Buying a new camera

[todpod]

Currently have a Pentax *istDl that has died. Have a 35-105 mm Pentax zoom, 70-300mm Tamron Zoom and 50mm manual focus. Pentax has discontinued the KZ-R there are rumors as to a replacement but who knows. Thinking of switching of switching sides.

My options are on $850 budget are

Canon T2I with a couple of used lenses that are similar to what I have for right around $700

Nikon d3200 with kit lens ($699) and 70-300mm sigma zoom new($164) from Adorama or B&H. For a little over $850.. I haven't been able to find used zooms at a reasonable price that will work with the d3200.

Any thoughts or different options. If I am switching from Pentax probably only go Canon or Nikon. Probably ordering next week unless Pentax makes an announcement of some sort.

 

[kevint]

Wow, another Pentax user. If you want to stick with Pentax I think you have some options. The new K-01 mirrorless will accept your existing lenses. The image quality is supposed to be fantastic. Honoring the K mount, leaves it a bit boxy.

$850 is a good sized budget if you aren't buyong lenses. I recommend checking out the used Pentax bodies on KEH.com. They actually have a used K-5 body in EX+ condition that is in your price range. I've bought some high end glass from KEH and everything was always better than described.

I have a K-5 which I love. Read some reviews before you decide.
Good luck.

 

[bajasurf]

Sony A57 short review and photos

Kirk Tuck review: (takes few seconds to open his site)

http://visualsciencelab.blogspot.com/2012/04/preliminary-tests-of-sony-a57-walk.html

 

[bajasurf]

Pentax k200D ( a recent review)

I am currently looking for a 200D as I seriously need the weather proof body and weather proof lens,. If you were to stay with Pentax I would be sure to buy the WR lens.( weather proofed) Link to review:

http://photographic-central.blogspot.com/2011/09/pentax-k200d-review-weatherproof-dslr.html

 

[ywen]

http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-E-PL1-Digital-Camera-14-150mm/dp/B004AFWHG6 amazing camera.. best JPEG camera ever at a steal price.

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2010/04/07/the-olympus-e-pl1-review-the-best-jpeg-camera-ever/

 

[todpod]

Well this is kinda interesting, nobody jumping on the Canon-Nikon bandwagon. I am really hesitant to spend $850 on a used body, or buying and used body for that matter. I would like to stick with Pentax. the K-01 I am not sure how that would work for bird photography.

The big draw back to Nikon is the lenses and the need for the focus motor, but i like the 24 megapixels. Canon has a better used lens selection but comes in at 18 mega pixels. Really though that should be enough. I have a 20x30 print hanging in my office shot with my *istdl which is 6 megapixels.

Newegg has a referb Pentax K2000 for $379. The Olympus and the Sony options are interesting but are just not convinced to go with a side player, not tht they aren't good cameras, but if I am going to switch I would switch to one of the big 2.

Keep the ideas coming, Thanks

 

[nwoods]

Anything more than 8 megapixels is completly unneccessary for anyone other than pro's. The camera you choose is disposable, as your own experience has demonstrated to you. Focus on the lenses. With your budget, you should be able to get a used body and one good prime for it, or a really decent all-in-wonder prosumer PNS

 

[photoman]

I have a whole kit I will make you a deal on. :ylsmoke:

Olympus E-300 dslr 8mp
Olympus E-3 dslr 10mp (live view, articulating LCD, splash/dush proof) all original paperwork, cords, etc.
2 lenses 14-40 and 40-150 (both are kit lenses but Zuiko makes fine lenses)
IR remote
3 batteries, 2 chargers
OM 50mm but you will need to purchase the lens adapter.

Expo price- $750 obo :sombrero:

I switched from Olympus to Canon only for 2 very specific reasons. Low light photography (local bands in dive bars) and long exposure night photography (20-40 mins per shot). The Olympus sensor was not cut out for these shots and returned too much sensor noise for my liking.

If you look at my website 95% of the images are taken with Olympus gear.

At one time I had the gear listed above plus:
2 Olympus E-500 dslrs
50-200 F2.8
14-54 F2.8
7-14 F4
2 flashes

Having shot Canon for over a year I will say Canon is better in the two areas I described. However the out of camera images from Olympus and Zuiko were far clearer and better color than the Canon. I also miss the articulating screen and the security of the splash/dust proof sealing of the Olympus.

 

[todpod]

Not going to switch to Olympus, just don't see that as the right move. Canon has a T2i referb for $479maybe that is the way I need to go, Hmmm. Only has a 90 day warranty though so i don't know.

 

[james727]

I am looking to get into photography as i love to take photos of things that catch my eye as stunning or beautiful. Would the Canon T2i be a good beginner camera, or if there are any other suggestions. I am not a professional. Looking for something in the budget range of $800 or under.

 

[ywen]

Canon is a fine choice.. but look into Olympus Micro 4/3.. in fact the E-PL1 for $281 (brand new) with a kit zoom is better option than T2i IMO. This camera produces the best looking out of camera JPEG of any camera I've seen. And as you can see below is sharper than the Canon significantly. The Canon is only better at High ISO. Even if you choose to go with a standard DSLR later, it's still nice to have a small camera like the m4/3 around, and at this price, it's a no brainier. I just purchased the E-PL1 with the 14-150 zoom as my travel kit. Leaving my heavy Canon kit at home.

http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-E-PL1...al-Black/dp/B0035LBRJO/ref=dp_cp_ob_p_title_0

 

[todpod]

Here is what I think I am going to do.

Canon T2i referb from Canon

then these 3 lenses
28-90mm
http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-EOS-Non-Mfg-Zoom-Lenses/1/sku-CE099991119320?r=FE

70-300mm
http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-EOS-Non-Mfg-Zoom-Lenses/1/sku-CE09999052993J?r=FE

50mm Macro Kinda kill 2 birds with this one and always wanted to do macro photography

http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-EOS-Non-Mfg-Fixed-Focal-Length-Lenses/1/sku-CE089990336720?r=FE

$50 less then the Nikon d3200 with 2 lenses, I am giving up some megapixels but i really don't think thats an issue. Next lens would be a wide angle lens.

 

[todpod]

After going back and for several times and having myself convinced to get the new d3200, I think I have decided to stay with Pentax, probably the K20d. I can get it for about $400 and then when Pentax releases the K-R replacement I will add that and have 2 bodies. I just need to order it now i guess.