K-5 was the flagship model (and as you suspect was replaced by the K-5 II and K-5 IIs). Those newer models don't add a lot (somewhat better low-light AF capabilities, seems to be the concensus) but otherwise the same sensor, etc. as was in the original K-5. The original K-5 is probably about as loved a camera model as there can be. You can't go wrong with it. The K-50 replaced the K-30 as the middle tier product (12-bit system, rather than the flagship's 14-bit), and the new K-500 is Pentax getting back to an "entry level" model (although many people say it offers great bang-for-the-buck, having NEARLY all of the features of the K-50).
My recommendation would be to go for the original K-5, if you can still find one new. It is just a wonderful camera and has a great feel and the most weather sealing too. On Tue, Aug 27, 2013 at 12:29 PM, John <[email protected]> wrote: > Oh my, I am now really confused. There are k-5, k-50, and k-500 models. > Plus there is now a K-5 II. The II is probably what is causing the price > drops I have seen on the K-5. All appear to be an upgrade from my DS. What > experience have people had with these cameras. Are any or all upgrades from > my DS? (Of course they are, but at what cost?) What features am I giving up > that I would miss beyond comprehension if I purchased a particular camera > model. Meanwhile, my beloved DS keeps grinding out pictures even though they > are not full frame and ????? pixel pictures. > > Seriously, are there any reviews of these models that you really > trust.....or distrust? > > Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts and advice. And I thought purchasing > the DS was a hard decision. I do have a couple of film cameras if anyone is > interested. Respooling B&W film is not all that bad! > > John G. > > -- > PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List > [email protected] > http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net > to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and > follow the directions. -- Nothing is sure but death and Pentaxes. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
