Great color. Easy to use. Manual is online. Takes crisp photos and the zoom works well. Be sure to buy Lithium Batteries and a larger SD card. You will want to keep these pictures!
Opteka FFR-900 Motorized Remote Follow Focus & Zoom Controller
List Price: $999.00
Sale Price: $399.00
Today's Bonus: 60% Off
I think I might have gotten one of the first versions of this. There were no instructions that came with it, but I didn't have any problem putting it together but someone else might. I bought it with the Black Magic Cinema Camera in mind, so when I put the BMCC on the camera mount I was a little disappointed to learn that the clamps actually rub the underside of the BMCC case, which is made out of very hard metal. The biggest problem is having to remove the camera to adjust the location of the clamp, other than that, I love the thing.
Panasonic TC-L55WT60 55-Inch 1080p 240Hz Smart 3D IPS LED HDTV
I just purchased this TV from Amazon after the long wait for Panasonic to release. I have had it a week now and am really enjoying it. I am not a videophile, just an average user, so I'll leave the more detailed reviews to the techies. I am running this on an Xfinity (Comcast) cable network. I have a Tivo Premiere, a Panasonic Blu-ray DVD player, and an Apple TV hooked up. All running seamlessly. I replaced an 8-yr old rear projection, 720p Samsung. Here are my initial observations.
This TV is crazy thin. I have it on the supplied stand, but it would easily wall mount, no thicker than a framed picture. The stand is not quite the way it appears in photos. It is actually a very strong and solid metal stand. The see through acrylic piece you see is just cosmetic and a cover that lies on top of the metal stand. That's actually a good thing, because you don't fear that the stand will crack or break. The stand is also wider (16") and deeper (14") than you might guess from the photos. So you will need to be sure your TV furniture is deep enough to accommodate the stand. What is very useful is the height of the stand (4" from bottom of the base to bottom of the bezel). Because you will likely want to use a speaker system (more on that in a minute), you may want a sound bar or center speaker in front of the TV. This is a problem with TVs like the new Samsung F8000 (a clear competitor to this set) that have a much smaller stand height. On those TVs, the height of the sound bar or center speaker is likely to cover up part of the bottom bezel. And if the bezel is thin, as is the case with most new sets, it may also cover up part of the picture. Not a problem with this set. I have a Sonos sound bar and it just fits under the bottom bezel like it was designed that way.
The back panel of the TV is sheet metal, not plastic. It looks surprisingly cheap for a TV of this price, but it is sturdy, and needless to say, you won't be looking at it. It has 3 HDMI ports on the right center of the back of the set. If you need another access port, it also has component ports. Also an optical digital port for hooking up to sound bars like the Sonos.
As for the bells and whistles, they are innovative and useful, but like cable packages, way more than you are likely to ever use. It basically doubles as a computer monitor when you are not watching TV. It has numerous apps available. You can set it so that your default screen is a combo of the TV image and the various apps (and you just press one button on the remote to call up the full screen TV image), or you can just default to the TV image. The main remote has a dedicated Netflix button, so that is easy to access. Amazon Instant Video is called up from the apps screen, so only a couple of extra steps. Both work well once set up. The swipe and share works as advertized and is a fun way to show pictures from your smart phone on the big screen for all to enjoy. I have an iPhone and after downloading the needed app, it worked well. The 2D to 3D conversion works fairly well and there are 4 pairs of glasses included with the set. But it remains gimmicky in my view and except for the occasional movie that makes good use of 3D, probably not a key feature for this set.
The TV comes with two remotes. The main remote is set up well with large dedicated buttons for the home screen, apps, inputs, and Netflix. The smaller remote has a touchpad interface, a built-in microphone for verbal commands, and volume and channel buttons. You don't need both. I actually use my Tivo remote to control everything and keep the main remote nearby for when I need access to extra features. If you were hoping to cut down on the number of remotes you have, this TV won't help!
The sound quality is adequate for this TV. The speakers are on the back of the TV. To Panasonic's credit, there are a lot of options to tweak the sound, including surround sound, to get it to your liking. But the bottom line is there is only so much you can do with rear speakers on a TV this thin. You are likely to want a separate sound system. I opted for the admittedly pricey Sonos sound bar paired with two Play 3 Sonos speakers in the back of the room to create a surround sound environment. It really enhances the experience of watching this TV.
Now for the main event: The TV image is truly remarkable. I prefer the brightness of an LED screen over a plasma screen and this screen is very bright. The blacks look black to me and in darkly-lit scenes, the details and imagery do not get lost. Sports are a joy to watch and you feel like you are there. This is the first time I have felt like the HD experience lived up to the hype. There are all of the expected tweaks available for image and sound and the menus are intuitive and easy enough to use. Initial setup was straightforward and intuitive and you don't need tech support. Because this set is so thin, and the bezel is so thin, you really get immersed in the picture. The whole TV is minimalist in design, not unlike an Apple product. The screen does reflect a lot, so if you have light coming in towards the set, you will see it. More noticeable in darker scenes. At first, I thought this would bother me, but after a week, I hardly notice anymore.
The best endorsement I can give is that when I turn this TV on, I always have the same thought: I love this set. Enjoy.
This TV is crazy thin. I have it on the supplied stand, but it would easily wall mount, no thicker than a framed picture. The stand is not quite the way it appears in photos. It is actually a very strong and solid metal stand. The see through acrylic piece you see is just cosmetic and a cover that lies on top of the metal stand. That's actually a good thing, because you don't fear that the stand will crack or break. The stand is also wider (16") and deeper (14") than you might guess from the photos. So you will need to be sure your TV furniture is deep enough to accommodate the stand. What is very useful is the height of the stand (4" from bottom of the base to bottom of the bezel). Because you will likely want to use a speaker system (more on that in a minute), you may want a sound bar or center speaker in front of the TV. This is a problem with TVs like the new Samsung F8000 (a clear competitor to this set) that have a much smaller stand height. On those TVs, the height of the sound bar or center speaker is likely to cover up part of the bottom bezel. And if the bezel is thin, as is the case with most new sets, it may also cover up part of the picture. Not a problem with this set. I have a Sonos sound bar and it just fits under the bottom bezel like it was designed that way.
The back panel of the TV is sheet metal, not plastic. It looks surprisingly cheap for a TV of this price, but it is sturdy, and needless to say, you won't be looking at it. It has 3 HDMI ports on the right center of the back of the set. If you need another access port, it also has component ports. Also an optical digital port for hooking up to sound bars like the Sonos.
As for the bells and whistles, they are innovative and useful, but like cable packages, way more than you are likely to ever use. It basically doubles as a computer monitor when you are not watching TV. It has numerous apps available. You can set it so that your default screen is a combo of the TV image and the various apps (and you just press one button on the remote to call up the full screen TV image), or you can just default to the TV image. The main remote has a dedicated Netflix button, so that is easy to access. Amazon Instant Video is called up from the apps screen, so only a couple of extra steps. Both work well once set up. The swipe and share works as advertized and is a fun way to show pictures from your smart phone on the big screen for all to enjoy. I have an iPhone and after downloading the needed app, it worked well. The 2D to 3D conversion works fairly well and there are 4 pairs of glasses included with the set. But it remains gimmicky in my view and except for the occasional movie that makes good use of 3D, probably not a key feature for this set.
The TV comes with two remotes. The main remote is set up well with large dedicated buttons for the home screen, apps, inputs, and Netflix. The smaller remote has a touchpad interface, a built-in microphone for verbal commands, and volume and channel buttons. You don't need both. I actually use my Tivo remote to control everything and keep the main remote nearby for when I need access to extra features. If you were hoping to cut down on the number of remotes you have, this TV won't help!
The sound quality is adequate for this TV. The speakers are on the back of the TV. To Panasonic's credit, there are a lot of options to tweak the sound, including surround sound, to get it to your liking. But the bottom line is there is only so much you can do with rear speakers on a TV this thin. You are likely to want a separate sound system. I opted for the admittedly pricey Sonos sound bar paired with two Play 3 Sonos speakers in the back of the room to create a surround sound environment. It really enhances the experience of watching this TV.
Now for the main event: The TV image is truly remarkable. I prefer the brightness of an LED screen over a plasma screen and this screen is very bright. The blacks look black to me and in darkly-lit scenes, the details and imagery do not get lost. Sports are a joy to watch and you feel like you are there. This is the first time I have felt like the HD experience lived up to the hype. There are all of the expected tweaks available for image and sound and the menus are intuitive and easy enough to use. Initial setup was straightforward and intuitive and you don't need tech support. Because this set is so thin, and the bezel is so thin, you really get immersed in the picture. The whole TV is minimalist in design, not unlike an Apple product. The screen does reflect a lot, so if you have light coming in towards the set, you will see it. More noticeable in darker scenes. At first, I thought this would bother me, but after a week, I hardly notice anymore.
The best endorsement I can give is that when I turn this TV on, I always have the same thought: I love this set. Enjoy.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 16 MP Micro 4/3 Compact System Camera
I own the GF1 and GH2 so I'll be comparing with those two cameras. I like the rangefinder-like body but as with using a camera, the photos and image quality comes above all. That's the reason why I use my GH2 more often than the GF1. But now with the GX1, it seems like Panasonic is finally able to put GH2 capability into a GF1 body. That's something I've been looking for.
BUILT
The GX1 construction is sturdy. It's a metal body and now comes with a new rubber grip that I like. You get a firmer hold when using heavier lens.
The GX1 is slightly slimmer than GF1. At 272g, it's 13g lighter than GF1 and 120g lighter than GH2. By the way, the LVF2 is 36g.
Buttons behind are rearranged a bit. I've read a few reviews saying the buttons are cheap and misaligned, but I don't think that's so with my set.
The new flash can now be tilted back for a bounce lighting so that's useful. But the flash films filmsy. I seldom use it even with my GF1 so it's a small issue.
The battery used here is the BMW-BLD10, also used by the GF2. That means now I have three different batteries and chargers with GF1, GX1, and GH2. I seriously think Panasonic should release new batteries only when they can double the capacity. 2 old batteries are always going to last longer than whatever new battery. Panasonic, just choose a slim battery and stick with it for 10 years.
SPEED (Autofocus and handling)
I value speed A LOT.
I'm glad to say that the autofocus speed is very comparable to GH2, which means it's almost instant.
The touchscreen is convenient for autofocus. Choosing focus points is faster with one touch, compared to several button presses on the GF1.
Everything seems breezy with the camera. Startup is fast. Moving through menus is fast. Writing to files is alright but that's dependent on the card speed. Class 10 is a good card speed. If you want really fast writing time, get a SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-1 card.
The improved speed makes it fantastic for street photography. See something interesting on the street. Power on, hold it to your eye, touch-focus and snap. It all happens very fast, as things on the street do.
IMAGE QUALITY
The 16mp sensor here is similar to the one on G3. The ISO performance has improved a lot. On the GF1, ISO 800 is my no-go zone. On GX1, I can go up to ISO 3200 and not be worried that noise becoming the subject of the photo. I think there's about 1-stop plus advantage.
Image quality is great in most situation. Colours are pleasing but I still prefer Canon colours. Everyone sees colour differently. It's subtle and you have to compare photos side by side to see the difference. The colour temperature in the GX1 seems slightly cooler.
White balance is still a problem with artificial light sometimes. WB intelligence still has some ways to go. It's a small issue that can be easily fixed in post process.
Dynamic range has improved slightly I feel. Always shoot raw to get the best possible quality to tweak later if you so desire.
Overall, the image quality seems comparable to the GH2.
VIDEO QUALITY
All Panasonic micro four thirds cameras have fantastic video quality out of the box. It gets better with good lens.
What's improved here is it can record 1080/60i movies now. It's great for those who need it. I normally shoot 720p on my GF1 and GH2, so I'll still be shooting 720p here. I like the 720p for the smaller file size which is quicker to upload online.
CONCLUSION
I'll rate the camera 5 stars in its class. However, if I include DSLRs for comparison, GX1 would probably be 4 or 4.5 stars. Image quality very good but not stellar, mostly the part on colours. I've to emphasis again that colours is quite subjective, so maybe it's just me.
It's a rather pricey camera (body only). And the new LVF2 goes for USD 299 at recommended retail price. So the total cost of camera and LVF2 can be higher than GH2 body!
I've always wanted a GH2 quality in GF1 body (and weight). The maximum ISO I reach in most situations is ISO1600 and this camera is perfectly capable of handling that, so it's a big plus for me.
The biggest reason to upgrade from GF1 would be for the improved ISO performance. If you've been missing shots because of photos being too noisy, it's a worthy upgrade.
BUT BUT BUT...if it's just the ISO performance, I might recommend, to get your money's worth, consider a good low light lens to use with the GF1. You can get the Panasonic Leica 25mm lens and still have change left! And I've used the Olympus 12mm lens with GF1 at night, shooting at 1/10s on ISO 400, and gotten a relatively sharp photo.
GH2 users have less reason to buy since image quality difference is not drastic. The more probable reason would be to get a lighter gear. It is 120g lighter. It's worth considering if you don't mind the missing viewfinder (available for a price). I see myself using the GX1 more because of the lighter weight. I don't shoot for critical events, and the GX1 can handle most of what I already do currently with the GH2. So if I start using the GH2 less, I'll be selling it away.
Last note. If you check back to reviews on the GF1 when it was first released, you'll be able to see much of the criticism have been addressed.
I still wish for that in-built EVF in the GF/X series but I don't think I'll see that from Panasonic in the near future. Well, a LVF2 is better than no alternatives.
BUILT
The GX1 construction is sturdy. It's a metal body and now comes with a new rubber grip that I like. You get a firmer hold when using heavier lens.
The GX1 is slightly slimmer than GF1. At 272g, it's 13g lighter than GF1 and 120g lighter than GH2. By the way, the LVF2 is 36g.
Buttons behind are rearranged a bit. I've read a few reviews saying the buttons are cheap and misaligned, but I don't think that's so with my set.
The new flash can now be tilted back for a bounce lighting so that's useful. But the flash films filmsy. I seldom use it even with my GF1 so it's a small issue.
The battery used here is the BMW-BLD10, also used by the GF2. That means now I have three different batteries and chargers with GF1, GX1, and GH2. I seriously think Panasonic should release new batteries only when they can double the capacity. 2 old batteries are always going to last longer than whatever new battery. Panasonic, just choose a slim battery and stick with it for 10 years.
SPEED (Autofocus and handling)
I value speed A LOT.
I'm glad to say that the autofocus speed is very comparable to GH2, which means it's almost instant.
The touchscreen is convenient for autofocus. Choosing focus points is faster with one touch, compared to several button presses on the GF1.
Everything seems breezy with the camera. Startup is fast. Moving through menus is fast. Writing to files is alright but that's dependent on the card speed. Class 10 is a good card speed. If you want really fast writing time, get a SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-1 card.
The improved speed makes it fantastic for street photography. See something interesting on the street. Power on, hold it to your eye, touch-focus and snap. It all happens very fast, as things on the street do.
IMAGE QUALITY
The 16mp sensor here is similar to the one on G3. The ISO performance has improved a lot. On the GF1, ISO 800 is my no-go zone. On GX1, I can go up to ISO 3200 and not be worried that noise becoming the subject of the photo. I think there's about 1-stop plus advantage.
Image quality is great in most situation. Colours are pleasing but I still prefer Canon colours. Everyone sees colour differently. It's subtle and you have to compare photos side by side to see the difference. The colour temperature in the GX1 seems slightly cooler.
White balance is still a problem with artificial light sometimes. WB intelligence still has some ways to go. It's a small issue that can be easily fixed in post process.
Dynamic range has improved slightly I feel. Always shoot raw to get the best possible quality to tweak later if you so desire.
Overall, the image quality seems comparable to the GH2.
VIDEO QUALITY
All Panasonic micro four thirds cameras have fantastic video quality out of the box. It gets better with good lens.
What's improved here is it can record 1080/60i movies now. It's great for those who need it. I normally shoot 720p on my GF1 and GH2, so I'll still be shooting 720p here. I like the 720p for the smaller file size which is quicker to upload online.
CONCLUSION
I'll rate the camera 5 stars in its class. However, if I include DSLRs for comparison, GX1 would probably be 4 or 4.5 stars. Image quality very good but not stellar, mostly the part on colours. I've to emphasis again that colours is quite subjective, so maybe it's just me.
It's a rather pricey camera (body only). And the new LVF2 goes for USD 299 at recommended retail price. So the total cost of camera and LVF2 can be higher than GH2 body!
I've always wanted a GH2 quality in GF1 body (and weight). The maximum ISO I reach in most situations is ISO1600 and this camera is perfectly capable of handling that, so it's a big plus for me.
The biggest reason to upgrade from GF1 would be for the improved ISO performance. If you've been missing shots because of photos being too noisy, it's a worthy upgrade.
BUT BUT BUT...if it's just the ISO performance, I might recommend, to get your money's worth, consider a good low light lens to use with the GF1. You can get the Panasonic Leica 25mm lens and still have change left! And I've used the Olympus 12mm lens with GF1 at night, shooting at 1/10s on ISO 400, and gotten a relatively sharp photo.
GH2 users have less reason to buy since image quality difference is not drastic. The more probable reason would be to get a lighter gear. It is 120g lighter. It's worth considering if you don't mind the missing viewfinder (available for a price). I see myself using the GX1 more because of the lighter weight. I don't shoot for critical events, and the GX1 can handle most of what I already do currently with the GH2. So if I start using the GH2 less, I'll be selling it away.
Last note. If you check back to reviews on the GF1 when it was first released, you'll be able to see much of the criticism have been addressed.
I still wish for that in-built EVF in the GF/X series but I don't think I'll see that from Panasonic in the near future. Well, a LVF2 is better than no alternatives.
Sony HDR-TD10 High Definition 3D Handycam Camcorder with 10x
I shot my first 3D movie in March 2010 using two Canon T2i cameras on a parallel 3D rig. Editing and rendering the footage was incredibly difficult; I used Sony Vegas to edit each view independently and Stereo Moviemaker to adjust the 3D effect. Finally, I was able to master a 3D Blu-ray using a beta version of NetBlender's DoStudio, a $10,000 program that included support for the 3D MVC codec.
Fast forward just over a year. The newly released 10.0d version of Sony Vegas natively supports the MVC codec, allowing 3D footage to be edited as easily as 2D footage. It also allows 3D Blu-rays to be burned directly from the timeline.
As for the camera itself: I was pleasantly surprised to find it exceeded my expectations. Color reproduction is exceptional, image stabailization is very good, and the glasses-free 3D display is extremely nice. Only the sound quality disappoints, but I almost never rely on built-in mics (opting instead for a Zoom H4N paired with an Audio Technica AT875R).
As an entry into the world of 3D, this camera is phenomenal. There are "prosumer" 3D cameras on the way, but for those who edit in Vegas, there's really no better or cheaper way to jump into the world of 3D shooting and editing today that with this camera.
For those without Vegas, editing a bit more difficult. Clips can be edited in-camera using some fairly simple software (you can even download music onto the camera to use as a soundtrack behind your clips). But you won't get nearly the performance you would get using dedicated editing software. And please note: Vegas is the ONLY software under $4000 currently offering the ability to manipulate MVC files. Premiere doesn't have it, nor does Final Cut Pro.
But for Vegas owners, or just those who love new tech, this camera come very highly recommended!
(I have shown this to a few colleagues unfamiliar with 3D and watched their faces light up with glee; one described it as "like traveling into the future." That's awesome.)
Fast forward just over a year. The newly released 10.0d version of Sony Vegas natively supports the MVC codec, allowing 3D footage to be edited as easily as 2D footage. It also allows 3D Blu-rays to be burned directly from the timeline.
As for the camera itself: I was pleasantly surprised to find it exceeded my expectations. Color reproduction is exceptional, image stabailization is very good, and the glasses-free 3D display is extremely nice. Only the sound quality disappoints, but I almost never rely on built-in mics (opting instead for a Zoom H4N paired with an Audio Technica AT875R).
As an entry into the world of 3D, this camera is phenomenal. There are "prosumer" 3D cameras on the way, but for those who edit in Vegas, there's really no better or cheaper way to jump into the world of 3D shooting and editing today that with this camera.
For those without Vegas, editing a bit more difficult. Clips can be edited in-camera using some fairly simple software (you can even download music onto the camera to use as a soundtrack behind your clips). But you won't get nearly the performance you would get using dedicated editing software. And please note: Vegas is the ONLY software under $4000 currently offering the ability to manipulate MVC files. Premiere doesn't have it, nor does Final Cut Pro.
But for Vegas owners, or just those who love new tech, this camera come very highly recommended!
(I have shown this to a few colleagues unfamiliar with 3D and watched their faces light up with glee; one described it as "like traveling into the future." That's awesome.)
Canon EOS T3 (1100d) DSLR Camera with 3 Canon Lens Pro Pack:
Ok, where do I start?
1. Cannon EOS T3 is an entry level DSLR that delivers great picture. It is a perfect instrument for first time users like my self. There are plenty of options on the camera that will assist you with taking great pictures, but the best way to use it is to experiment with the manual settings. This camera comes with standard Efs 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS lens.
2. EFS 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS lens This lens is standard lens that comes with the camera. It is great for wide angle pictures but also for medium range distances. I have been using this lens for most of my shoots. I really like it.
3. EFS 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS lens This is a great lens for long range pictures. I haven't experimented with this lens yet. I am sure that it will become useful once I start figuring out what style of photography I really like.
4. EF 50mm f1.8 II Autofocus lens I LOVE THIS LENS!! This lens is great for close up pictures and portraits. The few pictures that I have taken with this lens made me look like a pro. It blurs the background and focuses on the object that you are taking the picture of. This lens is a must for every photographer that is in the beginning stages of their photography career.
5. Zeikos 58mm AF 0.45X Wide Angle and Macro Lens This lens attaches to the 58mm lenses to give you a wider view. I like the idea behind it, but most of the time the pictures aren't really clear. I have used the Macro Lens and it worked well.
6. Zeikos 58mm Af 2X Telephoto Lens This lens also attaches to the 58mm lenses to bring objects closer to you. I haven't use it much. I don't see any practical use for it at this time.
Understand that all of these lenses are designed for the entry level photography. Keeping that in mind, these lenses are not the best lenses to have. However, for the price that I paid, i am super happy with them. I have done some research regarding the lenses and I found that these lenses are the cheapest on the market. For now, I am happy with them, and I believe once I improve my photography "skills" that I will advance to a better camera and more expensive lenses.
Additional Items that came in this package:
Two extra batteries
Universal charger
A small tripod
3 piece Pro Filter Kit
Carrying Bag
16GB SDHC card
SDHC card reader
Cleaning kit
1. Cannon EOS T3 is an entry level DSLR that delivers great picture. It is a perfect instrument for first time users like my self. There are plenty of options on the camera that will assist you with taking great pictures, but the best way to use it is to experiment with the manual settings. This camera comes with standard Efs 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS lens.
2. EFS 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS lens This lens is standard lens that comes with the camera. It is great for wide angle pictures but also for medium range distances. I have been using this lens for most of my shoots. I really like it.
3. EFS 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS lens This is a great lens for long range pictures. I haven't experimented with this lens yet. I am sure that it will become useful once I start figuring out what style of photography I really like.
4. EF 50mm f1.8 II Autofocus lens I LOVE THIS LENS!! This lens is great for close up pictures and portraits. The few pictures that I have taken with this lens made me look like a pro. It blurs the background and focuses on the object that you are taking the picture of. This lens is a must for every photographer that is in the beginning stages of their photography career.
5. Zeikos 58mm AF 0.45X Wide Angle and Macro Lens This lens attaches to the 58mm lenses to give you a wider view. I like the idea behind it, but most of the time the pictures aren't really clear. I have used the Macro Lens and it worked well.
6. Zeikos 58mm Af 2X Telephoto Lens This lens also attaches to the 58mm lenses to bring objects closer to you. I haven't use it much. I don't see any practical use for it at this time.
Understand that all of these lenses are designed for the entry level photography. Keeping that in mind, these lenses are not the best lenses to have. However, for the price that I paid, i am super happy with them. I have done some research regarding the lenses and I found that these lenses are the cheapest on the market. For now, I am happy with them, and I believe once I improve my photography "skills" that I will advance to a better camera and more expensive lenses.
Additional Items that came in this package:
Two extra batteries
Universal charger
A small tripod
3 piece Pro Filter Kit
Carrying Bag
16GB SDHC card
SDHC card reader
Cleaning kit
Pentax K-30 Weather-Sealed 16 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm
List Price: $749.95
Sale Price: $690.79
Today's Bonus: 8% Off
I'm just learning and many DSLR are too bulky and heavy for me , I'm only 5 feet tall so I need something compact that takes good low light images. This is the best deal you will get.
Pentax makes some of the lens!
With this camera I got some really amazing vintage lens in near flawless condition for so cheap it's unheard of!
If you can get used to using the camera in Manual and use manual focus.... get some older manual lens and you will have images that are fantastic!