Canon EOS Rebel T3i v. Pentax k-30 Best one for...?

[Azurite180]

...close ups (flowers, food), some portrait/people/pet action shots and learning macro (capturing the detail in a honeybee's wing.)

I'm still reading up on the modern technical aspects of digital SLR cameras that I'm not familiar with (as opposed to film SLRS), and have been to a couple of local stores (Target & hhgregg - haven't been to the mall yet) but neither had the Pentax k-30. Anyone have the Pentax? A family member has the T3i and I like it, particularly the articulated LCD screen. I've eliminated Nikon bodies based solely on comfort in the hand for me, though I won't rule out lenses. Which brings me to

Which camera has the most versatility/options for lens compatibility? I have a few old Pentax lenses I'd like to be able to use.

I like close-up work and would like to move smaller into the macro field. Is there anyone who does true macro work with a preference? I suspect the water-resistant and stabilization body features of the Pentax could be a benefit, especially if using old lenses that don't have stabilization options.

Anyone have comments on significant differences between pentamirror and pentaprism viewfinders, if any, in actual use?

And being a visual type person I have to say I like the white body option of the Pentax...even though it does nothing for the pictures.


~ T.C.

 

[LuckyShot]

I can't say that I do a lot of macro work, but I do have the K-30 and I love it. I picked it mostly because the weather sealing because I mostly shoot outdoor/nature shots. I take it hiking with me all the time without problems. In fact I took it into a cave with a waterfall today and I got a bit sprayed with water and had no problems with the camera. I haven't really used any Cannon DSLRs so I can't really comment on them, though I do imagine there are more lenses for Cannon than there is for Pentax.

Since you seem interested in shots of insects, I took this one today just using the 18-55 lens that came with the camera.

 

[brunerww]

Hi Azurite - I had a Canon T2i (a great camera), and my new camera has an articulated LCD (I love it) - but I nevertheless recommend you get the Pentax K-30 for three main reasons:

1. Weathersealing. There are shots you will get with the K-30 that you won't get with the T3i because of the risk to the camera (rain, dust and snow are not problems for the K-30 - they are serious problems for an unsealed plastic camera)

2. Existing lenses - this could save you several hundred dollars, depending in which lenses you already have

3. Price - as of this post, the K-30 is a little less money ($579 with kit lens versus $599 for a similarly equipped T3i).

I am not big on features like viewfinder coverage or prisms. The image quality and ergonomic differences between the these cameras are in the noise level, in my view. Weathersealing and saving money on lenses are a much bigger deal, at least to me

Good luck with your decision!

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

 

[Azurite180]

Thank you for the responses!