Light weight Pentax dslr?

I've been using my k200d for a couple of years now and love it to bits, the problem I'm having at the minute is its weight. I'm currently having lots of physio for a wrist problem which I have been told is going to be long process,and holding my k200 is becoming quite painful.
I'm considiering buying a lighter dslr to combat this but my only experience with dslr cameras is the one I have. Can anyone point me in the right direction of a lighter alternative as I really dont want to jump ship and move to Nikon or Canon.
I'm not wanting to part with the k200d so I'm selling off some of my film cameras to fund this.

Thanks in advance

Pentax Q? Currently circa £230 on Amazon. Has just received a second firmware update. Not quite a DSLR but.... Or a K-01 body?

Dave

That's a bugger fourfivesix, I've got similar issues. I do creative things with both hands and let it hang from the shoulder strap as much as poss.
Q might indeed help

Pete

Given that Pentax are probably the most compact DSLRs around and hardly bulky or heavy, compared to the other marques, it looks like the Q is the possible solution.

I'd give a serious thought about the K 01. You can use all your lenses, so you'll be familiar with the coverage, and you won't have to invest in new lenses.

Also, the controls and functionality will be very close to the camera you already have, so getting used to the new camera will be easier.

The Q and K01 may well be contenders as others have suggested (love my Q).

However - if you are wanting to stick to a DSLR - let's not forget that the K200 is not one of the lightest - partially due to it's AA battery requirement.

The Kr is significantly lighter than the K200 (690g Vs 590g) and the Kx is marginally lighter than the Kr at 580 g - all of these weights include batteries.

Having owned a K200 and currently owning a Kr - I can honestly say that the Kr feels much lighter in the hand.

If I were you - I would try and get my hands on a Kr and see what you think.

Carl

The *ist DL is the lightest of the digital bodies at 470g (excluding batteries)

Or why not try the joys of film photography if some of your lenses will work with film bodies - all the MZ series apart of the the MZS are below 400g - some as light as 320g, and the *ist is a similar weight. Whats more they can be had for very little money. Battery and film only adds about 40g I think.

Thank you for the replys guys, I've had a quick look at the q and think maybe a dslr is what I'm looking at.
Fritzthedog can I ask how the KR is in low light? Thats the one niggle I have with my K200d.

Unless you have a no-no with the lack of viewfinder, then you really should check out the K-01. Its image quality is on par with the K5 (I've owned both) and it is smaller and lighter and you can get the black one for £349 from SRS (I was fortunate to get the silver at £299). Comparison between your K200, the K-r and K-01 at this link: http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-cameras-compared/?c1=k200d&c2=kr&c3=k0...

Cheers

Tony

You might want to try one of the plasticky Sony SLTs or the micro 4/3

Have you considered if a mono pod would be any help?

to be honest it is the lack of a view finder that is putting me off, how is it to hold? as grip is one of the problems I'm having.

Before I got it I was concerned that the ergonomics would be uncomfortable. Along with a lot of others (check the other forum) I find it very comfortable, with the size and rubber grip working really well. I think the Nex etc. are too thin to be comfortable. The button placement is probably the worst aspect, trying to reach the red/green.

I was also nervous about lack of viewfinder, but find I've adapted quite quickly. Bright sunshine is the main problem, but that's pretty rare at the moment! Focus peaking more than makes up for it.

If you can, you should get your hands on one - it is so different that you can't judge by photos or rely on the knee-jerk reactions.

Cheers

Tony

PS And I think it looks just great!

I would have to disagree with Pentax cameras being light. My Canon 500D is A LOT lighter than either my K200D or the K5 .

the ebtry level cams from Canon (and I'd guess Nikon) are pretty light. Also as someone else has touched on I suspect Sony have some pretty light models too.

I was going to suggest Sony NEX, but the trouble with the NEX (except the NEX7) and for that matter the K01, is that you need to hold them out and compose using the lcd. Not ideal if your hands are unsteady. The Kr or Kx would be top of my list. The SR will be helpful although will add a small amount of weight compared to Canon / Nikon entry models.