The difference between K30 and K50 is so marginal and both are very good. I'd take the cheaper between these two.

No problem, I was not aware the policy is that strict. Will keep quiet then. I respect the rules.

Well well well. I see my thoughts bring some discussion here. That's a good thing

Kit matters. Applying one and the same skill to different quality level of kit often will bring different results. In some cases, if kit is not capable enough, opportunity might be even missed nevertheless of the photographer's expertise. As an extreme example think for pinhole film camera compared to Canon 1D/Nikon D4 in capturing fast motor sport event.

A lot of practicing is a good advice indeed. However I don't have that much time. Remember, photography is just a hobby to me. And also before I pick up enough skills, my son will grow up and a lot of moments would be irreparably lost.

I am still waiting the new toy, so cannot comment whether it will help my pathetic skills to produce better results or not. However I remember the difference which brought K-5 compared to my old k-m two years ago. So I know exactly what I am buying and I have my expectations. Will share my experience here as soon as I get the 6D in my hands.

There were several comments on the cost of Canon 6D. I would say the following: I am looking on this not just as a body but complete system. I have narrowed my choice of glass to: wide angle zoom, fixed FF equivalent of 50mm and telephoto zoom. With the current prices:

Canon 6D ~ £2,650*
Pentax K-5 IIs ~ £2,500 (I've mentioned how expensive Pentax made its quality glass very recently, didn't they?)


So this do not need comment I think. Everyone can make his conclusions. But please do not try to insult me saying I am spending too much money as an amateur. A lot of fellow forum members here already spent same or more on Pentax system (including me). Life is too short as we know...



* Canon 6D body is grey import but from reputable store and 3 year warranty. Both Canon zooms are the high-end, weather resistant L series (17-40 & 70-200 f4 IS).Cheapest 35mm Pentax and 50mm Canon primes. Pentax prices are from SRS since usually they are competitive enough (DA 12-24 & DA* 50-135 f2.8 ) .

I have both, 12-24 & 15 limited. I like them equally and every one has some advantages over the other. 12-24 gives a lot more flexibility and maybe a slight edge on the IQ overall. 15 limited is very small, light and flare resistant. It costs less and has exceptional feel of craft quality.

If I need to choose between these two, probably I'd go for the 15 limited. Mainly because its smaller size and convenience and no worse IQ.

I haven't be able to justify taking K-5 II since the differences with my k-5 are just too little. Instead I've got Canon 6D on order. I'll play with it and decide to switch the brands or not. Then I'll sell whatever equipment became redundant.

Pentax system is very good one and I am really enjoying the look, feel, top notch ergonomic and compactness overall. However since my 18 months old son started to pick up considerable speed in his movement around I've got a close to zero keeper shots when trying to follow him. Especially indoor. Pentax still lacks on the focus front and I cannot see this will get that better soon. Mainly because it is not only the body but lens dependent too. For example my DA*55 f1.4 has probably the best IQ and certainly the widest aperture in my collection. However SDM auto-focus is so painfully slow. I hope Canon will give me more on this respect along with all the other FF goodies.

Please take all of these as my own opinion. I do not consider myself as even advanced enthusiast and I know a lot of shot failures I had are because of the lack of skills. I am sure Pentax in the hands of a pro can do a lot beautiful stuff so yeah, camera is just the tool. But also I do believe advance of the tech can compensate a bit of the lack of experience. Otherwise photography would not have became such of popular and wide spread hobby in the first place.

I little comment on the costs part: If you look careful Canon 6D is far less than twice the price of K5IIs. If you put in the equation build in GPS (£200 from Pentax) and WiFi actually it looks even cheap Also after the recent years price hike of Pentax glass, some of the Canon's equivalent FF lenses are even cheaper (well at least these what I am interested on)!

This lens thought me to ignore reviews, which mostly are based only on sharpness. No surprise since only this characteristic can be exact measured by making images on brick walls.

Yes, there is some corner softness but that is something only for pixel peeps to dig in (as if all of them prints billboards from their pictures). The lens is very good and has so many advantages and excellent central sharpness. It's worth every penny I have paid 2 years ago.

I have 18-135. The real issue with that lens is its price, not the mediocrity IQ.

Yes, it has: quite useful range; WR; silent and fast auto focus; compact size; close minimum focus distance; curved aperture blades; All of this looks like a nice offer. However, it costs several times more than 18-55 + 50-200 WR kit, which gives pretty the same package (if not slightly better) in terms of IQ, WR and lightness. In addition, the DA 18-135 is more expensive than the canikon equivalents, which is a true sign that this price is not right. Who said Pentax always giving best price to quality ratio?

I wouldn't have bought 18-135 if it wasn't on very good discount as a k-5 kit. Otherwise, knowing its IQ limitation, it's very convenient travel kit. Especially while raining and it's not possible to change lenses.

Today my stained camera was swapped for a new one. In fact they gave me a brand new whole kit. I am pretty happy with Park Camera service. They promptly resolved a problem with the same kit for second time.

This time the first thing which I've shoot at, was a white wall Sensor is clean, let's see how long it will stay in that condition. By the way the new camera is produced again in April 2011, just couple of days before the faulty one. Serial starts with 403...

Yeah, I know it is not a good news. I have bought it from Park Cameras, which is reputable seller. I have already had a good experience with them, when swapping the faulty 18-135 lens from the kit. Hope they will do the same with the camera. I will post a picture later, but I'm definitely sure the spots are stains. Before buying K-5 I did quite a long research and I'm prepared for the typical issues for the model.

That's why 2 years warranty is a must with K-5. It is really pity that such a great camera is plagued with so many known QC issues. My old Pentax k-m is still working without any hitch...

You've got a good point. However I hope for replacement since I'm still having 23 months warranty left.