Pentax K200D SLR Review

Weather Resistance

Seals around the durable K200D body protect the inner components against moisture and dust particles. The fiber-reinforced polycarbonate body surrounding the high-rigidity, stainless steel chassis provides plenty of strength for every day use.

Shake Reduction

The Shake Reduction (SR) system is integrated into the camera body and is independent of the lens in use. At the moment of exposure the compensating movement of the image sensor provides blur-free pictures. The advantage is obvious: you may increase your handheld shooting by 2.5 to 4 stops.

Over 30 patents have been filed for this SR system, which uses a ball bearing mounted oscillator unit with four electromagnets that hold the free-floating image sensor. Angular velocity sensors detect camera movement and relay the amount of compensation necessary to the electromagnets that move the sensor to compensate for any shake.

10.2-megapixel CCD Image Sensor

The K200D's 23.5 x 15.7 mm CCD image sensor records photos with a resolution of up to 10.2 megapixels. This is enough for you to produce astounding enlargements without difficulty. The high resolution sensor also allows photos to be cropped so that your composition may be perfected. High resolution combines with the DDR2 buffer memory to give quick capture rates up to 2.8 frames per second

PRIME Image Processing

PENTAX created the PRIME (PENTAX Real IMage Engine) system to match the performance requirements of higher resolution sensors. The PRIME engine converts the digital signal into the image you desire by assuring truer color tones, a wider dynamic range, and natural looking high ISO images. PRIME strives to provide results similar to what you see shooting with film.

Dust Removal System

The Dust Removal system on the K200D is a marvel of technology. The surface of the low pass filter is sealed with a nanotechnology-based fluorine coating so dust has a difficult time adhering to the sensor surface. Any dust that remains is shaken off when the SR system shifts the CCD at high speed. The dust that is shaken off the CCD, then falls onto an adhesive sheet eliminating any possibility of its returning to the CCD surface. Dust spots are now a thing of the past, along with annoying and time consuming retouch work.

11-Point TTL AF System

PENTAX K-Series cameras feature an 11-point autofocus system. In automatic operation (AUTO) the camera recognizes which object is nearest and chooses that object as the main focus point. For more direct control, select any of the 11 points individually. It is also possible to simply select the center of the image as your main point of focus. With Continuous Autofocus, the focus points adjust as your subject moves within the frame, or should you prefer more direct control, you may always focus manually.

PENTAX Lens Mount

The K200D has an electronically controlled, vertical run, focal plane shutter offering shutter speeds from 1/4000 to 30 second with a bulb setting available.

PENTAX has manufactured over 24 million lenses in the last six decades so there's probably a lens for any requirement you have. PENTAX dSLR bodies offer backward compatibility with each and every one of these lenses (adapter required for screw mount and 645/67 lenses). Choose from an assortment of new DAH, DA Limited and DA lenses specifically designed for use with PENTAX digital SLRs or grab your favorite glass from your camera bag.

Five new lens models, all developed specifically for PENTAX digital SLR, were released with the K200D. The complete line of lenses currently contains 22 models. Each new lens features a Quick-shift Focus System for instant switching from auto focus to manual and the PENTAX SP coating that protects the exposed lens elements from grease and dust.

The new lenses pricing and shipping dates are:

smc PENTAX DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL II - $199.95

Each PENTAX DA series lens features a tightly sealed, weather-resistant and dust-resistant construction to enhance durability for use in rainy or dusty conditions - making each a perfect companion for the weather-sealed K200D . The lenses also feature the PENTAX original Quick-Shift Focus System for instant switching to manual focus operation and PENTAX original SP (Super Protect) coating to repel dust, water and grease. A new SDM system has been incorporated for smoother, quieter autofocus operation using a built-in supersonic motor.

Following are more details on some of the new DA-series lenses.

PENTAX DA 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM

The high performance DA 200mm ED (IF) lens incorporates an SDM system which creates a smoother, quieter auto focus. Featuring a Quick-shift Focus System, switching from auto focus to manual is instantaneous. Developed specifically for PENTAX digital SLRs, the DA 200mm ED (IF) SDM lens has PENTAX SP coating which protects the exposed lens elements, and a focal length equivalent to 300mm in the 35mm format. Weather and dust resistant, it's the perfect lens for extreme weather conditions

PENTAX DA 300mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM

The high performance DA 300mm ED (IF) lens incorporates an SDM system which creates a smoother, quieter auto focus. Featuring a Quick-shift Focus System, switching from auto focus to manual is instantaneous. Weather and dust resistant, it's the perfect lens for extreme weather conditions. Developed specifically for PENTAX digital SLRs, the DA* 300mm ED (IF) SDM lens has PENTAX SP coating which protects the exposed lens elements, and a focal length equivalent to 450mm in the 35mm format.

PENTAX DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED

The versatile DA 55-300mm ED zoom lens offers an extreme telephoto zoom range, perfect for those moderate to long shots. ED elements compensate for chromatic aberration, while the PENTAX SP coating protects the exposed lens elements. Developed specifically for PENTAX digital SLRs, the DA 55-300mm ED zoom has a focal length equivalent to 82.5mm to 450mm in the 35mm format.

PENTAX DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited

The compact DA 35mm Macro Limited lens provides one-to-one magnification in a normal focal length. High-grade aluminum construction of lens barrel, hood and cap provides utmost durability. With its incorporated Quick-shift Focus System, switching from auto focus to manual is instantaneous. Developed specifically for PENTAX digital SLRs, the DA 35mm Macro Limited has PENTAX SP coating which protects the exposed lens elements, and a focal length equivalent to 52.5mm in the 35mm format.

PENTAX DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL II

The DA 18-55mm II is the ideal zoom lens for a wide range of shooting applications, covering a wide to moderate wide-angle. This lens has improved resolution to match with high resolution sensors and PENTAX SP coating which protects the exposed lens elements. Developed specifically for PENTAX digital SLRs, the DA 18-55mm II has aspherical elements to compensate for spherical aberration, and a focal length equivalent to 27mm to 82.5mm in the 35mm format.