K-30 decent backup to K-5II?

missing top screen not being an issue is the K-30 a decent backup do you think? as much as I adore the K-01 I like to have 2 cameras I can trust to do the job when shooting weddings and unfortunately (even though I have hit the street and got some brilliant results) the K-01 is not for me as a backup..

so K-30 or just plummet for another K-5II?

Thanks

Another k-5 mki or mkii

Can't beat working with matching bodies. I prefer to concentrate on my subjects and can only do that with matching bodies.

I used to think and be that way until I couldn't afford another 1dsmk2/3 so went with a 7d as a 2nd/backup and was perfectly fine with it.

I don't often need a back-up to the K5 but on the occasion that I have it's been in good light and I've used the boy's *ist-DS... Another K5 would be nice but the DS does ok in good light...

I would go with Cabstar on this. Yes you can use a K-30 but a matching body makes life a lot easier.

I use a K30 as a back up to my K5 with no real problem, the different batteries is a bit of a nuisance but not a show stopper.
I use the K30 with a 21mm Ltd for my walkaround kit, it's lighter than K5.

I also use a K30 alongside my K5. Its not a back up, they are equal partners as far as I'm concerned. A longish zoom lens on the K5 and a shorter one on the K30 means I'm not changing lenses all the time. That's a big issue in wet or cold weather.
I don't miss the top screen on the K30 and it doesn't bother me in the least that the controls are not identical. They produce equal quality images, better than any other Pentax bodies apart from the K5 developments.
David

PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout

But its for shooting weddings, for the price difference between the k-30 and even a secondhand k-5 from SRS its a no brainer.

brand new repackaged black K-30 from Amazon Warehouse £356.99, couldn't really pass it up, at that price if I find I have made the wrong decision its a sell on at not much of a loss I would have thought.

wish I could have got white at that price, would have been perfect for the brides half hour I do(give the bride a camera for a bit then make a collage of the picture she snapped, it goes down well)

It also occurred to me a white K30 would be ideal for shooting weddings.
David

PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout

well having used the k-30 for a week now I must say this has to be one of the most bargain shooters I have ever used, it just gets the job done, really impressed and at no point when switching between the k-5II and the k-30 did I get muddled up..

top stuff Pentax :thumbsup:

That is a good price.. £ 356.99 and free delivery...

Yup. when I bought my first K-5, I used my K20D as second body. Kept missing shots as kept forgetting which camera I was using. ending up buying a 2nd K-5 and selling the K20D

interesting thread this.
I have a K-7, have always planned on upgrading to the K-5. Then along came the K-30 which most people seem to pick over the K-5.

(I know the debate/topic has being discussed before) either would be a good backup I think, all boils down to if you prefer the top panel lcd and extra external controls.

Of course if you could afford another K5II...

I think thats the only thing that would bug me, it's irrational really but I dislike multiple chargers etc, the AA battery thing with the K30 is useful however and it would be a good idea to get the holder for that. If I was using it as a second shooter, I'd bet I'd forget to charge it the day before the wedding and it'd be flat if I suddenly needed it, (Batteries are only any good if you remember to charge em!) it's only got half the battery of the K5, so sort of a saftey for the saftey really.
I think the fact that your coming from the K5II and onto the K30 is the better way round as the K30 has a simpler interface, and your not having to learn too many new things, just forget that certain things are there at all as with your K5II...
I also got the feeling that the Autofocus on the K30 was a little better indoors than the original K5, it did have a Pentax "Mini" Autofocus update though. I tried my mates K30 recently, and that was the impression I got anyway...