Pentax Kx or Nikon d3000?

Question

Im still stuck between these two.
Pentax can shoot HD video and liveview.. but nikon cant.
But nikon is nikon, and im afraid if i buy the pentax will be crappy picture quality.. without lens focusing. ITS MY FIRST SLR.
Ill will use it to take photos with my friends and videos.
IM STCUK I DOTN KNOW WHICH ONE TO BUY.

Answer 1

If you compare the features of the Pentax K-x and Nikon D3000, the Pentax K-x offers considerably more value for the price. The K-x not only has Live View and video capability but it also has a focus motor in the camera body as well as the Pentax version of image stabilization in the camera body. The D3000 lacks those features, requiring you to buy Nikon AF-S lenses if you want auto focus and to pay for image stabilization (Nikon calls it VR) every time you buy a lens with image stabilization.



Pentax is a very old camera manufacturer who simply doesn't spend a lot on advertising.



The Pentax K-x uses the venerable K-mount first introduced in 1975. Therefore, any lens ever made with the K-mount can be used on your K-x DLSR. Of course there are some limitations when using a 35 year old lens on a modern DSLR but they can be used - and they can take advantage of the in-body image stabilization.



Buy the K-x.

Answer 2

The Pentax has a CMOS sensor which pretty much alone makes it better. Pentax has been making cameras for a very long time and knows what they're doing, so any limitations by the camera is from the user.



You should look at comparing the D5000 and the K-X... the D3000 isn't even on the same level. In my experience, you'll find more lens options for the Canon than the Pentax (my first dSLR was a Pentax), which is neither a good thing nor a bad thing... just a thing.

Answer 3

Picture quality depends on the person behind the camera. I don't know anything about the Pentax, but a quick look on the internet & I see it's received good reviews.

I always go to amazon.com and see what other people have to say about the camera. If you can, go to a store that sells both cameras and hold each one in your hands to see if one feels better than the other. I'm a long time Nikon man, but I'm sure the Pentax is a decent camera as well. Live view isn't used by a real photographer.......

Answer 4

I currently own a Pentax K20d and I can tell you that Pentax has excellent picture quality... if you know how to use the camera correctly. Besides being able to use most of the old lenses on the new cameras, you can also buy new lenses that fit on their old manual SLR's. I currently have a new 100mm lens that I can also use on my old K1000 if I choose to.



If you want to look at the quality of my Pentax K20d, you can look at my flickr photo stream:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22131398@N05/



Here is a link to photos taken with the Pentax Kx:

http://www.flickr.com/cameras/pentax/k-x/



Take a look at the sample photos and then decide which camera you want.

Answer 5

Nikon D3000 would be my choice, but also consider Nikon D5000 for a bit more $, you can take HD video from it too.