Pentax K200D

Irishwhistle · 01-14-2009, 01:51 AM

How far will the Pentax K200D get me... currently I have a S700... I've always leaned toward either the Canon or Nikon side of things, but now I'm starting to look at Pentax and Sony more... the K200D especially stuck out at me.

Now is you chance Vroom!

Irishwhistle · 01-14-2009, 03:20 AM

Or I could go for a K10D for $400 (refurbished, body only) off Amazon... I know Bob likes his.

**vroom_skies** · 01-14-2009, 04:12 AM

How far do you want to go lol?
Almost every shot of mine has been done with the K10D, so it can do all that lol.
The K200D is no slouch either.
Both can most likely bring you where ever you want to go.

The main difference is that the K10D is a more robust camera and was geared towards the prosumer market, while the K200D is geared towards the consumer market.

The K200D should be equal to the K10D in terms of IQ & noise control, since the K10D was last generation tech.

If you want a camera that is more user friendly get the K200D. If you want one that has a more "professional" feel lol, then you'll be better off with the K10D.

Bob

**vroom_skies** · 01-14-2009, 04:15 AM

Actually get the K10D.
I forgot the K200D doesn't have the front e-dial. I would die w/o that lol.

Irishwhistle · 01-14-2009, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vroom_skies

How far do you want to go lol?
Almost every shot of mine has been done with the K10D, so it can do all that lol.
The K200D is no slouch either.
Both can most likely bring you where ever you want to go.

The main difference is that the K10D is a more robust camera and was geared towards the prosumer market, while the K200D is geared towards the consumer market.

The K200D should be equal to the K10D in terms of IQ & noise control, since the K10D was last generation tech.

If you want a camera that is more user friendly get the K200D. If you want one that has a more "professional" fell lol, then you'll be better off with the K10D.

Bob

At least advanced amateur... and possibly even turn it into a career.

Who knows what'll happen between now and the time I buy though... they may come out with the K30D and K300D... I probably/hopefully be buying late spring/early summer so we'll see what happens... I'm really liking the looks of the Pentax DSLRs. The two reasons I'm drawn to them are the better body construction and the top LCD.

I'm tending to lean to the K200D even though I do want the pro feel...

Jet · 01-14-2009, 04:22 AM

I got my Canon 30D body for $405 and Sigma 18-200mm OS for $300 off of eBay, and couldn't be more pleased with it.

Out of all my searching, the most helpful tip I found was to invest in lenses, not bodies. The reason is because lenses don't often get outdated, while bodies do every 18 months or so--therefore lenses don't depreciate nearly as fast as bodies do. That's one of the reasons I chose Canon--I knew that they would be around, and there seems to be much more demand for Canon lenses. I spent a good amount on a lens--not too much, but enough to get something quality.

Also, I looked at bodies---a lot. Yes, I mainly looked at Nikon and Canon. Nikons, no doubt, are great bodies--but I feel like there are a lot of compromises in the $350 to $450 range--it's too much for a D40 (which doesn't have legacy lens support)--but it is too little for the D80--which is the first really high quality "prosumer" model they have.

On the Canon side, the scene isn't terribly different--except for the 30D. At $400, it's a whole lot less than the D80 at $500--and still has the features that I really care about--dual wheel control and dedicated buttons for easy access to all the main settings, as well as a separate readout on top for the settings. Also, great detail and little noise. That extra $100 is another $100 you can spend on a quality lens--where the money really counts.

Anyway. Just sharing my experience.

Irishwhistle · 01-14-2009, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vroom_skies

Actually get the K10D.
I forgot the K200D doesn't have the front e-dial. I would die w/o that lol.

What's that do? lol

Irishwhistle · 01-14-2009, 04:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jet

I got my Canon 30D body for $405 and Sigma 18-200mm OS for $300 off of eBay, and couldn't be more pleased with it.

Out of all my searching, the most helpful tip I found was to invest in lenses, not bodies. The reason is because lenses don't often get outdated, while bodies do every 18 months or so--therefore lenses don't depreciate nearly as fast as bodies do. That's one of the reasons I chose Canon--I knew that they would be around, and there seems to be much more demand for Canon lenses. I spent a good amount on a lens--not too much, but enough to get something quality.

Also, I looked at bodies---a lot. Yes, I mainly looked at Nikon and Canon. Nikons, no doubt, are great bodies--but I feel like there are a lot of compromises in the $350 to $450 range--it's too much for a D40 (which doesn't have legacy lens support)--but it is too little for the D80--which is the first really high quality "prosumer" model they have.

On the Canon side, the scene isn't terribly different--except for the 30D. At $400, it's a whole lot less than the D80 at $500--and still has the features that I really care about--dual wheel control and dedicated buttons for easy access to all the main settings, as well as a separate readout on top for the settings. Also, great detail and little noise. That extra $100 is another $100 you can spend on a quality lens--where the money really counts.

Anyway. Just sharing my experience.

Thanks! The 30D is indeed a nice body...

**vroom_skies** · 01-14-2009, 04:37 AM

We'll, you can customize them to control what ever you want.
I shoot manual, and have the default controls, which has the front e-dial control the shutter speed and the rear e-dial controlling aperture.

In response to Jet, that's true, glass is where you want to spend the real money.
However, you need a body that works for you and feels great in your hands so that you will actually want to go shooting.
I for one wouldn't mind throwing down a little more to get a body I really want.

I've held a fair amount of cameras including D40, XTI, XSI, 30D, D70, plus extensive use with the D80 & many more. The K10D in my hands honestly feels in a league above those. I can't tell you how "right" this camera feels, it really is a pleasure to use.

So Irish, you really do have to hold the camera if you can before buying it, but I have no problem recommending Pentax's line up.

O also, unless you're going to be shooting above 300mm, Pentax has a great lens line up. Sure they don't have as many options as some, but I'd rather have quality glass then just out right quantity. Further more, if you like using primes, Pentax can't be beat.

Bob

Irishwhistle · 01-14-2009, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vroom_skies

We'll, you can customize them to control what ever you want.
I shoot manual, and have the default controls, which has the front e-dial control the shutter speed and the rear e-dial controlling aperture.

In response to Jet, that's true, glass is where you want to spend the real money.
However, you need a body that works for you and feels great in your hands so that you will actually want to go shooting.
I for one wouldn't mind throwing down a little more to get a body I really want.

I've held a fair amount of cameras including D40, XTI, XSI, 30D, D70, plus extensive use with the D80 & many more. The K10D in my hands honestly feels in a league above those. I can't tell you how "right" this camera feels, it really is a pleasure to use.

So Irish, you really do have to hold the camera if you can before buying it, but I have no problem recommending Pentax's line up.

O also, unless you're going to be shooting above 300mm, Pentax has a great lens line up. Sure they don't have as many options as some, but I'd rather have quality glass then just out right quantity. Further more, if you like using primes, Pentax can't be beat.

Bob

If only Pentax bodies used Canon glass...

I like how Pentax bodies are built as much as I hate how lower end Canon bodies are built.

I'm gonna have to go to a good camera store sometime... problem is I live in a really small area.

I'm not too crazy about primes, but whateva'

Jordan

01-14-2009, 01:51 AM	#1 (permalink)
Irishwhistle Diamond Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Michigan, USA Posts: 4,434	Pentax K200D How far will the Pentax K200D get me... currently I have a S700... I've always leaned toward either the Canon or Nikon side of things, but now I'm starting to look at Pentax and Sony more... the K200D especially stuck out at me. Now is you chance Vroom! __________________ Desktop / MSI Wind U100 Netbook AMD 64 X2 2.6GHz / Intel Atom 1.6GHz 2GB DDR2 800 RAM / 1GB DDR2 667 RAM 9600GT 512MB GDDR3 GPU / Intel GMA950 ASUS M3A76-CM / Intel 945GSE Chipset 120GB IDE HDD (lol) / 160GB HDD

01-14-2009, 03:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
Irishwhistle Diamond Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Michigan, USA Posts: 4,434	Or I could go for a K10D for $400 (refurbished, body only) off Amazon... I know Bob likes his. __________________ Desktop / MSI Wind U100 Netbook AMD 64 X2 2.6GHz / Intel Atom 1.6GHz 2GB DDR2 800 RAM / 1GB DDR2 667 RAM 9600GT 512MB GDDR3 GPU / Intel GMA950 ASUS M3A76-CM / Intel 945GSE Chipset 120GB IDE HDD (lol) / 160GB HDD

01-14-2009, 04:12 AM	#3 (permalink)
vroom_skies Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: CT Posts: 2,778	How far do you want to go lol? Almost every shot of mine has been done with the K10D, so it can do all that lol. The K200D is no slouch either. Both can most likely bring you where ever you want to go. The main difference is that the K10D is a more robust camera and was geared towards the prosumer market, while the K200D is geared towards the consumer market. The K200D should be equal to the K10D in terms of IQ & noise control, since the K10D was last generation tech. If you want a camera that is more user friendly get the K200D. If you want one that has a more "professional" feel lol, then you'll be better off with the K10D. Bob __________________ www.rsiphoto.com My Flickr Winner of the photography tournament theme: Flowers, Sunsets, Water Scapes, Blurs 2.0, Lightning/Fireworks, Vivid, Flowers in an Abstract Art Form, Waterways, PC Inurds, Most Confusing Image, Fire, Artificial lighting & Rocks. Last edited by vroom_skies; 01-14-2009 at 04:38 AM.

01-14-2009, 04:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
vroom_skies Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: CT Posts: 2,778	Actually get the K10D. I forgot the K200D doesn't have the front e-dial. I would die w/o that lol. __________________ www.rsiphoto.com My Flickr Winner of the photography tournament theme: Flowers, Sunsets, Water Scapes, Blurs 2.0, Lightning/Fireworks, Vivid, Flowers in an Abstract Art Form, Waterways, PC Inurds, Most Confusing Image, Fire, Artificial lighting & Rocks.

01-14-2009, 04:22 AM	#6 (permalink)
Jet VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 5,500	I got my Canon 30D body for $405 and Sigma 18-200mm OS for $300 off of eBay, and couldn't be more pleased with it. Out of all my searching, the most helpful tip I found was to invest in lenses, not bodies. The reason is because lenses don't often get outdated, while bodies do every 18 months or so--therefore lenses don't depreciate nearly as fast as bodies do. That's one of the reasons I chose Canon--I knew that they would be around, and there seems to be much more demand for Canon lenses. I spent a good amount on a lens--not too much, but enough to get something quality. Also, I looked at bodies---a lot. Yes, I mainly looked at Nikon and Canon. Nikons, no doubt, are great bodies--but I feel like there are a lot of compromises in the $350 to $450 range--it's too much for a D40 (which doesn't have legacy lens support)--but it is too little for the D80--which is the first really high quality "prosumer" model they have. On the Canon side, the scene isn't terribly different--except for the 30D. At $400, it's a whole lot less than the D80 at $500--and still has the features that I really care about--dual wheel control and dedicated buttons for easy access to all the main settings, as well as a separate readout on top for the settings. Also, great detail and little noise. That extra $100 is another $100 you can spend on a quality lens--where the money really counts. Anyway. Just sharing my experience. __________________ http://www.joshualongeneckerphotography.com

01-14-2009, 04:37 AM	#9 (permalink)
vroom_skies Moderator Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: CT Posts: 2,778	We'll, you can customize them to control what ever you want. I shoot manual, and have the default controls, which has the front e-dial control the shutter speed and the rear e-dial controlling aperture. In response to Jet, that's true, glass is where you want to spend the real money. However, you need a body that works for you and feels great in your hands so that you will actually want to go shooting. I for one wouldn't mind throwing down a little more to get a body I really want. I've held a fair amount of cameras including D40, XTI, XSI, 30D, D70, plus extensive use with the D80 & many more. The K10D in my hands honestly feels in a league above those. I can't tell you how "right" this camera feels, it really is a pleasure to use. So Irish, you really do have to hold the camera if you can before buying it, but I have no problem recommending Pentax's line up. O also, unless you're going to be shooting above 300mm, Pentax has a great lens line up. Sure they don't have as many options as some, but I'd rather have quality glass then just out right quantity. Further more, if you like using primes, Pentax can't be beat. Bob __________________ www.rsiphoto.com My Flickr Winner of the photography tournament theme: Flowers, Sunsets, Water Scapes, Blurs 2.0, Lightning/Fireworks, Vivid, Flowers in an Abstract Art Form, Waterways, PC Inurds, Most Confusing Image, Fire, Artificial lighting & Rocks. Last edited by vroom_skies; 01-14-2009 at 04:42 AM.

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