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Connectivity
Software (8.0)
The Pentax K100D is bundled with Pentax Photo Browser 3 and Pentax Photo Laboratory 3. Browser is a tool for downloading, organizing and printing images. Laboratory is a RAW file converter and image editing tool. Laboratory follows the design standards of the K100D and its manual: it's laid out logically and clearly, and it's easy to use. It can show out-of-gamut areas in each channel separately, allows direct editing of tone curves, and it has good options for adjusting white balance – that's nice, because the K100D doesn't have good white balance controls. In sum, it's not universal for manufacturers to bundle their best software with budget cameras, so the inclusion of the full-featured Laboratory is a strength of the K100D.
Jacks, Ports, Plugs (7.5)
The Pentax K100D has a USB/analog video port, a jack for a wired remote control, a jack for an external DC power source, a Pentax dedicated hot shoe, which also takes standard non-dedicated flashes, and an Infrared port for a wireless remote.
Direct Print Options (7.5)
The Pentax K100D is both PictBridge and DPOF compatible. PictBridge is a protocol for connecting cameras directly to compatible desktop printers, and DPOF is a protocol for creating digital print orders on camera memory cards, which can then be read by kiosk printers in camera shops, drug stores and so on. The K100D can be used to select the images to print, the number of prints to make, and whether to imprint the date on each. In PictBridge mode, the K100D can set size, paper type and print quality. There are more options available in each protocol, but the K100D offers basic printing.
Battery (4.5)
The Pentax K100D takes four AA batteries. NiMH rechargeable batteries will last longer than disposable batteries, and disposables will work in a pinch. The advantage is that they are cheap and available almost everywhere. Still, the better battery technology is Lithium-Ion. Lithium-Ion cells are customized for camera models and brands. They typically last longer than NiMH configurations, are more convenient, and are lighter. They are also more expensive, which may be why Pentax choose to go with AAs in the K100D.
Memory (3.5)
The Pentax K100D accepts SD memory cards, the most popular memory format for digital cameras. Compact Flash cards are found in more DSLRs than SD cards, but SD cards are smaller, so they are prevalent in compact cameras and small DSLRs, like the K100D. We used cards up to 4 GB in the K100D, so it is capable of handling large-capacity memory.
Other Features (8.0)
Sensor Cleaning – The Pentax K100D has a provision for manual cleaning, bending to the reality that dust gets inside interchangeable-lens cameras. If the batteries get weak during cleaning, the K100D issues warning beeps to indicate that it's about to shut down.
1-Button AE – In full manual exposure mode, hitting the AE-Lock button sets the exposure to the metered value instantly. The feature makes manual shooting more convenient, especially on a camera with only one control dial.
Legacy Lens Compatibility – The Pentax K100D will shoot pictures with old Pentax lenses, and Pentax medium format lenses, with an adapter. All of the K100D’s features aren’t with all of them, but they do mount and shoot.
ISO Limit & Warning – The K100D can be set to limit its ISO range or can simply warn the user when the ISO goes over a certain level. Both options are useful.
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