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Cindy2461

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I have been a long time Pentax camera buff (more than 30 years in the Pentax world) with the K3 as my current camera. I started photography in college with a film Nikon and believe Nikon might be a better brand than Pentax.

So what do you think?

Does Nikon have better glass than Pentax? Does Nikon have better technology than Pentax? What will give me better results?

After researching the Pentax K1 and the Nikon D850 I am on the fence as to which will best serve my needs. I shoot a lot of wildlife as well as landscapes and family. I have sold a few pictures but photography is more of a hobby for me.

Both cameras are full frames and have great reviews. They are very close on their specs...

Loading…

www.dpreview.com

Nikon D850:

Pros:

the number of focal points blows away Pentax K1

More pixels translate to sharper images?

Cons:

No image stabilization (all my Pentax have this)

Worried about the auto focus problems on the Nikon D850

I would need to be buy all new lens

No camera to test or hold as everything is on backorder



Pentax K1:

Pros:

Image stabilization is a real plus

Could still use my old Pentax lenses (and I have a bunch) although they are not full frame lens. So would need to buy a couple new lenses.

Already familiar with the camera from past experience.

More price competitive and available (about a $1,000 cheaper for the Pentax K1 base camera)

Can get my hands on this camera today!

Cons:

less pixels than Nikon

Dramatically less focal points with auto focus

I need help with my decision as this is a large expenditure for me. If I am going all out for the full frame camera, do I leave Pentax and jump into Nikon. Does this give me more technology and better results?

Please share your thoughts and expertise...thanks!
 
The switch will be a significant investment- as you know:

worth renting before buying?
 
There are no or few cons to an 850. It amazes me that anyone shoots Pentax in the first place. If they were that great the questions would not be "Pentax, who?"

And as you said, you have no FF Pentax lenses.

I'd buy an 810 if you're concerned about $$$. They are dirt cheap now and it would still be "Pentax, who?"
 
Cindy2461 said:
I have been a long time Pentax camera buff (more than 30 years in the Pentax world) with the K3 as my current camera. I started photography in college with a film Nikon and believe Nikon might be a better brand than Pentax.

So what do you think?
Click to expand...
I found a post that may interest you. User switched from Pentax to Nikon, see here.
 
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Since you have already been shooting Pentax for 30 years then go with the K1. You won't have to learn a new system. You are already using pentax lenses. You may have been bitten by the "Grass is Greener on the other side" bug. Yes the D850 is a great camera but is the switch worth it? Oh as to the D850 AF problems, sounds like something posted by a non nikon owner.
 
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T O Shooter said:
There are no or few cons to an 850. It amazes me that anyone shoots Pentax in the first place. If they were that great the questions would not be "Pentax, who?"
Click to expand...
Pentax, "who?", you never heard of them? THE best weather sealed camera in the world? THE camera company that gives you way more for your buck when it comes to innovative features without charging an arm and a leg?
T O Shooter said:
And as you said, you have no FF Pentax lenses.

I'd buy an 810 if you're concerned about $$$. They are dirt cheap now and it would still be "Pentax, who?"

--
A Canon G5 and a bit of Nikon gear.
---------------------------
Nobody paints like that anymore either. But it can't be wrong to try - Bob Dylan
Click to expand...
To the OP, I shoot both Nikon D4 and K1. I like both cameras and I'm sure the newer D850 has fantastic IQ as well. I haven't played with one because til this day none of my local camera store have one on display and it looks like the camera is selling like hot cakes.

Nikon does have much more lens selection, hands down, so that is something you personally have to consider and figure out which focal length lenses you need and see if both pentax and Nikon has what you need.

I just got the K1 not too long ago, and I chose it over a Nikon D810. The K1 is a superior camera compared to the 810 and a much better value IMHO. I purchased the K1 body with the pentax 24-70 2.8 for less than $3K during a no tax free shipping sale and saved hundreds. Not too long ago I got a sigma 85 1.4 as well. To make it short, the K1 is outstanding and at a bargain price. IBIS is sooooooo useful for low light situations as well and I have used it and it is a wonderful thing to have. I noticed that even at decent high shutter speeds some of my images were blurry when IBIS was turned off, so now I just leave it ON all the time and I'm getting better results. With 36MP and above I would never buy a camera WITHOUT IBIS, unless the lenses have it. A big bonus from pentax there, and yes, the D850 cons is no IBIS with such high amount of MP, and it is very expensive.

As for the OP's personal application for wild life, I cannot say if the K1 will provide what's needed. I don't shoot wild life and don't shoot in AF-C with my K1 and the only thing I have "heard" is that the K1 is "okay" for AF-C, but obviously the D850 will smoke the K1 for AF. It really depends what your skills and expectations are.

At first I too was not very excited when I learned that the K1 doesn't have so many AF points, but after using it I was actually surprised how well placed they are and I have never had issues with the amount of AF points. The K1 AF points placement are not cramped up on the center like some Nikon FF cameras. Either way, the D850 wins in the AF department.

If the OP is already familiar with pentax then I would recommend to get the K1, if the lenses needed for it are available. I personally don't care about "how many" lenses Nikon or canon has available, as long as pentax has THE actual lenses that I need, that's all it matters. I stopped buying lenses just for the heck of it, I used to have more than a dozen, and now I just really need four or five at the most, the ones that I truly need and use.

Good luck to the OP :-)
 
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Reading through comments regarding auto focus problems out of the box on Nikon D850. Read on this site.
 
Thanks for your advice and hands on experience with the K1...wondering if I don't have the "glass is always greener" now. Appreciate your feedback.
 
One thing to consider is that there are very few third-party lenses for Pentax cameras, both FF and APS-C. I switched from Pentax to a Nikon D7100 several years ago in order to take advantage of the excellent Sigma 17-50 and 50-150 2.8 image stabilized lenses, which I still use with very good results. If you are considering the purchase of a something from the Sigma Art series line, then the 850 might be a bit more 'future proof'.

[Ducking and running for cover from the 'buy only Nikon lenses' crowd]

Good luck with your decision -- both are excellent cameras.

-- Darrell
 
Cindy2461 said:
I have been a long time Pentax camera buff (more than 30 years in the Pentax world) with the K3 as my current camera. I started photography in college with a film Nikon and believe Nikon might be a better brand than Pentax.

So what do you think?

Does Nikon have better glass than Pentax? Does Nikon have better technology than Pentax? What will give me better results?

After researching the Pentax K1 and the Nikon D850 I am on the fence as to which will best serve my needs. I shoot a lot of wildlife as well as landscapes and family. I have sold a few pictures but photography is more of a hobby for me.

Both cameras are full frames and have great reviews. They are very close on their specs...

https://www.dpreview.com/products/c...tax_k3&products=pentax_k1&products=nikon_d850

Nikon D850:

Pros:

the number of focal points blows away Pentax K1

More pixels translate to sharper images?

Cons:

No image stabilization (all my Pentax have this)

Worried about the auto focus problems on the Nikon D850
Click to expand...
What auto focus problems? I would bet that the AF on the Nikon is better than on the Pentax.
Cindy2461 said:
I would need to be buy all new lens

No camera to test or hold as everything is on backorder

Pentax K1:

Pros:

Image stabilization is a real plus

Could still use my old Pentax lenses (and I have a bunch) although they are not full frame lens. So would need to buy a couple new lenses.

Already familiar with the camera from past experience.

More price competitive and available (about a $1,000 cheaper for the Pentax K1 base camera)

Can get my hands on this camera today!

Cons:

less pixels than Nikon

Dramatically less focal points with auto focus

I need help with my decision as this is a large expenditure for me. If I am going all out for the full frame camera, do I leave Pentax and jump into Nikon. Does this give me more technology and better results?

Please share your thoughts and expertise...thanks!
Click to expand...
 
I would buy what works for you cause the same can say Canon is better, Fuji or Panasonic or Sony.

For Nikon and Canon to my knowledge you will find the most accessaries/comprehensive native to each.

Next depends how much patience you have and if you are a researcher. What is a deal breaker etc.

IMO you want to know the cons or bad about a given item and determine if it is a nit pick or has merit. Then I do a Apples to Apples comparison.

I have and I will never ever base my decision on a cart or graph. The resulting image looks good or it does not to me

Next is handling and menu system. So user experience is important.

When I shot with Fuji X these cameras are pretty small and if a hand grip did not exist to make the camera more comfortable to hold that would be a deal breaker for me regardless of the other goods.

Pictures on the computer are not a great feel, ya really got to get this stuff in your hands anyway you can even if you have to make a return

http://www.imaging-resource.com
 
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Cindy2461 said:
Thanks for your advice and hands on experience with the K1...wondering if I don't have the "glass is always greener" now. Appreciate your feedback.
Click to expand...
The bottom line is to get what you need to get the job done, what you are happy with, at the lowest possible price. If price is not an issue then get whatever you are pleased with. All cameras have advantages and disadvantages and there is no perfect one out there and no one can tell you that the pentax or Nikon will work best for you. Is really a personal situation ;-)
 
Cindy2461 said:
Reading through comments regarding auto focus problems out of the box on Nikon D850. Read on this site.
Click to expand...
Well, about everyone raves about the D850 AF. There are always some other voices but they must be an absolute minority.

Best thing to do IMO would be to rent the body and a nice lens once it becomes available and see how you like it. Spec sheets only go so far.
 
Is about money and comes out of it

If is just fun and you feel that is a high expenditure, you just got yourself an answer
 
Cindy2461 said:
I have been a long time Pentax camera buff (more than 30 years in the Pentax world) with the K3 as my current camera. I started photography in college with a film Nikon and believe Nikon might be a better brand than Pentax.

So what do you think?

Does Nikon have better glass than Pentax? Does Nikon have better technology than Pentax? What will give me better results?

After researching the Pentax K1 and the Nikon D850 I am on the fence as to which will best serve my needs. I shoot a lot of wildlife as well as landscapes and family. I have sold a few pictures but photography is more of a hobby for me.

Both cameras are full frames and have great reviews. They are very close on their specs...

https://www.dpreview.com/products/c...tax_k3&products=pentax_k1&products=nikon_d850

Nikon D850:

Pros:

the number of focal points blows away Pentax K1

More pixels translate to sharper images?

Cons:

No image stabilization (all my Pentax have this)

Worried about the auto focus problems on the Nikon D850

I would need to be buy all new lens

No camera to test or hold as everything is on backorder

Pentax K1:

Pros:

Image stabilization is a real plus

Could still use my old Pentax lenses (and I have a bunch) although they are not full frame lens. So would need to buy a couple new lenses.

Already familiar with the camera from past experience.

More price competitive and available (about a $1,000 cheaper for the Pentax K1 base camera)

Can get my hands on this camera today!

Cons:

less pixels than Nikon

Dramatically less focal points with auto focus

I need help with my decision as this is a large expenditure for me. If I am going all out for the full frame camera, do I leave Pentax and jump into Nikon. Does this give me more technology and better results?

Please share your thoughts and expertise...thanks!
Click to expand...
I like you am originally a Pentaxian....Started with M42 screw type film Cams in the 70s(still have my Vivitar SL 220), ME, ZX-30 and 645.....graduated to Digital Pentax Kx, DL, K20D, K5. Got tired of waiting for the Pentax Full Frame, jumped to Nikon (because NASA uses Nikon) with the D600 - tons of issues but Nikon did right by me and got a full refund. Replace it with a D800e , added the D7100 , sold it, got the D750, D500 and now the D850....Started gifting my Pentax bodies and lenses to the Kids....still have my favorite K20D + several lenses (35FAMacro , 49 FA + SDMs-bad AF Motors). The Nikons have given me what I was looking for.

Nikon Systems works for me - 42 1st place challenge winners, recognitions from

National Geographic Your shot

http://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/photos/7358631/ ,

Tamron Article

http://www.tamron-usa.com/enews/archives/2017/jun17_buhay.html , Hall of fame with

Nikonimages.com

Loading…

www.nikonimages.com

etc....

I should have jumped ship a long time ago....

--
 
Cindy2461 said:
I have been a long time Pentax camera buff (more than 30 years in the Pentax world) with the K3 as my current camera. I started photography in college with a film Nikon and believe Nikon might be a better brand than Pentax.

So what do you think?

Does Nikon have better glass than Pentax? Does Nikon have better technology than Pentax? What will give me better results?

After researching the Pentax K1 and the Nikon D850 I am on the fence as to which will best serve my needs. I shoot a lot of wildlife as well as landscapes and family. I have sold a few pictures but photography is more of a hobby for me.
Click to expand...
I suggest that the decision should be based on the optics available to cover your use cases.

The Nikon lineup is huge, and in addition, most third-party optics are made in F-mount versions.

Do you have Pentax lenses which will cover wildlife and landscapes as well as what you can find for Nikon bodies?

Personally, I'm waiting for the D850 to become generally available. Patience in this case, could certainly be a blessing.
 
IBIS is only good with short lenses. With long lenses it is actually a con. Also IBIS is known to generate heat inside the body.
 
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