The Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera offers an easy-to-use interface and incorporates award winning Pentax imaging technology - making it a great camera for the photo enthusiast or the photographer stepping up to an SLR camera body. With a 10.2 megapixel APS-C size CCD the K200D delivers outstanding image reproduction. The sensor-shift Shake Reduction system is compatible with any Pentax lens ever produced, including the latest digital specific lenses.
The camera's advanced 16-segment metering and 11-point AF system ensures perfectly exposed and focused images, and the Auto Picture and Scene modes offer shooting ease, while advanced modes, such as the Sv mode, allow photographers to grow with the camera. All of these impressive features are controlled by the camera's PRIME image processing engine which maximizes image properties and allows custom adjustment of image parameters. Plus the customizable features for shooters who demand complete control include the Expanded Dynamic Range function that allows users to gain more contrast/detail in bright settings and Custom Image modes, with six preset options, offer superior control of how the PRIME processor develops images.
Dust Reduction and Dust Alert features eliminate the need of time consuming retouching, and the camera's 2.7 inch high resolution, wide view LCD panel allows easy review of pictures, while including enlarged menu lettering. And all of these features are contained in a dependable dust-proof, weather-resistant body that allows photographers to shoot anytime, anywhere, even in dusty or rainy environments.
| Camera Type | SLR Digital Camera |
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Effective: 10.7MP, Recorded: 10.2MP |
| Sensor | 23.5 x 15.7mm CCD |
| Bit Depth | 36-bit |
| File Formats | RAW, JPEG |
| File Size | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Color Spaces | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Crop Factor | 1.5x |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens | No |
| Zoom | N/A |
| Lens Mount | Pentax K Mount |
| Focus Type | Auto and Manual Focus |
| Focus Range | N/A |
| Accessory Lens/Filter Mount | N/A |
| Shooting Controls | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | ISO: 100-1600 |
| Shutter Speeds | 1/4000 - 30 sec, bulb |
| Metering | Multi Segment, Center-weighted, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | Program, Auto, Manual, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority, Scene |
| White Balance | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom |
| Mirror Lock-Up | Yes |
| Burst Capability | High-speed continuous: 2.8fps, Low-speed continuous: 1.1fps |
| Self Timer | 2 seconds or 12 seconds |
| Interval Recording | No |
| Remote Control | Yes: Pentax Cable Switch 205, Remote Control F |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes |
| Effective Flash Range | Up to 42' (13 m) |
| External Flash Connection | Hotshoe |
| Dedicated Flash System | Pentax P-TTL series |
| Max Sync Speed | 1/180 second |
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | No |
| Memory Card Type | SD/SDHC |
| Still Images per GB |
RAW: 59 JPEG: High Res:200 - Low Res:2,560 |
| A/V Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | No |
| Video Resolution | N/A |
| Video Clip Length | N/A |
| Audio Recording | No |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder Type | Eye-level Pentamirror |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 96% |
| Display | 2.7" LCD |
| Connectivity/System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Video Out |
| System & Software Requirements |
Windows XP, Vista Mac OS X (10.2 or later) |
| Environmental | |
|---|---|
| Operating/Storage Temperature | Operating Temperature: 32-104°F/0-40°C |
| Weatherproofing | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Durability | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | 4x AA Batteries (Lithium, Alkaline, or NiMH) |
| Power Adapter | Yes: K-AC76U AC Adapter Kit (optional) |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.7 x 5.2 x 2.9" (94 x 133 x 74mm) body only |
| Weight | 22.2 oz (630g) body only |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 16 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-16
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I was coming from a K100D and upgraded to the K200D. The first one died on me and I had to send it back. The second one worked fine.
From the K100D to this was obviously not a big leap in terms of feel, and I loved the feel of the K100D. The main reason for the upgrade was the weather sealing.
In use the two cameras were quite similar, with the K200D being quieter.
I was dissapointed though with high ISO performance, and the poor low light focusing.
If you are using this camera in the day, in decent light and low ISO it is a great camera. For that reason, I give the camera its four stars. For low light work, for me at least, it focuses just a touch too slow, making me miss too many shots.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I'm a amature photographer, mostly in landscape and portrait photography. I've had my k200D for few weeks now and I've really grown to like it. Before I had Canon 10D plus a set of primes but I figured I should change to pentax because of their great limited lenses. I bought the 21,40 and 70mm ltd lenses which all are of superb quality which canon have a hard time matching. I use the camera mostly on hikes and then the small size and weather sealing comes in really handy.
A step up from the canon are: number one better lenses for my type of shooting, built in image stabilization which btw. does not work as good as pentax say but fair enough. weather sealing, dust alert/removal. controls have their plus sides and minus sides but over all I like the Pentax more than Canon. Then we have all the regular stuff: size, LCD, MP etc.
What I don't like so far is the viewfinder, its a bit small so I will buy some kind of extender with magnification.
The images from the camera (shooting in raw of course) are just great, I mean the quality surpasses the Canon by far. the dynamic range is better the details are finer.
Finally the number one point are the ltd. lenses which are just great, sure they have smaller max. aperture but for me that does not matter since I shoot mostly outdoors.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I upgraded from the K100 to the K200 and have been extremely happy with the new equipment. The "feel" is even better than the K100 and the larger screen is a huge help. I really appreciate the Raw+ button. Autofocus seems to be better in the K200, particularly trying to catch birds on the wing. Having ISO 100 is an improvement. Looking forward to a long relationship with this camera. Pleasant surprise was the bigger font option in the menu.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
although not the best on the market, the k200d has a great body construction, I am not afraid to stand in the rain and fire some shots, being in the military I am in some harsh conditions and this DSLR has been relentless.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
Takes great portraits and landscapes shots. Took it on vacation and learned to use it on the spot. Easy and fun to use.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
The K200d is a very capable DSLR. The menu system is somewhat outdated, but necessary functions and controls are easily accessible. Performance is generally good. Autofocus is more contingent upon your choice of lens, but is usually snappy and accurate. Noise is well controlled and IQ is good over the ISO range. Shooting in RAW enhances an already good camera.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I was not sure whether to upgrade my DS2.
Few things I have noticed
1. Screen is not as good as in DS2.
2. Auto focus is faster
3. Menu has many options.
4. Picture quality is excellent.
Be sure to get good rechargeable batteries.
Overall I am very satisfied with this camera, To some extent it is not such a major change from DS2 still it worth the upgrade.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
Camara body (K200d SLR Digital Camara) works with all my Pentax super program lens.
Saved me from buying all new len ones.
Everything is great
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
Easy to use. Quality of pictures are impressive. Works smoothly with appurature.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
Great camera. Pentax D-BG3 Battery Grip is a must. It uses all my old K mount lenses in manual mode.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
the K200D is easy to use, especially for experienced Pentax users. All the controls are similar to earlier models. The anti-shake feature is also a nice addition. One new feature that stood out was the auto ISO setting which ranges from 100-400 depending on the shooting situation. Lower ISO's tend to come out a little over saturated in color but the overall image quality is solid.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
The K200D is my last camera in a long series of Pentax cameras I have used since my student days. All fine instruments. The K200D replaced the K100D and the K10D I purchased last year. The optical quality is excellent. I use this camera for scientific purposes, travelling and local events quite frequent in Washington D.C. It is very suitable for museum and nature photography. The 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses practically cover most situations. In my perception the K200D outperforms its close Pentax relatives. The ready accessibility of programmed settings makes the K200D very valuable in terms of saving time and getting the right photo at the right moment. The all available AA batteries are a convenience even with the uncertainty in their use as stated in the camera manual. The range of the flash is larger than the K10D and very easy to adjust for different settings.
The camera is solid, dust and moisture proof, a plus in hot humid summer days or when travelling in the desert or the tropics. I am certain the K200D will be with me for a few years to come.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I am an amatuer photographer, I have shot Slr film for many years, I always shoot manual focus on my film camera, and aperature priority, Now I have a camera, that accepts my old lenses, shoots in manual mode, and has no shutter lag to speak of.
I shoot landscapes, and some sporting events, And I am very pleased with this camera. I opted for the 200d over the 20d for price first, and also the fact it uses AA batteries, so with extra sd cards and batteries, your shot totals are pretty much limitless.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I'm impressed with this camera. I switched from ist*DS and I'm happy with K200D. AF-C is fast and accurate. In low-light is not bad too. Faster than AF-S. My FA43 and 77 had back-focus at ist* DS. At K200D is all right. AF is like K10D, but more accurate. DA35 macro is good with AF too.
Low-light AF is 2-3 times better than DS, not miracle, but good for me. Hunting a bit in very low light in AF-S, but better in AF-C.
With Ansmann 2850 NiMh is a bit worse in speed. AA lithium rules. The shutter button is better than K10D's - not too soft. And not too hard like at ist DS. I use O-ME53 and have no problems with VF at all. White balance FINE tuning is like in K10D. The same function.
It really works, for not quick shoot or for studio is very usefull. But I shoot RAW in 99%.
I can shoot 6-7 PEF with Transcend 2 Gb SD 150x and 4 Gb 150x. In DNG buffer is 4 frames, 5 - in 1 sec. EV compensation and autoISO works together. Noise is well controlled. In good light condition is no problem to shoot till ISO1600, in low light and with a lof of dark places and shadows till ISO1000. Jpeg is better than K10D's jpeg.
SR works very good. Much better than in K100D. Shutter lag is very short. AF is a bit noisy with "screw-driver" lenses.
The IQ of picture at ISO1600 is better than ist*DS.
Noisier, but the resolution is MUCH better. Sharp pictures even at high ISO. ist DS's picture were more soft even at ISO400.
K200D is better in hand than K100D and K10D for me.
The main difference vs K100D (K100D super)
- 10 MP APS-C sensor SONY
- Dust-proof, water-resistant construction
- ISO 100 - 1600
- LCD 2.7" 230 000 dots
- better SR (better at 1-2 steps), equivalent to approximately 2.5 to 4 shutter-speed steps.
- Dynamic Range Enlargement
- Comprehensive Dust Removal system with prevention, removal and confirmation devices -
with NEW Dust Alert function
- Approximately 1100 images can be taken when using AA size lithium batteries due to its energy saving design, 700 - with NiMh AA 2500 mAh
- dust-proof, water-resistant battery grip
- RAW button
- real P-shift mode
- better in-built flash functions (guide number 13)
- In-body development of recorded RAW-format images
- better NEW 14 bit PRIME
- sensor is put in SR rails hardly
- Sv mode
- GREEN button (page 96 of manual)
- step of ISO 1/2 or 1/3
- Eight digital filters
- WHITE BALANCE TUNING
- better work with folders and files
- better jpeg tuning
- 6 types of IMAGE TONE (natural, bright, portrait, landscape, vibrant, monochrome)
- pixel mapping
- avtofocus EV from -1 to 18 at ISO100 with 50/1.4 (K100D from 1 to 19 at ISO200 with 50/1.4)
- weight 630 gramm vs 560 gramm (K100D) (without batteries)
- dimensions 133.5*95*74 mm vs 129.5*92.5*70 mm (K100D)
- buffer 4 RAW vs 3 RAW (K100D)
- unlimited jpeg at 1.1 fps
- DNG format
- shutter sound is softer
- histograms for all channels
It's the real hit for the market
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I just replaced my Nikon D70s with K200D. D70s never satisfied me. It always carried a cyanish cast over the entire image. With K200D images are very sharp and colors are very well separated and saturated. With K200D post adjustments are reduced dramatically compared to D70s. AA usage was a concern at first but the camera lasted five days with only one charge (2700mh batteries). Controls are good for average users. The body feels very solid and it's seals gave me worry free shooting in Seattle weather. In camera raw-jpg conversion is great!!! There is little bit of moir during playback when viewing in full size (only when there are parallel lines). I am not sure if this happens in all 10+MP cameras or just this one. Images are perfectly fine. Pentax editing software is great but it does not encourage saving raw changes. Limited support with Picassa (colors do not look right).
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
This is a wonderful camera easy to use, lightweight, and all around great buy!
Displaying reviews 1-16
Not recommended for 35mm film or "full-frame" digital SLR cameras