DevilFish
newbie
Reged: 17/07/2008
Posts: 7
Loc: Manchester, UK
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Hi all. I've been browsing through these boards for a while now, as well as buying mags, researching websites etc. I'm a 'newbie' with the SLR world (have always loved photography, but only with my Cannon Ixus point n shoot at the moment), but want to get involved and buy myself something with a bonus I recently got from work. Now I was originally going to be spending 600/700 for this, however all my research really does keep on pointing me to to the Pentax K20D. It feels right(handled one in jessops), seems to do everything to a high quality, and just seems to fit the bill.... it's obviously is a little bit more than my initial budget but can stretch to it.
Question is, is it too much for a first timer?  I want to be 'ahead of the curve' and get a recent and new camera, but will the functionality scare me off? Am intending to get some books and self-teach myself, with the view to doing a course when they start kicking off terms in a couple of months.
Thoughts would be much appreciated! 
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johnriley1uk
addict
Reged: 08/06/2006
Posts: 436
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You can use it perfectly well without having to get involved with technicalities. Just set to Green mode and let the camera make the decisions.
Later you can expand your use as you wish and the camera will be up to the task, whichever way your photography goes.
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Best regards
John Riley
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john_g
Pooh-bah Hoo-ha
Reged: 09/05/2007
Posts: 2536
Loc: Surrey
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I have the Samsung GX-10, which is the same as the Pentax K10D, and I've been delighted with it. If you've handled the K20D, like it and can afford it, then I'm sure you'll be delighted with it. One thing that's often said here, is that sometimes you can make your hobby go further by getting extra lenses instead of constantly upgrading. Now I realise that you're not in that position, but, if you're proposing to get the camera with the single kit lens, can I suggest a much less costly and more versatile route? The Samsung GX-10 twin lens kit... a penny under £500 and £50 cashback if you're quick.
The cameras look and feel almost identical although you don't get quite so many pixels or liveview. Money no object... K20D. Trying to stick to a budget... K10D/GX-10. Well, that's how I see it. You can read some good online reviews for both cameras to compare them.
Have a look here: http://www.parkcameras.com/ProductDetail...44-ca6274502c9c
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John
Who could suppose that angels move the stars, or be so superstitious as to suppose that because one cannot see one's soul at the end of a microscope, it does not exist?
R.D.Laing The Politics Of Experience
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john_gass
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john60wales
member
Reged: 29/12/2006
Posts: 194
Loc: South Wales
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Hello ther,
Personally... after having reading the revues on the K20D... I'd have to go for the K10D.... if they are still available.
I wouldn't worry about 'being ahead of the curve' as you put it because.... it'll be out of date as soon as the next one comes along anyway
I believe that the K10D can still be bought.... & its one hell of a camera [as far as I'm concerned anyway]. With the money you save.... you can put it towards a nice lens.... maybe the Sigma 10-20mm, or something similar.
Just my thoughts... for what they are worth 
Cheers
John
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Badges: What Badges: We don't need no steenkin' badges
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Monobod
'Phantom' of the forum!
Reged: 03/04/2003
Posts: 5991
Loc: Just West of Norwich, Norfolk
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I must agree that the K10D is an excellent camera and if you do not expect to print larger than A3, then it will do all you require. However, the K20D does have a version of liveview, very useful for macro work and it does have a low noise sensor, useful if you do indoor photography, where high ISO is required. High ISO ('film' speed) is also useful to give faster shutter speeds for telephoto lenses to reduce camera shake affecting sharpness.
If you have the cash, I would suggest you buy the K20D. You may want it later and then you will lose money heavily when trading in a K10D.
More lenses and accessories can follow later, get the best camera you can afford now.
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David.
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Photos hosted by Flickr.
www.flickr.com/photos/monobod/
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I see the world thro' a viewfinder, but the world watches me via CCTV!
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Crosstalk
journeyman
Reged: 05/03/2008
Posts: 59
Loc: East Dorset
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I've been a K20D owner for about 10 weeks now (I spent my bonus on it too). It's a fantastic camera, though I did agonise for a long time between the K20D and the EOS40D. It's my first DSLR, but 3rd SLR.
I'm mostly impressed with it, though compared with friend's 40Ds & 5Ds the auto focus is slower (though they have USM lenses & I haven't tried an SDM lens on the K20D yet), but otherwise it's hard to find fault.
I think it's a great camera to learn the art and science of photography with, if you're serious about doing so. But, it is going to be a steep learning curve from an Ixus P&S. As John Riley said, you can initially put it in green mode and use it as a point & shoot, but you obviously want to try more than that.
Would I recommend it? Yes - but, if I was starting from scratch and it was at the top limit of my budget I'd also be seriously considering a GX10 (or K10D if I could still find one) - and put any left over cash towards another lens or tripod - which I could still use on future bodies.
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Phil
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