Pentax K2000

	Nikon D90 Comparison Summary
The Nikon D90, when paired with even an inexpensive lens sells for over twice the price of the Pentax K2000. The extra money buys a more ruggedly built body, Live View mode and a rarity among digital SLRs, a video recording mode, along with a distinctly superior LCD screen. In several areas the Pentax holds its own based on lab-tested performance, including dynamic range, resolution and startup time, and turns in better figures than the Nikon when it comes to white balance accuracy. Overall, though, you do get what you pay for if you spring for the Nikon.
	Speed & Timing	Page 13 of 18	Canon 50D Comparison

	Comparison Specifications
	Pentax K2000	Nikon D90
Price	$599.95 w/18-55mm lens and flash, $679.95 w/ 18-55 and 50-200mm lenses (in white)	$999 (body only)
Dimensions	4.8 x 3.6 x 2.7 in/122 x 91 x 67mm 18.5 oz/ 524g	5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in./132 x 103 x 77mm 22 oz./ 620g
Resolution	10.2 megapixels	12.3-megapixels
Processor	PRIME image processing engine	EXPEED
Sensor size/type	23.5 x 15.7mm, Interline interlace CCD with primary color filter and integrated Shake/Dust Reduction sensor movement system	15.8 x 23.6mm CMOS
bKit Lens	18-55mm; 50-200mm	AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
Viewfinder	96% field of view, 0.85x magnification	0.94x magnification, 96% coverage
LCD	230,000 pixel, 2.7 inch	Super density, 3 inch, 920,000 pixels
Live View	No	Manual focus Autofocus: Face-priority, wide area, normal area
Shutter Speed	1/4000 to 30 sec, bulb	1/4000 to 30 sec., bulb
Burst Speed	3.5 frames per second	Max. approx. 4.5 shots/sec.
Autofocus	TTL phase-matching 5 point wide autofocus	11 focus points (including 1 cross-type sensor)
Exposure Compensation	±2 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps	±5EV
Noise Reduction	High ISO (three levels), Long Exposure	High ISO (three levels), Long Exposure
ISO range	100-3200 ISO (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps)	ISO 200-3200 (in 1/3, 1/2 or 1-stop increments), expandable to ISO 100-6400 equivalent
Flash	Retractable P-TTL auto/manual popup flash	Retractable, auto pop-up flash
Media Format	JPEG, RAW	Still: JPEG, RAW (12-bit NEFl) RAW+JPEG Video: AVI
Movie Mode	No	Yes
Media Type	SD, SDHC	SD memory card, SDHC memory card
Connections	Proprietary USB out, Video out	HDMI, NTSC, Hi-speed USB
Other Hardware	AF200FG flash	No

Performance
The most notable performance difference between these two cameras is the category where only one performs at all: the Nikon D90 is one of a handful of SLRs that offer video recording capability. The D90 shoots at the lower-res high-definition standard of 720p, and while we weren't blown away with the video recording quality, for some potential buyers the option to shoot high-quality stills and acceptable-quality video with one device will be a deciding factor. When it comes to straight still shooting, the Pentax holds its own in several key performance categories, with near-identical scores for both cameras in resolution and dynamic range, and superior white balance results, though the Nikon holds a clear edge when it comes to color accuracy and long exposure shooting.

Components
The Nikon D90 is a higher-resolution camera, at 12.3 megapixels versus 10.2 megapixels for the Pentax, though they came in quite close in our image sharpness testing. The Nikon LCD screen is far superior, a 3-inch 921,000-dot LCD that clearly outclasses the run-of-the-mill 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot screen on the K2000. Appropriately enough for a camera with video capability, the Nikon D90 has HDMI output for high-res connection to an HDTV, a useful feature for photo viewing too. Pentax has a single proprietary port for both USB and video output, and doesn't include a video cable, which feels overly frugal. The D90 offers Live View mode, which the Pentax lacks. And while there is a respectable selection of lenses available for the K2000, it pales beside the optical cornucopia of the Nikon system.

Handling
We are impressed with the build quality of the Pentax K2000 considering its low price, though the plastic lens mount is off-putting. The D90 body feel significantly sturdier, and there's no question that the Nikon lens is a higher-quality piece of equipment, though you do pay a price in portability if you go Nikon here: the D90 is noticeably larger and heavier, particularly with the lens mounted. And while the grip on the Pentax is a bit smaller, it's also rubberized, an improvement over the textured plastic on the D90.

Controls
While the Pentax impressed us with the level of control and customization built into a very affordable SLR, the D90 is in another class in this category. The ISO range extends further (to ISO 6400), white balance setting options are more precise, and the dynamic range optimization system offers four levels of intensity versus the Pentax system's "on" or "off." The D90 has two control wheels, front and back, versus the single "e-dial" on the Pentax, a factor for those who like to shoot in manual mode, and includes a depth of field preview function that was left off the K2000.

	ISO Examples
	Pentax K2000	Nikon D90
ISO 100
	Pentax K2000	Nikon D90
ISO 200
	Pentax K2000	Nikon D90
ISO 400
	Pentax K2000	Nikon D90
ISO 800
	Pentax K2000	Nikon D90
ISO 1600
	Pentax K2000	Nikon D90
ISO 3200
	Pentax K2000	Nikon D90
ISO 6400	Not Available

Speed & Timing	Page 13 of 18		Canon 50D 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