Pentax or Nikon?

MericoX

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#1
I need help deciding on a camera. I've narrowed it down between a Nikon D80 and a Pentax K20D.

'Elp?
 
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#2
You'll have better luck getting better lenses for less money with the Nikon, especially picking up good used lenses.

Other than that, get the one that feels best in your hands. :)
 

skittledoo

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#4
I'd go with the Nikon... but then I'm a little biased since I shoot with a Nikon. Test them both out and go with what feels more like you.
 

cockers2

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#5
I have never had a Nikon but I did not like my Pentax. I went with Canon over Nikon because it is lighter, which is important if you are packing it around for hours on end. I am very happy with my Canon digital, have you checked out Canon? Nikon is a great camera.
 

Chewbecca

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#6
I've never used a Pentax, Dekka has one, though, but I LOVELOVELOVE my Nikon!
You can ask Dekka about Pentax cameras. She has experience with them.
She swears by them.
I swear by Nikon.
 

Dekka

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#7
It depends on what you want..

The lenses are cheaper (new) with a pentax as the image stabalization is in the body.. not the lenses.

The pentax body is dust proof and nearly waterproof. (very handy for using around horse and dog shows)

The pentax has more MP at 14.6 (if that matters to you..I like playing in PP so that matters to me.)

The 21 frames per second is fun to play with.. :D

ANY pentax lens no matter how old will work with the camera.. handy when buying used.



Acording to many sites the pentax K20 is considered one of the top end cameras.. higher than a D80 which is similar money

http://www.neocamera.com/guide_dslr_models.html

if you check out reviews the D80 in many cases comes up short

In terms of high-level features, the Nikon D80 finds itself a bit shorthanded: it does not have stabilization, like the Sony Alpha A100 and Pentax K10D; it does not have dust-reduction features, like most of its competitors; and it is not weather-sealed like to Pentax K10D. In terms of subtle features, like image parameters and control customization, it has plenty. Important ones are control over auto-ISO behavior, control over noise reduction, customizable metering and a large number of image parameters.

As for noise and softness, the Nikon D80 trades the former for the latter. This is a universal compromise to make in high-density image sensors. As such, the D80 produces images softer than any other DSLR. On the other hand, apparent noise is less than that of the Sony Alpha A100, which uses the same sensor and was criticized by its un-DSLR-like noise levels. In practical terms, the D80's images will appear better for small to medium size prints (8"x12") but large prints will be noticeably less sharp.
Now if you are thinking of say the Nikon D3 or 300 then wow :D Or even I find the D40-60 better value for the money.

With the K20D, Pentax has the most feature-rich DSLR currently available. This digital SLR camera boasts built-in stabilization, dust-reduction, weather-sealing, ISO up to 6400, 3 FPS continuous shooting, the largest viewfinder among cropped-sensor cameras, live-view and a wealth of unique photographic controls. The K20D is the first successor to the hugely popular K10D, Pentax's most successful digital camera to date.
BUT the auto focus is a bit slow and it takes practise to get the really sharp pics. The nikons and canon's are better for just pointing and shooting fast moving dogs :D

It all boils down to what features you want and how you are going to use the camera. Perhaps AndrewF will chime in-he has a pentax too.
 
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#8
Either one will do you admirably. The k20d is a more current camera than the d80. That said, I use a k10d which employs the same sensor as the d80 and I don't need to go beyond that for resolution.

Unless you have a specific requirement, pick the one that feels best in your hand....and both Pentax and Nikon do ergonomics well.

If you want some points to consider:

1) Nikon has a better flash system
2) Nikon has more current lenses available
3) Pentax offers a weather-sealed body (however, you need a weather-sealed lens to take advantage of it)
4) Pentax has in-body stablization, meaning you don't have to buy specific lenses to get some form of stablization.
5) The k20d will give you better high ISO performance as it's a CMOS sensor.
6) Both have backward compatability with manual focus lenses (if you want to pick up a cheap 50mm, for example)
7) Both have some absolutely amazing, high quality lenses.
8) Nikon, without a doubt, will give you more room to grow. The k20d is the top-of-the-line Pentax. If you decide you want to move up from there, you'd end up looking to Nikon or Canon. If you already have a Nikon, moving up means you replace the body and can still use your lenses.
 
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#9
I've bought all of my Nikon lenses used. I was also pleasantly surprised at the quality - and PRICE - of the lenses that Tamron makes to fit the Nikons. I don't know which other cameras Tamron makes lenses for, but it's worth checking.
 
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#10
I've bought all of my Nikon lenses used. I was also pleasantly surprised at the quality - and PRICE - of the lenses that Tamron makes to fit the Nikons. I don't know which other cameras Tamron makes lenses for, but it's worth checking.
Pentax and Nikon both have some real jems on the used market.

Tamron makes lenses for Canon, Sony, Pentax and Nikon - though they do less for Pentax.

That said, I've got a 70-300mm Tamron which I love to hate and hate to love. It's one of those lenses which should be a lemon, yet proves it isn't time and time again. I keep hoping the thing gives me a reason to replace it, yet it continually earns its spot in my camera bag.....@#$@!!!
 

Chewbecca

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#11
I have the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 for my D300 and let me tell you, it RARELY leaves my camera.
BUT, that's because I've found it to be an excellent portrait lens.
I probably wouldn't walk around with it too much, as I have other lenses for that, but since I'm stuck inside practicing portraiture shots, the Tamron rocks.
 

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