Pentax KX-top rated DSLR for beginners-

[JOEGA]

Originally Posted by mtclimber

That is an excellent point, Les-

The Kx two lens kit that includes the Pentax 18-55mm kit lens with the Pentax 55-300mm lens is a real bargain. The savings is really amazing.

Sarah Joyce and Bradley

Sarah:
I've been reading the forum for some days now, and like another person, just seem to be getting more and more confused! With what I've read, I believe a DSLR such as the Kx wqould fill the bill, or K7, but it is hard to sell the wife and daughter on usind a dfslr, but they want (1) speed bewtween shots, (2) lots of bursts, (3) no delay between pushing the shutter and taking the picture, (4) ease of operation (no manuals for them, only me). I'm going crazy trying to please them and not waste money on the wrong camera! Can you give me any advise on what to say to please a woman?

[mtclimber]

Hi there, JoeGA-

Well here is a suggestion, take alook at the new Kodak Z-950 camera. That camera might just please them on every count that you have listed. In fact, reading the reviews it appears that Kodak have succeeded in producing a smarter camera, with more effective automation.

Once you wife and daughter have "their camera," perhaps, you can do some shopping for yourself. We are sure to see some price discounts as we head toward Christmas, or even after the first of the year. The camera body only price on the Pentax Km model (the Km was replaced by the new Kx model) is already down to $399.95, and I expect it to go even lower as we head toward Christmas.

Good luck!

Sarah Joyce

[Hards80]

Originally Posted by JOEGA

Sarah:
I've been reading the forum for some days now, and like another person, just seem to be getting more and more confused! With what I've read, I believe a DSLR such as the Kx wqould fill the bill, or K7, but it is hard to sell the wife and daughter on usind a dfslr, but they want (1) speed bewtween shots, (2) lots of bursts, (3) no delay between pushing the shutter and taking the picture, (4) ease of operation (no manuals for them, only me). I'm going crazy trying to please them and not waste money on the wrong camera! Can you give me any advise on what to say to please a woman?

honestly if they want burst and speed. a dslr is what they optimally would want. however if they are averse to the dslr scene you are going to have to inform them of the compromises in these areas of a p&s. so it really comes down to which they value more, the speed of a dslr or the convenience of a p&s.

if you do go the dslr route, there are a number of good values out there, as sarah mentioned the KM is quite cheap right now and a good entry point into the dslr market, as is the A230 from sony. Canon XS and Nikon D3000 are both pretty cheap as well, but still more pricey than the Pentax and Sony offerings.

[neely615]

Originally Posted by lesmore49

As Sarah says the Pentax 18-250 is a great lens...an 'all in one' really.

But if you have the kit lens ...the 18-55 and want another telephoto zoom to consider...doesn't have the wide angle range of the 18-250...is the 55 -300 Pentax. I have one and I've been quite impressed. Tack sharp...even at 300 mm.

Anyone have any thoughts about prime lenses with the K-x. I was thinking about pairing it with a FA 35mm F/2 instead of going with the kit, mostly because I did most of my shooting on my [film] Minolta 101 SRT with 35 and 28 mm lenses and prefer those over zooms.

Any thoughts? Any other recommendations?

[lesmore49]

Originally Posted by neely615

Anyone have any thoughts about prime lenses with the K-x. I was thinking about pairing it with a FA 35mm F/2 instead of going with the kit, mostly because I did most of my shooting on my [film] Minolta 101 SRT with 35 and 28 mm lenses and prefer those over zooms.

Any thoughts? Any other recommendations?

I've attached a link that discusses Pentax DA Primes. What I think you may find useful is the reviews by people who either own or use the lenses and also note the ratings...which are compiled by the reviewers.

I believe you will find lots of exactly the kind of info you are looking for at this link.

http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensrevi...DA-Lenses.html


Hope this helps,

Les

[mtclimber]

JoeGa-

The nice thing about the Pentax Kx is that it has wide appeal. It also offers fast focusing, fast shot to shot times, and Burst Shooting. With high ISO capability it can easily hand low light environments such as you might encounter in a not too well lit gym, when you were attempting to get some good photos of the cheerleaders.

However, like any DSLR camera, there is going to be a learning curve to deal with, as the Pentax Kx has many wonderful features and possibilities to utilize.

Have a great day.

Sarah Joyce

[neely615]

Les,

Thanks. I think I need to see how this 1.5 multiplier for focal length really works (hands on). I would love to get a set of primes that are wide, macro, my 35, and then a zoom. The kit lens zoom would work well for the zoom, and even both kit lenses could work as a wide and zoom.

Just not sure, and then there is this whole discussion about whether a 28 (or shorter), 35, or fast 50 are the better all around carrying around prime.

Thanks again for the links.

Originally Posted by lesmore49

I've attached a link that discusses Pentax DA Primes. What I think you may find useful is the reviews by people who either own or use the lenses and also note the ratings...which are compiled by the reviewers.

I believe you will find lots of exactly the kind of info you are looking for at this link.

http://www.pentaxforums.com/lensrevi...DA-Lenses.html


Hope this helps,

Les

[Hards80]

on a crop body. i find that 28-35mm makes a very nice carry-around prime.

[neely615]

I got out my Minolta to look at something, and realized the lens I normally use is actually the 58mm f/1.4 and I also occasionally use a 28mm f/3.5. Given that the K-x is APS-c, that means that the 35mm should be close to my previous carrying around lens right? (1.5 conversion for focal length)

Can't believe I was so wrong about that lens and thanks for all the advice.

Originally Posted by Hards80

on a crop body. i find that 28-35mm makes a very nice carry-around prime.

[Hards80]

yes, 35mm will be close to in equivalent focal length to what you were previously using.

enjoy.