Great price for a very decent camera. Much better than the 1100D that has been posted a few times, it's closer to the level of the 550D and on some specifications better.
Credit for this find goes to King Thing from Whirlpool. http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1705729&p…
I paid $710!
Still happy with my K-x but that price is tempting…
Are there any other cameras in this range that compare at this price point?
Need an okay camera for baby pics and our digital cameras aren't cutting it.
Do you guys think this would take decent baby pics? Flash etc..
Not at this price. The next cheapest DSLR is the Canon 1100D (for $40 more), which is an inferior camera in every way except for Canon's lens selection.
It should be perfectly fine for baby pics.
thanks mate! really appreciate it.
Any idea how much a similar Samsung DSLR will cost as well ?
samsung's DSLRs (not their CSC cameras) are simply rebadged pentax models, anyway.
This is a fantastic deal for a DSLR from a very underrated brand.
Seems like they take AA's? no recharge option?
They can take 4 AAs with the BH-109 battery holder.
It comes with a rechargeable battery.
Just Purchased. Missus better appreciate it for her Bday. Thanks guys!
Available from Officeworks. Extra 5% off on the table. http://www.officeworks.com.au/retail/products/Technology/Cam…
It's online only and apparently they don't price match online?
That's what an office works rep told me anyway.
So we should disregard buying it from Office works, if I'm right…
Actually I'm not 100% sure. I have called their 1300 OFFICE number to price match items that they physically keep in their stores. But I habe never tried it for an online only item. Hopefully someone can clarify this please.
on hold now :P will let you guys know.
As i have been told (@ OW Kings st.CBD MELB), they do price match online price (including overseas, case by case tho) plus delivery (if applicable)
I have matched online items.
They will add the shipping cost of the competition before applying the 5% discount.
Yes they do price match online and also you have to buy via phone.
OW price match store price as well as online price ( can be restricted to .com.au stores)
For online stores, they do add the delivery cost. I have done multiple times in the past.
So if a store rep says so, you can stand and ask the reason why. Staff is not providing it from their pockets.
http://www.officeworks.com.au/retail/content/Lowest-Price-Gu…
From their website:
What about online stores?
Identical products are price matched against online stores but as with any other kind of store, the item must be currently in stock. When price matching online stores we also take into account the added cost of delivery. If the identical product can be purchased and delivered via an online store for a total price lower than the one we are offering, we will beat that total price by 5%.
Why the neg? The reality is that this store probably only has limited stock, and if there is in avenue for people to purchase through another store, then more people can purchase this camera.
gave you a + :P
Are you still on hold?
look below mate
Very good price.
I don't care what anyone says. No CMOS image sensor will ever replicate the warmth and grain of a good old fashioned CCD.
Interesting point, albeit completely irrelevant. Thank you for your input shlomo.
Do I need to explain the joke to you?
If you could please.
Pentax K-r has a CMOS sensor.
For anyone that wants it through Office Works. Just called them. Because it's online only you need to wait till 9am WA time when leederville cameras open (Leederville cameras don't have a returns policy online so OW need to call them to compare)
If it's all good you will get it from OW for $17.45 less.(OW add the shipping charge from the original store onto the price ($16).
Hope this helps you guys.
$17 doesn't upset me too much, already ordered it from leederville cameras, was just researching for you guys.
Agreed!
Just ordered the last piece. I was on call for 40 mins - 30 mins was hold time :-S
Total price paid - $347.75.
349+16= 365 and after 5% off = $347.75
$2 cheaper :D
Rep said she already sold 2 before me.
I needed to be delivered to the local store because it has less hassle compared to Aus post.
Very good price IMO
You can't go wrong at this price, good first step into the dslr world.
Would this be the best DSLR you can get under $500?
Nope. If you're willing to buy grey the D5100 for around the $500 mark is a better camera, mostly due to the flippy screen, newer sensor and larger selection of lenses.
http://www.kogan.com/au/buy/nikon-d5100-kit-single-lens-vr-1…
Is it more than $135 bucks better?
Thanks for your help.
After reading a bunch of reviews I'd go with the Pentax. Wait, I did.. heh
Good call, you can now spend more money on some Limited prime lenses. Hope you have deep pockets…I'm trying to resist the urge myself.
Is that a tad bit of sarcasm I hear?
Planning on using the stock lense it comes with, apparently it's pretty damn good.
No no, just a friendly warning from a fellow Pentax user. That's what we all plan to do at first, thinking the kit lens will be sufficient, but it's only a matter of time before LBS kicks in…Just like a fat kid in a cake shop, you can only hold out for so long mate.
:( I got it for the missus, she better not get any ideas. I'll just tell her they don't exist anymore. :D
shakes pockets need a second job..
I upgraded my 100D super to the K-r about a year ago and I have nothing but good things to say about this camera. For this price, it's a steal! Sure it's an older model, but I honestly don't think you will grow out of this camera for quite a long time especially if you are a first timer. Feature wise it's better than canikon's equivalent offers not to mention better low light performance. The only set back is the limited (and pricey) newer lens selection. Equivalent lens for pentax cameras are often more expensive than their canikon counterparts. Although it does have one huge advantage being that it accepts older manual lens without the need for adapters. This means you can pick up cheap manual lens from ebay if you don't mind the manual controls.
To make it short - this is a very capable camera for a very very good price.
Similarly, you can get the Kiss X5 (600D) with the 18-55 IS lens for $500 grey (http://www.eglobaldigitalcameras.com.au/kiss-x5-kit-with-18-…)
Having said that, I'd be tempted to buy a Pentax as the low light performance used to be better on them (less pixels on a slightly bigger sensor than the Canon).
Actually this offer is pretty good for anyone who can try a DSLR.
I have a Nikon D3100 bought Nov 2012 with single kit. How is this camera compared to D3100? I am still findin my way in with the D3100 as my first DSLR but I do not find a lot of sharpness in my pictures for some reason?
Pentax K-r has exposure bracketing means you get three fotos at the one shutter button click, one darker, one lighter & one at normal exposure.
Good for extra choice of best picture or HDR foto manipulation.
Otherwise nikon D3100 about the same, to have sharper fotos shoot in "A" aperture mode & set the aperture between F8 to F11.
Excellent deal, particularly if you have a number of nice older KAF2 or K Mount lens from my MZ5n/ME-Super days
Just FYI, these are Aus stock not Grey. Called them to confirm my credit card, they said more than 20 have been sold this morning :D
Sooo tempted but I'm going to pass because of the front focus issue under tungsten lighting I've been reading about.
I don't think that is an issue with later batches manufactured from mid 2011 onwards. (Unless of course you get sold one from the earlier batches). http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-serial-number-data…
Great deal, the main reason why I sold my Pentax K-X was because of the lack of a standard battery that didn't require AA batteries & some so-so image stabilisation. Other than that, it was a pretty solid camera
This is a great entry level camera
the good thing about buying this is
you can use any pentax lens since
the 1950's as they use the K mount
so plenty on fleabuy
ive just googled a whole bunch of comparisons on this vs the nikon coolpix s9300… they all seem to suggest get a s9300.. what do you guys think?
http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-S9300-vs-Pentax_K-r
http://versusio.com/en/nikon-coolpix-s9300-vs-pentax-k-r-smc…
you can not compare the two above
The Nikon is all in one camera NO SLR
look closely at the specs
not able to fit other lens either
ISO is a huge difference
For those who actually own one of this camera, hows the video recording on it?, is it decent enough, does it do stereo sound, I believe the old kr (?) was only mono.?
I know I can go off and read reviews, but I would like to know from a user rather than a reviewer. Cheers (PS I am still rocking my old *ist DS.
For video I would recommend Pentax K-01.
See an ozbargain deal from amazon for ~$320.
Pentax K-r is probably a better camera for someone who never had a DSLR and want to try it.
Any bargain for a SD card? Either 16 or 32Gb.
I have read many reviews about the camera but can't find much on sharpness and overall quality of pictures. Can anybody comment on how the k-R performs? decent lense? decent pics?
I'm a total newb when it comes to the camera world. Would this camera kill any standard digital camera in performance and quality?
Thanks
I haven't used the Kr personally, but any dslr will give you better results than any standard P&S, especially in lowlight and fast action photography. However, kit lenses in general (regardless of brand) are considered ordinary at best. To improve sharpness, increase the sharpness setting within the camera and you'll need to also stop down the lens to f8-11. However shooting at f8-11 will not be conducive to lowlight shooting or portraits with bokeh. Therefore, to really make the most of the Kr's sensor and if you plan to shoot lots in lowlights/indoor, achieve bokeh and improve overall sharpness, you need to invest in a better lens, preferably a fast prime such as the FA 50 f1.4. However, for now, just play with the kit lens, learn the different shooting modes and determine what focal length you prefer shooting at.
thanks mate, much appreciated.
It can be an expensive exercise, so don't rush in buying new expensive lenses straight away until you determine whether a dslr is for you. They are pretty big (coming from a P&S background) and can be a pain to lug around, but if you want better photos that's the price you pay…
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-PENTAX-FA-50mm-F1-4-Lens-for-…
http://www.amazon.com/SMC-Pentax-FA-50mm-1-4/dp/B00005ABC5
Would this be the lens to maybe upgrade to down the track?
Yep, there's also a cheaper option, but it's not as fast (i.e. it's f1.8 compared to f1.4) http://www.digidirect.com.au/camera_lenses/pentax/standard/p…
The good thing about fast primes is they are already relatively sharp wide open (i.e. at f1.4 or f1.8) but once you stop them down to f3-4, they become tack sharp, compared to the kit lens at f8-11. Therefore, shooting at f3-4 will allow you to shoot in lowlight and still achieve some relatively nice bokeh for portraits.
However, make sure you like shooting at 50mm focal length, as it's not for everyone (mid telephoto range). Many prefer shooting at a wider focal length such as 20-35 as this is a better general "walk around" focal length. Also consider the DA 35 f2.4, it's know as "plastic fantastic" as it's considered a very sharp lens for the price. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/743117-USA/Pentax_2198… That's why people start off with the kit lens but end up with a bag full of lenses not long after, there are so many lenses to waste your money on…
Damn, your one knowledgeable dude. Thanks very much mate.
I'm surprised at the prices for the lenses you recommend though, thought they would be much more expensive.
Nah, I've only just upgraded from a P&S the past few months, so I've read up a little about photography stuff, still a rank amateur.
As to the prices, yes, they are relatively cheap but they are the best of the "cheaper bunch". You can spend a lot more on more expensive lenses, but in all honesty, for us amateurs, we probably won't see much difference and would just end up with empty pockets.
If you end up preferring zoom over primes, this relatively fast zoom is considered very good (don't know if the ebay seller is any good though). http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Tamron-AF-17-50-f-2-8-XR-Di-II-LD…
I'd suggest sticking with the kit lens for a while, it's good enough for most purposes. Maybe pick up an old manual focus 50mm from eBay for under $50 if you'd like to get more blurred backgrounds. Any Pentax K mount lens will work on this camera, which means a lot of cheap vintage lenses are available for you to play with.
When you have more experience with the camera you'll probably have an idea of what kind of new lenses you want, if any. The 35mm f2.4 and Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 are good recommendations, although I'd definitely go for the zoom instead - f2.4 isn't much faster than f2.8 and you can do a lot more with the zoom.
Thanks guys
Do you recommend getting a UV filter for the lens?
Just a word of warning.
Tamron lenses are wonderful but they have wide quality variations.
So buying them from ebay (or online) may be a bit risky.
Maybe for pricier lenses but not the kit lens - it's worth maybe $50 so not much point protecting it with a $20 filter. The front element is usually fairly resistant to scratches anyway and most damage short of cracking the whole thing won't affect your images at all.
Hey Tycn
what exactly is a Pentax K mount lens, I googled and didn't understand if it's an adapter or the lens already has an inbuilt attachment.
cheers
Every DSLR manufacturer has their own standardised lens mount for attaching interchangeable lenses to the camera. K mount is what Pentax uses, and any lens listed as being in that mount should fit.
Actually Pentax has pretty good kit lenses (18-55 and 55-300) compared to other brands.
4 years with a DSLR and I still use my 55-300 kit lens for outdoor sports (I am not a sports journalist though so I cannot justify investing $3000 or so into something like that) and wildlife shots (again I do not have a luxury of spending hours in the bush).
And I still keep a 18-55 lens with extra hood and focus shift ring (the same optics as an 18-55 kit lens) on a shelf.
Never used it since got 16-45 4.0 one but I do not have any intention to sell it as it is a good back up.
Do not forget that kit lenses are quite light and small.
PS truth to be said for people I have a 50mm prime and for events/indoor sports and activities/zoo I use 50-135 2.8, which the most expensive glass I have (got it from B&H when they dropped price by 50%).
Deal has expired.
They have another deal for the K-r now:
Pentax K-r with Twin Lens Kit - $599
Pentax K-r Digital SLR w/ 18-55mm & 70-300mm Sigma Lens
http://www.leedervillecameras.com.au/digital-slr-cameras/pen…
Not sure if the 70-300mm Sigma Lens is worth $250
Not much of a deal anymore. The Sigma 70-300mm is a poor lens, I wouldn't pay $100 for it.
Leedervillecameras.com.au, make a deal for K-5.
Your the rep supposedly. You can give us the deal :P
thanks for your input
just fixed a rep sign.
I bought the camera from Leederville yesterday and just received an email requesting credit card and passport copy or alternatively contact my bank and ask for a credit transaction they have done.
I should have bought it from Officeworks…
Why?
I got the same email yesterday afternoon, a few hours after my order was confirmed I admit.
I simply checked my bank account, noted the numbers as instructed in their email, and replied back. They gave me 3 options, the easiest being simply to log in to my bank account and check something, which is what I did.
From my reading their email to having an active confirmation dialogue with the company was about 10 mins.
Not a problem.
Of course you might have got it cheaper from Officeworks, but personally I think a little reward to the original dealer is fair. I imagine their buying power is much less than Officeworks and it's sometimes nice to support the smaller guys. Just look what happened to Jessops in the UK and I count myself as a previous customer of theirs. I'm only too happy to use the Officeworks price match policy to my advantage but in this case I'm almost happy I didn't bother.
FF
Hi FF,
I received the email today. I logged in to my bank, but there was no transaction visible. Might take 1-2 days to appear.
I did not bother to call them.
Well, I emailed my passport and credit card copies and hope it will be processed quickly.
I bought it from Leedervillecameras for the same reason, to support the small business.
But I am a little bit annoyed with the payment process as it slows down the whole order. Let's see when I actually receive the camera.
Anyone here actually got officeworks to price match? (post receipt). I checked the OW site and it says online only for that model. I believe deal has not yet expired, when you click on the link=page not found, but when you click on the banner it takes you to a page where you can order it (http://www.leedervillecameras.com.au/digital-slr-cameras/pen…).
Good catch, it seems to be still available. Link fixed.
just got ours in the mail! very well built, very happy with it. need to buy the battery holder/adapter though.. very expensive.. they are about 50 bucks. they have some on ebay for about 15 but they look a bit dodge. has anyone bought one of them before? item model is:Pentax D-BH109
Just buy the non original one on ebay for $3ish. Cheers
Great entry level camera, it's actually has a few more features than the Nikon D3100 (like exposure bracketing) if anyone is looking for a comparison. This price is awesome 2 years ago I bought the camera for $650.