First dSLR - Nikon 3100 or Pentax k-r

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Popty Ping

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Simon
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Hi folks

I guess this might be a kinda boring question, but any thoughts would be most welcome.

I've just taken up photography - currently doing an evening course. I'm loving it and want to buy a dSLR. This is kinda bewildering but I've come down to either the Nikon d3100 or Pentax k-r.

I've read loads about them and feel I have a fair idea about the strengths and weaknesses of each. The Nikon seems to out top in that price range, but I have a hankering for the Pentax because of it's flexibility battery-wise. I do trips were charging can be a big issue, so it is a very attractive feature.

Basically, it's a big decision for an inexperienced person who isn't loaded and I'd welcome any thoughts from people on either/both of the cameras.

Cheers


Si
 
Go handle the cameras and then make your decision.

Nikon have a better range of lenses although to be honest Pentax have got it covered unless you can imagine that one day you will be spending thousands on a fast long telephoto. Both are very good cameras and you really can't go wrong with either.


This will give you an idea of the differences.
 
:plusone:
to above me.

Either will provide fantastic picture quality. Have a look at the lens selections on offer from both brands and see which would suit you best.
For example, if you're going to want a tele prime or zoom like a 300 f/4 or 80-400, nikon has better offerings there, but if you want a short fast prime, the pentax range is excellent and has the advantage that you get stabilisation on the fast primes, something you don't get with nikon (because the pentax uses in body stabilisation it can be used on all lenses, nikon uses in lens stabilisation so you only get VR on the lenses that include it).

Unless you ever see yourself going full frame or wanting really long lenses, pentax will do everything you need, so don't be put off by the 'go for one of the big two' argument.
 
I agree with the "go and handle them" suggestion, if possible speak to someone who owns each and see if they'll let you have a play for 15 mins or so.

For me, ergonomics is one of the most important aspects of a DSLR, I happen to prefer the layout of Nikon controls, they just make sense and seem more natural... to me. That doesn't mean they will to everyone.

Either one of them is going to give you great photo's tho :)

Oh and it's probably not the best piece of advice, but if you know someone closely (friend or family member) who owns either system, take that into consideration for swapsies/borrowing/buying/selling ;):D

P.S. the battery thing might be a deal-doer (assume the Pentax takes AA's?). I've resisted buying an advanced compact as I like to keep my compact on me at all times, so AA's are great.
 
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Popty Ping said:
Hi folks

I guess this might be a kinda boring question, but any thoughts would be most welcome.

I've just taken up photography - currently doing an evening course. I'm loving it and want to buy a dSLR. This is kinda bewildering but I've come down to either the Nikon d3100 or Pentax k-r.

I've read loads about them and feel I have a fair idea about the strengths and weaknesses of each. The Nikon seems to out top in that price range, but I have a hankering for the Pentax because of it's flexibility battery-wise. I do trips were charging can be a big issue, so it is a very attractive feature.

Basically, it's a big decision for an inexperienced person who isn't loaded and I'd welcome any thoughts from people on either/both of the cameras.

Cheers

Si
Click to expand...

In my experience, buying a dslr is like buying a car. U have to try it and see if u like it. Look through the viewfinder and see if its good for your eyes. I find that NIKON's viewfinder are dimmer than canon's. Try hold it in your hands and see how it fits.
 
I recently purchased a Nikon D3100 back in December and love the camera.

I would however recommend first going in to a camera shop and holding the cameras as I had my heart set on the Pentax KX and the Sony 550 but after holding them in my hand they just didnt feel right and the one that did was the Nikon.

I would also say dont go just go for the top of the range camera yes the Nikon D3100 has hd video but this was something that I wanted but if you dont need this then dont pay more for the extra spec that you dont need.

Lastly you could have a fantastic camera but if the lens you use is not great then your pictures are only going to be as good as your lens so maybe go for a lower spec camera but pay more for the lens.
 
pentax pentax pentax :p
ok </trolling>
as others have said, go and hold the cameras and get a feel for them.
The only thing I will say is my K-x is my 5th dSLR, I started with Sony a200, moved to Canon 40D, then to Nikon D40, then Nikon D90, downscaled and bought a K-x with the kitlens and a 50mm f/1.7 and I'm enjoying photography more than I ever have, I don't know, there just seems like something a bit more 'exciting' with the Pentax, and I am in no way disappointed with the K-x after owning a D90, quite the opposite infact, it's rather refreshing
 
timmygcsc2308 said:
pentax pentax pentax :p
ok </trolling>
as others have said, go and hold the cameras and get a feel for them.
The only thing I will say is my K-x is my 5th dSLR, I started with Sony a200, moved to Canon 40D, then to Nikon D40, then Nikon D90, downscaled and bought a K-x with the kitlens and a 50mm f/1.7 and I'm enjoying photography more than I ever have, I don't know, there just seems like something a bit more 'exciting' with the Pentax, and I am in no way disappointed with the K-x after owning a D90, quite the opposite infact, it's rather refreshing
Click to expand...

I never use and never handle a pent before. I have a friend who switch from 5d2 to NIKON d3, then the d3 to d700, then moved on to pentax. His reasons? Pentax offers him better color and contrast. I dont n never bothered to try his because I'm completely happy with mine. So is it that good?
 
Tony Stark said:
I never use and never handle a pent before. I have a friend who switch from 5d2 to NIKON d3, then the d3 to d700, then moved on to pentax. His reasons? Pentax offers him better color and contrast. I dont n never bothered to try his because I'm completely happy with mine. So is it that good?
Click to expand...

well, thats a subjective question, but put it this way, I am happier with alot more of my photos since switching to Pentax, plus there is far less pretence in using the camera, it's simple yet a joy to use.
I have to note here, the kit lens is average at best, think regular Canikon kit lens, and the new 'better' lenses are pretty expensive, but the older SMC lenses are where it's at, especially the 50mm's, manual focus yes but the IQ is simply superb, I agree with your chum that a Super Multi Coated does give wonderful colour and contrast that I've not experienced before. The only boon is that certainly on the K-x the auto white balance is choppy and I find 99% of the time I'm adjusting it PP whereas the D90 was spot on most of the time
 
timmygcsc2308 said:
well, thats a subjective question, but put it this way, I am happier with alot more of my photos since switching to Pentax, plus there is far less pretence in using the camera, it's simple yet a joy to use.
I have to note here, the kit lens is average at best, think regular Canikon kit lens, and the new 'better' lenses are pretty expensive, but the older SMC lenses are where it's at, especially the 50mm's, manual focus yes but the IQ is simply superb, I agree with your chum that a Super Multi Coated does give wonderful colour and contrast that I've not experienced before. The only boon is that certainly on the K-x the auto white balance is choppy and I find 99% of the time I'm adjusting it PP whereas the D90 was spot on most of the time
Click to expand...

I'll try my mate's Pentax then. See how it goes. I don't even know the misled of his camera. All I know is he's using a Pentax.
 
I use a 50mm f/1.7 SMC on my 40D (via adapter) sometimes, lovely little lens but I can't say I've noticed anything really special about the colour/contrast.
There's people from all the brands claiming that their choice is the best out of all the brands they've used for colour rendering. Thing is, you can alter it all on a RAW files anyway. Most pleasing colour rendering I've ever seen on a RAW file was from a fuji S5pro.

Do love the SMC 50mm though, I don't mind manual focus and aperture compared to the canon 50mm f/1.8 really, the uber smooth manual focus and solid build and a joy to use.

The K-x would be my first choice out of the entry levels at the moment, but mostly because of the handling/build quality and the ability to pick up cheap old K mount lenses and use them with stabilisation.
 
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Hi folks

Thanks for all the great info. It's fine reading but it's really great to get insights from "real photography afficiandos"

I'll take on board all that you say.

Mike P - thanks so much for that link. I've been scouring the Internet for weeks - can't believe I didn't see this! Very, very useful
 
Sorry, that should say "reafing reviews in magazines" in the previous post!
 
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