Pentax K-5 or what?

Weldingblues

Weldingblues

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Colin
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I have decided to sell my Pentax K-7 together with my Sigma 120-400mm APO DG HSM lens. This is to help fund the Pentax K-5 (or alternative) as the photos I have been taking recently are mainly low or difficult light. The Pentax K-5, with its improved low light capabilities, would be ideal.

However, I am finding that carrying the camera and various lenses is beginning to put a strain on various parts of my old body (67)!

I am now considering a lightweight alternative, and the Olympus OMD EM5 (with its weather-proof capabilities) is looking to be a good bet.

As I take photos in theatres, museums and other difficult light situations a viewfinder is a must. It would also be useful to have the ability to turn off the screen/monitor if possible. If this isn’t possible, then I could always cover this with something.

If anyone has used the Olympus OMD EM5, can you please let me know what is your impression of it?

Is there anyone local to Bedford who has used, or is using the Olympus OMD EM5 who I could meet up with? This would then enable me to compare the Olympus with the Pentax K-7 in a “real world situation”?

I would need lenses to cover the focal range from 17mm to 400mm which should include a macro lens. Any suggestions for lenses to cover this range would be very useful.

Regards
 
Good initial review of the camera and the review likes its ISO performance which I assume is very high up on your need to have list, my only reservations would be the cost of lenses, especially if your bought olympus lenses, they ain't cheap.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/omd-em5/omd-em5A.HTM
 
I'd say that that K5 if you already have Pentax lenses is probably a better value buy. Peter is right depending what lenses you would need to replicate on an Olympus setup it could be pricey, that and the EM-5 body is £1000 on its own.

The K5 can be had for around £700
 
I just got the K-5 from SRS for £750 with a Kit lens and then £80 cash back.

Sell the kit lens for £60 and the K-5 is £610
 
with the K-5's replacement imminent (K3?), would it not be wise to hang fire until it's release? hopefully the K-5's price would drop substantially.

For the first the first time since owning it, I tried using the higher ISO settings on my K-7 this week and was pleasantly surprised. Extremely usable images up to ISO3200. This has quenched my desire to upgrade for the time being at least!
 
tijuana taxi said:
How about the new K-30?
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Having misread the OP, this is probably a good option. The K5/K7 may only be small but it's built like a tank and is pretty heavy. The K30 should be a sound choice....weather sealed, AF and good high ISO capabilities. I did consider one for myself, albeit briefly as the lack of a top lcd is a deal-breaker for me (although I cant speak for the OP).
 
Thanks for the comments, the weight is my biggest problem K5 + Tamron 17-50 is 1094g. The Olympus OMD + 12-50 lens is 637g.

This means that the K5 on its own is heavier that the Olympus with its lens.

I have considered the K30 it is only 70g lighter than the K5.
 
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Weldingblues said:
Thanks for the comments, the weight is my biggest problem K5 + Tamron 17-50 is 1094g. The Olympus OMD + 12-50 lens is 637g.

This means that the K5 on its own is heavier that the Olympus with its lens.

I have considered the K30 it is only 70g lighter than the K5.
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I agree if you want something light then the OMD is probably your best bet.
 
I think that having found out about the "Q Straps" from another thread, I am going to visit SRS in Watford to have a play with various camera/lens combinations.

Regards

Colin
 
Weldingblues said:
I think that having found out about the "Q Straps" from another thread, I am going to visit SRS in Watford to have a play with various camera/lens combinations.

Regards

Colin
Click to expand...

The Q Straps are very good, I used to use one on my old Pentax K20D
 
Back from SRS, the Olympus OMD E5 is an amazing camera. :) Unfortunately they did not have the grip and the standard body did not sit right in my hands.

I had another problem :shake: so was unable to stay there as long as I had hoped, but will return probably next week.
 
Re the OMD E5, of course you can use any of your existing Pentax lenses on it too (with a cheap adapter). They would be manual focus only. Also, if they're modern lenses without an aperture ring then they would always work at the largest aperture, eg a 50mm F1.8 would always be at F1.8 .

With older lenses you can change the F stop on the lens.
 
I did buy the BlackRapid RS-4 strap and that is such an improvement, so holding fire at the moment, until the Pentax K30 is out with some reviews.
 
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