Logical Progression

Hi all, for a user of a K-x what are the opinions on moving on to either a K30 or K-5 ?

Am I being seduced by features?

Would either capture better quality images?

How resilient to the elements is a K-x?

Thanks for your thoughts, I find the forum a great source of information ( and amusement)

Hello Jonathan, hope you're enjoying your K-x and the PU website!

I upgraded from a K-x to a K-5 about 7 months ago and have also kept the K-x. Here's what I think.

Notwithstanding features, the K-5 is a better camera because of the following:

1. K-5 colour depth is better
2. Images are more detailed (not massively so, though)
3. K-5 is better constructed, metal, not polycarbonate
4. K-5 is better at high ISO, but K-x is very, very good also in this regard and is a great low light tool
5. K-5 is weather-sealed, K-x is not, although I've used mine in light rain with no issues, I wouldn't want to take it out in anything other than drizzle
6. Shutter is very quiet and smooth on the K-5, important if you like taking wildlife shots
7. K-5 is massively better on the autofocus front - quicker and more accurate
8. K-5 is more ergonomic and handles better
9. K-5 has a lock on the mode adjustment dial - this may seem like a small thing but it's invaluable when out in the field as you can't accidentally change settings
10. K-5 has a better screen (higher resolution) and it's easier to review images on the camera

In short, I love the K-5 and it's a big step up from the K-x but doesn't take that much getting used to after owning a K-x for a year or so. However, the K-x is a superb camera and whether or not it is worth you upgrading depends how enthusiastic you are and what you intend to use the camera for. I actually prefer my K-x for some types of shots, macro is one area where its light weight and small size can be an advantage. I have no plans to sell the K-x at present and it still gets used a lot, but make no mistake, the K-5 is a different and better beast.

I hope this is helpful!

Regards
David

David, thank you for your reply it is very informative and helpful........Iit seems that the piggy bank may have to be raided!

Regards

Jonathan

[Hello Jonathan, hope you're enjoying your K-x and the PU website!

I upgraded from a K-x to a K-5 about 7 months ago and have also kept the K-x. Here's what I think.

Notwithstanding features, the K-5 is a better camera because of the following:

1. K-5 colour depth is better
2. Images are more detailed (not massively so, though)
3. K-5 is better constructed, metal, not polycarbonate
4. K-5 is better at high ISO, but K-x is very, very good also in this regard and is a great low light tool
5. K-5 is weather-sealed, K-x is not, although I've used mine in light rain with no issues, I wouldn't want to take it out in anything other than drizzle
6. Shutter is very quiet and smooth on the K-5, important if you like taking wildlife shots
7. K-5 is massively better on the autofocus front - quicker and more accurate
8. K-5 is more ergonomic and handles better
9. K-5 has a lock on the mode adjustment dial - this may seem like a small thing but it's invaluable when out in the field as you can't accidentally change settings
10. K-5 has a better screen (higher resolution) and it's easier to review images on the camera

In short, I love the K-5 and it's a big step up from the K-x but doesn't take that much getting used to after owning a K-x for a year or so. However, the K-x is a superb camera and whether or not it is worth you upgrading depends how enthusiastic you are and what you intend to use the camera for. I actually prefer my K-x for some types of shots, macro is one area where its light weight and small size can be an advantage. I have no plans to sell the K-x at present and it still gets used a lot, but make no mistake, the K-5 is a different and better beast.

I hope this is helpful!

Regards
David[/quote]

The learning curve is not too steep, but to get the best from a K-5 you need to take your photography fairly seriously. Some of the better togs / more professional members on the site will be able to demonstrate this better than me, but I do enjoy the K-5 and wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.

Regards
David

I had Kx, KR and now K5 over the last three years.

The K5 is much the better camera (you get what you pay for)but does require more thought.

I found setting up the five user modes for action shots, landscape, night photos etc very helpful. I love the improved AF, quieter shutter/mirror action, better build, better controls, top LCD, dust resistance and a bright real pentaprism.

Do I take better photos? probably not. Do I enjoy my photography more, definitely!

I also love the 18 - 135 DA WR lens I've added recently. It is so much the right for the camera it was made for.

I delivered my K-x to its new owner today just as my K5 arrived...

Not really had a chance to put the K5 through its paces yet but am shooting tomorrow in the gallery where I work - We've made a makeshift studio for part of a new exhibition...

The 'snaps' I've taken today with the K5 lead me to believe there's a lot more detail in shadowy areas captured with the K5 than the K-x...

File sizes are a little bigger (as expected)

AF is significantly quicker with 'most' of my lenses; the exception being the D-Xenon 100mm 2.8 macro lens which is focusing slower than it did on the K-x... (anyone know why?)

K5 feels really solid... Has a heft to it that the K-x does not... it's comfortable to hold and just feels more, More...

Not had a chance to shoot in the rain yet but this is something I'm looking forward to... (although I only have a 50-200mm WR lens)

It does feel like a significant upgrade.

Thank you all for your comments, you all seem most enthusiastic for the K-5 and it seems that the investment will be one worth taking.

Time to save and drop the odd hint in equal measure, in the meanwhile I shall continue to learn and enjoy my K-x!

Thank you again, your advice is appreciated

Regards

Jonathan