Newbie needs reassurance

[Cato]

I am sure there will be a learning curve. I am familiar with the basic concepts and what most of the features do---my problem is getting the right combo of apperat, shutter, ISO and WB without taking a zillion picks.

Isn't the K100D Super a step up from the K10? B&H has the 100 super for $399 after mail in rebate.

I have read other reviews that state the 100 doesn't work well under low light, doesn't give consistent WB, and that the photos need some post processing to really "pop."

Do you find those to be fair cirticisms?

It is hard choosing a camera, because all the ones I am considering have good reviews, but they also have people who vehemently hate them.

[hollis]

The K100 & K110 are the basically the same 6 megapixel camera.
The K100 offers sensor-shifting optical image stabilization.
In my case, I'm not sure that would be a must have option.
The white balance can be a bit warm, but I dont see it as an issue.
I threw in the Wally World link because there is no rebate, no muss no fuss.
I hate waiting for mail orders
Low Light? I dont know there, I dont shoot much in low light.
You can always swicth over to Manual Focus.

The K10 is the 10 megapixel "top of the line" pro camera from Pentax.
Its flash has low light focus assist, my cat hates it.

hope this helps

[almo]

I am sure there will be a learning curve. I am familiar with the basic concepts and what most of the features do---my problem is getting the right combo of apperat, shutter, ISO and WB without taking a zillion picks.

Isn't the K100D Super a step up from the K10? B&H has the 100 super for $399 after mail in rebate.

I have read other reviews that state the 100 doesn't work well under low light, doesn't give consistent WB, and that the photos need some post processing to really "pop."

Do you find those to be fair cirticisms?

It is hard choosing a camera, because all the ones I am considering have good reviews, but they also have people who vehemently hate them.

Hey Cato, I don't own either of these brands, so you can see me as an unbiased source of opinions on this matter.

I could say a lot of things here, but the net result will be this: Get the Pentax and don't look back. The Pentax has a lot going for it, as you stated, but it also has great image quality that beats the D40. This is not in terms of resolution (MPs), which has little to actually do with IQ, but instead in color rendering and tonal reproduction. The images are just better looking.

Forget user friendliness. What this equates to is a camera that will feel like a toy the moment you have it figured out. It is also a myth that a new user needs a simple camera. Every new camera comes with a learning curve, but learning is half the fun of photography, so don't be afraid of it. If you find you are overwhelmed by something, simply don't use that feature till you have a handle on the other aspects of your camera.

The best feature of the Pentax is that AS. Man, have you priced VR lenses for Nikons, it is not even funny. As well as the fact that the D40 is a tiny little thing. I have held one myself, and it felt like the kind of thing Papa Smurf would use at a football game.

Get the Pentax dude, trust me, you will not regret it.


P.S. Check the prices on Beach Camera's website before you buy, that is where I get my cameras, and they have the lowest prices I have found before you get into scam territory.