Replacement for *istD

An answer to above - I spoke to a very helpful person at SRS who told me that the spirit level is displayed on the rear screen but not in viewfinder.

I also found out, pretty much as expected given comments on this thread, that trade-in prices for my 2 current cameras have fallen off a cliff.

I think it's worth remembering that the *istD camera will be 10 years old next year. That's a very long time where digital electronic imaging technology is concerned and a lot has changed in that time.

10 years was not such an issue in the days of mechanical film cameras. I think it's called progress

Yep, it's close to becoming a bit of an antique - given the minimal return I might just keep hold of it for posterity's sake.

The K10D is a significantly different beast, so interested to see how much more advanced the K30D is.

[quote:3496ace15f="mattie"]Yep, it's close to becoming a bit of an antique - given the minimal return I might just keep hold of it for posterity's sake.

quote]
You might well do this. I have a K100D which I use with an M42 screw mount converter permanantly fitted so that I can use all of my old manual focus lenses without having to fiddle about everytime, introducing dust and dirt into the camera. It's a bit extravagant, but when you think how little you might get for the *ist, you could still have a few more years of fun with it in its declining years.

I upgraded from a K20 to a K-5 last year and I found it remarkably better. Low light performance, dynamic range, AF speed, auto white balance.... In good light the K20 is still good, but it gets little use....

My K5 was £530 used with 12month waranty from SRS... Sold my K-x (and 18-55) for £230 to a friend after seeing 3 go on the auction site for around £250...

If I'd have waited, chances are I'd have a K30 and still be chuffed to bits...

Actually, there is a level indicator in the viewfinder. It's a bit crude, but it's there. It has bars that appear to the left if the camera is leaning left and to the right if it's leaning right. The greater the number of bars, the more the lean. You could be half a degree or so out though before anything shows up, so it's more accurate to use the grid lines if there's something horizontal in frame to align them to. Still, it could be useful at night when it's too dark to see the grid lines.

See page 35 of the K30 manual

Because it uses the Ev bar scale in the viewfinder, In my experience I've often confused the Electronic Level Display for exposure! LOL! Incredibly confusing if it's been enabled for Level and you're wondering why the light level isn't changing when adjusting the settings
(So... a little warning when using "M" mode - look for the digital +/- Ev indicator )

Matt

I'm amazed how often I misread the display info, usually with quite devastating consequences for the photo.

Anyway, a black K30 will apparently be with me by Thursday, courtesy of SRS.

I'll have a think about selling the *istD, depending upon what it's likely to raise - if it's of the order of £50 I'm inclined to keep it. Given I spent a bit more than anticipated on the new body, I'll have to hold fire on a replacement for the K10D - I quite like it anyway, so no great hardship there. It would have been nice to have two similar camera bodies, for sake of familiarity, but I'm sure we'll be able to live with it. Shame they don't use the same battery though - any chance they use the same charger?

Hi Mattie

I can't be certain but believe that the k30 has the same electronic level as the k5 only on the lcd - I believe that the sony's have it in the viewfinder as it is an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and not an optical viewfinder (OVF) - both have their advantages but personally I prefer the OVF's

The K30 looks to be a bargain - as much as I love my K10 it amazes me how much 'quicker' the K5 seems to be, however, I still alternate between the two as both are a joy to use

Another K10 or a K20 would give you the advantage of being able to use the same batteries, grips, focussing screens etc for both cameras

Cheers


Stu

I can confirm my k30 does indeed have a horizontal level in the viewfinder. Works fine for me.

I moved from a K10D to a K30 and it was a significant improvement. Particularly in ISO performance; it blows the k10D out of the water.

It also is much faster in use.

I ope you enjoy the new camera!

I should have spotted that

If I need a horizon to be level in the shot, rather than mess about levelling it manually by whatever means, I turn on my (K5) horizon correction. It works perfectly for me.

I would assume that the K30 has this feature as it has an electronic level.

The K5 also has in-viewfinder level, but under some circumstances it is replaced by something else, but I can't remember what replaces it, exposure bias perhaps.

Arrived safe and sound, first impressions are that AF a vast improvement, and menus reasonably intuitive but I still prefer dials and dedicated buttons. Too dark to take any test shots but hope to get out next weekend.

The missus really likes the ergonomics, so I guess I'm relegated to the K10D!

Get saving for a K5 (MkII if afordable but I reckon you'd love a used Mk1 - SRS with warranty) for you then!