Tried a Pentax dSLR?

Has anybody tried a Pentax dSLR and how did it compare to your Canon in use?

Never used one. But I've heard they aren't that great.

I've seen good photos from them. I understand the AF is slower. I like their ability to take AA batteries (in the same way the Fuji S3 Pro takes AAs). I also like their full backward compatibility with older lenses.

If you must go down this route (= you already have a boxload of SMC's), then get a cheaper but identical Samsung.

Actually, I have a box full of Nikon AIS lenses and Nikon MF cameras. I find MF accuracy is better than AF most of the time. I'd love to have a full-frame dSLR that had a decent MF focussing screen. And that ran on standard batteries (AA) than wierd batteries that aren't easily obtainable.

Why would you need to obtain them after the initial purchase with the camera? Surely you're not rich enough to run alkaline AA's??
Canon at least tend to standardize their batteries (the 350 being a dishonourable exception). The battery from my ancient G1 will fit my new 5D.

Personally, I find my one AA-powered digicam to be the most problematical. Carrying round stacks of AA's is much more of a chore than one spare LiOn. Even with NiMh AA's camera life tends to be shorter, and one of the 4 is likely to fail prematurely. Plus they need regular topping up, because NiMh lose charge more rapidly over time, even if unused.

We have a few members of my 60 member camera club that have Pentax DSLR cameras. They like them, and these members submit nice images in the monthly photo contests.

My best guess is the Pentax cameras are good cameras.

They are certainlt attractive right now. A Pentax *st DL camera body is $340.00 (including rebate) at B&H. Or, $450.00 with a kit lens (including rebate).

Enjoy! Lon

*st DL is ridiculously cheap and a nice camera! I wish I had waited till not to buy a dSLR hahaha.

Nikkor and Pentax SMC are both good glass, and the viewfinder is surprisingly big and bright for an entry lvl crop body.

However, I think Canon has superior AF and high ISO performance.

Then the camera for you is the Nikon D200, it will accept all these Nikon lenses you already have, meter correctly, and even has a focus confirmation mode (this is not true for the D50 or D70).

Or, you might even consider a Canon DSLR and an inexpensive Nikon lens to Canon EOS body adapter.

The Nikon lenses would have to be used in AV or manula mode and you would have to manually stop the lens down.

Enjoy! Lon

I am so sorry for myself not to use the opportunity of buing this Pentax (With 18-55mm lens) along with HP 8250 Photo Thermal Inkjet Printer from
"BuyDig / BeachCamera" when they were on sale together for $374 after 2 x $100 MIRs (Yes no typo here you heard the price right).
Still the camera is the cheapest on DSLR and my first suggestion for anyone who is looking with limited upgrade options and budget in mind. Don't know if the bundle rebate for printer still applies or not but this is the LINKthat seems not working...
I love the above mentioned features of camera namely:
- Light weight
- AA battery
- Large LCD that is unheard of in its class.
- Ease of operation.

I loved the viewfinder. Canon is err... "poop" in comparison.

But it still doesn't have manual focusing aids which I'd like.

tried one of those with an unpronounable name, a smily face feature button that takes AA batteries. Wasn't impressed at all.

I tried a Pentax *isD L today. It's a very nice, well laid-out camera. As with my Canon, the viewfinder lacked a decent focussing screen. The AF sucked big time. I compared it with a Nikon D50 and even the D50 suffered the same problem as my XT - it needed two prods of the focus button to get it into sharp focus.

I have played with my brother's Pentax...it's ok. He has used it for about 3 years and is currently looking for a Canon after I bought mine and he tried it out.