| Latest Review Posted | Pentax K100D Super
The little camera that could! The K100D Super is the last camera ever produced with the old, reliable 6MP sensor shared by every camera in the *istDx and K1xx lines, and as such the most featureful. It shares SDM support, shake and dust reduction features with its more modern cousins. The sensor is old but works very well. JPEG processing in the K1xx series has been decidedly improved compared to the old *istD series, which brings out the sensor's strengths even more. Users of higher resolution APS-C cameras may be surprised at just how clean the images are up to ISO 800.
The K100D Super is compact for a DSLR, yet pretty sturdy. It fits well in the hand. The control scheme is well designed and feels logical (FAR better than Canon here!) though it does not have as many dedicated buttons and dials as the higher-end K10D/K20D/K-7 cameras.
The K100D's true sensitivity range is ISO 200-1600. There is a 3200 setting, but it is actually 1600 pushed a stop in firmware and dramatically worse than 1600. If you need 3200, it is much better to shoot RAW 1600 with -1 EV comp and push it in post-processing. At ISO 200 and 400 the picture is essentially noise-free. ISO 800 is immensely usable for almost all purposes, and 1600 is better than on Pentax 10MP bodies.
At the end of the day, the K100D Super measures up to, and in many respects beats, any other entry level to mid range 6 MP DSLR body. In 2009 it is still a good buy for the beginner or frugal enthusiast as it can be had for as l... |
