Thanks for all your answers, One more time, I am upgrading from my Pentax K-r and was considering the K-5. My question now is, is there that much upside between the K-5ii and the K-50. It appears the performance and picture quality are much the same? I...
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It depends on what things you value. Image quality wise, the K-5ii and K-50 are nearly the same. The K-5ii has: - better build quality (magnesium alloy vs plastic) - Weather sealing - Faster max shutter speed (1/8000 vs 1/6000) although 1/6000 is very good for that price. - More exposure bracketing options: 5 frames vs 3 - Mirror Lockup mode (but you can simulate on the K-50 using liveview mode) - Slightly faster fps (7 vs 6) - A deeper frame buffer - 100 grams heavier - A hair better sensor (14-bit vs 12-bit ADC) For me the build quality and weather sealing are probably the main differentiators. If those are not important, then the k-50 sounds like a great deal.
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The k-5 IIs is a great camera. For the money, especially now, it really can't be beat. Although I just recently purchased a K-3 I was more than satisfied with the K-5IIs. The image quality is excellent producing easily processed RAW files with great dynamic range. The focusing is fast and sure, better than the K-20D (obviously) and K-30 that I have previously owned. The K-50 is a good bargain and is a little more modern than the K-5IIs as far as video and live view so you can't go wrong with that. I'm still in the testing stage with the K-3 and I bought it more for the expanded AF points, video features, etc, not necessarily seeking better image quality The k-5 IIs is a great camera. For the money, especially now, it really can't be beat. Although I just recently purchased a K-3 I was more than satisfied with the K-5IIs. The image quality is excellent producing easily processed RAW files with great dynamic range. The focusing is fast and sure, better than the K-20D (obviously) and K-30 that I have previously owned. The K-50 is a good bargain and is a little more modern than the K-5IIs as far as video and live view so you can't go wrong with that. I'm still in the testing stage with the K-3 and I bought it more for the expanded AF points,... » Read More The k-5 IIs is a great camera. For the money, especially now, it really can't be beat. Although I just recently purchased a K-3 I was more than satisfied with the K-5IIs. The image quality is excellent producing easily processed RAW files with great dynamic range. The focusing is fast and sure, better than the K-20D (obviously) and K-30 that I have previously owned. The K-50 is a good bargain and is a little more modern than the K-5IIs as far as video and live view so you can't go wrong with that. I'm still in the testing stage with the K-3 and I bought it more for the expanded AF points, video features, etc, not necessarily seeking better image quality « Show Less
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My understanding is the 55-300 DA L is sold as part of the kit only. The optical performance apparently is the same, but it is a lighter lens matched to the K-X. You have already mentioned the other differences. I have the same kit you do. You may also want to do a search on the Pentax User Forum. I have found many of my Pentax K-X questions are common ones that have been posed & answered before.
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I didn't, but there is no reason not to work on K50. All Pentax lenses fit on all Pentax cameras. I use it on K20 K5 and K5II - very sharp lens. It allow you to focus manual with-out to switch, and then it do the rest automatically.
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It depends on what things you value. Image quality wise, the K-5ii and K-50 are nearly the same. The K-5ii has:- better build quality (magnesium alloy vs plastic)- Weather sealing- Faster max shutter speed (1/8000 vs 1/6000) although 1/6000 is very good for that price.- More exposure bracketing options: 5 frames vs 3- Mirror Lockup mode (but you can simulate on the K-50 using liveview mode)- Slightly faster fps (7 vs 6)- A deeper frame buffer- 100 grams heavier- A hair better sensor (14-bit vs 12-bit ADC)For me the build quality and weather sealing are probably the main differentiators. If those are not important, then the k-50 sounds like a great deal. It depends on what things you value. Image quality wise, the K-5ii and K-50 are nearly the same. The K-5ii has:- better build quality (magnesium alloy vs plastic)- Weather sealing- Faster max shutter speed (1/8000 vs 1/6000) although 1/6000 is very good for that price.- More exposure bracketing options: 5 frames vs 3- Mirror Lockup mode (but you can simulate on the K-50 using liveview mode)- Slightly faster fps (7 vs 6)- A deeper frame buffer- 100 grams heavier- A hair better sensor (14-bit vs 12-bit ADC)For me the... » Read More It depends on what things you value. Image quality wise, the K-5ii and K-50 are nearly the same. The K-5ii has:- better build quality (magnesium alloy vs plastic)- Weather sealing- Faster max shutter speed (1/8000 vs 1/6000) although 1/6000 is very good for that price.- More exposure bracketing options: 5 frames vs 3- Mirror Lockup mode (but you can simulate on the K-50 using liveview mode)- Slightly faster fps (7 vs 6)- A deeper frame buffer- 100 grams heavier- A hair better sensor (14-bit vs 12-bit ADC)For me the build quality and weather sealing are probably the main differentiators. If those are not important, then the k-50 sounds like a great deal. « Show Less
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Great lens, very nice on Pentax K-3 and I do not know any reason why it would not be super good on K-50. Well built and has good wether sealing (but you know that) :)
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I have the K-30 and love mine. The K-30 has several modes for photographs including AUTO which is automatic picture and P which is automatic exposure. These will work much like your point and shoot which will allow you time to learn to shoot Manual exposure to get the most out of your camera. Adding in Scott Kelby's Digital Photography books along with Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson will aid quite a bit in learning to use any digital SLR. Finally Pentax's shake reduction is built into the body rather than the lens with other brands.
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I own the lens it works perfectly on my pentax k30 and should work perfectly on the pentax k50. I am not sure what compatibility check would claim it does not work on the k50. The lens at f1.8 is fast, it is inexpensive, it is sharp and is a my favorite lens for portraits.
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Pat, The kit is sold new and used, that is your decision. I bought the camera body only and then bought the 18-55 II version of the Pentax AF lens. Supposedly the first 18-55 version of the lens, which I had seen accompanying the K-5 in a kit before, was improved upon and they called the new model the 18-55 II. My K-5 is water resistant. The K-5 takes excellent pictures and the noise is very limited as opposed to the earlier Pentax models, which I have noticed myself. I recommend that you buy the K-5 body only, then if you want the 18-55 lens, buy the Pentax 18-55 II if you need that type of wide angle lens. As I mentioned, I use both and I get excellent results. Pat, The kit is sold new and used, that is your decision. I bought the camera body only and then bought the 18-55 II version of the Pentax AF lens. Supposedly the first 18-55 version of the lens, which I had seen accompanying the K-5 in a kit before, was improved upon and they called the new model the 18-55 II. My K-5 is water resistant. The K-5 takes excellent pictures and the noise is very limited as opposed to the earlier Pentax models, which I have noticed myself. I recommend that you buy the K-5 body only, then if you want the 18-55 lens, buy the Pentax 18-55 II if you need that... » Read More Pat, The kit is sold new and used, that is your decision. I bought the camera body only and then bought the 18-55 II version of the Pentax AF lens. Supposedly the first 18-55 version of the lens, which I had seen accompanying the K-5 in a kit before, was improved upon and they called the new model the 18-55 II. My K-5 is water resistant. The K-5 takes excellent pictures and the noise is very limited as opposed to the earlier Pentax models, which I have noticed myself. I recommend that you buy the K-5 body only, then if you want the 18-55 lens, buy the Pentax 18-55 II if you need that type of wide angle lens. As I mentioned, I use both and I get excellent results. « Show Less
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My initial reaction would be no. The Pentax K-5 II is primarily a still image camera. While it does have features that will allow you to record in a video mode, they are secondary to it's primary function. In video mode it offers 1080p 25 fps - but MONO internal audio recording - option for external stereo. Professional reviews also listed the following "weakness" in the camera when it comes to shooting video: &#9726;No dedicated movie shooting button (important only if you plan to use the movie mode often) &#9726;No AF during movie shooting &#9726;No 'live' aperture control during movie shooting While other camera companies like to show that you can record their own commercials on the DSLR, is that what you're really buying an D-SLR for? This is a camera for photography first. video is an after thought.
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I am in the same position that you but in the inverse. I only can say that the Pentax grip is very well built and is comfortable in use, but i don´t know other marks and i can´t have an opinion in these way. When i bought the grip y saw in internet some opninios about clonics grips for Pentax k-5 and the opinion of the people wasn´t bad about this products, but the price in Spain was so highly and the offer in Amazon USA was so attractive that i say me: "way not...????" and boght the Pentax. Sorry for this short information ¡¡¡¡and for my english!!!!. Best regards.
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The Pentax K-5 II exceeded my expectation. It shoots much better pictures than the K-7 that we had for three years. The quality is great though I did not particularly look for gray or non-gray market. The warranty seems like an international one. Not sure if it works in the US but the I am very happy with the quality of the camera so I am not worried. Had the camera for three months now without any problems. Very happy with my purchase.
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I'm very pleased with the K-50. Actually, I think that the price I paid was a bargin. I'm still getting to "know" the camera however, so far, it's everything I expected.
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K. Bennett,Thanks very much for your info about these two cameras. I started with the model 30, had them for a year, sold them and got two 40D's, then last March I sold those and bought two 7D's. I had thought about getting a 5D, but a friend who just bought it said there are a lot of problems with the focusing, he said he gets around 20% out of focus, a number I find unacceptable. He advised me to skip the 5D and go to the Mark IV, and I was not sure if the better and sharper images, especially at high ISOs would be worth the extra $3000 a Mark IV would cost. What I might do is rent a Mark IV body for a weekend and see how I like it.Thanks for taking the time to post your comments. K. Bennett,Thanks very much for your info about these two cameras. I started with the model 30, had them for a year, sold them and got two 40D's, then last March I sold those and bought two 7D's. I had thought about getting a 5D, but a friend who just bought it said there are a lot of problems with the focusing, he said he gets around 20% out of focus, a number I find unacceptable. He advised me to skip the 5D and go to the Mark IV, and I was not sure if the better and sharper images, especially at high ISOs would be worth the extra $3000 a Mark IV would cost. What I might do is rent... » Read More K. Bennett,Thanks very much for your info about these two cameras. I started with the model 30, had them for a year, sold them and got two 40D's, then last March I sold those and bought two 7D's. I had thought about getting a 5D, but a friend who just bought it said there are a lot of problems with the focusing, he said he gets around 20% out of focus, a number I find unacceptable. He advised me to skip the 5D and go to the Mark IV, and I was not sure if the better and sharper images, especially at high ISOs would be worth the extra $3000 a Mark IV would cost. What I might do is rent a Mark IV body for a weekend and see how I like it.Thanks for taking the time to post your comments. « Show Less
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I was a little concerned also because what I found was that this "Body Only" K-5 II was actually a K-5 II Kit with the Kit zoom lens removed. I examined the camera, cables, manuals, charger, etc. very carefully and I found no indication whatsoever that the camera had ever been used. I kept the camera and love it! This was an upgrade from a K10D so I kept my lenses, flash, filters, etc. I really believe the K-5 II is the equal of any DX sensor camera on the market. Pentax doesn't get enough respect!!
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Both are outstanding cameras and the difference between the two is very little. I have a K5 and I would not upgrade to a K5II, but if the difference in price had been only $30 when i purchased mine I would have gone with the newer K5II. So yes for that little extra cost go with the K5II but you will be very happy with either.
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Mr Lee,The Pentax K mount has been around for decades and should fit the K10D if it is a true K mount camera. You will not be able to take advantage of the automatic features between the camera and the lens. I currently have a K10D but with all the new lenses and I am only speaking from a general familiarity of old technology lenses working on new tech products. I was primarily a Nikon owner for decades and still have lots of old AI lenses and film bodies. The new cameras will accept the old lenses but the automatic features are not functional. Suggestion, go to your local camera store and try out a few old lenses to see if they will fit. Mr Lee,The Pentax K mount has been around for decades and should fit the K10D if it is a true K mount camera. You will not be able to take advantage of the automatic features between the camera and the lens. I currently have a K10D but with all the new lenses and I am only speaking from a general familiarity of old technology lenses working on new tech products. I was primarily a Nikon owner for decades and still have lots of old AI lenses and film bodies. The new cameras will accept the old lenses but the automatic features are not functional. Suggestion, go to your local camera... » Read More Mr Lee,The Pentax K mount has been around for decades and should fit the K10D if it is a true K mount camera. You will not be able to take advantage of the automatic features between the camera and the lens. I currently have a K10D but with all the new lenses and I am only speaking from a general familiarity of old technology lenses working on new tech products. I was primarily a Nikon owner for decades and still have lots of old AI lenses and film bodies. The new cameras will accept the old lenses but the automatic features are not functional. Suggestion, go to your local camera store and try out a few old lenses to see if they will fit. « Show Less