Which Pentax DSLR

For the budget you have I would be tempted to go for a second hand K-5IIs in mint condition, you have enough to buy one of these and a decent lens. There's one for sale on this Forum at present, I think it's £465.

If you are looking only for a new DSLR, then your suggestion is probably a good one.

Regards
David

I'd be interested to hear other users views on this, but it's been my experience that Pentax isn't particularly well suited to this type of subject matter. I don't believe Pentax has any genuine predictive tracking autofocus abilities, short of the advertising blurb for the new K-3?

I have a K-30 and tend to use the spot focus permanently, which locks the focus point when half pressed, until either released or the shot is taken. There is an AF-C constant focus setting but this tends to focus on a set timer, searching every once in a while when you clearly move to point at something that's not in focus presently.

By contrast other brands I'm aware of actively track a subject over time, much like Pentax does with the face focus ability on live view. I just thought I'd mention this. I guess it depends on how docile your new puppy is!

Setting a fast shutter speed, with an aperture of around say f8, will ensure you stop movement an are likely to be in the focus region most often. You might need to bump up the ISO to achieve this, depending on the lighting conditions at the time.

I don't think recent Pentax models will have too much trouble, based on my experience with the K7 ( now a design over 5 years old). I wouldn't worry too much about particular af tracking systems ...just set af.c (continuous), hi-speed burst mode and keep shutter speeds up around at least 500th - 1000th second and I believe you will get plenty of good in focus shots. Keep a bit of space around the subject to allow for cropping to make better compositions. Shoot bursts keeping the subject in the frame, maybe 10-15 shots in a burst, then pause and take a new position and go again. Sure, you might throw away half of the shots, but that doesn't matter - its the other half that count.

some dog photos in "your photos" taken with K5 using Nigel's method. had a lot more but composition was very difficult with all the clutter and not being on my own, anybody with a non photographic partner will know what i mean.

Just to let you know there is an 'as new' white K50 for sale on here at £300, see link below.

link

Regards
David

That sounds like an absolute bargain David. Is there any reason that it would not cope with autofocussing and 'tracking' a lively puppy using the af.c mode and burst shooting? I suppose the chosen lens will have some impact on it as well. My only af lens is the screw-drive 18-55, and as I've always said I've been very happy with the continuos af performance from the k7. Would it be fair to say that a wider aperture lens with SDM focussing would likely perform even better ?

I'm not sure that SDM focussing would perform better and the 18-55 lens that comes bundled with the camera is screw-drive anyway.

I have noticed that my K-3 is a snappy focusser, noticeably quicker than other DSLR's I've owned, more so with some lenses than others. It has a more powerful screw drive motor which makes a real difference, not sure if the K50 shares this trait. With SDM the focussing speed is more dependent on the lens; the camera helps especially in low light if the camera's AF is particularly sensitive (which it is on the K-3), but the SDM motor in the lens and the focus throw of the lens are the deciding factors.

Regards
David

Hi Andy - take a look at your messages

It is if you need the extra durability and features. I'd compare them on the Ricoh website for a start, then it's down to personal choice.

The K7/K5/ii series of cameras are built with a demanding, dynamic shooting style in mind. I mean strong for the outdoors and with quick access controls to key photographic features for the photographer who shoots in a dynamic way, responding quickly to changing light, subject motion, focussing needs and more. Not sure about the K50, but I have recently been enjoying the (rather high end) wireless flash feature on my camera with the 540fgz flashgun, an amazing feature. Video is reportedly better on the K5/ii with the sensor shake reduction option, rather than the newer 'movie shake' software solution on the k50.