Compatible with any Pentax lens ever produced and featuring Shake Reduction, the Pentax K100D Digital SLR Camera is the kind of camera that makes history. With a 6.1 megapixel APS-C size CCD and sophisticated 16-segment multi-pattern metering, the K100D delivers outstanding image reproduction, while the bright, high-precision Pentax mirror viewfinder features with 0.85X magnification. Incorporating a large 2.5 inch LCD monitor with 210,000 pixel resolution, and a friendly Mode Dial offering Auto Picture and Picture modes as well as new Scene modes for even simpler photography. All these features combine in a compact design with high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis that is built to last.
The Pentax -developed Shake Reduction (SR) system in the K100D effectively offers a two-stop advantage for sharp, blur-free images even under difficult shooting conditions, such as using a telephoto lens or shooting in low light without a flash. The SR mechanism minimizes camera shake by oscillating the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed in proportion to the amount of camera shake detected by a built-in sensor. As a result, the system does not require special anti-shake lenses and can be used with almost all existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses.
| Camera Type | Interchangeable Lens SLR Digital Camera |
| Image Quality | |
|---|---|
| Image Sensor | APS-C size (23.5mm x 15.7mm) 6.31 Megapixel Interline Interlaced CCD with a primary color filter |
| Effective Resolution | 6.1 million pixels |
| Color Depth |
24-Bit RGB (JPEG) 36-Bit RGB (RAW) |
| Color Modes | Color (18 types), Black & White, Sepia, Soft (3 levels), Slim |
| Image File Formats |
RAW (uncompressed) JPEG (Best, Better, Good) Exif 2.21, DCF, DPOF & PIM III compliant |
| Recorded Resolution |
6M (3008 x 2008) 4M (2400 x 1600) 1.6M (1536 x 1024) |
| Video Recording | No |
| Audio Recording | No |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount |
Pentax KAF mount KAF2, KAF and KA mount lenses - fully compatible K-mount lenses - usable with restrictions S-mount lenses - usable with adapter and restrictions 67/645 lenses - usable with adapter and restrictions |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Yes (CCD Shake Reduction (SR) Mechanism)) |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | TTL phase-matching 11-point autofocus system (SAFOX VIII) with AF assist lamp |
| Focus Modes | AF-Single (with focus lock), AF-Continuous, Manual |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity |
ISO Auto (200-3200) Selectable ISO (200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200) |
| Shutter Type | Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter |
| Shutter Speed |
30 - 1/4000 seconds Bulb |
| Mirror Lock-Up | Yes |
| Exposure Metering |
TTL open-aperture metering (16-segment, Center-weighted & Spot meter) EV1 - EV21.5 Metering Range (At ISO 200 with 50mm f1.4 lens) |
| Exposure Modes | Program AE, Auto Picture Mode, Picture Mode, Scene Mode, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual, Bulb, Exposure Compensation (+/-2 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 steps), Auto Exposure Lock, Auto Bracketing (+/-1.5EV (1/2 steps) or +/-1EV (1/3 steps) up to 3 frames) |
| White Balance Modes | TTL Auto, Preset (Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten light, Fluorescent light, Flash), Custom white balance, Manual |
| Scene Modes | Auto Picture, Scene, Standard, Portrait, Night-scene Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night Scene, Surf & Snow, Text, Sunset, Kids, Pet, Candlelight, Museum |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Series-control Retractable P-TTL pop-up flash (Auto, Flash-off, Flash-on, Auto + Red-eye reduction, Flash-on + Red-eye reduction) |
| Effective Flash Range | Up to 49' (15.6m) |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| External Flash Control | P-TTL high speed sync with Pentax dedicated flash |
| Maximum Flash Synchronization Speed | 1/180 second |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Start-Up Time | Not Specified |
| Shutter Lag | Not Specified |
| Time Between Shots | Not Specified |
| Burst Capability | 2.8 fps up to 5 frames (JPEG), or 3 frames (RAW) |
| Self Timer | 12 second or 2 seconds |
| Interval Recording | No |
| Date & Time Stamp | Yes |
| Memory & Power | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | No | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Compatible Memory Cards | Secure Digital (SD) Card | ||||||||||||||||||||
| File Size |
|
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| Battery Type |
Four NiMH AA batteries (max. 430 exposures) Four lithium AA batteries (max. 660, 520 @ 32°F/0°C) Four alkaline AA batteries (max. 80 exposures) Two lithium CR-V3 batteries (max. 730 exposures) |
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| Power Adapter | K-AC10 AC Adapter (Optional) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Input/Output | |
|---|---|
| Computer Interface | USB 2.0 (Hi-speed) |
| Direct Print Capable | Yes (PictBridge) |
| Remote Control |
Remote Control F (optional) CS-205 Cable Switch (optional) |
| Video Output | Yes (NTSC & PAL) |
| System & Software Requirements |
Windows System
Macintosh System
|
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder | Pentamirror Optical Viewfinder with Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen and Diopter Adjustment (-2.5m-1 - +1.5m-1) |
| Viewfinder Info | Flash information, Picture mode, In-focus indication, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure compensation factor, Manual white balance, Manual focus, Sensitivity warning, Auto exposure lock signal, AF mode |
| Depth-of-Field Preview | Yes |
| LCD Display | 2.5" Low Reflection TFT color LCD (210,000 pixels), with Histogram display and Angle of View of 140 degrees |
| Information Display | Shutter speed, Aperture value, Flash Information, Single frame advance/Continuous advance Self-timer, Remote control, Metering Information, Focus point indicator, Auto bracketing, White balance information, Battery information, Exposure compensation factor, Exposure frame number |
| Language Options | English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Swedish, Dutch |
| Playback Options | Single image, Index (9-up), Magnification (up to 12x), Image rotation, Slide show, Digital filter, Histogram, Exposure warning, Erase and Image Protect Modes (Single, All), World Time (Displays the time in 70 cities over 28 time zones) |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 3.6 x 5.1 x 2.8 inches (93 x 130 x 70mm) without Lens |
| Weight | 19.8 oz. (560g) without battery |
Displaying reviews 1-2
Comments about Pentax K100D Digital Camera (Camera Body):
Though I shoot professionally with Canon gear I was looking for a digital camera for personal/family use instead of using my higher end Canons due to size and weight I tried the canon rebel xt and xti which the bodies felt cheap and the cameras were small in my hands. Then I tried the K100D it felt perfect the first time I picked it up the body It has some weight to it and it feels strong and well built. I purchased it with the lens kit, which the lens has an outstanding strong quality build and sharp Using the camera I was quite impressed I shoot in RAW only and the photos I took were excellent, sharp as a tack and color balance was excellent most of the photos I took didnt require any post fix with supplied RAW photo software I took the camera on a professional shoot which was a wedding and it handled everything perfectly, flash exposures and multi lighting issues even high contrast situations I feel this camera shoots somewhat better then my canon digitals when it comes to image quality Bottom line strong solid build excellent optics high end software and top notch overall performance at a great price. I highly recommend this camera from beginner to a pro Im planning on getting its big brother the K10 to use with this camera.
Expertise: Professional
Problems Encountered: Memory buffer fills up quickly and is somewhat slow for fast action shooting also auto focus isnt as quick or quiet as canon line Really these are not problems just personal issues with me being my first Pentax used to canons Wish it had a battery pack
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Ton of Canon 35mm and digital gear
Items I Recommend: Pentax dedicated hotshoe flash 360FGZ
Comments about Pentax K100D Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I have owned this camera since december and I have taken a little bit more than 2000 photos with it. It feels great and is extremely easy to use since all the functions and menus are very accessible and easy to understand. The only thing that still needs work is the autofocus. I bought a Sigma 18-125mm 3.5-5.6 with it and is incredible the amount of good photos I got ruined because the autofocus missed. I have been getting better pictures since I decided to focus manually or focus with the lens at full zoom first and then recomposing. Also is a little annoying the fact that the Pentax Photo browser program that comes with the camera does not seem to work well with some printers. Beside that is a very good camera, just needs some refinement and understanding love.
Problems Encountered: Autofocus does not work as well as a Nikon.Bundle editing program has some working problems: the options window does not open properly, it does not work well with some printers and is limiting in some respects since you cannot open the raw files with any other program and it has functions to edit the raw files that are not available for the jpegs and vice-versa.
Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Nikon N90
Items I Recommend: Large apperture lens
Displaying reviews 1-2