Pentax K200D SLR Review

Built in Pop-up Flash

The built-in retractable P-TTL popup flash unit is easy to operate, just press the release button (the lightening bolt icon on the right in the photo) when the flash is required - the flash does not pop up automatically. It has a Guide number of 13 (100/m) with an approximate 28mm wide angle (equivalent to 35mm) coverage . Flash modes available are TBA; Flash exposure compensation is -2 to 1 EV in 1/2 steps.

The K200D supports various external flash units: the Hot Shoe is type (P-TTL, high speed sync available), Wireless with PENTAX dedicated flash, X-Sync socket; Synchronization speed - 1/180s. When using the PC socket for shooting with studio lights the camera remains weather and dust sealed - even when the PC socket cap is removed.

PENTAX P-TTL External Flashes

PENTAX Flash AF200FG

Compact design with a guide number of 20 (at ISO 100/m); Simple mode dial operation offers P-TTL with pre-flash to assure proper exposure; Flash exposure compensation can be set to -0.5 and -1 EV in P-TTL mode through dial; Full manual mode for more creative control; Flash coverage for focal lengths as wide as 28mm (in the 35mm format); Built-in, flip down diffuser covers focal lengths down to 24mm (in the 35mm format)

PENTAX Flash AF360FGZ

This auto flash unit features a large guide number of 30 (at ISO100/m). This clip-on, bounce auto-zoom flash provides a variety of advanced flash applications, including P-TTL auto flash, high-speed synchronization and wireless P-TTL auto flash, when mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera.

PENTAX Flash AF540FGZ

The AF540FGZ auto flash unit features a guide number of 54 (at ISO100/m). This clip-on, twist/tilt, auto-zoom flash provides a variety of advanced flash applications, including P-TTL auto flash, high-speed synchronization and wireless P-TTL auto flash, when mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera

Viewfinder

The K200D features a lightweight Penta-Mirror viewfinder, which combines PENTAX-original finder optics with a Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen to deliver a bright, clear subject image with 0.85X magnification and 96 percent field of view. The viewfinder has a diopter adjustment of -2.5 to 1.5 and depth of field preview. Around the viewfinder is a soft rubber eyepiece (Eyecup FO) that fits comfortably against your face or eyeglasses.

The viewfinder display shows you all pertinent shooting information including the AF frame, Spot frame, AF point, Flash status, Focus mode, Picture/Scene mode, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Focus indicator, AE lock, Number of recordable images/EV compensation/Sensitivity, Shake reduction and File format.

Exposure Metering

Here is the layout of the 16-segment multi-pattern metering system: type - TTL open-aperture, 16 segment metering with a sensitivity range of EV 0-21 (ISO 100, 50mm f/1.4). It offers Center weighted and Spot metering with Exposure compensation of +/- 2 EV (1/2 or 1/3 steps), Exposure lock, and Exposure bracketing of 3 frames, up to +/- 1.5 (1/2 steps) or +/- 1.0. (1/3 steps)