Pentax K2000

	Canon Rebel XS Comparison Summary
This is an interesting match-up between cameras that sell at roughly equivalent prices (the Pentax does throw in an external flash for the same $600, giving it some value advantage). From a performance standpoint, the advantage see-saws between the two, with the Canon Rebel XS scoring higher in color accuracy and long exposure performance, while the Pentax outperforms the Canon on image sharpness and white balance. We substantially prefer the build quality of the Pentax to the less robust Canon body, but if Live View shooting is important to you, the Rebel has it, the K2000 doesn't.
	Canon 50D Comparison	Page 15 of 18	Olympus E-30 Comparison

	Comparison Specifications
	Pentax K2000	Canon Rebel XS
Price	$599.95 w/18-55mm lens and flash, $679.95 w/ 18-55 and 50-200mm lenses (in white)	$599.99 (with 18-55mm lens)
Dimensions	4.8 x 3.6 x 2.7 in/122 x 91 x 67mm 18.5 oz/ 524g	4.96 x 3.8 x 2.4 in./126.1 x 97.5 x 61.9mm 15.9 oz./ 450g
Resolution	10.2 megapixels	10.1-megapixels
Processor	PRIME image processing engine	DIGIC III
Sensor size/type	23.5 x 15.7mm, Interline interlace CCD with primary color filter and integrated Shake/Dust Reduction sensor movement system	22.2mm x 14.8mm
Kit Lens	18-55mm; 50-200mm	18-55mm IS lens
Viewfinder	96% field of view, 0.85x magnification	95% field of view, 0.81x magnification
LCD	230,000 pixel, 2.7 inch	230,000 pixel, 2.5 inch LCD
Live View	No	Manual focus Autofocus: (Quick mode, Live mode)
Shutter Speed	1/4000 to 30 sec, bulb	1/4000 sec. to 30 sec., bulb
Burst Speed	3.5 frames per second	Approx 3 shots per second
Autofocus	TTL phase-matching 5 point wide autofocus	TTL secondary image-registration, phase detection, 7 points
Exposure Compensation	±2 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps	±3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments
Noise Reduction	High ISO (three levels), Long Exposure	High ISO (one level), Long Exposure
ISO range	100-3200 ISO (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps)	ISO 100-1600 in 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Flash	Retractable P-TTL auto/manual popup flash	Retractable, auto pop-up flash
Media Format	JPEG, RAW	JPEG, RAW
Movie Mode	No	No
Media Type	SD, SDHC	SD, SDHC
Connections	Proprietary USB out, Video out	USB, Video out, Remote
Other Hardware	AF200FG flash	No

Performance
In this, the closest match-up in our test group, each camera staked out its areas of superiority in our lab tests. The Canon Rebel XS substantially outperformed the Pentax K2000 when it comes to color accuracy and long exposure testing, while the Pentax proved superior in image resolution and white balance accuracy. Both handled image noise equally well, and both had speedy start-up times,with near equal burst speeds. All told, we're not seeing a major advantage for either camera in the performance category.

Components
The Rebel XS has a marginally smaller screen (2.5 inches versus 2.7 for the Pentax), though the resolution is the same 230,000-dots for both models. A potential advantage for the Canon Rebel XS is the availability of Live View, which the Pentax doesn't offer. Image resolution are essentially the same, at 10.2 megapixels for the Pentax and 10.1 for the Canon, and the cameras share the same 1/4000 second  to 30 second shutter speed range. The Pentax offers in-camera image stabilization, meaning any lens you mount will benefit, while Canon continues to require individual image-stabilized lenses to take advantage of this feature. And while the Canon family of lenses is significantly broader than those for the Pentax, we feel the intended audience for either of these cameras will have plenty to choose from. The fact that Pentax includes the AF200FG flash in the K2000 kit is less compelling than it would be if this particular flash model had a swivel or bounce flash head -- direct flash is of limited value in many shooting situations, particularly indoors -- but there's no arguing that there's a lot more firepower in this $125 add-on than there is in a pop-up flash.

Handling
We find the Canon Rebel XS has an uncomfortably lightweight, insubstantial feel. The Pentax has only slightly more actual weight, but it's built more ruggedly and feels like a serious piece of photographic equipment in your hands. The Pentax also has a better grip, with a rubberized surface versus the textured plastic of the Canon.

Controls
One key feature that makes the Pentax easier to handle while shooting is the LCD control panel, which lets you change key settings directly instead of navigating through the menu system. While both cameras scored about equally in image noise performance, the Pentax supports ISO 3200 shooting, where the Canon tops out at 1600. Both cameras have a single control dial instead of the two-dial system found on more expensive SLRs. The Rebel XS has a depth of field preview function that Pentax doesn't; it may not be a core capability for entry-level shooters, but we find it useful, especially when shooting landscapes. A more common operation is setting a manual white balance, and here the Pentax approach is superior to the less flexible Canon system. The Pentax also provides a more extensive selection of shooting presets, and in-camera filters to have some fun with your images.

	ISO Examples
	Pentax K2000	Canon Rebel XS
ISO 100
	Pentax K2000	Canon Rebel XS
ISO 200
	Pentax K2000	Canon Rebel XS
ISO 400
	Pentax K2000	Canon Rebel XS
ISO 800
	Pentax K2000	Canon Rebel XS
ISO 1600
	Pentax K2000	Canon Rebel XS
ISO 3200		Not Available

This section of the review was updated with revised results and scores on July 13, 2009. These changes did not affect the relative ratings of the reviewed cameras.

Canon 50D Comparison	Page 15 of 18		Olympus E30 Comparison
Pentax K2000 Digital Camera Review Navigation
Intro	Product Tour	Color	Noise
Resolution	White Balance	Sample Photos	Playback
Hardware	Controls	Design & Handling	Speed & Timing
Nikon D90 Comparison	Canon 50D Comparison	Canon Rebel XS Comp	Olympus E30 Comparison
Conclusion	Specs & Ratings