im freaking out right now

I was almost going to buy a used Nikon D40 kit locally for $375, but kept

running into good reads about the k100d, and couldn't shake my curiosity. I am

an amateur wannabe hobbyist and this is my first dslr. I was actually on my way

to the D40 appointment, but had read enough that I knew I needed to be a good

boy and before just going straight out and buying the D40, I decided to stop by

a local camera store to at least hold the 3 contenders (D40, 400D, K100D)... As

many that I read have said, I turned out liking the heavier body of the K100D,

and the main lure for me, based on my often shaky P&S shots, is that I really

think the IS could help me. I knew before I walked into the store that there is

the Super version, but this store didn't have any. I knew all the pros and cons

of the three models and kits. I did my searching online for the K100D and found

that there don't seem to be any reliable outlets selling it for low prices at

this time (unless I was willing to risk getting scammed by the baiters and

switchers). So the store sold me the K100D kit with a camera bag for $500 out

the door. I couldn't believe I compulsed out like that! I was prepared to spend

the $375 but hadn't expected to be spending $500 on an 'as-is' purchase today,

on a camera that is sort of behind the curve now. (It was new in opened box, and

I can only return it for in store exchange, if I were to desire to do so). So I

am sitting back at work with some initial buyers remorse. I mean, I know I am

going to get my use out to the camera, and learn a lot, and be able to more

affordably experiment with lenses down the road, but it's just hitting me hard

right now that I took the plunge so impulsively, and spent all that cash! Part

of me impulsed too because I was tired of all the research and debating and just

wanted to move on to the actual learning photography part, etc... I had a lot of

Ken Rockwell running inside my head to go with the D40. I really connect with

what he has to say (I am an impressionable newb after all)... I also have good

friends who are all rebel canonites, and had that working against me.. But they

also have much deeper pockets than I do... So come on pentax-forumers... Welcome

me in and make me feel better! :-)

 

Also, could you also recommend the best AA's for the camera? I'll do my

research, but just in case you feel like commenting on that...

K10D is a quality camera. I am primarily a Canon user, but I have had a K10D kit in my possession for a few months to test some Pentax lenses.

 

I would have no problem recommending the k10D to someone wanting to buy a first DSLR. It has some cool features not seen on cameras from Canon/Nikon and can mount a whole host of older manual focus lenses.

Josh, he bought the non-super K100D!

Todd, any chance you can return the camera in exchange for a K10D...?

TODD - STOP FREAKING OUT!!!

 

You have joined an elite club. You are in the top echelon ;-D.

 

YOU BUCKED THE SYSTEM. YOU ARE AN INDIVIDUAL, NOT A SHEEP!!

 

Besides, when your canon-shooting buddies have to drop over a grand on a lens w/ IS

included, you can laugh and show them you $100 e-bay special that includes IS, because

YOU bought the pentax!

Ahhhh,

 

I hope I didn't make things worse.

 

My experience with the K100D is less. But I also don't know anyone who has one who is disappointed with it. One thing that is a lot cooler about the k100d is that it will do 3200iso. Which the k10D doesn't have.

The k10d was hundreds more and out of my range price wise...

 

thank you Maria! That was the kind of response I needed.. ;-)

You did the right thing by going and handling the cameras.

 

Internet research can only do so much. Listening to friends and "experts" will do MUCH LESS for you.

 

You know you've gotten a great camera. Chill out, enjoy it.

 

At work we have Canon D-Rebels, and I was a Nikon guy for film (F80.) I really liked my Dad's D50, but the D40 was a major disappointment. Cheap and lightweight like the D-Rebel, and crippled at that. No way to enjoy even my current F80-compatible lenses.... I was aware of the K100D, but what pushed me to Pentax was actually handling one.

 

As soon as I picked up a K100D, I knew that Pentax was right for me. I found a bargain on an *istDL (they handle exactly the same) and jumped. Never regretted it because it felt right in my hands, and had no compromises... mirror lockup, metering with every lens, top lens IQ, same CCD as Nikon, etc.

 

Happy shooting!

$100 for the kit lens (definitely a great price on a very good BRAND NEW lens), $25 for the bag, $375 for the K100D body - just like you planned! (only a few extras thrown in). Free IS lenses for life is tough to put a dollar value on, but could literally pay for the camera body easily, effectively making it free! (Is that a stretch? Maybe, maybe not).

 

If you let the comparison game get to you, it will destroy you. Even if you were able to pick the "best" camera in your price range right now, sooner or later something better/cheaper would come along and you'd have buyer's remorse then anyway. Be happy with what you have, it is a FANTASTIC camera, the kind that professionals could only dream wildly about a mere decade ago. It will take phenomenal pictures that will do you proud. It will take you a long time to catch up to the camera's capabilities, and then it will serve you well as a back up body. But that could be years away and you've got a great learning tool right now in the mean time. Have fun and post some pictures - that's what this is all about anyway.

Todd, you have a very good camera there and this unit can take some awesome picture. In one way it is superior to the K10D referred to above. It is better in low light.

Now the big plus is you can get a ton of older lenses that will work on this camera. Keep an eye out in you local pawn shops, newspaper and so on for people selling used Pentax gear. We'll be here to advise you about the good ones and bad.

As for batteries. Look on Ebay or your local stores for Sanyo Eneloops.

I'm not going to trash Nikon as they make good gear but you have an excellent camera there you can learn and grow with.

Welcome to our little community. Congratulations on your new toy--there's no need to freak, it's a nice, capable camera. Since it includes all the basic features in some form it is a great camera to learn with. Repeat after me: "It's not the camera, it's the photographer."

Basically, what Del Gray said. I don't own a K100D, but I've never heard any owner complain about major flaws (we all complain about camera specs to some degree). However, I *have* heard many Canon XT, XTi and Nikon D40 owners bitch about stuff that a Pentax user takes for granted, like mirror lock-up, backwards lens compatibility, spot metering, ergonomics, etc.

 

You have a great camera, and you have it *now*, which is exactly the best time for you to go out and start taking photos.

 

PS: Ken Rockwell has a great site, but his recommendation of the Nikon D40 betrays his love for Nikon. He can love it's small size and all that because a) He can pick up a $4000 camera when he wants to take a picture that matters (which will likely bring income), and b) He has disposable income (actually, "business expense account") to buy lenses that are compatible with the D40. Requirements for a 2nd (or 9th!) camera body are not the same as those for someone who only has *1* camera. So remember all this when you read KR's site.

I knew you peeps were going to make me feel better! I can't wait to get out of the office and go set this thing up. "It's not the camera, it's the photographer." ;-)

Todd

Welcome to the Pentax family...I trully love the way Maria put it...Well done...I have the K110D, 100D SUPER and a K10D...Most used by far is my plain K110D..i LOVE that camera...I had a Nikon D200 and gave it to my daughter..My Wife has a D40...and while those are fine cameras, they feel like toys.... YOU MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE!!!!

now enjoy it.. :)

Like David, I've got an *istDL, which is pretty much the same camera except YOURS has shake reduction!

 

My sister has the k100D and one of my good friends has a D40. I'd choose the K100D any day of the week. It's a MUCH better camera, even if it looks comparable on paper.

that's kinda interesting, javier. why use the 110 over the 100 super?

I was wondering the same thing..

 

by the way, I've been browsing photos from you posters and you all take some amazing shots!

Todd, You just bought a terrific camera at a terrific price. I bought one less that a year ago and absolutely love it. When you see what you can do with it, you will too.

Todd, Nikon makes some very good equipment and models. Unfortunately, regardless of what Ken Rockwell thinks of it, (and Miserere is right on), the D40 is not one of them. It has severe lens limitations, and no DOF (depth of field) preview, mirror lockup, or top LCD panel (a convenience I like). If you want shake reduction, you must buy an expensive lens that has it.

 

Nikon does not offer a compact model at any price that has all of these features. To get all those advanced features in a Nikon, you have to go to a more expensive larger-size model like the D200 or D300, and buy expensive VR lenses.

 

The store price was really quite decent with the extras in the package. By "kit" I assume you mean with the kit lens also, the Pentax 18-55mm. That is a very decent lens, takes very good quality photos and built better than comparable models by Nikon or Canon. The main difference in the Super version is it costs more because it has contacts for Pentax' newer high-end lenses with their new SDM quiet focus technology, but these can also be used, without the quiet focus, on other Pentax bodies, including yours.

 

You made a wise choice. The K100D is an amazingly good camara. Yes, it can go to ISO 3200 if necessary. It can do a remarkably good job at ISO 1600, one of the best. Extremely fine quality at ISO 200-800. Its out of camera JPEG quality is outstanding. Too bad the crazy megapixel race is causing Pentax to discontinue this fine model. I have a number of other bodies, but I am glad I got mine.

Hi Todd, Welcome aboard.

 

I've got the K100d and the K10d and my K100d gets more use, especially for the casual, just for me stuff. It's better in low light than the K10d and there are times I wish my K10d had it's sensor. You'll like the K100d it's a very good camera.

 

And I soo know what you mean. I got worn out debating systems pros and cons and going back and forth. Some time you just got to pull the trigger and you did. So enjoy!

Todd, I know nothing of these Nikons and Cannon's you mention. have they been around long? lol

 

I had been shooting with a K1000 since around 1980. last year I did all the research I could on the K100D before buying it. I never even considered another brand but thats just my loyalty to a camera I grew up with.

 

I paid $800 bucks after rebate for the K100D 18-55MM lens 70-300MM tamron , camera bag rechargable batteries and a Gig card.

 

you didnt do bad for $500

 

as for Batteries I use Duracell 2650 mAh and Power2000 2700mAh NIMH (with the Package)rechargables. 350-500 pictures before recharging.

 

My opinion to the K100D super is a BS gimmic. so you arent missing anything there.IMO

 

My brother has the Nikon D40S and I didnt like the feel or functionality of it. it seemed to busy and complicated for a camera.....

 

the one thing I am disappointed about is if my K100 one ever fails on me I wouldnt be able to get a Brand new one....

it should be their Flagship camera

 

 

here is a sample of a great camera in an Amatures hands

''Adam Wilson, Feb 25, 2008; 05:29 p.m.

 

that's kinda interesting, javier. why use the 110 over the 100 super?''

 

It is a funny thing...I can write an entire chapter on why I have a preference for the 110D, but in a nut shell this is why I use it most often...For one, It is ''always'' with me..I feel the burst rate is quicker than my K100D Super, For what ever reason it auto focuses faster...I suspect it is the shake reduction on K100DsUPER that slows it down...I have tested this by turning it off and it is quicker...

But I think above everything else, it has allot of sentimental value to it...I know it so well and taught me how to have steady hands because of the lack of shake reduction that when I use my long stuff like my 135-400 or my bigma, I can get good sharp pics without shake reduction...Of course it helps that I am big fellow..Battery life is another...It gets better gas mileage than does my K100D super...

Most people that I know who own a 1stDs will not let them go for many of the same reasons I described...Those early Pentax models rocked on...I believe Pentax really placed allot of TLC into those because they were make or break for them...As far as the Low light goes, it also Rocks on...So while my reasons are not good reasons, they are my reasons none the less...

I recently bought a K100D for many of the reasons listed above, including the built-in shake reduction and the fact that I owned many fine Pentax lenses. I used it for a week and had to return it. I tried to like it, I really did. There was some kind of intermittent electrical glitch where the battery indicator would go blank and the camera would freeze up-result, no picture. I tried every combination of battery, turning it off and on, dial settings, and recharged four sets of Ni-Mh batteries and inserted them repeatedly. To no avail. This was really, really frustrating. I subsequently googled this problem and found out there does seem to be an issue with the K100D and batteries. I went back to the security of my Canon 20D which never fails me. And it looks like lenses with built-in IS are dropping in price.

Sorry Pentax, I really did want it to work.

Well, for all practical purposes I believe that the only difference between the K100D and the Super is that the Super can use SDM system supersonic motor lenses. While that's a good feature, there's lots of good Pentax lenses without a built-in focusing motor. Since I paid $550 for a K100D Super with the kit lens, a bag, and a UV filter from B&H, I think you got a pretty good deal.

 

BTW, I checked out the Canon Rebel (plasticy), the Nikon D40 (clunky), and the Olympus 410 (focus by wire and tunnel-like viewfinder) before I settled on the K100D Super. I'm very happy with my choice.

Well, Here are three quick sample images using my trusty ole K110D that with my new Rechargeable CRV-3 lithiums, I am getting over 900 Pics from...

 

The first is of my son ..EXIF data included on all three.

The next two are the inside of a very Dark mission chapel...They are hand held, shot at ISO3200 +2ev...Try that with a Nikon or Canon...

While they may appear grainy, keep in mind the context...Oh and these where with the Pentax ''KIT LENS''

 

 

 

 

 

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