Pentax K100D

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K100D Prices

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Nikon D40 - The 6-megapixel Nikon D40 was introduced for $600, but Nikon quickly added the 10-megapixel D40x,  which sells as a kit for just over $1,000. Both D40s have rudimentary 3-site autofocus systems and accept only a subset of recent Nikon lenses. At $550, the Pentax K100D has far better autofocus. The K100D is compatible with more lenses and comes with better software, especially RAW conversion software. The K100D has better color accuracy than the D40 as well.  In general, the D40 lacks many of the advantages of the more expensive Nikons, while the K100D shares many of the features of Pentax's top-end K10D.

 

Olympus Evolt E-330 - The Evolt E-330 is available online for under $550 with a lens, making it price-competitive with the Pentax K100D. The E-330's unusual feature is its live-preview LCD, which can function as an especially good manual focusing screen. Its autofocus system is primitive by comparison, and inferior to the K100D's AF. The E-330 is an 8-megapixel camera, and like many Olympus cameras, it is built to be durable – though the K100D seems equally tough. The K100D's interface is far more sensible. Olympus should study Pentax menus and try to clean up its messy DSLR menus.

 

Sony Alpha A100 - For $700, or about $150 more than the K100D, Sony offers the 10.2-megapixel Alpha A100, which has both image stabilization and dust control. The Sony's metering system is more accurate than the Pentax K100D's, but the K100D body has better ergonomics and is more durable. Both the A100 and the K100D are essentially snapshot cameras, with plenty of scene modes, and much less convenient manual controls. Assuming the users are snap shooters, the megapixel difference won't matter – the average user doesn't need the K100D's 6 megapixels, let alone the A100's 10.2

 

 

Value (7.5)

The Pentax K100D is a good value. It's easy to use, well-built, and inherits some particularly worthwhile features from cameras at the top of its line. The autofocus system lives up to its specs, and is excellent. It also offers Shake Reduction. Though 6-megapixel cameras are becoming rare in both the DSLR and compact camera markets, there is a place for them. The file size is plenty big for most prints and they take up much less space on hard drives than 10-MP files, making them less taxing on slow computers. The K100D is less capable and sophisticated than the Pentax K10D, but Pentax made good choices as it simplified and economized.

 

Point-and-Shooters - If a point-and-shooter really wants a DSLR, the Pentax K100D is a good choice. It's bulkier and more expensive than a compact snapshot camera, but it can be just as easy to use.

Budget Consumers - The Pentax K100D is a good value for photographers who need a DSLR, but not the complexity or high pixel count of the step-up cameras. The K100D is very competitive in its price range.

Gadget Freaks - The Pentax K100D lacks unique technology and therefore probably won’t appeal to this group.

 

Manual Control Freaks - The Pentax K100D's manual controls are not convenient enough for photographers who habitually shoot manual. A second control dial would make all the difference.

 

Pros/Serious Amateurs - The Pentax K100D might make a good second body for photographers who don't need high resolution and whose main camera is the K10D – of course, that assumes that the K10D is a worthwhile main camera.