Any former Pentax users? I'm upgrading to a T1i from a Pentax K100D

[brianwahl]

Like the title says. Any former (or current) Pentax users?

My first DSLR was a Pentax K100D - bought it new back in 2006. It made me sad today to ship it away to it's new owner, as I've sold it to finance a T1i. I loved that K100D, but the newest generation of DSLRs just have so many features that I want, like video for example. I actually kind of wanted to stay in the Pentax family, but they just don't have anything that really competes with the T1i feature-wise. They have the K-X, but it lacks a few key features I want, and I'm not really in a position to move into the pro-sumer line (Pentax K-7 and/or Canon 50D/5D/7D).

Anyway, I'm really looking forward to the new T1i - ordered it yesterday from Adorama. I got the refurb deal for $599 which includes the kit lens. It should arrive Monday according to UPS. The kit lens should do fine for a while, but I'd love to eventually pick up a 50mm 1.8 and the 28-135 zoom. I used an 18-200mm 3.5-6.3 zoom on my pentax.

Looking forward to meeting many of you here and sharing my shots and experiences with the T1i.

Here are some of my all-time favorite shots from my K100D. Click the photos for a bigger view.

[BubblerPhoto]

I would like to say, LOL!
I was a Pentax *ist DL user since 2005 when I got the T1i for Christmas from the same refurb deal!

[tigerotor77w]

Out of curiosity, what made you change to Canon?

[Anders Östberg]

Pentax ME Super and a Pentax Super A with motor drive. That was a couple of years ago though.

The Super A was a real favourite, loved the handling.

[brianwahl]

Originally Posted by BubblerPhoto

I would like to say, LOL!
I was a Pentax *ist DL user since 2005 when I got the T1i for Christmas from the same refurb deal!

How has the camera been? Any issues at all with the refurb?

Originally Posted by tigerotor77w

Out of curiosity, what made you change to Canon?

I really wanted to stay around the $600 price point, and the only Pentax that really hits that is the K-X, which really lacked some key features that I wanted, including autofocus indicators in the viewfinder, tethering, and video files that play nicely with my editing software.

The T1i really has everything I want in a package I can afford. Now I'm just going to need to save up for some better lenses.

EDIT: And I just realized that I used the word "really" way too much in that last response.

[440roadrunner]

Hell, I went the OTHER way. I recently bought a K10D to use with my manual glass (Pentax K mount, M42, and Tamron Adaptall)

The Tamron Adaptall P/KA has electrical feedback, so you can adjust aperture just like with full auto glass, and the Pentax mechanically stops down older auto lenses.

So auto stop down

better metering with compatible glass

focus confirmation

In body IS

Only thing left is to focus

Uh,,,,,,I'm not getting rid of my Canon stuff anytime soon, though

[itzcryptic]

I had a Pentax Option 330GS point & shoot. Probably doesn't count though (actually I still have it).

Welcome to Canon.

[BubblerPhoto]

Originally Posted by brianwahl

How has the camera been? Any issues at all with the refurb?

No the refurb has been perfect and it came with all of the cables and software that a new one would.

My father used to work in the camera business and as a photographer and because of how heavily tested refurb units are, he regarded them as just as good or better than new ones.

[brianwahl]

Originally Posted by BubblerPhoto

No the refurb has been perfect and it came with all of the cables and software that a new one would.

My father used to work in the camera business and as a photographer and because of how heavily tested refurb units are, he regarded them as just as good or better than new ones.

Awesome - glad to hear it! The camera should arrive tomorrow (despite the fact that its MLK Day). I guess UPS delivers on holidays.

[ASA_5]

Welcome!

(I just posted this for another former Pentax shooter, and it seems appropriate here as well)
I switched not long ago, and posted about it in a few threads I list below.

I am a longtime Pentax shooter (from MX to the k-7) but I recently made the decision after a long deliberation, to switch to Canon. A 7D in particular. The primary reason is that I think Pentax lens quality control has really suffered lately, and I fear for their long-term viability. The primary problem for me is their newly implemented motors in the lens for focusing called "SDM." Failure rate is high, and the design is more like the micro-USM than ring-USM. Canon only uses micromotors in their least expensive lenses. The other reason, is that I really tired of Pentax slow AF. (SAFOX is how old?) I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how much faster your new camera will focus, especially in low light, than your Pentax.

You might find some of my reasons similar to yours:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=798264
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=793688
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=807720

Maybe you'll share some of your experiences as well?

[paradiddleluke]

Welcome to canon! I have an old 35mm film pentax P30t, had gotten it a while ago from an aunt that had it laying around when i first got into photography, then it sat collecting dust for a few years until I re-picked up the hobby, I got a few decent pictures before getting my panasonic Lumix FZ28 which is now in my brothers hands because I got a T1i!

[themadman]

Have fun with the T1i. It is a VERY capable camera.

[brianwahl]

Thanks to all of you for the warm welcome!

Got the T1i in the mail today - thanks to UPS for delivering on a holiday!

Anyway, here is one of the first shots out of the camera:



This is pretty impressive in my opinion for ISO 1600. If you want to see the full-rez image, click the picture (will take you to the full-size image on flickr). Ceiling fans create interesting catch-lights in the eyes...

So here are some initials thoughts compared to my old K100D.

1. It is much smaller and lighter. This is good and bad, actually. I really liked the ergonomics of the K100D. I'd kind of describe it as in-between the Rebel body and the xxD body - fit my hands very well. The T1i is comfortable, but just not quite as comfy. Oh well - I knew this going in, and it's not different enough to bother me. I like the lighter weight, though I'm thinking the heavier weight would help for taking steadier shots.

2. File size - wow. ~20-22MB raw files. Lightroom spits out ~15MB JPEGs. Big, big change from the old 6MP pentax. Might need a new hard drive soon, haha. My computers (I've got an old 1st gen MacBook Pro and a new-ish desktop) seem to handle the files pretty easily, though.

3. On my Pentax, I had to almost always adjust the exposure up (it tended to under-expose), and I usually pumped up the contrast and vibrance to make the colors punch the way I wanted. I know this stuff is all customizable via menus and stuff, but the Canon puts out images that are closer to my liking out of the box. I pretty much PP every shot I take in lightroom to correct for white balance, colors, exposure, etc, so this is sort of a non-issue, but I like the photos straight out of the camera much better than out of the Pentax.

4. ISO. This is the biggest thing so far for me. The T1i's ISO 1600 is noticeably better than the K100D's ISO 800. I like to take photos indoors without flash using ambient lighting, so this will really make a difference for me. Now I just need the 50mm 1.8 and I'll really be able to do some cool low-light stuff.

5. The menu system and button layout is much better. I guess you could say its just more advanced than my K100D was, but that is to be expected is this more than a few generations newer.

I'm guessing a current-gen Pentax DSLR would probably have all of the same improvements, but so far I'm very happy with the Canon.

As far as the refurb condition: you could tell it had been handled, but no wear really to speak of. So far I can't find any problems with it. Focus is right on (as seen in the pic above).

Haven't played with the video yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

[themadman]

Glad you like the camera! Looking forward to more shots from you. If you want the camera to have a little more heft, I would recommend a battery grip. You can find third party ones for pretty low price, easily under $100. They add more weight, more battery life, and it adds buttons to make vertically orientated photos more ergonomic to take.

Cute cat btw, I've got two myself =)

Enjoy your stay in the forums!

[ASA_5]

Nice shot brian! Can you comment on AF speed indoors? That is one of the areas where people that switch notice the biggest difference.