*ist D, *ist DL2, or K100D

[GrahamNR17]

SRS are replacing my *ist D camera as there appears to be 'power management' issues (flash doesn't work with rechargeable or half-used lithium).

I have a choice of *ist D, *ist DL2, or K100D

I am familiar with the *ist D already, but concerned I'll have a repeat of the power issues.

I'm not familiar with the DL2, but it sounds more compact than the K100D. Were they on a par?

I'm mainly using PK and M42 lenses. The exisitng allow Aperture Priority with preset M42 lenses. Do the later ones allow it too?

Many thanks,

Graham

[Spotmatic]

All are great cameras, but the *ist D is the slowest of the bunch. However, it's the only one accepting the cheap and older Pentax TTL flashes; the other two only support P-TTL. Also it's the only one with "pro" handling (front and back wheel).

The K100D is the most recent of the three. It's not the "Super" version (meaning that it has SDM focusing contacts for modern SDM AF lenses)?

[ludoo]

I'd go for the K100D without hesitation for three reasons: much faster and a better screen than the D (and probably the DL too), Shake Reduction, and higher resale value.

Both the DL and the K100D will feel cheaper than the D and have a smaller viewfinder, but they will be easier to use to the faster speed. And the smaller viewfinder makes little difference in use, especially if you don't wear glasses and manage to find an O-ME53 magnifying eyecup.

Go for the K100D!!!

[Attila]

Ask for refund and buy a used SONY NEX or Samsung NX

[ludoo]

[Attila]

Lot better compatibility is a serious factor for a manual focus forum member.

[kuuan]

when I bought my first dSLR I had decided for a Pentax and I had the choice to either get an used *istD, *istDs or K100D for about the same price.
I took the *istDs. Deciding factor was that I liked it best in my hand, besides thought that the two wheels of the *istD, which is slow and has a very small LCD, don't do much when using manual lenses, and was afraid of the smaller viewfinder of the K100D, disliked it's bigger body and thought that for my first dSLR I may just as well do without image stabilization, practicing a stable hand.

Now, after having upgraded to the K-x I would recommend the K100D and if only for it's image stabilization ( though personally I still prefer the smaller body of the *istDs, and the K-x, which are very similar in this respect, lie in my hand ) Btw. the smaller viewfinder, the K-x has the same as the K100D, proved to be not an issue, but maybe also due to a better focus screen I installed.

I also like the idea of going for a NEX3 instead, if you can.
It's newer sensor ( my K-x's performs similar ) does mean much improved dynamic range and better high ISO performance, though I prefer the colors of the 6MP CCD sensor of the Pentax cameras you listed

[GrahamNR17]

Thankyou all for your helpful suggestions. I think on balance, I shall opt for the K100D. It's the most recent and I had one a few years ago, and found the image stabilisation quite useful with the Tamron 200mm lens. I also know I won't have problems with batteries as I used NiMH with it back then. It's a little bigger than the *ist which is a shame. It also offers more in-camera sharpening than the *ist, so it will save me lots of time with PP (the images from my *ist were very soft).

I'd love to have a NX, and it will definitely be my next camera, but it would cost twice as much for a body and PK adaptor.

Again, thanks for your help with the decision

[kuuan]

Graham..in camera sharpening? Does that mean you shoot jpegs?
hm..maybe the k100D does good jpegs, but those of my *istDs are terrible and imo shooting RAW is a must. Even though the jpegs of the K-x are 'said' to be excellent they did not satisfy me, so it's also RAW with the K-x, and I much suppose that it's not different with the K100D

[GrahamNR17]

[scsambrook]

Hi Graham! Yes, excellent choice. The K100D is great, I've kept mine even though I got a K10D as well. Manual exposure works fine on the K100D, better than the K10D - at least mine does. And despite the relatively small screen it's eay to focus with manual lenses, well, focal lengths over 90mm anyway.

I use Energizer lithium AAs, they last for ages and ages and ages . . . even with lots of "chimping" and deleting. A lot better than rechargeables that lose their power sitting in the camera and far cheaper than alkalines in the long run. www7dayshop.com is a cheap source.

As for JPEGs vs Raw, the former come out nicely if you set the in-camera sharpening halfway up the scale. But even better is to shoot Raw. Forget the Pentax processing software and just save the images as JPEGs in Picasa - any tweaking needed is quick and requires zero brain power, something which is very important for me! No need to spend hours poring over the computer.

And you can aget a nice one with the 18-55 lens for well under £200, even from a dealer.

[GrahamNR17]

The K100D arrived today. It's great, I really like it Feels heavier than the *ist D, but the in-camera shake reduction will come in handy for me

I'm going to see of Ludo's focus screen fits later, as it's definitely a better screen than standard.

I now have no excuses left as to why I'm not taking more photos

[Spotmatic]

[GrahamNR17]

[ludoo]

[GrahamNR17]

[ludoo]