EI-200

Click to take a QTVR tour of the EI-200

The Pentax EI-200 has a 2.11 megapixel, 1/2.7 inch CCD imager with 10-bit A/D converter and a new high-performance ASIC to render 1600 x 1200 images with extraordinary tonal range and color saturation. The compact EI-200 features a 3X zoom lens with macro (equivalent to 34-108mm in 35mm format) which is further enhanced by a Digital Zoom capability with three settings: 1.2X, 1.5X, 2X.   You can also record up to 45 seconds of sound with each image.

The lightweight EI-200 looks and operates like a conventional 35mm camera except the two-inch color LCD monitor allows for instant review and/or deletion of stored images. Image data can be transmitted using a high-speed USB cable, CompactFlash (Type I or II) card, or IrDA-compliant wireless infrared link. Digita allows custom functions and easy transfer of photos to computer, directly to HP JetSend compatible printers, or to other Digita-compatible cameras.

Pentax and H-P worked together to create this camera, it is also being marketed as the HP PhotoSmart C618.

The Pentax EI-200 has many advanced features:

• Exposure Modes:
  • Programmed AE, Shutter-Priority AE or Aperture-Priority AE
• Picture Modes:
  • Portrait, Landscape, and Action.
• Metering Modes:
  • Average, Center-weighted and Spot.
• White-balance modes:
  • Auto, Daylight, Tungsten, Fluorescent.
• Light-Sensitivity Settings:
  • Auto, ISO 100 and ISO 200 equivalent.
• Autofocus with infinity mode and macro mode down to 4 inches (10cm).
• Manual focus from 0.33 ft. (0.1m) to infinity.
• Five drive modes:
  • One-shot, Continuous, Time-Lapse, Remote-Control (with optional infrared remote) and Self-Timer.
• Image sizes of 1600x1200 or 800x600 pixels in uncompressed TIFF format or compressed JPEG format (Good/Better/Best).
• Exposure compensation from -2 to +2EV in 0.5 EV steps.
• Three image modes: Color, Black and White or Sepia.
• DPOF (Digital print order format) compatible - allows fast, automated printing with compatible printers - no need to go through a computer first.
• Auto image rotation makes portrait mode images upright automatically.

New Firmware Update

All owners of the Pentax EI-200 should install the newest firmware for improved picture quality by increasing the accuracy of color reproduction and reducing image noise.

On the back is a low-temp polysilicon 2-inch TFT color LCD with 130,338 pixels. Image playback is available in fullscreen and fullscreen with zoom plus an index/search mode.

On the top is a large data LCD for the camera settings, the flash, self-timer and focus mode buttons, shutter release and the Mode Dial.

The bottom is flat with an off-center tripod mount and the battery access door.

Here's the left and right side views

The Pentax power zoom is a 5.2-16.5mm (34-108mm in 35mm format) f/2.4-f/4.0 lens with 9 elements in 8 groups, comprised of 2 aspherical elements. The autofocus range in Normal mode is 1.64 ft. (0.5m) to infinity and in Macro mode from 0.33 ft. (0.1m) to 1.97 ft. (0.6m).

The manual focus range is 0.33 ft. (0.1m) to infinity. Using the focus mode button the user can select the fixed infinity or Macro mode.

A builtin lens protector automatically closes when the the lens is retracted.