Camera Shopping

by John on Aug.18, 2010, under photography

Well I decided to upgrade my camera situation and start shooting again. Deciding on what camera to purchase at first seemed easy but the more I read, the more unsure I became. When I was done, I was pleasantly surprised at my choice. Not wanting to spend more than a couple of grand, I headed straight to the Nikon page. That turned out to be wishful thinking because the more I thought about it, I just couldn’t justify spending that kind of money to get 10 or 12 mega pixels. Then the lens after that. So I turned to Canon. The EOS Rebel T2i seemed ok with 18 mega pixels and a lens for 1200 bucks or so. Trouble for me is the build quality. In depth reviews and user ratings all pointed to the fact that it feels cheep and plasticy in your hand. I want something durable and robust. Moving up to the next model that is more durable is a substancial increase in price. I pondered all this for a week before deciding to take a look at the Pentax K-7. What a shock I got.

The K-7 has a magnesium alloy body, is weather proof, 14.6 mega pixels, shake reduction built into the camera body, and, check this out, will use any k-mount lens ever made. What does this mean to me? As a former portrait wedding photographer that shot everything with a Pentax P-5 SLR, I have several very high quality Pentax lenses that have been collecting dust for years. I’ll be able to use these again! Not only that, but their are millions of k mount lenses out there, you can pick up some really high quality ones Cheap! So, that was it for me. I’ve ordered it. The lens that comes with it is not the best, it’s a 18-55 mm f-3.5 but who cares, I’ll use my old one or pick up an auto focus lens at a pawn shop.

To see and read about the cameras I’ve mentioned, or see any camera, I recommend you take a look at dpreview.com as it’s full of great info.

:camera, K-7, pentax

6 comments for this entry:

Steph
August 19th, 2010 on 7:23 am
That terrific! I love it when research pans out like that. It sounds like it’s going to be an awesome camera.
John
August 19th, 2010 on 8:20 am
Sometimes the biggest names just don’t pan out the way you think they will. I shot a couple of hundred weddings with that old Pentax SLR. No Joke. I’m thrilled to own another Pentax and never thought it would happen. And never ever did I think those lenses would be used again! I’m saving a ton of cash right there! You guys are my first stop when I get it!
Steph
August 20th, 2010 on 6:56 am
Did you also get that motor winder I see in the bottom of it in the pic?
John
August 21st, 2010 on 6:41 am
Ah, remember the old motor winders..there was no sound sweeter than one of those! Anyway, it’s here and yup! I bought the vertical grip because as you know, I probably shoot 70% of my stuff vertical. It’s holding 6AA backup batteries right now! Check out the blog page Steph.
Amanda
August 31st, 2010 on 9:01 am
Hi Dad!!

Your getting a new Camera?? Awesome!! Mom and I are thinking about getting Cassidy a camera for her birthday, I know shes only turning 3, but she LOVES taking pictures!! Everything is a camera and shes always pretending to take pictures of us, or stealing our cellphones trying to take pictures. Let me know if you see any smaller ones. I don’t want to get her one of those silly kids ones. Because by the time you spend the money on a cheap fisher price one you might as well get her a good one. Shes pretty smart for her age so I think she’ll know not to break it!! lol

Love you!
Amanda
John
September 2nd, 2010 on 8:26 am
Get the cheapest one you can because it’ll get drop or dropped in the toilet

Guy Stuff at Guys Clubhouse

Camera Shopping

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