pentax k200D

jen_23

Hey guys,

i'm thinking of buying the pentax K200D entry level SLR.
i'm just wondering if any one here has used it and found it any good compared with sony, canon etc equivelents.??

Pentax K200D - Specifications
• 10.2 Megapixel CCD
• Opto-magnetic Shake Reduction (SR)
• Dust Removal System (DR)
• 11 Point AF with 9 cross-sensors (SAFOX VIII)
• Sensitivity ISO 100 - ISO 1600
• 2.7’’ wide-angle view monitor with 230,000 dots
• and approx. 160° viewing angle
• Pentax KAF bayonet mount
• Diverse Picture Modes, 8 digital filters
• Adjustable: focus, contrast, white balance, saturation
• 22 individual Custom Functions
• SD and SDHC memory cards
• Dimensions: 133.5 (W) x 95 (H) x 74 (T) mm,
• Weight: 630g (without battery or memory card)


Thanks all!

ThOnda

Here are some user reviews.

AnCatDubh

Hi Jen,

I don't have the K200D but an older pentax entry level DSLR. Everything i've heard about the K200D has been all good stuff (allowing for the fact that it's entry level). Its probably about 3-4 years more modern than what i have and has some great new features - a great entry level of 10 megapixel (won't matter on smaller prints but great once you go real large or need to crop down to a really small part of the composition). The SR is built into the body which means that its effective on any lens that you drop onto it. The KAF mount give you gazillions of options on lenses (well perhaps not gazallions but lots). Most old pentax lenses (K mount) will work with the modern body allowing for some non supported features, but with SR in the body you do get the SR even with 40 year old lenses ( coooool... ). The only downside i've come across with Pentax as a brand is the availability of gear locally (upgrades, lenses, flash..). I know argos are doing some of the pentax stuff but they are limited. Having said that if they were sold locally they would be 1.5 times the price and i'd probably opt to buy online anyway (roll on guilty conscience). This contrasted with the Canon and Nikons of the world (which also both do excellent entry level DSLR's) but have gear stocked in most large towns and cities. Is this last point a real problem? For me - NO, but it is a consideration. Generally the Pentax gear will be a little cheaper too than the Canon and Nikon equivalents but if you are investing in camera gear you are probably investing for life so you may not mind paying a little over the odds. The Pentax brand is less popular here than the uk or america but as far as i can guess it is the availability issue that i raised earlier that is responsible - it is no fair comment on the gear. In my humble opinion, the K200D will take you far. The Pentax 18-55 kit lens isn't bad at all - i still use it regularly even having purchased many others. The results are reputed not to be as 'soft' as the kit lens with some other brands that you may come across but either ways you will probably expand beyond the kit lens pretty quickly. Like me though, you may find yourself not abandoning it. I'd have no worries purchasing the K200D if it is a good fit for your potential investment.

If you decide to look towards the Nikon or Canon, then there are lots around here that can offer opinions.

Good luck no matter what you decide to do. Don't be a stranger here either - its a very useful forum, and we don't bite that often

Hope that helps.

jen_23

Thanks ThOnda and AnCatDubh,

I've been wanting to get into photography with a while now and between the reviews and what AnCatDubh said I think this sounds like the right camera to start me off.
I especially like the fact that it's compatable with many different lenses.
I'm going to see if i can get one before the weekend. (I just can't wait to get started!)
Also i'm going to the us in a few weeks so I will be looking out for some lenses while out there.
Thanks for the heads up on the availibility issue here AnCatDubh!

Don't be a stranger here either - its a very useful forum, and we don't bite that often

Thanks for that i'm sure you'll see me alot around the forums in the next couple of weeks/months!

Thanks for you help again!

RichyX

Everything I've heard about the K200D has been positive.

An alternative might be the try and get a used K10D.
They're very similar cameras, but the K10D has a better range of controls and better shooting speed.

TJM

I have the very similar k100d. Very good camera in most ways. Solid feel & weight, good low light performance, in body shake reduction is superb.

Downsides? Low frames per second (2.8fps which is ok, but the buffer fills quickly). Depending on the lens, the auto focus can be slow. (Not a problem with the k200d if you're using a lens, such as the new kit 18-55, with an in-lens AF motor.) Long fast lenses are hard to come by & seem to be more expensive than the Canon / Nikon equivalents.

All in all? Wrong choice if you're into sports photography. Good choice otherwise.

Edited to add - I'd also second the suggestion to see if you can get a used k10d.

jen_23

Thanks Guys for all your suggestions and input!
Sorry to be a nuisance but I have another question.
A friend recommended the nikon d80 to me , how would this fare against the pentax?

Thanks! (again!;))

RichyX

jen_23 wrote: »

A friend recommended the nikon d80 to me , how would this fare against the pentax?

Thanks! (again!;))

Another good camera.
Bit more expensive than the K200D, and lacks it's weather sealing and in body shake reduction.
I'd say the Pentax is the better of the 2, especially if you're new to slr's.

AnCatDubh

Nikon would be better for local supplies though if thats a major factor for you. If comfortable to buy on the interweb machine thingy then not an issue.

EDIT: But then you'd be into a different question which would be Canon or Nikon perhaps(?) - oh decisions...., decisions.....

jen_23

Thanks for that guys I have also since been reccomended an olympus 500 something or other... Decisions is right!!!

I think i'm going to do the very annoying girl thing. After shopping around and asking loads of questions go back to what I originally started with ... maybe... there's too many choices to pick from.

Either way i am adament I will have my camera by this time next week too much thinking is definitly a bad thing.

The availability of the supplies wouldn't bother me too me too much as I don't mind getting things over the internet. I find it less hassle to be honest no qing! lol:D

Thanks again!!

RichyX

jen_23 wrote: »

I think i'm going to do the very annoying girl thing. After shopping around and asking loads of questions go back to what I originally started with ... maybe... there's too many choices to pick from.

Best thing is to try as many of them out as you can and see which feels best.
That's how I ended up buying my K100D

dbjtsa1

Hi Jen,
The pentax K200D is a really good and interesting entry level SLR.
I agree with previous comments.
By the way, should you want to try a K10D, also a 10.2 MP,
(which i have for sale) we can arrange to meet.
Yes, it's grant to have compatible lenses.
Just to give you an idea with funny "art" samples with a pentax fisheye lens
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/4339/fish1sk8.jpg
http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/6196/fish2yd6.jpg
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/749/fish5testxu5.jpg
http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/2460/1dub13testcd7.jpg
http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/1079/fish6xo4.jpg
and with a 100mm macro lens
http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/9595/100npt8pz8.jpg
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/1642/howth1ww6.jpg

jen_23

okay my head is beginning to hurt now...
The more i look into this the worse it gets.
I think i'm settled on the k200d and then I decide the k10d would be alot better.
Which if i was a more decisive person would be absolutely fine and i would most likely have happily bought it and be taking pics with it right now.... HOWEVER!! As apparently i happen to be the most annoyingly indecisive person in the world and research everything to death! I went doing more research and found alot of people saying pentax are not that great (not in the 6Mp range anyway).

So to all of you experts out there I ask this.

Is Pentax a good brand or would I be better off with a canon, sony or nikon ??

If pentax, has anyone anything against the k10d?

I promise this is the final time I ask these questions:) I will buy something soon esp as it will (should) stop the craziness!! (atleast until i need to invest in lenses:) )

Kintarō Hattori

I have a K100D Super, thumbs up from me.

RichyX

jen_23 wrote: »

Is Pentax a good brand or would I be better off with a canon, sony or nikon ??

If pentax, has anyone anything against the k10d?

I promise this is the final time I ask these questions:) I will buy something soon esp as it will (should) stop the craziness!! (atleast until i need to invest in lenses:) )

Yes, Pentax are a very good brand for SLR's.
I wouldn't have bought one if they weren't!

Sony models aren't worth the bother imo. Nice bodies, but limited range of lenses and high prices.

The K200D might be easier to get as it's a current model. It also has a reputation for producing nicer images staright out of the camera (ie without any photoshopping), than the K10D.

Don't doubt yourself too much, Pentax SLR's are great so you won't regret buying one.

AnCatDubh

Hi Jen,

jen_23 wrote: »

HOWEVER!! I went doing more research and found alot of people saying pentax are not that great (not in the 6Mp range anyway).

Hmmnnnn...... 6mp Pentax entry level? - No problems here. This set linked here taken recently are all from a 6mp entry level pentax (NOT the K200D though). Without flash and all with reasonably standard lenses - nothing overly fancy. I do want to get another but thats nothing to do with any dissatisfaction with the gear. In fact, when i do get a second, it will be the K10d or K20d. No problem whatsoever with the brand. Also, its fair to note that i will also be keeping my entry level Pentax for active use.

BUT, The K200D which you are considering is 10.2mp and not 6mp????? You'd have the benefit of 4 extra megapixels. By the way i've gone to 20"X30" with 6 megapixel so unless you are printing something the size of your house you'll be fine with 10megapixel. More megapixel will give greater detail and you'll have more scope for a small crop to still give good print results.

Is Pentax a good brand or would I be better off with a canon, sony or nikon ??

Great brand but reread earlier posts in this thread. Not as popular in this neck of the woods but i think you've answered that earlier as youre happy to buy across the web.

If pentax, has anyone anything against the k10d?

Nope reputed to be a great machine. Andy who posts here shows some great craftsmanship of the tool for landscapes (seascapes), caves, etc.. - see sample posts here or here or here or here

Flickr's Camera finder is great - Here's the link for the K10D

or the K200D page

Much of the time, once you have a capable equipment it will be down to the craftsmanship as to the resulting quality. Having a K200D, K10D, 450D, 40D, D30, or D300 won't produce a good picture. The kind of gear that you are proposing to buy means that you will most likely take it out of auto mode after about half an hour and then you start to learn the art of photography. Otherwise you'd be buying a point and shoot.

I promise this is the final time I ask these questions:) I will buy something soon esp as it will (should) stop the craziness!! (atleast until i need to invest in lenses:) )

Procrastination is good too. I found an eBay countdown the best way to commit My initial purchase was driven by value for money which sent me the Pentax direction. Not sorry, and when purchasing again (hopefully shortly) I won't be looking any further than Pentax (K10D or K20D) on the cards.

You are definitely part of a bigger group if you end up in the Nikon or Canon camp - they are more popular and have stores locally that you can drop in to but you may find stores locally more expensive than buy the same gear on the web. There is a thread running called "why buy in Ireland" - it gives a good insight.

I haven't met or heard of anyone that has bought Pentax and has been sorry for doing it. I've heard of a few defections from Canon to Nikon camps and the other way around. (i'm sure they are there for Pentax too). Nikon presently are doing something with a fantastic sensor (made by Sony!) which some are very envious of but it will come around again and other manufacturers will follow.

Now, a final thing to confuse you more - Samsung do a 'badged' K10D called a GX-10. Takes all the pentax accessories. Pentax people will even still talk to you if you buy one I saw this recently on ebay - I don't know the seller - do your own checks if you are considering it in any seriousness. But thought for €560 it was a good deal. They have a few available. No import as they are in Ireland (confirm before you'd commit that they are shipping from Cork not just selling).

Good luck with it (again!) - and have fun with whatever you purchase.

ThOnda

Samsung equals Pentax, but a little bit cheaper.

dbjtsa1

Hi Jen,

Pentax is a very reputable brand for years.
I started with a 35mm MX camera years ago with 28mm and 50mm lenses (only manual no autofocus) and theses lenses from the 80's worked perfectly on the digital k10d.
Very good quality factory / lifetime for body and lenses.

Below two links for reviews and comparisons that may interest you:
http://photo.net/equipment/pentax/k10d-review#comparison_nikon_canon
http://www.dphotojournal.com/pentax-k10d-reviews-sample-photos

Versus k200d, there are few arguments (Pros) for the k10d:
* 2 control dials wheels (more setting /combinations)
* Tav mode (to select aperture and shutter speed while camera chooses the appropriate ISO)
* Larger continuous shooting buffer up to 3f /sec
* AFC mode switch / direct switch for autofocus on continuous shooting

Did you get my details? give me a buzz when you want

jen_23

Now, a final thing to confuse you more - Samsung do a 'badged' K10D called a GX-10. Takes all the pentax accessories. Pentax people will even still talk to you if you buy one I saw this recently on ebay - I don't know the seller - do your own checks if you are considering it in any seriousness. But thought for €560 it was a good deal. They have a few available. No import as they are in Ireland (confirm before you'd commit that they are shipping from Cork not just selling).

Ah!! More choice I looked this up and it does seem very similar to the K10D with a few tiny downsides like no battery grip (yet).

Anyway it seems its down to this.

The samsung GX-10 new for euro 560 (from cork , i live in cork so if asked very very nicely i could possibly have it today or tomorow )

OR the pentax k10d, Ive been offered a deal for 570 on a used k10d with lense and all box accessories. (new or used wouldn't influence my decision).

What do ye think guys?

ThOnda

You have full warranty when buying new camera, that is basically very very very complicated electromechanical device.

jen_23

Oh I should have mentioned also the k10d comes with warranty for next 4 years too.

AnCatDubh

could be a vanity choice at that stage - a camera/optics manufacturer versus an electronics manufacturer around your neck ;o)

from what I know they are the same camera with minor case differences. can't say if a pentax grip for 10d would fit. I suspect the case difference may prevent it from fitting. but new and 40 year old pentax kmount lenes should as should the pentax flash units.

jen_23

Hey,

just thought I would let everyone know I have at long last come to a very thought out decision. I'm going for the K10D

though just a thought does anyone know why its been discontinued?
Is it because the k20 is after coming out??

My mind is still made up i'm just curious:)

Thanks to everyone for there help in this long process!!!!

ThOnda

Exactly, the K10D was replaced by K20D.

AnCatDubh

oh, oh, oh, one other thing to finally consider on the second hand unit is the number of actuations (shutter releases) - essentially how heavy has it been used. I'm assuming not much if it still has 4 years remaining on the warranty - of course the new samsung has a zero figure. You can check out the actuations database here to compare. Don't let it scare you but just make sure that you aren't buying something thats clapped out. Again, with a 4 year warranty remaining, i'm guessing that it won't be a problem.

Yeah, the K10D died from production as soon as the k20d got into the swing of things. But don't let this worry you either. My DL was superceded by the k100D very soon after i bought. Then the K100D Super superceded that, then the K200D, etc.....

Then again, I also bought a Super Me film camera which was made before i was born and still works. So, nothing to worry about here. I think there is a trend presently between manufacturers to release often so i guess a k30d is probably not too far away as is the next model of most makes.

Hope it all works out well for you.

wagsy

I was wondering which camera you bought in the end. This is a post I've just added (in case you don't see it)...

I've just bought a Pentax K200D - my first time to have anything other than a compact camera. I was a bit put off by the weight of it but willing to accept it. However, I have a BIG problem with the viewfinder. I use reading glasses & distance glasses and haven't yet ventured into the varifocals! So I found the use of the viewfinder - despite the diopter adjustment - extremely cumbersome. And, like many people on the net, I can't understand why they can't use the big monitor. However, I believe "Live View" is on the way for us "upgraders". While it's on its way, does anybody have any suggestions for a compact camera that has the regular "Live View" and that is almost as good as a DSLR?