Pentax K2000

Speed and Timing

The burst mode performance at the fastest setting fell short of the manufacturer’s spec, and trailed the field as well. Pentax claims approximately 3.5 shots per second at full resolution, we measured an average of 2.91.

There are two continuous shooting modes, Hi and Lo. According to Olympus, the Hi setting should take approximately 3.5 full-resolution JPEGs per second at the highest quality setting, to a maximum of five shots. The Lo setting drops speed to 1.1 frames per second, but allows continuous shooting until the memory card is full. When shooting RAW, the figure drops to 4 continuous frames in a row for the Hi setting and 7 frames for Lo.

The K2000 supports two self-timer modes: 2 second and 12 second. There is no way to shut the viewfinder when shooting with a self-timer; neither a manual cover nor a built-in iris system is provided. This is a problem, since light can leak in from behind during tripod shooting and alter the exposure reading. The manual suggests using AE lock, but we’d prefer a more elegant solution.

An optional remote control (Remote Control F, $32.95) can also be used to trip the shutter, either immediately after hitting the shutter release button or after a 3-second delay.

Focus Speed

The K2000 uses a five-point autofocus system, which is less flexible than higher-end SLRs. When shooting, we found autofocus speed was a bit sluggish but adequate for most shooting situations. Shooting sports, though, could be a challenge.

The Pentax K2000 does not have a dedicated autofocus assist lamp. Instead, it uses a high-speed series of pulses from the built-in flash; very effective in helping the camera focus, but not perfect if you had some candid photography in mind, or pictures of a sleeping baby.

There are two autofocus point settings. Wide allows the camera to choose the AF point from the five available, while Spot sets the AF point in the center of the screen. There is no option to select an autofocus point manually, as found on some SLRs, but of course you can always spot focus on the subject and maintain that reading by holding the shutter halfway down while recomposing your shot.

A switch just behind the lens mount on the left toggles between autofocus and manual focus. The focus indicator illuminates and beeps when focus is achieved. The kit lens has an extraordinarily loose feel when focusing manually, though, with practically no friction at all, making manual focus accuracy very difficult.