drharveys Loc: Holly Springs, NC

If you're interested in Pentax do check out Pentax forums.com. Great reviews of all Pentax cameras (new and discontinued) as well as reviews by owners of the cameras. Honest answers to questions. Based on what I've read I would not get a K-30 or K-50 due to the above-mentioned quality issue, aperture block failure. If you buy an extended warranty you'd be covered. My K-50 died in a fall and while I loved the camera, i chose a used K-5IIs again based on what I read.

krmitchell55 Loc: Springdale, Arkansas

I'd seriously look at either a Pentax K-S2 or a K-70. You can get a K-s2 with a two lens kit at b&h for $649 or with the excellent 18-135mm for $699. The K-70 with the 18-135 is $870. You won't go wrong with either camera.

nitrophil Loc: Dayton, Ohio

I love my Pentax K-50! that would be my suggestion.

krmitchell55 Loc: Springdale, Arkansas

Another reason to look at the K-S2 or the K-70 is that they both have articulating LCD.

mentor38 Loc: Houston

I have no opinion about the other cameras you mention since I haven't used them, but I definitely want to stand up for the Lumix. Strange, I didn't know about the print size limitation. I've owned an FZ200 since they first appeared and have prints up to poster size in several clients' locations. You're right about the limit on print size if you need to crop very much, so I try to compose in the camera. I looked at the new FZ80 as a replacement, but decided to keep the old Lumix (which at the moment is sitting on a tripod focused on a fountain where blue jays like to bathe; zoomed to 600mm, f2.8 -- [try that with any other camera], 1/500 second at ISO200. At f2.8 the depth of field is so thin that I used manual focus.) The main advantage for me has been its low cost and light weight -- and dependability. When I travel my Nikon with its many lenses often stays at home, although it is definitely much more of a camera than the Lumix. My clients are apparently not purists, since they seem to like my photos and have never asked what kind of camera I used. A picture taken with the FZ200 under identical circumstances to the fountain shot was this one taken of a bird feeder some four years ago.

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

I agree, there are few B&Bs where you can buy PENTAX. That given, I must add that pentax has very dedicated owners. In the past 8 years, I have purchased, always, "sight unseen", four Pentax bodies, About 12 lenses (all pentax) from B&H in new york.... Never a problem. And The stuff is BETTER THAN good. I have been an AVID PENTAXIAN since my first SPOTMATIC in 1968.. great cameras, even better GLASS!!!! RJM

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

I have a K-01, a K-s2 A K-5 And now added the K-1. My favorite camera EVER. All from B&H in New York. FREE SHIPPING and a great source for all things PENTAX

Nosaj Loc: Sarasota, Florida

I agree with krmitchell, and would put the K70 as the best choice. For a reasonable increase in cost, the Pentax KP would be the best. For just under $1K, there`s nothing out there any better.

HeyYou Loc: SE Michigan

I moved from Canon (film and dSLR) to Pentax 6 years ago with no regret. Generally Pentax cameras and lenses are smaller and lighter than comparator Canon and Nikon. I agree with your approach that dSLRs cameras and glass are going to get you better image quality - all else being equal.
Pentax now releases weather- resistant gear, a major added-value advantage.
And with all the hype (including in one response to your post) about the large available array of Canon lenses, this is even more true of Pentax because every lens Pentax had ever made is compatible with Pentax dSLRs.
I do not work for Pentax by the way !
Beware:
This site is great - but dominated by Canikon gearheads.

Nosaj Loc: Sarasota, Florida

HeyYou: Great comment. I agree 100% -how you go!!

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

however, the one thing Pentax loyalists don't understand is that new users are not necessarily enamored with old lenses.

My K-30 was kitted with the 18-55, but I quickly replaced it with the 18-135, because I like in-lens motor better than the in-body motor. As I said above, I moved from Pentax to Canon 1995-2015 because of the Canon lenses. Only the latest Pentax lenses are up to that standard IMHO {I have purchased some old lenses "for fun", however}

wteffey Loc: Ocala, FL USA

Although I have used Pentax equipment since 2003, the K-30 and K-50 have experienced significant reliability issues that I want to avoid. The K-70 does not appear to have these issues.

royden Loc: Decatur, GA

I would also recommend Pentax. Go to pentaxforums.com and read owner reviews. I have a K5lls and use a bunch of inexpensive lens. There are tons of those out there. I'm attaching a pic or two taken with a $10.00 Tokina 75-300 AF. In particular, peruse some of the Lens Clubs and you'll be amazed at the images made with cheap glass. Note that every Pentax lens made will work on a modern DSLR. Only the Super Takumar need an adapter. That said, I own a Canon 40D and am lusting for a 80D.

royden Loc: Decatur, GA

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zgirl Loc: TN

I love my Pentax K-50. When I began shooting digital (starting with a Canon pocket camera) and resurrected my dormant love for photography, I bought a K-50 before adding a Nikon to my ever-growing collection of equipment.

I still love it. It is light and takes great pictures. I have not experienced any reliability issues and as noted above, my old lenses from my days with the K-1000 work with the K-50.

Here is a review:

https://www.dpreview.com/products/pentax/slrs/pentax_k50