Buying a new Camera

[StyleXP90]

I'm looking to buying a new camera. Now I've narrowed down my choices.

Either a Pentax K-x or Nikon d3000.... Any thoughts?

[TCav]

They are both very nice cameras, but each has it's own strengths and weaknesses. For instance, the Pentax has a better autofocus system for sports/action/wildlife, and has image stabilization in the camera body, so any lens, including 20+ year old lenses available on the used market, will be stabilized.

What do you want to shoot?

[StyleXP90]

My main focus is landscapes, but I do a lot of action and some wildlife.

[JohnG]

Originally Posted by StyleXP90

My main focus is landscapes, but I do a lot of action and some wildlife.

kit lenses from either system should get you started just fine for landscape. But action and wildlife are another matter. In either system you need the appropriate lenses for those activities. Can you be more specific as to the types of action you want to shoot (if it's a sport - what are the conditions and what level of play - baseball could mean 6 year old teeball or travel baseball under lights) and also what types of wildlife. There's a huge difference between shooting birds at your feeder 10 feet from a window and shooting birds in the wild or birds in flight. This way you go into your purchase understanding what additional lenses you will need to accomplish your goals. Or, if you can't afford additional lenses you can at least adjust your expectations.

[TCav]

Originally Posted by StyleXP90

My main focus is landscapes, but I do a lot of action and some wildlife.

To what JohnG has said, I will add that, of the two, the Pentax is the better choice for action shooting, but a Canon T1i or a Nikon D90 would be better still.

[mtclimber]

TCav-

A jump to the Nikon D-90 would represent a very substantial increase in price from the Pentax Kx. Personally, I feel that the KX provides an excellent, and quality "launching platform" for a person coming from a P+S camera to the DSLR world.

Sarah Joyce

[TCav]

Originally Posted by mtclimber

A jump to the Nikon D-90 would represent a very substantial increase in price from the Pentax Kx. Personally, I feel that the KX provides an excellent, and quality "launching platform" for a person coming from a P+S camera to the DSLR world.

I agree, but what we don't know is how StyleXP90 narrowed his or her choices down. Price might not have been a criterion, or maybe he or she ruled out the D90 for some other reason for which AF performance might be a superceding consideration.

[StyleXP90]

Sorry I didn't explain more, but yes price is definitely something I need to watch. This is why I choose to go with these two cameras.

Thanks for all your help!

Hector

[TCav]

Between the two, for shooting action and wildlife, the Pentax K-x is the better choice. And as for shooting landscapes, many good lenses that would be appropriate for that won't autofocus on the D3000.

[JohnG]

Originally Posted by StyleXP90

Sorry I didn't explain more, but yes price is definitely something I need to watch. This is why I choose to go with these two cameras.

Thanks for all your help!

Hector

OK - given that, I'll ask again for specifics regarding the action and wildlife you want to shoot. Kit lenses in any system aren't great for this type of shooting but some shooting is a lot less demanding than others. If "action" is kids playing in the back yard that's doable with a bit of zoom. If "action" is varsity HS football under lights or indoor basketball then I'm afraid no kit lens is going to get you shots.