Performance and Use

The K200D is a responsive D-SLR. In the Auto Pict mode, the camera focuses quickly and saves images just as promptly. It has an 11-point AF system with nine cross sensors to help things along. I shot a number of branches of a just-blooming weeping cherry and the camera did a fine job of zeroing in on the buds. The K200D is rated 2.8 frames per second and will take four or five highest-res JPEG images before the buffer fills up (it’s only 2 when you’re in RAW). In some ways this is speedier than the just reviewed Sony DSLR-A350 which is less than 2 fps in the Live View mode I liked so much, 2.5 for traditional shooting in RAW up to around five/six shots. Then again this is a 10MP camera versus 14.2 for the Sony. Remember we’re in the sub $800 USD category and if you really want the super speed you need to spend the bucks for a Canon EOS 40D, Nikon D300, Pentax K20D or Sony DSLR-A700 and their ilk. Unless you’re really into shooting sports, this speed should be sufficient.

The K200D has a 1.5x digital factor so the kit lens is actually 27-82.5mm in 35mm terms, a decent range for most subjects. You might want to forgo the supplied lens and spend the extra cash for a heftier zoom such as the 14x 18-250mm. The camera has all the manual features you’d expect and the controls are logically arranged and simple to use after a quick read of the manual. I used the Sv Sensitivity mode for indoor shoots and scene modes where appropriate. The camera gives you the ability to really tweak your images with the Custom Image mode. Once you move out of Auto you can adjust saturation, hue, contrast, sharpness and other parameters to match your taste. I notched up saturation and contrast on a number of shots and was happy with the results. This is an acquired taste but the options are there for you to play with—or you can forget they even exist.

Once the SDHC card was loaded with images it was time to download them to the trusty old Dell and make some 8.5x11 full bleed prints on a Canon inkjet with no tweaking.

I must admit I was quite pleased with the images spread before me. Color was very accurate with strong blues, reds, yellows and pinks. The images had a nice pop even in Auto with no adjustments in the Custom Image settings. I was also very pleasantly surprised how the K200D handled image noise. You could notice a bit at 400, more so at 800 but it was far from a pixilated mess. Even 1600 was reasonable but I wouldn’t make huge prints. And the built-in sensor shift stabilization did a good job cutting down blur with my indoor still life subject at very slow shutter speeds.

Image Courtesy of Pentax

Conclusion

Pentax definitely earned our respect with this D-SLR. It straddles the line between an entry-level camera and what market watchers describe as mid-level (to reach the big leagues it needs higher resolution and faster speed). Still this is a responsive D-SLR that takes quality 10-megapixel images. It has a value price, feels substantial, offers plenty of photographic options, has built-in stabilization and sensor cleaning plus it comes with a decent kit lens. Those who don’t have any legacy glass—even those with only a lens or two—should definitely check this baby out.

Highs:

• Solid 10MP D-SLR
• Weather- and dust-resistant
• Built-in sensor shift stabilization

Lows:

• Should be faster (fps)
• Needs enhanced buffer for burst shooting