Pentax K200D (with 18-55mm lens)
Cameras Buying Guide
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August 12, 2008 05:50
4.5/5
The Pentax K200D is a well priced, entry level DSLR for those stepping up to a new, more advanced camera who also want some advanced features. Aside from body only, one can purchase a kit with an included lens, ready to shoot out of the box (providing of course one has a memory card to store any photos taken with the camera)
The camera itself feels sturdy, the body well constructed and solid in my hands which aren't so small. The buttons respond very well.
After reading the review for this camera, and looking for a good, less expensive DSLR I found this one (initially I was going with the Canon or Nikon offerings of similar price range that most people tend to purchase.) And while the sensor on the Canon is great and the lenses for Nikon are just the same, I couldn't imagine shelling out almost $100 more for a similar camera, with less advanced features (Canon doesn't have spot metering on the lower end cameras) or specific, newer lenses (from what I understand neither Canon nor Nikon support certain lenses on their newer DSLRs).
Pentax has both. Spot metering and support through a hardware mount (hey, nothing is ready out of the box these days) that supports legacy K lenses.
I think the really smart move by Pentax was including the weather sealing that their more expensive, advanced cameras have which from what I understand is not available on any other, lower priced DSLR. Or one in the same price range, for that matter.
Those points coupled with a low price tag and some rechargeable AAs were more than enough to convince me that Pentax was the way to go.
Also: I read from the reviewer the colors weren't accurate. This is not true, I have no issues with the colors from the camera and if you really do, go out and get a filter. A polarizer's good and that would be enough to enhance the color, though you could do that in-camera as well. -
July 1, 2008 09:28
4.5/5
I can't believe no one has written a review on cnet about this camera yet. I've had it for about a month and I'm loving the thing. I take it everywhere with me...I think my wife might be sorry she bought it for me. It is my first DSLR and it has been easy to learn and there is plenty of room to grow with full manual controls. You can shoot in full automatic mode or shoot in full manual as you get more comfortable. I love to shoot in Apeture priority and open up the f stop as much as possible to get those great blurred out backgrounds.
One of the main reasons I bought this camera over a Canon or Nikon is that it has in-body stabilization instead lens based stabilization. One bonus to this is that you can use Pentax lenses that date back to the sixties and still have them stabilized. You cannot use all of them in full automode but, it's fun to play with old glass and manually focus. Another reason for the purchase is that it is built like a tank. It is solid feeling in your hand and it has a ton of weather seals that add to the quality feel. The Nikon D60 and the Canon XTI just felt a little more plasticky and were not as comfortable in my hand. The Pentax just has great ergonomics (at least for my hands which are medium to large sized).
My biggest concern was that it didn't have live view. I know a lot of DSLR's don't have this option but, it is becoming more common. This has not been a problem once I started looking through the viewfinder again and not at the lcd screen. You can take a preview picture by turning the on-off knob in the opposite direction of off. You can then see the effects that different filters and white balances would have on your shot.
Then menu systems are very straight forward and anyone familiar with a point and shoot will be comfortable right away. This camera can be as advanced as you want (unless your a professional) or as easy as you want. I was able to pick it up and start shooting all the modes with reading the manual. I have since gone back and read it to learn some of the fine details but, you can just pick it up and start shooting.
Overall, I couldn't be happier with my decision to go with this camera. As everyone says on cnet, "after months of research...", I don't have any regrets with this purchase. -
July 4, 2008 09:11
4.5/5
I have had my camera 3 days and have taken a lot of pictures indoors with and without the flash, and outdoors. I am very pleased with the accuracy of the colors. They are rich and well saturated. I would have not purchased the camera after reading CNet's review (which I consider a good guideline the majority of the time). Fortunately I am a Pentax fan, having bought my first one in 1970, and bought it on past reputation. The flash works very good, even close up with no wash-outs. I would have preferred a live preview mode, but I have been looking through the viewfinder for 40 years, so I guess I can continue. Bought it from Amazon.com for $655, and after the $100 rebate it became a very good camera for the money. Also, I can use my older Pentax lens on it, which is a HUGE bonus because I have several. Thanks Pentax for your backwards compatibility. -
August 6, 2008 03:20
4.5/5
This is a great camera. I have read where it's slow to focus and slow in performance but I don't think so. This is a really good camera. Yes, it would be nice it it took unlimited shots at 3 frames per second but it's not a deal breaker for me. I have used it at car races and horse races and I have gotten wonderful shots.
Weather and dust sealing is a fantastic bonus and something that you usually get on much more expensive cameras.
