Nikon D60 vs Pentax K20D

[Swmhc]

I am ready to move from my point and shoot to a dslr. I have gone to the shops and handled several cameras. I find the Pentax K20D and Nikon D60 to be my top two. Obviously I will have a learning curve for using the dslr. I want a camera that does allow me to default to some basic automatic settings while also giving me time to learn.

So, I come to my online experts for advice as the majority of my photos are on vacations to Disney. Yes, I want to get the good castle fireworks shots and the beautiful scenery shots during the day.

Can you guys and girls help point out the pros and cons of these for me? These are the only two I am really interested in, so no need to throw out others at this point.

Any assistance is appreciated !!

 

[Groucho]

One thing is that the cameras are in a completely different class despite price tags - the D60 is designed for a DSLR novice and is completely entry-level, while the K20D was, unlike a month or two ago, Pentax's top "advanced amateur" DSLR and heavy discounting has made it astonishingly affordable, a real bargain. The K20D has no "scene modes" and no help screens, and it's a larger, heavier, weathersealed camera with many more features, buttons, knobs, etc. In the "user friendliness" department, it's much more like a D300 than a D60 - designed for those who want quick access to more complex settings and are not as interested in having the camera choose settings for them.

That being said, the basic Program mode of any DSLR is generally going to do a good job in most circumstances. If you are want to be able to tell the camera "portrait", "fireworks", "action", etc, then the D60 would probably be the better choice.

There are lots of other pros and cons that I won't go into in this message, but suffice to say, the K20D's market positioning gives it a number of advantages, plus you get image stabilization with every lens.

 

[oregondaddyof2]

I have a D60 and love it... It has been a great camera to learn on, and is extremely user friendly... Not sure about the other one...

 

[ukcatfan]

As far as specs, the K2000 or K200D are the comparable Pentax models. If you like the Pentax feel but think the K20D is too much camera, take a look at these models. I have had my K100D for nearly three years now and have been very happy with it.

 

[Swmhc]

As far as specs, the K2000 or K200D are the comparable Pentax models. If you like the Pentax feel but think the K20D is too much camera, take a look at these models. I have had my K100D for nearly three years now and have been very happy with it.

I have admired your photos on here for some time !! Is the K100D what you use for most of them? Correct me if I'm wrong...but doesn't the K200D lack the Live View mode when taking the photos ?

I think I am torn because I like the features of the K20D (especially the image stabilization), but I am afraid it may be too much for me to learn. If I go with this camera, does it have an auto mode that can adjust for my quick snap shots that I don't have time to set up ?

 

[RBennett]

I'm another Pentax K100D user and I can tell you from experience; you won't regret choosing it! I'm sure as do most cameras, the K20 has an auto mode on there that you can use and then work your way into the other settings. The biggest advice I can give you is to shoot as much as possible and try to break away from Auto mode as soon as you can, if for no other reason than to learn what the other modes do and give you options. Here is a link to my site with some of my photography. Everything that is open to the general public was taken with my K100D for the most part.

To answer your question though, neither the K100D or the K200D have live view on the LCD like the K20D. However, all three have the image stabilization in camera.
- Robby

 

[ukcatfan]

While live view has its usefulness, you really should not depend on it for regular use. It is best used for tripod work or when you have to hold the camera in a strange position and simply cannot look through the viewfinder.

I would say that 95% of what I post on here over the past three years were taken with my K100D. We also have a couple p&s cameras that get a little use by me.

 

[KarenAylwood]

While live view has its usefulness, you really should not depend on it for regular use. It is best used for tripod work or when you have to hold the camera in a strange position and simply cannot look through the viewfinder.

I would say that 95% of what I post on here over the past three years were taken with my K100D. We also have a couple p&s cameras that get a little use by me.

I'm a Canon owner and bought the XSi last August partially because it had live view...

I've never used it in the entire year I've owned the camera This was my first dSLR as well and coming from the point and shoot world I thought it'd be a necessity, although like I said I've never used it! Just haven't had a need for it yet.

If you're going from point and shoot to dSLR I'd think that the Nikon D60 would be the better choice of the two. I looked at the advanced models when I was looking last year and I think the basic model was the best fit for me since I was just getting started. I'll move up eventually but it's nice having something simple in the beginning, IMO.

 

[ukcatfan]

I had to look it up, but the K20D has a completely auto mode. While it does not have scene modes, IMO they are not needed. It does not take much learning to use shutter priority to achieve the same thing as modes like sports, fireworks, night portrait, etc.

Considering that the prices are actually fairly similar now, I would go for the K20D because it really is a more capable camera than the D60.

 

[annnewjerz]

I'm a Canon owner and bought the XSi last August partially because it had live view...

I've never used it in the entire year I've owned the camera This was my first dSLR as well and coming from the point and shoot world I thought it'd be a necessity, although like I said I've never used it! Just haven't had a need for it yet.

If you're going from point and shoot to dSLR I'd think that the Nikon D60 would be the better choice of the two. I looked at the advanced models when I was looking last year and I think the basic model was the best fit for me since I was just getting started. I'll move up eventually but it's nice having something simple in the beginning, IMO.

I guess I'm going to give the complete opposite opinion. If you are serious about learning how to use your camera and get the most out of it, I'd buy the one that has the most room for growth rather than an entry level camera. It might be a little overwhelming at first, but it will give you a lot more options and versatility once you get the basics down.

I bought a Nikon D60 in September of last year. In January, I sold the D60 and upgraded to the D90---not only because it was a newer camera with some better capabilities, but because I felt like I was already getting bored with the D60. The D90 has so many extra features/options/menu settings/etc. that I feel like I will be able to hold onto this for a long time before I ever really know everything there is to know about my camera.

I don't know anything about Pentax, but unless the K20D is something extremely advanced and not user friendly at all, I would recommend getting that instead. I'm sure the K20D has auto mode, so while you are reading and practicing you can always switch it to "A" and use that for a while.

Good luck!

 

[Swmhc]

Thank you all so much for your input. I really value my dissers input more than the online reviews and camera store personnel as you guys and girls shoot what I am looking to achieve.

I have had the K20D in my mind for a while now, the drop in price made it even more appealing, I just wanted some reassurance !

Thanks !! Can't wait to get it and try it out on my next trip (after much practice around here first).

 

[ukcatfan]

If you get it and are also looking for a good low light lens, check out the SMC-FA 50mm f/1.4. It is my favorite lens. It is excellent for the money (~$200).

 

[Swmhc]

If you get it and are also looking for a good low light lens, check out the SMC-FA 50mm f/1.4. It is my favorite lens. It is excellent for the money (~$200).

Thanks for the tip !!