Pentax K200D review

Pentax K200D Review

Reviewed by: Rich Trenholm

Reviewed on: 9 May 2008

The Pentax K200D has a lot to live up to after we expressed so much love for the Pentax K100D Super. This new entry-level dSLR shares a lineage with the Samsung GX dSLR range due to a deal between the two companies. Will we feel the love for this dSLR or will it end in tears?

We reviewed the camera with its 18-55mm focal length and f/3.5-5.6 kit lens, which is available for around £475. The camera is also available in body only for around £400, or a £690 chunk of change will nab you the body, the kit lens and an extra 50-200mm, f/4-5.6 lens job.

Design
Although it's small, it loads up the weight at 680g. This may appeal to those who say entry-level dSLRs don't have enough heft, while the right-hand grip is nicely curved and just about chunky enough for one-handed shooting. Dust and water-resistant seals protect the sockets and connections.

The main screen does not boast live view, but does show a comprehensive display of the shooting parameters

The Fn button gives you quick access to common shooting options. It requires an extra button press to actually change these options, however; we would have preferred it if the four-way clickpad gave direct access to such options, as on a compact.

Like most entry-level models, the K200D only has one control wheel. Having two wheels is preferable, as it lessens the chances of accidentally adjusting the shutter instead of the aperture and vice versa. As a default, the wheel alters shutter speed unless you hold down the exposure compensation button so the wheel adjusts aperture.

Oddly, given the growing ubiquity of live view, especially in the consumer end of the market, the K200D does not allow composition of images on the screen, a 69mm (2.7-inch) TFT colour LCD offering with 230,000-dot resolution.

The consumer-friendly focus is apparent in the use of AA batteries and SD or SDHC cards, both of which are easily available and compatible with other devices. It takes Pentax KA, KAF and KAF2-mount lenses, plus K-mount lenses, which will fit, but won't work with the autofocus.