Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens

Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens:

I spent a good deal of time researching cameras for my first foray into DSLRS.
I only had experience with Film SLRs and digital point and shoots, so the first time I got my hands on a DSLR such as a Canon Rebel XSI I was disappointed at how unintuitive the whole system felt when you're used to a fully manual film camera. Not to mention that the XSI just plain feels like a toy.
With continued research I concluded that the K200D was the right camera for me.
It's strengths are easy enough to find out in other reviews--I particularly like that it has a lot of features most other "entry level" cameras lack: Weather sealing, Wireless flash.
And I like that its "heavy", it feels like a real camera to me!
The only weaknesses I have found in my use are:

-No Live View Mode -- This was not a deal breaker for me since I was used to (and enjoyed) viewfinder composing on a film SLR...However, the viewfinder on the K200D is SMALL!!! I can't say how this compares to other DSLRS since I haven't used others, but compared to the Nikkormat K-FT film camera I was used to it is easily half the size, so definitely a bit of a disadvantage there. I need to by a eyepiece cup for this camera still and hope this will help a bit.
Hand in hand with the no live view is:
-The LCD screen is just okay. It's by no means bad, but it doesn't do justice to the pictures you are taking. Since you are restricted to the eyepiece, I constantly get nose grease on the LCD screen which makes the moire patterns all the worse. I was considering getting a loupe initially but after seeing the screen I don't really see the point. My digital point and shoot is a Canon SD790IS which has a better LCD screen IMHO so perhaps it spoiled me a bit.
Surprisingly for as many reviews as I read of this camera I didn't see these cons ever mentioned.
-Finally, one things that kind of irked me was that it's stated you can use NiMH rechargeable batteries with this camera...and you can...but in the manual it says its not recommended because voltage fluctuations can cause malfunctions. From what I've read, most users have found specific brand NiMH batteries to work just find, kind of strange though wouldn't you say?

Overall, if you're considering this camera check out other in-depth reviews to know the main pros and cons of it. In my brief time with the camera I have found it to be quite excellent and am very happy with the purchase. It's simple yet intricate. Robust yet elegant! Just a really nice camera, and you really can't go wrong for the price!

Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens:

I received this camera from my parents after my college graduation. Knowing that I was extremely interested in photography, my stepdad decided to buy a Pentax. He had previously used one back in the 70s and was pleased to see that Pentax had finally made the leap into digital photography. He was very impressed that his old lenses would still work on this new camera, so he purchased this without hesitation. I am extremely pleased. The autofocus takes fantastic shots, but I love the ability to go manual. I am an amateur photographer, but this camera has already taught me so much about what photographs can be, something my old point-and-shoot cameras could never do. I am also an enthusiastic user of photoshop, but have found that I am less dependant on it for quality photos; this camera produces amazing photos on its own!

The lenses are extremely easy to switch out; the menu is easy to figure out with a little bit of playing around. I would buy this camera again and again. Now I'm looking into buying some new lenses...!

Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens:

Use: amateur landscape and portrait photography.
Great: The automatic setting gets most difficult lighting right.
Could be better: The movement from half shutter and full shutter release could be a little more distinct to the touch and the review shown could be a tad longer.

Excellent camera. I've used Pentax products for many years. A lot of quality for the money.

Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens:

it's a great camera, i have taken so many pictures with it, rather it's people or nature. I love this camera

Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens:

This is a good affordable jump into SLRs, I am breaking out of film (although still shooting) and this is a good step.

It has a few more gadgets and gizmos than I'm used to but is lightweight and has 2 RAW options. Including a RAW button on the side if you just want to take one or two shots in RAW without changing settings.

Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens:

A very good first DSLR for anyone who is thinking about upgrading from a P&S. Manual is very easy to understand and the camera menu is easily readable on the LCD screen. I bought this camera due to the fact that it is weather proof and all the old Pentax lens can be used on it.

Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens:

This camera has way more features than a point-n-shoot, yet it can be used as one. It has so many features and settings that it can be a bit overwhelming to a first time user, but the simplicity of operation along with a well written manual make it easy to learn about all the features.

Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens:

I am getting back into photography after 20+ years. Having previously owned a Pentax 35mm, I wanted to stay with a quailty brand.
I like the sensitivity priority and the comfort of the robust weather seals so I can use the camera at the beach.
Being new to digital, I'm having to get used to the advanced menu system. But this would be the case with any brand today. Menus seem to be fairly intuitive.
Camera shutter is not as quiet as I expected.

Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens:

I've owned Pentax cameras before, some all the way back to the 60's and never get over how smart and intuitive these cameras are. This new K200D is just like the old ones. Smart, classy and helps me out when I need it. If you're looking for an excellent general purpose camera....this is it. This brand isn't well known among the masses, and that's ok by me, cause everyone who sees it loves it....most have cannons, sony or nikon....they all say that none of them can match the Pentax K200D for quality and performance.....buy it, use it, love it.....you won't be able to help yourself.

Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens:

Takes colorful photos, lots of features to play with, real easy camera to learn, weather sealing is a plus.

Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens:

If you are really interested in gettinh the most out of this camera take your time a go slowly step by step into the features it offers.
It is as fine as my old Pentax of the seventies! Weight, reliability, appearance.
Flash is aboslutely unnecessary. You havce ti buy a real one.

Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens:

This camera is my first DSLR and I have to say it's a world of difference from Point and Shoot. Controls are very easy to access, it didn't take more than two days to learn and remember what is every one of them for. For the record, the kit includes the "Mark II" kit lens.

Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens:

I wanted a digital SLR that would be suitable for fishing and hunting situations as well as family photos and possible macro pix of small outdoor subjects,ie,bugs,flowers,reptiles etc. Will be used primarily in Florida where moisture and dust are an issue.

Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens:

easy to use, and able to use old lenses with no problem.

Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens:

You really do have to lay hands on to judge if the hardware control set works for you. This one works for me. Makers have a lot of judgments to make in setting up menus, placing controls, and assigning functions. Pentax has made pretty good choices that I really can't fault. Of course, there's a lot going on, and it always takes some time to acclimate to a particular layout, but this one allows rapid and logical access. I would like a bit more definite tactile feedback while pressing the shutter release to half-down, but this will do. I like the compatibility with older Pentax glass, since I also use it for crime scene and often work with manual control and like having access to good, cheap lenses.

Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens:

I haven't had this camera long, but so far I absolutely adore it! I enjoy taking photos of landscapes and people. The photos are exceptional with vibrant colors and the resolution is so crisp!

Did I say how much I love this camera? :)

Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens:

Although I was raised with my father´s Pentax film SLR´s in my hands, it was a difficult decision in choosing a Pentax DSLR cause we only see the pros talking about their Nikons and Canons and "my camera is better in this"; "Canon is not so good on that" and stuff.
This Pentax K200D will let you take very beautiful pictures for less $$$.
- Very intuitive;
- Feels comfortable in the hand;
- Buttons are very well located;
- Very good "in camera" image processing;
- Very good RAW image processing software included inthe package;
- Nice "preview" button to check depth of field;
- Smart "green" button for beginners or for fast situations;
Everything above for less money than the two big ones. It´s cheaper, it´s good, it´s different.

Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens:

This is the perfect upgrade from a point-and-shoot to a DLSR. Very intuitive. 2500mA rechargeable batteries give hours of usage between charges. I am pulling more than the 550 photos listed in the description by over 100 shots. Also like that I can use my older Pentax lenses plus - as easy to set manual settings as my old K1000. The weatherproofing is also a definite selling point - I like to take photos of waterfalls in the Smokies and this camera can handle the moist conditions. The mirror lock function and the auto-stabilization are also definite bonuses.

Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens:

I was lucky enough to receive a loaner K200D on a wildlife exploration trip. It was my first SLR, and after a 30-minute tutorial by a pro photographer, I was able to take outstanding pictures in high resolution.

The camera is built like a tank and had no problem handling the rigors of Alaskan weather, yet it's not particularly heavy or uncomfortable (although I don't know how it compares to other DSLRs on that score). The menus and options are easy to navigate, the large screen lets you view photos in good enough detail to decide if you have a keeper or a bad shot, and the camera as a whole takes no time at all to master reasonably well, at least for basic tasks.

My only complaint is that it can be slow to come back after a shot (a few seconds). I'm not completely sure what circumstances cause this lag, or if it's slow compared to other cameras, but I have missed a couple of shots because of this. However I'm more inclined to blame operator error rather than the device itself, which deserves nothing but praise and gets the benefit of the doubt every time.

Very, very highly recommended. I also suggest getting an 80-250 lens if you're at all interested in wildlife photography. I've already taken several print-worthy photos in just a couple of sessions at a bird preserve, and given my complete lack of experience it speaks volumes about the quality and ease of use of this camera.

Comments about Pentax K200D SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-55mm Lens:

easy to use outdoor & indoors, on landscapes, pics of people, sporting events and at the beach