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Which Pentax DSLR to upgrade to ?

SeanP
Posted 01/05/2018 - 09:48 Link
Hi,
I currently have a Pentax Kx and have been learning with this camera and it has been great but I now have camera envy and am looking to upgrade. If I were to upgrade what camera would you recommend as the next step up to take.
Thanks for your thoughts
Sean
gtis
Posted 01/05/2018 - 09:50 Link
I would get the k3ii
cheers Neil
pentax k3
DA* 300 f4 DA* 50-135 f 2.8 smc DA* 16-50 f2.8 50mm f1.7 pentax1.4xhd converter





Panasonic Dmc Fz200
stub
Posted 01/05/2018 - 09:59 Link
gtis wrote:
I would get the k3ii

Was just about to say the same.. Though it certainly depends on what you like to do and images you want to take..

I started with the Kx years ago. Certainly don't miss those AA batteries. But now my K1 is too heavy and lenses are too expensive for the very small upgrade in quality..
K-1Gripped K-1 ungripped K-5ii K7 Various lenses

Stuart..
Edited by stub: 01/05/2018 - 10:01
LennyBloke
Posted 01/05/2018 - 10:03 Link
Moving to a DSLR without an AA filter will probably bring one of the most notable changes (increased sharpness without PP) - if you're after a Used Pentax then the K5iis or K3ii would be a great move - the K3ii having the higher density sensor and the K5iis being a bit older (but still very capable). There are usually one or two available on the forum - Happy Hunting
LennyBloke
Pentaxophile
Posted 01/05/2018 - 10:34 Link
The K70 looks kick - ass!
[link=https://500px.com/will_brealey/[/link]
Nigelk
Posted 01/05/2018 - 12:14 Link
Coming from the Kx I think you'd be happy with any of the Pentax APS-C cameras. Choose the one you fancy, watch the prices and pounce when it's right.
I mainly use a K-S2 at the moment, I still have my K7 and K5II but 9 times out of 10 I pick the K-S2 to shoot with. I do miss a couple of things from the higher end bodies but not enough to stop me. If I wanted to replace/ upgrade at the moment I'd probably go for the KP, I don't need a big buffer, fast frame rate, I don't miss the top plate information. At the end of the day I'd go for what I got the best deal on, that's how I ended up with the K-S2 when my K5 was in for repair the second time. I use camerapricebuster.co.uk and SRS often run great deals that they advertise on Pentax User and there is Amazon of course.

Happy shopping
jeallen01
Posted 01/05/2018 - 16:35 Link
SeanP wrote:
Hi,
I currently have a Pentax Kx and have been learning with this camera and it has been great but I now have camera envy and am looking to upgrade. If I were to upgrade what camera would you recommend as the next step up to take.
Thanks for your thoughts
Sean

Any idea of your budget as that will affect what you can reasonably get new or used?
K-3 II, K-3 and a K-70 from SRS (having now relegated the K-30 /"K-50" to a backup body), & some Sigma and Pentax lenses (and a lot of old 35mm gear!)
1stEverPentax
Posted 01/05/2018 - 17:54 Link
As comments above...what are your main interests, what is your budget and do you want new or would you buy used?

I had the K-x as my first DSLR for over 4 years...loved it but then upgraded to a K-50 almost 3 years ago which i'm still using and have shot about 9000 images with.
I valued the weather resistance first and foremost...here in the UK seems daft not to. The 16Mp sensor is a useful upgrade to the 12MP of the K-x and allows some leeway when cropping which was always a bit 'hit and miss' with the K-x. Also I like the 'feel' of the camera...very comfortable in the hand ...as was the K-x and I value the slight increase in weight as it makes for a more balanced package with heavier lenses. Also I got myself a cheap 'Chinese' AA adaptor off EBAY so can use AA batteries as well as the custom lithium that comes with the camera. Great value for money as well.

Hope this helps.

Karlo
wvbarnes
Posted 01/05/2018 - 18:35 Link
Any,

I went KX, KR, K5 and then both the K3's. i found the K5 a big leap in quality of camera sealing, pentaprism not mirror, quiet shutter, top plate control etc BUT in learning to use more demanding. Buy the best nick one you can.
jeallen01
Posted 01/05/2018 - 19:12 Link
wvbarnes wrote:
Any,

I went KX, KR, K5 and then both the K3's. i found the K5 a big leap in quality of camera sealing, pentaprism not mirror, quiet shutter, top plate control etc BUT in learning to use more demanding. Buy the best nick one you can.

I never had a KX but I did have a KR with the same sensor, and was not that impressed with image quality - so I bought a K-30 (same sensor as my now-sold K-5) and found a big improvement in IQ and with lots more facilities - in fact, it's still my go-to body for most things!

The K-50 is pretty-much an updated "cosmetic" improvement on the K-30, except that it can now use the newer KAF4 lenses, although the K-70 and KP are further steps forwards. OTOH, the K-5 is larger/heavier, and the K-3s are somewhat larger/heavier still. Be aware of those issues.
K-3 II, K-3 and a K-70 from SRS (having now relegated the K-30 /"K-50" to a backup body), & some Sigma and Pentax lenses (and a lot of old 35mm gear!)
Jonathan-Mac
Posted 02/05/2018 - 07:21 Link
The K-70 would be the obvious choice, though you may be able to find a K-3 or K-3ii for not much more.
Pentax hybrid user - Digital K3, film 645 and 35mm SLR and Pentax (&other) lenses adapted to Fuji X and Panasonic L digital
Fan of DA limited and old manual lenses
MrB
Posted 02/05/2018 - 08:48 Link
Unless a battery grip is desired, in terms of features, image quality and value for money, surely the K-70 should be the clear and obvious choice.
johnha
Posted 02/05/2018 - 09:35 Link
I'm a bit out of touch with Pentax DSLRs - but my preferences are: Hyper exposure modes, double dial operation, good viewfinder, top-plate LCD, weather sealing, and a magnesium body. Beyond that, features like lens mount capability (since new mount types do appear) seems high on the list (I've got loads of legacy lenses so it wouldn't bother me too much), AstroTracer would be nice. Unless you have specific needs (super high ISO or fancy flash support) the above cover most of my needs.

Look to buy something that provide more than you currently need - there's little point buying something only a little bit better.
SeanP
Posted 24/06/2018 - 07:59 Link
Thanks for all your comments guys, it’s much appreciated, a few weeks later and much researching I waited and waited for the right one to come along, and boy I’m glad I did. I bought the K3 from SRS at a great price. It’s in immaculate condition with only 700 actuations to its name. I am so chuffed (Do people still use that word ?) and what a step up the ladder this baby has given me. I have also just purchased 2 WR kit lenses off eBay (18-55 and 50-200) I know people don’t rate the kit lenses but at this price and condition I could not resist it. I will know doubt be back to ask you all for more advice no doubt re this camera.
kh1234567890
Posted 24/06/2018 - 09:21 Link
LennyBloke wrote:
Moving to a DSLR without an AA filter will probably bring one of the most notable changes (increased sharpness without PP)

That is a myth. Prove it !

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