Pentax K200D Review

The Pentax K200D is certainly a unique proposition in the current entry-level DSLR market. While most rival manufacturers are packing in the gadgets on their latest models, Pentax has opted for a more traditional approach, eschewing fashionable features like Live View and instead focusing on controls, customisation and build quality.

Like many cameras these days, the K200D shares a number of technologies in common with a former model, but rather than enhancing an earlier budget option, Pentax has instead drawn on last year’s flagship, the K10D. The new K200D may not boast the K10D’s penta-prism viewfinder, dual control dials, nor match its continuous shooting capabilities, but it does employ the same sensor, same Shake Reduction and same PRIME image processor, along with the K10D’s Sensitivity Priority ‘Sv’ shooting mode and a number of its menu options. And in one small respect, the K200D is actually a little better: its screen measures 2.7in to the K10D’s 2.5in. Many will also prefer its use of four standard AA batteries over proprietary Lithium Ion packs.

Perhaps most impressive of all though is the K200D’s build quality. It may be priced at a similar level to models like the Nikon D60, Olympus E-520 and Sony Alpha A300, but is impressively weather-resistant with 60 environmental seals. That’s something you’d normally only find on pricier semi-pro models.

The K200D additionally sports an upper LCD information screen, support for both Pentax’s own PEF and Adobe’s DNG RAW formats, along with optional in-camera RAW processing and even a dedicated RAW button on the side, again inherited from the K10D.

more : cameralabs