Used/refurb *istD vs K100D/K10D?

Hi all

I appreciate the subjectivity inherent in such a question, but how do people see the *istD as a camera compared to the more recent cameras such as the K10D and K100D? I'm looking into buying one (the 3rd time of asking, events conspire to take my disposable income for other things!) and I'm interested to hear how more recent cameras compare to older ones, as the older ones can be picked up relatively cheaply used (around £200 for a *istD, if you're lucky).

As it stands, I love the Z1-p style of control, so I'd prefer the *istD or K10D out of all the possible offerings. When comparing prices, a used *istd is similar to the K100d - how do people think these compare? I'm not a fan of the control on the K100D but like the idea of the stabilisation. What are the image qualities like? Is the K100D notably quicker in operation (Af, data handling etc.)? Do the advances really overshadow the *istD?

I apologise for such questions, however I'm really not that good with digital and appreciate the thoughts of those with first-hand experience. I cannot readily compare like for like as only the K10D and K100D are in stock in my local shops.

All comments and advice gratefully received

Matt

I'd stick to the later models as the processing will be quicker, JPEG quality may be better, SD cards are more compact than CF ones and there will be backup for longer.

Things change quite quickly in computing so there may be all sorts of minor advantages to the newer models.

The K10D would be the one of choice...

Speaking as a *ist D owner (I think JR owns something else), I would say that the *ist D has a number of advantages that may make it a better bet for your particular requirements than any DSLR other than the K10D.

To whit:
Two wheel operation.
PC Sync.
Wireless flash.
More knobs (as opposed to menus).
Remote operation from PC.
And a number of others which I forget

The K100D has two advantages over the *ist D:
SR
Recording speed

If you tend not to shoot in lowish light (and hence have little need for SR), and have a rather deliberate style of shooting but nonetheless value a full set of features, then the *ist D would be a good choice.

I have never seen a shred of evidence that picture quality is better on later models.

And finally, as the owner of both a *ist D and a K10D, I have to say that whilst the K10D is a more "powerful" camera, the *istD is in many ways nicer to drive. This is especially the case if you value the traditional Pentax virtue of petiteness.

G

Ditto George's comment

You forgot one MAJOR difference -
Only the *ist-D, *ist-DS and K10D use a pentaprism

The others are pentamirrors with smaller and darker viewfinders
The *ist-DS can still be had refurbished from SRS Microsystems... but the *ist-D still has features that you haven't got elsewhere, as George said
(Only the K10D betters the *ist-D IMHO, and even then the *ist-D has much better manual white balance capture when using the Expodisc )

EDIT: Regarding image quality - all the 6Mp cameras use the same sensor. So RAW processing is very, very nearly identical (slight changes in electronics excepted). Have used the *ist-DS and *ist-D together and you can't tell them apart. An *ist-D used well with good lenses will still produce absolutely stunning 16x20" prints at 400dpi
And I have a lovely 36x24" canvas of a guitarist in my office that was taken with the *ist-D and 50mm/1.4

Matt

Thanks to you both for replies. (edit- thanks to all 3 of you!)

I would prefer the K10D, as it seems a great camera, but I can't really justify paying twice what a K100D costs (or 3 times the price of a used *istD).

I like the look of the *istD as it appears rugged with a good interface. I'm not overly fussed by write speeds, however I am a little concerned about compatibility with various standards (RAW, different jpeg etc.) I have no real idea about any of it, but my understanding is that it's not a huge issue.

I've sent an email with a few questions to a shop with a used *istD in stock, I'll let you know how I get on. I don't think it comes with a lens, which may cause a problem as the shortest lens I have is 28mm.

In terms of cost the K100D with 18-55mm lens is hard to beat at £299.00

Don't be concerned
The *ist-D works with every current RAW converter there is. Capture One LE, Silkypix, Adobe Camera Raw, etc, etc.

And there's plenty of folks on this forum that have used the *ist-D and still love it (can't quite get round to selling mine... especially when I think of what I paid for it!!!)

Just to make you feel a bit better... it wasn't that long ago that I paid nearly £200 for a 2Gb CF card for the *ist-D Now you can pick up very fast 2Gb cards for next to nothing (try www.picstop.co.uk )
Matt

Oh! how I miss plain TTL from my D, I know its an old protocol but if you plan to use any older TTL (AF140c included) flashes it beats the new bodies hand down.

It's now signed sealed and (about to be delivered) - *istD at £199 plus delivery from the very helpful gent at Mifsuds. I cannot wait!


No wide-angle lens, but I'll live with 42mm equivalent for a while. Anyone know of a cheap kit lens going cheap anywhere? As John warned me, it uses CF cards unlike the SDs my little compact uses, so I'll have to get one of those as well.

Thanks to all for comments, most helpful. John, I'm afraid price won the day, I really was keen on the SR of the K100D but I couldn't quite stretch the extra (saw body only at £250)

Much better to have a camera you can afford than dream about getting one you can't afford!

Have fun and let's see some images soon?

Indeed, I've been prevaricating for ages, thinking how I could save up but never getting close to affording the ones I really wanted. I had made up my mind that as soon as one (any one) appeared for less than £200 I would go for it, to be honest I expected it to be a DS or DL, a little surprised it was a D.

Now to put it to good use!

That's another advantage I forgot!

G

I know someone who has just bought his second ist D, rather than go for the K10D. He just prefers the D, and is delighted now to have tow of them.

There's a lot to be said for having two of the same body, rather than two different ones. I did have two Ds, but one had to go to help finance the K10D.

G

Mattie

I have seen K100D going on ebay for around the £200 mark. The camera you have now will be great I am sure but SR would have been a real bonus as I am sure you will discover.