k20 or kx

hi
i am thinking about getting a spare body do i go for a secondhand k20
or go for a kx body both about the same price at srs
neil

There is a great deal to be said for having two of the same. Whichever you pick up, you don't have to worry about how they differ.

So, unless you are loaded, I'd go for a second (and second-hand) K200D. Any money saved could go into your Limited lens sinking fund. Good lenses will do more for your pictures than different bodies.

G

I agree with George, two bodies exactly the same are easier to work with than two different models. That's why I've stayed with two K10s rather than upgrade to K20 or K7. The second K10 was a refurb. bought from SRS and it was excellent value.
The money saved went on better lenses - and again George is correct, lenses can do more for picture quality than camera bodies.
David

hi
thanks i was thinking about getting a second k200 body
will have a look for one
neil

On this one I'll throw my hat with the Kx.
You know what you get with the K200D, with the Kx you'd be missing the top LCD and weather sealing.

I owned a K100D and thought that I'd miss the top LCD, I don't; weather sealing I can't comment on.
What I like about the Kx v K100D (and K200D I suppose), the Kx doesn't seem to be such a dust magnet sensor-wise, extra MP, digital filters and in camera HDR and editing, AMAZING high ISO performance, plus video. I could go on.

At the end of the day the Kx is a modern camera, whilst the K200D isn't. By saying this it doesn't mean that one is 'better' than the other.

I really enjoyed my K100D, but the Kx allows me to do things which previously I couldn't.

BTW, I've never used/handled a K200D, but from what I gather it shares the same body/menus as the K100D.

Regards
Adrian

I have a GX20 & a k-x, having used both to cover the Glastonbury Festival this weekend, I would & I am looking to swap my k-x for another GX20, due to the high dust at this weeks Glastonbury I just couldn't take it out with me. The k-x is still a fantastic camera, but not for my needs.

Pluses for k-x

Excellent high ISO abilities
Small & lightweight
Video
Easy button access on back for ISO, WB
Smaller image files, quicker to transfer

Disadvantages of k-x

No top LCD
No dust or weather seal
No front dial
No grip option
Viewfinder meter is in numeric form not graphical
Smaller image files, less availability for cropping

Having compared final image quality, the GX20 is still better than the k-x

I currently have a K10D and I too am looking for a backup camera. My thought is to upgrade to the latest technology. My plan is to pick up a K7.

I've never owned a weather sealed body, so of course cannot comment on their usefulness/effectiveness. However IMO if the lenses also aren't WR isn't it like walking in the rain with a WR jacket and no WR trousers?

I'd go for the K-x, yes you'd have to be familiar with two slightly different cameras, but it would add a low-light capability which you wouldn't otherwise get.

I've recently bought a 2nd hand K10D to act as a 2nd body to my K20D.

I got fed up switching lenses and missed lots of good shots as a result.

I have to say I'm glad I did instead of getting a 2nd K20D. I can now take long exposures on the K10D (With the dreaded noise reduction black frame schmuck turned off ) and enjoy not having to wait for a further 30 seconds after a 30 second exposure. In fact I tested the difference between NR on and NR off on a 30sec exposure, small aperture shot in a well lit street and really couldn't tell any difference noise wise. The non NR shot actually looked better tonally. I wish the K20D could have it's black frame NR disabled.

Anyway having two bodies is excellent. the other boon from not having to switch lenses is not getting crap on the sensor every shoot.

I bought the k-x to use with my DA* 50-135mm for concert shoots, however for festival usage I was left with having to revert back to my GX20, which negated the point of having a k-x for me. The dust at Glastonbury this year was just shocking. So my next purchase will be another GX20 & a DA* 16-50mm

I would second a Kx as well ... with the K200D you already have a tough body for outdoor shooting ... and the Kx will give you the high ISO ability (for indoor stuff) and faster frame rates (for action) ... and between the two of them you will have most situations covered ...