Advice needed

[Johnsings]

Hi there everyone.

I'm trying to decide between a Pentax K-R and a Nikon D5100 and would be grateful for any advice. I shoot a wide range of subjects but mostly landscapes and often HDR.

Image quality is my priority.

Best wishes,

John

 

[Judobreaker]

I don't really have a lot of experience with either camera's but here's a page that might help you decide:
Nikon D5100 vs Pentax K-r

It'll certainly point out the differences between both cameras.

 

[tirediron]

Your best bet is to go to a camera store (NOT a big-box store that also sells cameras) and talk to the sales-staff; give them a list of your 'must-have' features, and your budget and see what they suggest. A lot of the decision should come down to ergonomics and comfort. The Nikon may have a couple of extra features, but if one of the controls that you will use frequently is in an awkward position....

As far as IQ, I doubt very much whether you could tell an image taken from one with an image taken from another under average conditions.

 

[mjhoward]

You might also want to consider availability of accessories and lenses. Companies like Nikon and Canon have huge selection and great support from third party manufacturers. Other brands may only get some support from third party lens manufacturers and accessories makers. Just something to keep in mind when choosing. If you are only interested in purchasing the matching name brand lenses and accessories it may not matter to you.

 

[KmH]

Image quality is my priority.

And is more about your technical and artistic knowledge and skill as a photographer and image editor, than deciding between the K-R and the D5100. The differences between those 2 cameras will have almost nothing to do with the final image quality.

Just flip a coin.

 

[joealcantar]

Looks like you have gotten some good advice. I would also consider what is out there in the used dept. to help complete your kit for what you want to shoot. Lenses, flashes, etc..
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Shoot well, Joe

 

[TwoTwoLeft]

Not to confuse the issue, but if you're going to be spending a lit of time outdoors with your camera I would go with the Nikon D90. It's a lot of bang for your buck with a more rugged housing. It also has an internal focus motor, so there will be more lenses available. Another huge thing to consider if you plan on taking HDR or other long exposure shots in live view is battery life. I realize you should carry extras, having it run low in a short time is still a PITA...

 

[KmH]

I would go with the Nikon D90. It's a lot of bang for your buck with a more rugged housing.

How is the D90 chassis more rugged than the D5100 chassis? Both are plastic.

 

[Johnsings]

thanks everybody for your advice and suggestions so far. I will definitely take all those things into consideration.

Still I would appreciate some input or preferences re image quality. I've tried out both cameras, and it does seem to me as if the Nikon's shots are sharper and more detailed. Is that possible with cameras at this level?

Thanks again and best wishes from Germany,

John

 

[TwoTwoLeft]

I would go with the Nikon D90. It's a lot of bang for your buck with a more rugged housing.

How is the D90 chassis more rugged than the D5100 chassis? Both are plastic.

Back when I was looking into a D90 one of things I recall reading in the reviews is that it had better weather/dust protection for the body than the D3X00 or D5X00 or Canon Rebels.

 

[Compaq]

thanks everybody for your advice and suggestions so far. I will definitely take all those things into consideration.

Still I would appreciate some input or preferences re image quality. I've tried out both cameras, and it does seem to me as if the Nikon's shots are sharper and more detailed. Is that possible with cameras at this level?

Thanks again and best wishes from Germany,

John

Might be possible. However, if you missed just a little with the focus, that would indeed seem like the case. My point, don't take that test too seriously

 

[Mike_E]

pick out the lenses you want and then buy the body that fits them.

 

[Judobreaker]

Also it might be a good idea to take in consideration what camera brands your friends use (that is if you have any friends that are into photography).
My brother and a good friend of mine both use Nikon cameras which is one of the main reasons I chose to buy a Nikon too. I can now borrow their lenses if I have a need of one they happen to have, something that can be really useful. ^^