography either, but aching to learn...please help me decide what to buy,,,a Pentax K7 or the Canon D50,,,,I am interested in scenic photography, portraits, macro insects and flowers...some action photos as well...my current camera is an HP850,4 MP... and believe it or not, I have taken some great pics with that...but I am ready to learn more...so please your advice is most welcome...thank you.
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pentax k7 or canon d50?
- Thread starter elinasan
- Start date
Zaldidun
Senior Member
I bought the *istD as soon it was supported by ACR and I bought a K20D last year.
For me the decision was a no-brainer, as I had some three-dozen lenses from my film days that I can and do use on both of those cameras. I still shoot a fair amount of film, including Middle Format.
However, for someone without an investment in old Pentax glass, I must say that it would seem more prudent to go with Canon or Nikon. Personally, I'd go with Nikon, either the D3s (or whatever the top of the line is at the moment) or at least a D300.
The autofucus mechanics of Nikon DSLRs are top-notch, the glass is beyond reproach, and the survability of the company in the long run is better assured than with Pentax.
Just my ¢2.
Z
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« Zaldidun » is the Basque word for 'Horseman'.
For me the decision was a no-brainer, as I had some three-dozen lenses from my film days that I can and do use on both of those cameras. I still shoot a fair amount of film, including Middle Format.
However, for someone without an investment in old Pentax glass, I must say that it would seem more prudent to go with Canon or Nikon. Personally, I'd go with Nikon, either the D3s (or whatever the top of the line is at the moment) or at least a D300.
The autofucus mechanics of Nikon DSLRs are top-notch, the glass is beyond reproach, and the survability of the company in the long run is better assured than with Pentax.
Just my ¢2.
Z
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« Zaldidun » is the Basque word for 'Horseman'.
ManuH
Senior Member
Prudent maybe, but it doesn't help if you end up with something that doesn't fit you.
D3s is a brick and costs upwards of 5000$ US. It maybe the best sport camera ever though. But it's a huge investment for a 12MP camera, and if you're a landscapist maybe not the most sensible choice. D300 is nice and closer in price to the 50D/K-7.
You're a bit defeatist, Pentax will come up with new offerings next month and it's a bit early to predict a demise of any kind.
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dragra
Senior Member
they are similar in specs and also price wise, what really makes the difference are the available lenses for both systems. Pentax is strong with their unique Limited series primes, while Canon offers more zoom choices.
besides that, you can't really choose a camera by reading specs and/or internet forum opinions. you have to hold it in your hands and make some test shots. you have to touch & smell & hear ... it before you buy...
cheers,
d
ManuH
Senior Member
- scenic photography,
- portraits,
- macro insects and flowers...
- some action photos as well...
You have to check the system and the lenses you'll need or want, not just the camera bodies.
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I have had a K7 for a couple weeks now and am very, very happy with ergonomics and build quality. Still testing on the images. I thought i'd mention though that for me, size and build quality were both big concerns and the Canon 50d is very large and heavy compared to the K7. Also, last night I handled a Nikon D90 and the controls felt quite cheap in comparison to the solid build of the K7. I am still not sure if i'll keep the camera...i'm very tempted by the thought that they might be coming out with something new in the next month but I am very impressed with build quality. Last week my daughter kidcked a bunch of sea water my way while i had the camera with it's weather resistant kit lens and i didn't even have to stress it.
i had a 40d, wanted something smaller and after some time in m4/3 land i've ended back with a dslr - the pentax k-7. only had it about 3 weeks, but with the kit lens and the 21ltd i'm more than happy so far.
good luck with the decision, both cameras (and their rumoured successors) are great.
good luck with the decision, both cameras (and their rumoured successors) are great.
agree100%
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k200d/fuji pro 5/nikond300s
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my PPG
http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/home#section=ARTIST&subSection=7663124&subSubSection=0&language=EN
Stan Bembenek
Forum Enthusiast
To me the weather resistance seals the deal. While in China for a month, it rained almost continually but I was able to get some great shots without worry. I also like the in camera shake reduction.
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djezraj
Leading Member
For me I shoot most for my personal enjoyment with a K10D and have been very happy with it. I also use a EOS400D at work. I have spent a good deal of time with the Nikon D90 as well. I think if you had years of experience you would be able to tell them apart more easily but all of the above have their pluses and minuses as systems.
Pentax for me has weather sealing bulid quality and the small Primes i want to shoot with. I also prefer the image quality for my taste. Canon would be a close second.
Canon. The EOS 50D has a good build and feel as well but my concerns are as follows.
The image quality only equals the Pentax IMO at best. High ISO is good but not leaps and bounds as some would have you believe
EF501.8 this is possibly the cheapest prime out there but it is not stabilized and does not get sharp and contrasty until f4 to F5.6 so the speed is somewhat moot for me. (still a good value though)
Canon make a 28 and an 85 that are affordable I hear
Nikon. D 90 very nice feeling in comparison with a Canon Rebel or Pentax Kx but the K7 and Canon Eos 50D or 7D feel as if a different league (they are really)
Still they are cheap now so a good starter cam. I think the Nikkor 35 1.8 looks pretty nice but again no stabilization
Also i myself have a hard time with Nikon's colour cast of skin tones if you shoot Raw you can correct it but in Jpeg it is allot tougher so all of my relatives looked yellow ish.
Also even Nikon's new 501.4 while very nice hunted like crazy in low light. In the same light my K10D with DA35 macro locked right away. Not saying it is better but AF performance is no blanket policy it depends on the situation,lens,etc..
The K7 could be in my future as well. I get to keep my primes and get the small size of the canon Rebels but the more solid substantial feel of the Higher end canons and nikons
One of the biggest plusses is the Primes with in body stabilization.
My honest opinion is while the Pentax system as a whole is not known for the worlds fastest AF. The competition has not yet proven that should I have switched to Canon or Nikon that I would have better pics..
So the question is does Pentax have what you need? I personally would not get too hung up on brand or "making a mistake" I have shot side by side with Canon Nikon and Sony and have yet to see a huge difference in Raw.
Cheers
Roger
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Pentax for me has weather sealing bulid quality and the small Primes i want to shoot with. I also prefer the image quality for my taste. Canon would be a close second.
Canon. The EOS 50D has a good build and feel as well but my concerns are as follows.
The image quality only equals the Pentax IMO at best. High ISO is good but not leaps and bounds as some would have you believe
EF501.8 this is possibly the cheapest prime out there but it is not stabilized and does not get sharp and contrasty until f4 to F5.6 so the speed is somewhat moot for me. (still a good value though)
Canon make a 28 and an 85 that are affordable I hear
Nikon. D 90 very nice feeling in comparison with a Canon Rebel or Pentax Kx but the K7 and Canon Eos 50D or 7D feel as if a different league (they are really)
Still they are cheap now so a good starter cam. I think the Nikkor 35 1.8 looks pretty nice but again no stabilization
Also i myself have a hard time with Nikon's colour cast of skin tones if you shoot Raw you can correct it but in Jpeg it is allot tougher so all of my relatives looked yellow ish.
Also even Nikon's new 501.4 while very nice hunted like crazy in low light. In the same light my K10D with DA35 macro locked right away. Not saying it is better but AF performance is no blanket policy it depends on the situation,lens,etc..
The K7 could be in my future as well. I get to keep my primes and get the small size of the canon Rebels but the more solid substantial feel of the Higher end canons and nikons
One of the biggest plusses is the Primes with in body stabilization.
My honest opinion is while the Pentax system as a whole is not known for the worlds fastest AF. The competition has not yet proven that should I have switched to Canon or Nikon that I would have better pics..
So the question is does Pentax have what you need? I personally would not get too hung up on brand or "making a mistake" I have shot side by side with Canon Nikon and Sony and have yet to see a huge difference in Raw.
Cheers
Roger
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the k7 iis a much better camera.
cyclocross
Well-known member
I've used Pentax since the '70s for general photography, landscapes, and sports (car and motorcycle racing). I purchased the istD so I could continue use the film lenses. I now own the K20 and some DA lenses. I've kept the film lenses as they still provide quality pictures. (I'll probably sell the 80-200/4.5M as I use the 60-250/4DA* exclusively for sports. I'll never sell the 300/4M*.)
Just to see if the "competition" was really that much better I purchase the two lens D90 kit from Costco. With their 90-day return policy I had nothing to loose. In short. the performance of the D90 system was about the same as my Pentax stuff. One area where Nikon was better than Pentax was in very low light metering and focus. Other than that the difference in overall performance was not sufficient for me to jump to Nikon. I've since returned the Nikon kit.
I'll try the two lens 50D kit over the next few weeks. But, from what I've read in the various reports and forums I am not expecting much difference in performance.
As others have stated in this thread you really must determine which lenses will best fit your photographic goals before deciding on a system.
I also am eagerly awaiting Pentax's announcements later this year.
I hope this helps you.
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Dan in the East Bay
Just to see if the "competition" was really that much better I purchase the two lens D90 kit from Costco. With their 90-day return policy I had nothing to loose. In short. the performance of the D90 system was about the same as my Pentax stuff. One area where Nikon was better than Pentax was in very low light metering and focus. Other than that the difference in overall performance was not sufficient for me to jump to Nikon. I've since returned the Nikon kit.
I'll try the two lens 50D kit over the next few weeks. But, from what I've read in the various reports and forums I am not expecting much difference in performance.
As others have stated in this thread you really must determine which lenses will best fit your photographic goals before deciding on a system.
I also am eagerly awaiting Pentax's announcements later this year.
I hope this helps you.
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Dan in the East Bay
OPTMEKX7
Senior Member
K7.....hands down.
user friendly..
weather sealing
SR
hyper program
compact
limited lenses.
silent shutter
cheers,
rene
user friendly..
weather sealing
SR
hyper program
compact
limited lenses.
silent shutter
cheers,
rene
A Schamber
Senior Member
I have the K-7 and it is a great camera.
But I cannot tell anyone who's new to DSLR to get one, because it is not something really easy or great to begin with.
You would probably hate it at first when you see that you were getting photos with much more vibrant colors with your HP.
So... for the common jpg user, I would say that the Kx is a much better investment.
Or... wait a couple months, and buy the replacement of the K-x, which we all guess that will have weather sealing.
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Alan Schamber
Progress is not possible without deviation from the norm - Frank Zappa
But I cannot tell anyone who's new to DSLR to get one, because it is not something really easy or great to begin with.
You would probably hate it at first when you see that you were getting photos with much more vibrant colors with your HP.
So... for the common jpg user, I would say that the Kx is a much better investment.
Or... wait a couple months, and buy the replacement of the K-x, which we all guess that will have weather sealing.
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Alan Schamber
Progress is not possible without deviation from the norm - Frank Zappa
First choose and order the focal ranges that interest you most; establish your starting budget and your budget for the next couple of years; then look for the lenses from either brand that cover those ranges very well within your budget; and lastly choose the camera that supports those lenses and feels good in your hand. The underlying thinking here is that a good lens will make a bigger difference than the camera, as most cameras are quite good.
If you got good pics out of your HP camera... You already have an advantage in that you probably have the patience...
I cannot speak for Pentax autofocus, but there's a big difference even between Canon USM (focuses right now and silently) and non USM lenses (which are quick, just not nearly instantaneous).
I personally chose Canon because I found very good lenses within my financial reach (70-200 f4, 10-22, 50 1.4, 35 2, in the space of a year), but had I known what I know now I would have had no problems going for Pentax and a few primes (not that Pentax zooms are bad, I'm just really attracted to certain specific primes), although I think they used to be cheaper. I really like the K-7 but you might want to check out the K-x which seems to be a generation ahead (except for weather sealing and ergonomics) and is even cheaper.
And if you start going insane with so many choices just sit back and remember to have fun!
If you got good pics out of your HP camera... You already have an advantage in that you probably have the patience...
I cannot speak for Pentax autofocus, but there's a big difference even between Canon USM (focuses right now and silently) and non USM lenses (which are quick, just not nearly instantaneous).
I personally chose Canon because I found very good lenses within my financial reach (70-200 f4, 10-22, 50 1.4, 35 2, in the space of a year), but had I known what I know now I would have had no problems going for Pentax and a few primes (not that Pentax zooms are bad, I'm just really attracted to certain specific primes), although I think they used to be cheaper. I really like the K-7 but you might want to check out the K-x which seems to be a generation ahead (except for weather sealing and ergonomics) and is even cheaper.
And if you start going insane with so many choices just sit back and remember to have fun!
RogerMexico
Leading Member
I own both. The Canon is used primarily for wildlife and bird photog. I believe it does a bit better in locking on focus. I shoot my k7 w primes and use it almost exclusively for street work. Both are excellent and both have quite a few lenses to choose from. Unless you need video, the 50D can be had for a pretty good price. I don't think any DSLR today is bad; it really come down to the fit that you are looking for. Good luck.
gipper51
Veteran Member
The big thing with DSLRs is to consider the system and not just a camera body. Digital bodies are almost disposable and after five years they're worth about 1/8 what you paid for them, the lenses are where careful consideration needs to be taken as they are a bigger investment (and hold their value well). Now since you are new to DSLRs you may not know which lenses you will ultimately need. Most folks start out shooting a bit of everything, then find their niches.
It's no secret that Canon and Nikon are runaway leaders in the variety of lenses and other accessories. Pretty much any kind of photography you will ever want to do those two will provide what you need, from super teles to specialty tilt/shift optics. Pentax's best strength IMHO is in the unique, small prime lenses that others don't offer, but for a beginner this may not be the best way to start. They do offer excellent zooms in all common ranges, so your bases are pretty well covered for starting out.
Last, go to a store that has both bodies and handle them. The feel of the camera can make a big difference and the K7 is certainly more compact than the 50D.
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It's no secret that Canon and Nikon are runaway leaders in the variety of lenses and other accessories. Pretty much any kind of photography you will ever want to do those two will provide what you need, from super teles to specialty tilt/shift optics. Pentax's best strength IMHO is in the unique, small prime lenses that others don't offer, but for a beginner this may not be the best way to start. They do offer excellent zooms in all common ranges, so your bases are pretty well covered for starting out.
Last, go to a store that has both bodies and handle them. The feel of the camera can make a big difference and the K7 is certainly more compact than the 50D.
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Don't do anything. Take time and plan, whether Pentax, Canon or whatever brand. The biggest camera show will be held in September, and you can expect many new cameras and lenses coming out. It is good to know and have choices, but at the very least, holding off means lower prices on the current models later. The K-7 is a great camera except for one problem, the high-ISO performance is not as good as the K-x or any of the latest models, even cheap ones. High-iso performance gives you higher shutter speed, more DOF, less motion blur, better image quality in dark places, or more details when you need it.
Also, realise that you are buying into a system, and you need to make sure there are suitable lenses. You will be increasingly stuck with the system as you invest in lenses and changing system is expensive. Find the lenses you will want to use over the next 2 years if not more and cost them out. Pentax cameras are great values, but their lenses are on average just as expensive, often more so when you talk about the better quality AF prime lenses. Unless you will be happy using old lenses (manual focusing and also more work setting correcct exposure), Pentax lenses are not cheap. You camera body will be out of date and not worth much after a few years, but lenses can continue to be used. For Pentax, the lenses will be more expensive than your cameras usually after a while.
You mentioned portraits. If it involves flash units, then know that Pentax flash is not known for the most accurate or the best featured. It has not updated its flash units for a while. The independent flash units are not much better though better value. Choices are limited, similar to the lens situation, as many independent makers do not make their flash units or lenses for Pentax cameras. You also mentioned action shooting. In less than ideal lighting, Pentax auto focusing leaves a lot to be desired compared to Canon or Nikon, in tracking and locking focus. Combined with the K-7's problem with high SO performance, you are a lot worse off in action shooting. If it involves shooting from a long way away, then you will have very poor choice in fast lenses, or lenses of 400mm or more. You can do it, but it will be very challenging shooting action from afar using slow zooms and insufficient shutter speed, noisy high ISO pictures, even when you can get the focus by manual pre-focusing and anticipating.
I think for macro and other applications where you can take time to focus, use old lenses, and have good control of lighting, Pentax is fine and with the right lens, great.
If you are not going to be really serious, then it is not so important, as you will not be buying a lot of lenses, or many very expensive lenses. And you will not need to upgrade to full frame cameras, which Pentax does not make. You do not need the fast auto focusing or specialised lenses, etc. If there is a good chance you will get increasingly serious, then you should consider more carefully how you invest.
Pentax has just had 2 quarters of profit, after a few years of losses. There is no guarantee it can continue to be profitable, as the pace of technology and camera updates seem to get quicker, or too quick for the weaker companies. There are changes going on that can make cameras quite different in a number of years. The mirrorless camera is one of them. Increasingly use of electronic technology to enhance images is another. Converging serious video with still cameras is also getting serious. Sensor technology is definitely something crtical to image quality. Pentax is not making mirrorless cameras like Samsung, Sony, Olympus and Panasonic. It does not have advanced video expertise lik Sony and Panasonic. It is not a high-tech electronic company like Sony, Panasonic or Samsung and it does not make sensors like them. So, consider carefully all aspects, before starting what may be a very expensive investment into one system.
Lastly, beware of those who post photos to show you how great a Pentax K-7 picture can be, shots of birds in flight and actions in poor light, etc. Believe me, it take a lot of skills and luck to get them. The reject rate for someone with less skills will ruin you hobby. The K-x is great value and very capable camera, but it has serious limitations compared to other cameras in its class in some types of shooting. Good luck. Take time and research.
Also, realise that you are buying into a system, and you need to make sure there are suitable lenses. You will be increasingly stuck with the system as you invest in lenses and changing system is expensive. Find the lenses you will want to use over the next 2 years if not more and cost them out. Pentax cameras are great values, but their lenses are on average just as expensive, often more so when you talk about the better quality AF prime lenses. Unless you will be happy using old lenses (manual focusing and also more work setting correcct exposure), Pentax lenses are not cheap. You camera body will be out of date and not worth much after a few years, but lenses can continue to be used. For Pentax, the lenses will be more expensive than your cameras usually after a while.
You mentioned portraits. If it involves flash units, then know that Pentax flash is not known for the most accurate or the best featured. It has not updated its flash units for a while. The independent flash units are not much better though better value. Choices are limited, similar to the lens situation, as many independent makers do not make their flash units or lenses for Pentax cameras. You also mentioned action shooting. In less than ideal lighting, Pentax auto focusing leaves a lot to be desired compared to Canon or Nikon, in tracking and locking focus. Combined with the K-7's problem with high SO performance, you are a lot worse off in action shooting. If it involves shooting from a long way away, then you will have very poor choice in fast lenses, or lenses of 400mm or more. You can do it, but it will be very challenging shooting action from afar using slow zooms and insufficient shutter speed, noisy high ISO pictures, even when you can get the focus by manual pre-focusing and anticipating.
I think for macro and other applications where you can take time to focus, use old lenses, and have good control of lighting, Pentax is fine and with the right lens, great.
If you are not going to be really serious, then it is not so important, as you will not be buying a lot of lenses, or many very expensive lenses. And you will not need to upgrade to full frame cameras, which Pentax does not make. You do not need the fast auto focusing or specialised lenses, etc. If there is a good chance you will get increasingly serious, then you should consider more carefully how you invest.
Pentax has just had 2 quarters of profit, after a few years of losses. There is no guarantee it can continue to be profitable, as the pace of technology and camera updates seem to get quicker, or too quick for the weaker companies. There are changes going on that can make cameras quite different in a number of years. The mirrorless camera is one of them. Increasingly use of electronic technology to enhance images is another. Converging serious video with still cameras is also getting serious. Sensor technology is definitely something crtical to image quality. Pentax is not making mirrorless cameras like Samsung, Sony, Olympus and Panasonic. It does not have advanced video expertise lik Sony and Panasonic. It is not a high-tech electronic company like Sony, Panasonic or Samsung and it does not make sensors like them. So, consider carefully all aspects, before starting what may be a very expensive investment into one system.
Lastly, beware of those who post photos to show you how great a Pentax K-7 picture can be, shots of birds in flight and actions in poor light, etc. Believe me, it take a lot of skills and luck to get them. The reject rate for someone with less skills will ruin you hobby. The K-x is great value and very capable camera, but it has serious limitations compared to other cameras in its class in some types of shooting. Good luck. Take time and research.
You buy it because of the 1) lenses available to deliver unique user experience, and the 2) overall philosophical approach towards photography.
Put your camera on the third place in that list, because next year you can always get a new one.
Put your camera on the third place in that list, because next year you can always get a new one.
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