Opinions please..

I am upgrading my K100d at last, and was planning to get a K200d.
But I see that they are no longer in production, and are hard to find.

I believe that the newer K-x is close in spec (and better in some cases) to the K200d..

My question is, should I stick to my plan and get a K200d (I am travelling to the US and can get one there) or should I go for the K-x?

Final element to my question is should I break the bank and go for a K20d?

All advice would be appreciated.

Ken

It really depends on how much you want to spend. You will see a great improvement in detail by just going to the K200, however as technology marches on the other two options are even better still.
The K-x is getting very, very, good reviews particularly in respect to picture quality. And it does video which might be a useful option occasionally. It is also a nice compact size if that is of interest.
On the other hand you don't need to break the bank to get a K20D as they are roughly the same price as the K-x at the moment.
For that you get weather sealing 14.5MP and more costomisable controls than you can shake a stick at. But it is quite a big camera ( and no video).
And at US prices I'd be tempted to push for the k-x or K20. If you were new to digital i'd say go K-x but coming from the K100 I think you'd get more out of the K20.

That depends on your level of epertise and/or how much you want to develop your photographic skills, the K20D is a more professional camera, it has no "Picture modes" although it does have something akin to an "Auto" setting, the biggest advantage of the K20D is it having two command dials which make operation easier and save a lot of time trawling through the menu.
Bottom line really is, if your confident you can set up a camera to take a Landscape shot without the need to turn the dial to the mountains icon then go for the K20D.

If you are planning to buy in the US, do not forget that prices are exclusive of sales tax which can be up to 10%.

But if you know how to use the system you can get it without tax by having it "sent" mail order from another state or in some places as a visitor you can get an exemption under certain conditions.

For example - at one time I was visiting Seattle (Washington State) on a regular basis and wanted a new fishing rod - already half price out there. Went to the local store who have branches and a warehouse in Wisconsin. The store then calls the warehouse and orders on my behalf for next day delivery to me, care of the store. I arrive, collect my parcel, pay the tax exempt price and saved $50.

Totally agree with above. You will be able to grow into a K20, and if you get to the stage of needing more then the K7 will provide the upgrade, hopefully at a more reasionable price than now.

Thanks for the views folks, it's definitely the K20 for me! And cheers for the sales tax tip!

Ken

Ken,

Where in the US are you going? Is it business or pleasure? And will there be time for general shopping. There are certain stores and some malls where overseas visitors can get good deals too.

Hi Andrew, Austin, Texas, and plenty of time for shopping

One state I don't have experience in - just two 1/2 day visits there!

But there is likely to be a Macy's - good for general shopping and if you find their Guest Reception or Customer services you can get a card which will give a good discount on all purchases - I have had 8, 10, 12, 15 & 20% at times and the discount is off the final price so if there is already a 50% reduction you will get xx% of the reduced price. The only problem is that the card is only valid for 48 hours - but if you have a wife then no treason why she cannot get one when your one expires.