Pentax or Sony?

Hi,

Just about to buy a Digital SLR and looking for some advice.

I would like to get a Pentax (dont want to be a sheep and follow the canon and nikon fanboys) as they look very rugged and have seen some pics taken with a K200d and found them to be brilliant.

Why should i buy a Pentax instead of the Sony range that jessops are ramming down peoples throat?

Also, what would be the best bet? , a Pentax K200d or the new Pentax K-m?

My type of photography is going to be mostly landscape, portrait etc so dont need a fast burst speed anyway.

Matt

Hi Matt,

I will try to give an unbiased opinion

In terms of features the A300 and A350 seem to be more well-endowed than the K200D... especially with regard to MP count and Live-view...

But having handled the Sony alphas they do not feel very well built and are very plasticky (I have not handled the A900 which is a different beast)...

It depends on what you really want, and which one feels the best to you...

Anyway, where in the country are you? If you're near Hertfordshire check out SRS microsystems or CameraWorld in London itself for some more balanced sales advice...Jacobs are better than Jessops it seems, but that depends on the Jessops branch manager (the one in Richmond does have the Pentax range in:shock...

Good luck with your choice

Peter

Hi,

I do like the Sony tbh but have been told they excel in features but most photos taken with them need work where the pentax give almost perfect photos from the off.

I will hopefully be doing alot of photography outdoors so the Pentax sealed body seemed the logical choice.

All i want is an slr that is feature rich but also durable

Matt

The only reason I would go with Sony is for the nifty flip out Liveview preview screen which I think would be a worthwhile addition to macro photography.

You've answered your own question Sony have to be forced upon people

Seriously though, you buy the camera that suits you best, the one you feel most comfortable handling, the one who's controls are well laid out and intuitive, then you look at features that you think you will use and also consider other features that may be of use in the future. Any of the current brands/models available will take great pics and cover most photographers needs.
What you dont do is buy a particular model because someone else tells you to (especially a salesman) Just remember the number 1 priorty is comfort and ease of use.

Now save up some more money and buy a K20D with 16-50DA*

Hi,

Yeah that seems good. I dont knbow what to do now.

The sony looks very feature rich but the pentax seems better made and has alot of heritage to go with it.

MAtt

lol,

DOnt you ever get itchy feet and think that the sony or canon this is better?

Matt

I must admit I have sometimes thought about the Nikon D300 (or lately the D90) but to be honest the quality of my K10D is (imo) on a par with both and costs half the price.
I have also seen Nikon and Canon users jump to Pentax so who is right?

Ask the same question on a Sony forum and I bet they will all say Pentax as well

You cannot buy a "bad" DSLR from any manufacturer these days, so ergonomics count for quite a bit! If you're looking for a body with weather sealing then the K200D really is the only game in town - the K-m isn't and nor are the similarly-priced Sonys.

A lot of what makes the final picture shine is in the quality of the lenses and this happens to be Pentax's strongest suit IMO. Pentax make some wonderful glass that can easily hold its own against the best of the rest and often at much lower prices - this really should be your primary consideration when buying into a new system as good lenses can hold their value and last a lifetime, whereas bodies will come and go as technology and fashion march on.

Happy shopping!

Put some powder on those feet and ask yourself "Is the guy holding the Sony a better photographer than me?"

I've often thought I'd like a Leica M8 or a Hasselblad H3 but as for DSLR's I can say with all honesty, "Never". If I could go back I'd still choose Pentax every time (although I'd probably chop and change some of the lenses I bought and their ordering - hindsight's a wonderful thing ).

As Hefty pointed out, Pentax has a long history of lenses, all of which can be used on their DSLRs.

New lenses are on a par with Sonys, so no cost saving there.

When it comes to bodies, look how many members are still using *ist D models, a long obsolete (!) range.

Try what you like out but buy what feels right.

After all most whistles and bells on cameras never get used!

Oh yes! I've a K200d and love it.

Hi,

Thanks for all the replies. Im going to get the K200d with the battery grip offer from SRS @£399

Then when ive built up my lenses i may upgrade the body to the K20d

Thanks for the advice.

I dont really want a sony as they are very plasticky

Cheers

Matt

My three dslrs rarely, rarely come off "M" mode. Spot meter. custom or flash white balance.
Haven't yet run into a technical problem that I couldn't solve. So switching brands right now is not at the top of my list.
There is the hi-def video of the Nikon d90, that might influence my descision if by the time one of my dslrs fails, Pentax doesn't have that feature. I shoot video and stills so being able to use 35mm lenses would really give my video footage a unique edge.

The battery grip is a worthwhile addition, it makes portrait shooting so much easier.

Don't forget to claim the cash back from Pentax, that's another £50 off the price.