Should I switch to Pentax?

[tkbslc]

So I was looking at refurb 40/50D bodies at Adorama, and noticed that the Pentax K20D is now only about $700. Researching the body a bit more, I find it meets or beats the 40/50D bodies in everything but continuous shooting mode. It also has in body IS, so that would never be a concern with lenses again. The K20D has 14.6MP, ISO 6400, 11 AF points/ 9 cross type, big VF, weather sealing, similar size grip, Lens and body microadjust, Adjustable auto ISO, and some cool features for using old Pentax primes. Burst mode is only about half as fast as the Canons, and the live view does not seems as good, though. I know nobody seems to take Pentax seriously, but they do make some great gear. No full frame options, but so far that is out of my budget anyway.

Looking at the lenses that I plan to realistically own, they all have good pentax alternatives:

• Sigma 30mm 1.4 - comes in Pentax mount, or there is a good Pentax 35mm f2
• 50mm 1.4 - pentax 50 1.4 is cheap, or go takumar MF
• 100mm macro - Plenty of options for all mounts.
• f2.8 standard zoom - was probably going to end up with the Tamron 17-50 anyway due to cost, it would also be IS on the Pentax and a bit wider due to 1.5 crop factor.
• 200mm f2.8 - Pentax makes a great one, too.
• Super tele - Any of the cheaper options that are in my budget would now be IS lenses.
• superwide - Planning on the Sigma 10-20 anyway, it comes in Pentax mount.

Anyway, as I have looked at it the last 2 days, it seems like a very attractive option. Anyone want to try and talk me out of it or have any comments?

[BigBlueDodge]

Pentax is the sleeper in the Digital SLR. Their K20D is one heck of a camera for the price they are selling it at. However, beware that Pentax lens line up is limited, so do the research first before buying. Also, I believe that Pentax does not have AF equivalent to Canon's USM. I believe all of their lenses still use gear driven AF. While Canon may be losing ground in camera's, I certainly think their offering of lenses keeps them in the lead.

[LiquidSword]

Pentax is a great system, and you seem to have done your research for you needs already. Plenty of K mount lenses out there as well. I say go for it.

[kevindar]

wow, I just read dpreview of it. sounds like a very nice camera with some great features. if those lenses meet your needs, go for it

[tkbslc]

Originally Posted by BigBlueDodge

Pentax is the sleeper in the Digital SLR. Their K20D is one heck of a camera for the price they are selling it at. However, beware that Pentax lens line up is limited, so do the research first before buying. Also, I believe that Pentax does not have AF equivalent to Canon's USM. I believe all of their lenses still use gear driven AF. While Canon may be losing ground in camera's, I certainly think their offering of lenses keeps them in the lead.

They do have SDM, which from what I hear is as fast and quiet as USM. It is only on a few brand new higher end lenses, though. (like Ring USM is only on the better Canon lenses, too) But I think most options are screw drive, yes. Something to think about.

The thing I keep coming back to is that when I really look at it, I can't afford the great Canon L lens lineup. So if I am going to be buying Tamron and Sigma for the most part anyway, why not put them on an IS body?

[Project22a]

Go for it. Sounds very promising and I'd love to see the results.

[jblaschke]

If you get one of the M42 mounts, a heck of a lot of great old Pentax glass (not to mention old Zeiss Jena glass) will work just fine on your camera--if you're willing to go full manual.

I can't see Pentax being more than a niche brand in the modern digital marketplace, but you could definitely do worse.

[KenjiS]

Originally Posted by BigBlueDodge

Pentax is the sleeper in the Digital SLR. Their K20D is one heck of a camera for the price they are selling it at. However, beware that Pentax lens line up is limited, so do the research first before buying. Also, I believe that Pentax does not have AF equivalent to Canon's USM. I believe all of their lenses still use gear driven AF. While Canon may be losing ground in camera's, I certainly think their offering of lenses keeps them in the lead.

Actually they have SDM, but as one review i read said "Dont expect Canon USM or Nikon SWM speeds....its still not lightning quick"

Believe it or not, I wouldnt mind a Pentax system, They have some really cool primes that would make a K20 an excellent camera to throw in my bag and carry around 24/7...I'd love a K20 and a 16-50 f/2.8 SDM

I dont see Pentax going full frame, they have NO full frame lenses left..everything is for their 1.5x crop cameras....

Also, check THIS out

http://www.pentaximaging.com/camera-..._F2.8_Limited/

Thats DARN cool

And it was just the other day i was thinking if i wanted to run with 2 bodies and 2 systems, id totally have a Pentax, they're really underrated..

[sjones]

Possibly a germane read from Mike Johnston's excellent Online Photographer site:

http://theonlinephotographer.typepad...cameras-3.html

Originally Posted by KenjiS

Also, check THIS out

http://www.pentaximaging.com/camera-..._F2.8_Limited/

Thats DARN cool

Pentax would be worth it for just this.

[Duff]

I don't want to be a downer in a generally "up" thread, but I made the switch... from Pentax to Canon.

I owned a K10 AND a K20 (long story on why I had both). I was not very happy with them. I will admit this; I had Tamron glass and never had Pentax PRIME glass on them.

That said, I had very soft images and, IMHO, the camera-based Image Stabilization is not as good as Canon's lens-based. Of course, the cost of the lenses was lower for that same reason.

I'm not trying to persuade you one way or the other, I just wanted to interject some first-hand information to help in the decision making process.

By the way, I STILL believe that Pentax has the best ergonomics/controls. I miss that and I miss the preview function.

My advice: Get your hands on a K20 and test shoot before you buy. You have a start on an awesome manufacturer and I would hate to see you start from scratch (like I did when I switched) and not be happy with it. Fortunately, I have been very happy with my switch to Canon.

Good luck!

[tkbslc]

Thanks, I wanted to hear both sides. Good to hear from someone who has had both.

[foxesamu]

Originally Posted by KenjiS

Also, check THIS out

http://www.pentaximaging.com/camera-..._F2.8_Limited/

Thats DARN cool

And it was just the other day i was thinking if i wanted to run with 2 bodies and 2 systems, id totally have a Pentax, they're really underrated..

That is absolutely awesome. Stop it, you're making me want a K20D just so I can have a pancake. And that lens is under $300--the body + lens would cost significantly less than a new T1i according to Best Buy.

The only thing is, OP, don't be deceived by the K20D's high ISO performance. It may have more ISO range but it isn't as good as the 40D/50D. Has less visible noise at the cost of lots of detail and vibrancy.

[superdiver]

Makes sense, especially for the cost...

Here is something to think about tho... They are always upgrading the IS in lenses it seems, if you go to a body with IS you will not have the ability to upgrade the IS will you? Can you use an IS lens on an IS body??/

[Duff]

Originally Posted by superdiver

Makes sense, especially for the cost...

Here is something to think about tho... They are always upgrading the IS in lenses it seems, if you go to a body with IS you will not have the ability to upgrade the IS will you? Can you use an IS lens on an IS body??/

AFAIK, Pentax does not do IS in the lens. Camera only.

[tkbslc]

Duff,

since you have moved from a K20 to a 50D, do you find the 50D to be far superior? You mentioned the Pentax images were a tad softer, but would that not be lens and processing setting dependent? How does the high ISO compare? Selling all my crap and buying new again is going to add up, so a 40D or 50D may end up costing the same overall. Just want to make sure I am getting the best so I don't end up switching back and losing money twice.

Thanks.