OK so I'm ready to dive into the DSLR market. Going to China next month and wanted to take some really nice pictures.

I really don't know what to look for or what's good. Obviously I have heard good things about pentax, olympus, and especially nikon/canon.

I don't need the best, just something at a reasonable price. What I always hated about P&S cameras is the horrible noise at high iso and it doesn't look like any P&S has fixed that problem. otherwise I'd really have no need for a DSLR. honestly, I'd probably get a kit 50mm lense and never switch it. I love to mess with post processing so what's important to me is a solid camera that will give me crisp results.

Things I would prefer:

auto sensor cleaning
6mp+
low price (not sure what to expect here... but I do remember a $400 pentax being sold)
solid body (camera should last me 5 years, preferably much longer. i don't abuse my equipment)
integrated flash
raw/tif output


anything I'm missing? if there is a non-slr solution for me I'd like to know about it.

http://www.amazon.com/Pentax-Digital-Reduction-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B000FTLSR0/ref=pd_bbs_2/103-6937765-5894232?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1189973743&sr=8-2

Pentax K100D

like everything I read so far except that it uses AAs. I'd like the convenience of rechargeable lithiums.

The D40 withe 18-55 kit lens would seem to fit your needs.

The only exception is the sensor cleaning, but thats a bit overrated. You wont miss it particularly since you arent going to be changing lenses.

Fuji does make a couple P&S cameras with very low noise compared to other P&Ss, almost as good as a DSLR up to ISO800 I believe.

advice:see how the camera before you buy it...
i got the d40x and it is real good beginner camera $750 or >$900 at ritz with the 18-55 and the 55-300 with a bag and $25 gift card and free lessons <

Even though I'm a Canon user, I'd have to agree the Nikon D40 kit is probably the best starter system for somebody who has no commitments to either brands.

http://www.amazon.com/Pentax-Digital-Reduction-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B000FTLSR0/ref=pd_bbs_2/103-6937765-5894232?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1189973743&sr=8-2

Pentax K100D

like everything I read so far except that it uses AAs. I'd like the convenience of rechargeable lithiums.

I would not buy this camera.
Pentax is not a brand i would actively look for when buying anything related to photography.

Get a Nikon D40 or a Canon Digital Rebel XTi would be a great Starter DSLR.
:giggitygiggity:

D40 is just too dang small. XTi with grip...or D50 with grip..and you are set.

I would not buy this camera.
Pentax is not a brand i would actively look for when buying anything related to photography.

Get a Nikon D40 or a Canon Digital Rebel XTi would be a great Starter DSLR.
:giggitygiggity:

looking at reviews I have read a lot of good things about it. pictures look great. I even stopped into the local store and checked it out. the build quality is better than the canon. at least thats what I felt from holding the two.

also what makes you say that pentax isn't a good brand? as far as I know they have a good rep.

check here to see how it stacks up against a D50: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/PentaxK100D/page18.asp

i'd just like some reasoning for your statements. also found out the slightly more expensive K100D super includes some cool features, one being an anti-dust mechanism.

D40 is just too dang small. XTi with grip...or D50 with grip..and you are set.

small is good. i have small hands.

You can get that with the XTi as well. The thing to really consider is the Lens variety.

Canon and Nikon both make FANTASTIC lenses. "L" series for Canon and id assume Nikkor for Nikon.

Pentax i have no idea bout. When you buy a canon or nikon, you are buying reliabilty, and proven performance, along with the safety of knowing you have so many lens choices out there as well.

Fuji does make a couple P&S cameras with very low noise compared to other P&Ss, almost as good as a DSLR up to ISO800 I believe.

Yea the F40 series. I checked it out today but the pic quality are just so bleh. I'd get the F30 series which had nice pictures but its no longer available.

You can get that with the XTi as well. The thing to really consider is the Lens variety.

Canon and Nikon both make FANTASTIC lenses. "L" series for Canon and id assume Nikkor for Nikon.

Pentax i have no idea bout. When you buy a canon or nikon, you are buying reliabilty, and proven performance, along with the safety of knowing you have so many lens choices out there as well.

well like i said I don't intend to buy lenses, but the Pentax does have a huge assortment available from what I've read and its compatible with all of the older pentax film SLR lenses.

I didnt intend on buying lenses either...but once you get started into different types of shots...be it auto races (70-200 f/4 L :drool:) or the need for a wide angle...sigma 10-20mm or a portrait lens 50mm f/1.8....

I was exactly in the position you are about 10 months ago. Bought my XTi, and i thought i would have been complacent with the Kit lens.

I said to Mack, hey, im not gonna worry bout lenses right now...kit lens will do just fine.

Boy was i wrong.

it's not even about wanting other lenses though. i like photography but not so much that I'd call it a hobby. I can see myself going out once a month shooting stuff randomly or when I go on trips. the prices for glass is too steep for me. I'd rather be spending my cash on heroin or PCP

I would not buy this camera.
Pentax is not a brand i would actively look for when buying anything related to photography.

Get a Nikon D40 or a Canon Digital Rebel XTi would be a great Starter DSLR.
:giggitygiggity:

What other consumer products does Pentax make when it comes to consumer products?

I think Mack shoots with a Pentax. His pictures always look great.

Mack has a D50

If i didnt have the XTi...i would have gone with a D70 or D50. D40...just not enough camera for me.

looks like the pentax is for me. these pictures pretty much did it for me:

at ISO 1600

Pentax K100D
http://a.img-dpreview.com/reviews/PentaxK100D/Samples/Compared/Studio/HigherISO/k100d-iso1600.jpg

Canon EOS 350D
http://a.img-dpreview.com/reviews/PentaxK100D/Samples/Compared/Studio/HigherISO/350d-iso1600.jpg

Nikon D50
http://a.img-dpreview.com/reviews/PentaxK100D/Samples/Compared/Studio/HigherISO/d50-iso1600.jpg

K100D vs D50
http://a.img-dpreview.com/reviews/PentaxK100D/Samples/Compared/Studio/k100d_iso0200-crops.JPGhttp://a.img-dpreview.com/reviews/PentaxK100D/Samples/Compared/Studio/d50_iso0200-crops.JPG

Mack has a D50

Didn't someone here have a Pentax?

Alex, I cannot emphasize this enough: go hold each of these before you make your final decision. Lots of cameras look great on paper, but as you've said, small hands might fit an XTi. You won't know for sure until you pick it up and see.

To be honest, I'd look for a 20D used. Not having ISO 3200 has been my biggest regret thus far, and with prices dropping lately you should be able to find one in good condition in the price range you want.

Alex, I cannot emphasize this enough: go hold each of these before you make your final decision. Lots of cameras look great on paper, but as you've said, small hands might fit an XTi. You won't know for sure until you pick it up and see.

To be honest, I'd look for a 20D used. Not having ISO 3200 has been my biggest regret thus far, and with prices dropping lately you should be able to find one in good condition in the price range you want.

i did hold these man. thats why I said the pentax felt better built than the canon. also the pentax has iso 3200.

the AA battery thing kinda sucks but maybe im looking at it the wrong way. I can still get rechargeables and the ability to be able to buy AAs in an emergency is pretty nice.

D40 is just too dang small. XTi with grip...or D50 with grip..and you are set.

D50's don't have a vert grip available for them.. :( believe me if they did mine woulda been rockin one since day 1.. :D

You are buying a lens system and not a camera when you buy a DSLR. If you don't plan on getting more lens...get the Canon G9 and call it a day.

The best bang for the buck is a used 20 or 30D or an Rebel XT w/grip. I just sold an XTi w/grip and 50mm 1.8 lens for $680 shipped. XT's are going for less than 1/2 that.

You are buying a lens system and not a camera when you buy a DSLR. If you don't plan on getting more lens...get the Canon G9 and call it a day.

The best bang for the buck is a used 20 or 30D or an Rebel XT w/grip. I just sold an XTi w/grip and 50mm 1.8 lens for $680 shipped. XT's are going for less than 1/2 that.

umm you're also getting a large sensor, faster speed, quick manual focus control? not to mention the G9 is more expensive. I have no need for its 12.1 megapixels at all. I never would print that big. Like I said, P&S look horrible at high iso with the exception of one that I know of and its no longer sold.

no offense to rebel owners but I stopped by circuit city today to check some out and the pentax build quality is about 2x as good. also im not sure why everyone is making a big deal about lens. i read and pentax offers lots of lense for their SLRs. not only that but pentax glass seems to be very well reviewed.

virtually any pentax lense will work as well as the new line that is created specifically for digital. since the image stabilization is on the body its going to be cheaper too.

small is good. i have small hands.

If you want a small body check out the Olympus E410. It's one of the most compact DSLR bodies on the market.

umm you're also getting a large sensor, faster speed, quick manual focus control? not to mention the G9 is more expensive. I have no need for its 12.1 megapixels at all. I never would print that big. Like I said, P&S look horrible at high iso with the exception of one that I know of and its no longer sold.


You are BUYING A LENS SYSTEM....period. UMMM..in 1 year every body you buy is outdated. Lens on the other hand will move with your manufactures upgrades.

This won't be the last camera body you own.

SO....if you don't mind the Pentax lens selection stick with it. Lens cost 1-3 times more than the body.

But hey wtf do I know...;) :blah:

sorry but y bother asking for opinions when it sounds like you already made up ur mind.

sorry but y bother asking for opinions when it sounds like you already made up ur mind.

well it seems I made up my mind after the fact. but regardless, im not a Pentax fanboy. I don't know much about camera's. If you guys provided something that could be competitive with the K100D I might consider it.

Looks like it ahead of the pack at this price though :) :weeeeeeeeee:

I agree with whoever said your buying a system. Both Canon and Nikon are the top dogs when it comes to available accessories and assortment of lenses as well as support. Pentax has nothing compared to the other two. It's also easier to buy and sell equipment for Canon and Nikon then Pentax.

I wouldn't go crazy looking at samples from dpreview, etc. Most likely those sample pictures where shot with the kit lens, and everyone knows the kit lens on Canon isn't up to par as their more expensive glass.

But it sounds like you made up your mind, and it's ultimately your choice. I was in the same boat as you though I was going to get the Pentax dSLR but got convinced to get a Canon and couldn't be more happier.

my k100d should be here any minute... ordered yesterday from BeachCamera. $445 shipped with a $50 rebate. $395 for a slr kit, not bad!

awesome service thus far. the fast shipping is because they are in NJ and im in NY.

Got the 2gig SD card ready and the eneloops as well.

http://www.akkushop.de/images/eneloop-Micro-AAA-4er.jpg

http://www.batterytastic.co.uk/images/eneloop_characteristics.JPG

test shots

http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/4714/imgp0004su4.jpg

http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/6565/imgp0009de7.jpg

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/1345/imgp0010pn0.jpg

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/4618/imgp0015kw6.jpg

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/1895/imgp0016yo6.jpg

from raw with a slight sepia filter

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/8142/imgp0024ac9.jpg

where you work?.. that seems like a pretty cool office.. something you might see at a marketing or advertising firm..

where you work?.. that seems like a pretty cool office.. something you might see at a marketing or advertising firm..

a managed hosting firm