Yet another which DSLR Question!

janmc

I'm about to invest in a decent DSLR, and I had it narrowed down to the Nikon D80 & the Pentax K10D, until I went into town today and the guy in the shop recommended the 8MP Canon 30D.

DPreview seems to suggest that the Nikon D80 is better than the K10D in terms of image sharpness, and the Canon 30D gets pretty good reviews everywhere.

The thing is though, that I found the Canon 30D the best camera in my hands. The price difference isn't that much on Kea Photo between the Canon and the Nikon (although it was €600 in the shop!). Then in Pixels, they recommended the Pentax.

So, I'm opening it to the floor. What do you think I should go for?

ThOnda

I voted for K10D. If I haven't had already two PENTAX bodies and some lenses, I would buy 30D. I am ashamed to admit that, but yes, 30D looks good and feels good in my hands. But PENTAX is PENTAX. You can't beat it. And all those weather seals, image stabilisation in body (i.e. for all Pentax lenses 40 years back) and the controls I am used to and I really love.

janmc

Anyone have a comment on the 8MP vs the 10MP on the Nikon & Pentax?

Roen

I'd nearly get a Pentax to get at their back catalogue of lenses, especially the 85mm ƒ1.4 SMC but I had to go with Canon. You can always mount almost any lens on a Canon
I think you already answered your own question anyway. It feels good in your hands. Get your self a grip and you'll never let go of it.

MooseJam

I voted for Canon because of the add "You can with a Canon", however I know nothing about photography

ThOnda

8 or 10 MPX is not very big difference. You can print any size of poster with both of the data. Although I hate to crop, I have to almost all the time. And that's the moment when 10 MPX is an advantage.
And really, if you have the possibility of choice, go to some big shop and try all three cameras in your hands. Pentax just fits in my hands like baby onto a pisspot.

BrianD3

Pentax K10D, I think this camera is identical to the Samsung GX10 and uses the same lenses. Old Pentax lenses can also be used with the Samsung. You would want to research this for yourself first.

Just looking at amazon uk
Pentax K10D with twin lens kit is £738
Samsung GX10 with same kit is £599

Eirebear

ThOnda wrote:

I voted for K10D. If I haven't had already two PENTAX bodies and some lenses, I would buy 30D. I am ashamed to admit that, but yes, 30D looks good and feels good in my hands. But PENTAX is PENTAX. You can't beat it. And all those weather seals, image stabilisation in body (i.e. for all Pentax lenses 40 years back) and the controls I am used to and I really love.

How does that affect lens prices? if the IS isnt needed on the lens then sureley that would make them a little cheaper?

I used Pentax when i was younger and shooting with film, but ive always used canon digital.

ThOnda

The prices are not based on construction or materials. It is only marketing decision. But, having simplier lenses, you should have cheaper lenses. And buying older but superb quality Pentax lenses on e-bay is wonderful sport. I have bought Pentax camera with four lenses. One of them was 50/2. I payed for all 100 Euro shipping costs included. That single lense could have price also those 100 yo-yos.
So if you have some older Pentax lenses, buy K10D or GX10. The same cameras, but you don't pay for the PENTAX exclusive brand :-)

Eirebear

ThOnda wrote:

The prices are not based on construction or materials. It is only marketing decision. But, having simplier lenses, you should have cheaper lenses. And buying older but superb quality Pentax lenses on e-bay is wonderful sport. I have bought Pentax camera with four lenses. One of them was 50/2. I payed for all 100 Euro shipping costs included. That single lense could have price also those 100 yo-yos.
So if you have some older Pentax lenses, buy K10D or GX10. The same cameras, but you don't pay for the PENTAX exclusive brand :-)

Interesting...i'm gonna need to root through my old stuff at my folks and hope they havnt given it to anyone (i remember instructing them to do so when i was about 20 or so and had given up on photography for a while!)
Thanks for that.

janmc

BrianD3 wrote:

Pentax K10D, I think this camera is identical to the Samsung GX10 and uses the same lenses. Old Pentax lenses can also be used with the Samsung. You would want to research this for yourself first.

I checked out dpreview on this, and it seems to be the case. Now I have a fourth camera to add to the list :rolleyes:

Thanks for the heads up.