| Latest Review Posted | Pentax K-m/K2000
I've had the Pentax K2000 for 4 days now, after 17 months with the K100D. I bought the K2000 kit from Beach Camera (via Amazon) for $539, free shipping. This kit contains the 18-55 & 50-200 lenses, but not the AF200 flash.
A few thoughts on the camera:
- despite a weight difference of only a couple ounces, the K2000 feels noticeably lighter in my hand than the K100D.
- I miss the top panel LCD.
- I miss the red focus point indicator in the VF.
- AF is noticeably faster than the K100D. Not only that, but all of the camera's operation feel more spry.
- focus in dim light is much quicker.
- the shutter is a bit quieter and "smoother" sounding.
- having ISO & WB buttons on the K2000 body is faster and more convenient than nested in menus, as is the case with the K100D.
- jpeg quality is too compressed. Things like hair detail get a bit smeared, moreso than the K100D.
A few thoughts on the DA L 18-55 and DA L 50-200 lenses:
- neither lens comes with a hood. I bought the appropriate hoods on fleabay for a total of ~ $20/shipped.
- the 18-55 has a little falloff of sharpness wide open at 18mm & 55mm. Edge sharpness is better than my old 18-55, and vignetting is less severe, also.
- the 18-55 has only slight corner softening @ f8.
- the 50-200 exposes about 1/3 stop brighter than the 18-55.
- the edge sharpness properties of the 50-200 are very similar to the 18-55, although the left edge is softer wide open. |
