Camera Labs

You guys do a FANTASTIC job, by far the most informative site I have found.

Ok here is the deal, my colleague has a used K100D for sale $500 for everything. The equipment list is as follows:

Pentax K100d Digital SLR body (Includes Warranty until 2011 and original packaging, accessories and receipt)
-Pentax DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 Zoom with hood
-Pentax 28-90mm F3.5-5.6 Zoom with hood
-Pentax 100-300mm F4.7 Zoom
-Pentax MZ-6 35mm Film Camera body
-Optex tripod, extends to 6'
-ROOTS camera bag, fits all equipment plus.
-2gb SD Card, cleaning kit

I have looked at the reviews, and other camera's I have been looking at are the Reble XTI and XSI, Sony A-350, Oly 520, and of course the newer K200D.

I primarily will be shooting nature/outdoors, macro, my family, and I like to be creative. Friends have seen what I have shot with my Fuji S1000FD and they have been impressed. They have also expressed interest in me taking pictures of their kids/family for X-mas cards etc, and they would be willing to pay me to do it.

Does this sound like a good investment?

Hi fishguyis,

Let me offer you a warm welcome to the forum.

The short version of my answer to your question is: if everything is in good order, it's a great deal. Check the number of shutter-actuations though - if it's over 25.000 it's rather used. Still, some good lenses there.

The K100D's 6 MP is plenty and you can easily do 18X12 inch prints with that.

With the body's built-in shake-reduction (which was considered very good for it's day back n the latter half of 2006 when it was introduced) and the lens-mount that allows you to use pretty much any lens Pentax has ever made, it's a versatile package.

The built-in flash and the kit-lens (18-55) are both really good for the class and it's ability to use AA batteries makes it very versatile.

The auto focus is a little on the slow side - more so indoors in low light. The auto-white balance can struggle with incandescent lights, but you will learn to adjust for that.

From a value-for-money perspective (assuming everything is in good order) I think it's a good deal.

From a so-how-much-has-other-entry-level-DSLRs-evolved-since-then-and-what-do-they-cost-now perspective (lol) I still think it's a good deal. Things haven't changed that dramatically - a slight improvement in the high-ISO noise-handling perhaps, but nothing to gasp excitedly about - ISO800 and up has perhaps gotten a little better. A few more in-camera features - most of which you can get better by post-processing on your computer.

I would strongly suggest that you try to handle the camera first. Many people find that the control-scheme, weight and overall "feel" of a camera means a lot more than they imagined. This can have a significant impact on the "shooting pleasure" in both directions.

Good luck with your choice, whatever it may be.

Cheers

LahLahSr,

Thanks very much for your feedback, it's been very difficult to decide what to do.

The camera has less then 1200 actuations and I have had the chance to take it home and "play" with it. I find it very comfortable and easy to use.

I think the only thing missing in the kit at this point is a good flash (which I can probably get for around $250-300).

It has been suggested to me to try to find a FA 28-105 f/3.2-4.5 lens. I have been able to find one and I think with that and a good external flash, I would be good to go.

I was also looking at a 20D kit for sale (used) for $800 that includes:

Canon EOS 20D (8.2 Megapixel) along with the BG-E2 Vertical Grip/Battery Holder (fits 20D and 30D), two BP-511A batteries (with one charger), one Lexar 2 GB Professional Compact Flash Card, and three lenses:

EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus (with EW-73B Lens Hood)

EF-S 60 mm f/2.8 USM Macro Autofocus + UV Filter

EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM Autofocus + UV Filter

One of my other colleague's shoots with a 20D and it is a very nice camera as well.

Henry's also has a great deal for a Rebel XSI with an 18-55mm kit lens, extra battery, UV filter, and bag for $829.99.

I want to be able to spend my money in the best way possible Others have suggested that the K100D would be very suitable for what I need and it would allow me to invest in some good glass (my original budget was $1000 or under).

I have been looking at reviews for the last 3+ weeks and at this level and price point there really is a lot available.