Opinions please - Pentax DSLRs

[Suffolk-Chris]

Hi - finally plucked up the nerve to actually post on here

I'd be interested to hear how you rate the Pentax istDL2 and whether you think that the newly emerged Pentax K100D with its anti-shake system would be a good alternative buy. I'd be taking a wide range of shots from landscapes to birds/insects etc plus some macro.

OH already has the istDL2 and in the interests of domestic harmony I think I need to let him have it back and get my own!!! Was hoping to remain with a Pentax model so that I can continue to steal..er, I mean borrow, his lenses......

[Alan]

Hi Suffolk-Chris, and welcome to WAB.

Don't know much about the Pentax I'm afraid. I'm not sure there are any users on here, but you never know!

.........digi might bo of help..

Alan

[bendog]

I have the istDL2 which I bought as I have alsways had Pentax cameras. I have not done very much with it yet, but I got a good deal with Pentax 50-200 thrown in free.

[digi]

Hi

In the reviews I have seen so far the major concern is the slow autofocus system and the fact it lags behind other systems with only 6.1MP

Look at the reviews

http://www.ephotozine.com/equipment/...fm?test_id=466

http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/2566...nce-page2.html

Unless you have several Pentax lenses to use I would go down the Canon/Nikon route because you will have a larger selection of lenses to choose from and they tend to lead the way with Digital SLR's at the moment.

Pentax were slow to move in the the digital market, hopefully they will make up some ground but at the moment the choice is limited. This is a shame since they made excellent film SLR's.

Digi

[eeyore]

I used to have a pentax film body (2 in fact) but switched to canon when i went digital - basically cos the original ist was rubbish . However both the DL2 and the K1000D are supposed to be okay and if your OH already has a pentax system with a decent number of lense i would think that this is a reasonable way to go. However IMO canon and nikon are pulling away from the rest of the market so it might be better to pressure (sorry persuade ) him indoors to trade in for a canon or nikon system instead.

[paulthomas]

The thing about the K100D that would worry me would be the in-body IS. I've a feeling this is the same technology as in the KM 7D/Sony A100. If you read through the KM SLR forum on DPReview you'll find a lot of 7D owners who are experiencing problems with the IS packing up (often just after the waranty expires). Fortunately their cameras stil work without it.

[bendog]

I took a few action shots using my *ist DL2 this afternoon. I have never tried this before with any camera and I am quite pleased with the results. See my pictures in Forum Images or in my thread in the Bird Forum.

[Suffolk-Chris]

Thanks for your welcomes and advice, Guys. I shall most probably stick with the Pentax line as OH does have a nice selection of lenses and assorted other items, hence saving on the outlay for another whole set of things and the need to carry 2 sets of equipment around everywhere... (You know what holidays tend to be like, 3 or more bags of camera gear plus tripod, monopod etc and a small carrier for 2 weeks-worth of clothes. )

I have been trying the istDL2 out on a range of tasks and so far am happy with the results so just need to wait for the bank manager to turn a blind eye for a while....

Great first attempts at gull shots, Bendog - nice to see the result of something I haven't tried yet.

Thanks again everyone for your input, much appreciated.

[carlj]

Chris, if you're still interested in the k100d take a look at amateur photography this issue. Reviewed over 6 pages.

[Suffolk-Chris]

Thanks Carl - will see if OH has remembered to grab that issue and have a look.