DSLR Camera Recommendations

[Neville Bailey]

Since I started using a DSLR camera about two years ago, I have only used an oldish Pentax camera that I bought off my father then. It has served me very well during my never-ending learning phase of photography.

However, I am now itching to get a more modern DSLR camera, but I am so confused as to which one I should get.

Any suggestions/recommendations?

[Neville Bailey]

I should have added that when changing camera brands, one usually has to buy all the lenses for the new brand, which can be quite costly!

As a Pentax user, I have quite a few Pentax compatible lenses which would become useless to me if I migrated to Nikon or Canon, so I need to look at the new generation Pentax cameras as an option.

Just thought I would throw this into the discussion when you come up with your recommendations.

[adrianh]

It all comes down to how much money you are willing to spend. More money = faster "shutter speed" yes I know it doesn't have a shutter but this roughly translates to pictures per second, higher resolution, longer lasting batteries, faster response from autofocus lenses and flashes etc

There is so much more to these cameras than pixel count. To me one of the most important criteria is capture speed and recovery speed. How quickly does it take the picture from you hitting the button to you being able to hit the button again. It is useless to have a 50 megapixel camera that takes 3 seconds to set itself up when you hit the button and then takes 2 seconds to store the data. You can only effectively take action shots with a fast camera, lens and flash.

[IMHO]

I have quite a few Pentax compatible lenses

Sell it!

[wynn]

I am sure there are adaptors you can buy to adapt any lense from pentax to the camera you choose, check if it is available before you don't buy the camera that best suits you.

[Lynda]

Hi Neville, personally I would take my kit along to a reputable camera shop and have a chat with a salesperson about the compatability of the lenses etc. You're under no obligation to purchase at that point and at least you will know what is available to you. Sometimes one tends to keep a lot of lenses that are never put to use, so purchasing converters for them wouldn't be worthwhile e.g. I have a standard 50mm lens, a 70-300mm, and 24-200mm and find that I mainly use the 24-200mm as it covers the range I need.

[Neville Bailey]

Thanks for the replies so far.

I must say that I am leaning more and more towards staying with Pentax, and I am looking at the Pentax K-5II in particular, which has had excellent reviews.

My motivation for doing so is partly because of the Pentax lens collection I already have and partly because I am a rebel at heart and don't like following the lemmings...

My gut feeling is that Pentax is technically no less superior to Nikon and Canon - it's just that Nikon and Canon have been so much more effective in their marketing.

I still have over a month before I need to make a final decision, so I am still open to suggestions.

[IMHO]

I still have over a month before I need to make a final decision, so I am still open to suggestions.

Do some research here:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/

[Chrisjan B]

All I can say: It's never as easy as it looks....


My wife is a photographer and each purchase sets in motion a chain reaction - do your research slowly and make very sure of each detail as the devil is in the details....

[Neville Bailey]

The time has come and, after much agonising and tons of research, I have just ordered a Pentax K5II DSLR, together with a 18-135mm WR lens.

Can't wait for it to arrive!

[Neville Bailey]

She has arrived at last, after spending a frustrating three days in customs!

BIG learning curve coming up...

Watch this space.

[adrianh]

Cool...nothing better than having a new toy to play with!

[Dave A]

BIG learning curve coming up...

Given the expertise you've demonstrated with your existing camera, that must be quite some new toy then!