First DLSR - Km now, K20D replacement later?

Hi folks, I've been lurking here and elsewhere for a couple of weeks now in anticipation of buying my first DSLR. I've decided on Pentax for a couple of reasons, partly because I don't like being white and covered in wool... and also because I like the idea of being able to use 20 year old lenses with added shake reduction etc

Anyway, with the gap in models being speculated on with the K20D being discontinued and the K7 entering the market, my problem is I don't want to be caught out buying my brand new DSLR only for it to be replaced in 2 or 3 months time...

So, do you think it would be worthwhile for me to buy a (relatively) cheap Km now so that I can start out with my lens collection etc and then upgrade at a later date when a K20D replacement body comes along? Frankly I'm sick of my Finepix point and shoot, and don't want to wait any longer!

Any advice appreciated

Hi Pete,
Just look at the spec of the 2 bodies and then make your decision, if you just want a camera for general use or new to DSLR the Km will do you well, but just because the K20 is being replaced at some time, don't let that put you off, many members are using K10's and just try to prise it out of their hands.
I will still be using my K20 for quite a while yet, just because there is a new model does not make my camera rubbish and at the moment the K20 has never been so good a buy £519 at SRS.
And 1st June prices go up.

Value for money has to go to the K20D.

You could look at it another way and take advantage of the K20D's imminent end of production as a bonus because it'll drop in price even more I feel before it becomes unavailable.

Chances are when a K20D replacement is announced you'll decide it's too expensive and wait for the price to come down. Then you'll find that one will be due for replacement and wait some more, and so it goes.

Go for the K20D now and enjoy it, that's my recommendation.

EDIT: If you live within easy reach of Watford, visit www.srsmicrosystems.com and try them both out. Be warned though, it's an photographer's Aladins cave and I doubt you'll be able to walk out of there without spending some money.

Hi Pete,
Interesting dilemma. I guess it depends on where you want to step into the Pentax hierarchy
You could go for the K-m which is a stunning compact and well build entry level D-SLR which as well as being easy to get accustomed to is also a very capable tool.
Or you could pick up the K20D (which really needs no introduction) at the current amazing (bargain) price point.
I guess when you say 'wait for the K20D replacement' you mean the mid level D-SLR which is slotting in between the K-7 and Km later this year?

I think if you don't want to buy a model that is being phased out then the Km is the choice. Having said that it might be worth trying both out both the K20D and Km to see what you think

I would buy the K-m and a couple (or 3) of nice lenses.
Coming from a P&S the K-m will be a major step up anyway and then look at something else in about 12 months time when more should be known about what is coming.

Hi Pete,

Quick question, when you say point and shoot, is it a little compact or bridge camera you are currently using?
It's just that some bridge cameras afford a reasonable level of manual control which you may have played about with.
In that case the K20D might not be such a big (daunting step

Oh it's a point and shoot, pure and simple - it has a few 'modes' for different lighting situations etc but no aperture or shutter control at all.

I have Friday afternoon off work so I'm going to go to a certain store in Watford to have a play and make my decision...

(can I just mention that, although it was a long time ago I do have some SLR experience - I have an O level in photography as it happens i.e. I can process b&w film and develop b&w prints from negs, and did so to get my qualification - those chemicals were nasty lol)

Don't forget there is a price rise due on the 1st June! SRS are buying as much stock as they can before then, so they maybe able to hold current prices longer than expected, but go up they will! That makes the K20D even more attractive!

To be honest there is no right or wrong with the question, but if you do get hooked, which I'm sure you will, you may regret not going straight to the K20D!

The K20D is a fine camera and one that will take you decade to full master so you don't have to worry, when you buy a K20D by the time you will look for something better you might be loking for the K-8 most likely.

The K20D is quite a dive into photography though, your photos won't be the greatest the first one or two months since you need to master the beast. It's like trying to drive a F1 car for the first time. The first round will probable be much slower then the time you can set with your own family car but when you get more skilled the family car is no match for the F1.

The K-M is a beast that has been tamed, probable after a week you get better photos then with your point & shoot but in the end might not learn so much then what you'll from the K20D.

So if you go from the K-M to K-7 grade camera you'll need to learn some more, there is a gap between the two. If you want to take it on holiday this summer you're to behonest too late to buy a DSLR, you won't be able to get the best out of it but with the K-M you might be able to pull it off though but with the K20D you'll need to do a crash course.

Another daft question - I'm probably going to nip up to Watford tomorrow, but do SRS honour their web prices in the shop or do they charge extra? I'm not absolutely desparate to get hold of the kit so (with the free delivery to forum users) would I be better off ordering online?

Nope, same price in store. And definately take the trip up, have a play with both if you are still unsure, makes decisions easier. You get to play with some DA* lenses too if your wallet can stomach it!

DA* lenses might be a bit to much to begin with but indeed have a play with them, they feel very nice in your hands.
Also try some limiteds, certainly the FA if he has them..

Also you might wanna go the 6th if you've the time and also tryout the K-7. It might be worth to wait a month for that maybe.

Thanks again for the advice guys - the K7 is very definitely out of my price range at the moment, and if by some strange quirk of fate I end up going home with a DA* lens tomrrow then I'll have to survive the whole of June on three slices of bread and two small tins of baked beans , so perhaps its best to stick with the kit lens for now...

I do have definite plans for the FA 50mm and DA 55-300mm lenses in a month's time however, if all goes according to plan...

No. There won't be any urgent reason to upgrade immediately a K20D replacement is introduced. Budget is clearly a factor for you as you are not considering the K-7. You get best value for money by being deliberately "behind the times" a bit because camera models get cheaper as they get older. Now is a good time to buy a K20D.

My advice, go play with them. The shop in question is more than happy to let you try things out. You might find you prefer the smaller size and lighter weight of the K-m or you might prefer the control the dual wheel set-up gives you on the K20D. I, personally, am waiting for the glut of second hand K20Ds as people who need the latest gadget buy the K-7 Meanwhile, as someone said, you'd be hard pushed to prise the K10D out of my hands. As to the kit lens, they are highly variable. Mine is great and I use it quite a bit, others have had poorer examples, or perhaps I should say examples which are poorly matched to their body.

Best wishes, Kris.