Author: | | New Member Registered: January, 2013 Location: Dublin Posts: 3 | Review Date: November 20, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $280.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | excellent ergonomics | Cons: | N/A | Years Owned: 3
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 10
Features: 7
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: Used
| | Excellent camera at the beginning of the adventure with photography
| | | | | New Member Registered: August, 2008 Location: Maine USA Posts: 3 | Review Date: October 20, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $500.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Clear shots,solidly built | Cons: | None | Years Owned: 5
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 7
New or Used: New
| | I love this camera , I also own the k100d Pentax makes a strong durable camera, easy to use. | | | | New Member Registered: October, 2011 Location: Toronto Posts: 6 | Review Date: October 14, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $250.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | solid build, | Cons: | bad at higher isos | Years Owned: 3 Years
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 8
Value: 8
Image Quality: 8
Noise: 7
New or Used: Used
| | First camera when I just started getting into photography.
Likes
-Very well built, solid and weather resistant.
-comfortable to hold
-uses AA batteries. Very easy to find
-top screen
Dislikes
-Loud shutter (I like to be hidden when taking photos)
-grainy at high isos.
Overall good value for the cost.
| | | | Junior Member Registered: December, 2012 Location: Cirebon Posts: 29 | Review Date: January 2, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $375.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Image Quality, Build, Weathershield | Cons: | Can not complaint cause Price/Performance=Valuable | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 8
Autofocus: 7
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 7
New or Used: New
| | If you got/had this gear under good condition keep it. In the future maybe there are no manufactures will make DSLR/MILC camera with CCD. CCD and CMOS censor are different
My complaint about this cam is noise handling (Just using this cam under iso 500), but if you compare this cam with CMOS cam . With other competitor which used the same censor K200D doin' good job.
Overall this is very good camera. Feature, performance, IQ still leading from competitor in its class and era of course | | | | | New Member Registered: July, 2011 Posts: 8 | Review Date: May 1, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $450.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | weather resistent, screen, price, size | Cons: | Not too many | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 7
Features: 8
Value: 9
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 7
New or Used: New
| | Very good camera, and a very welcome upgrade from my K100d. Positive changes:
- The dust reduction works well;
- Much better screen
- 10 MP in stead of 6 MP (10 MP is more than enough - I don't need 16 MP)
- weather resistent
- green button for optimal settings in M-mode
- flash - now actually quite adequatly lit pictures
- RAW in DNG format instead of PEF
What I still like:
- top LCD (missing in many other cameras in the same class)
What can be improved:
- High-iso noise
- Autofocus speed
| | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: October, 2010 Location: Malden, MA Posts: 270 | Review Date: April 12, 2012 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | | Cons: | | Ergonomics: 8
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 9
Features: 8
Value: 9
Image Quality: 9
New or Used: New
| | I am very pleasure with my old K200D. Now I am using K5, it is awesome
| | | | Senior Member Registered: January, 2010 Posts: 290 3 users found this helpful | Review Date: April 11, 2012 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Well done | Cons: | slow continuos mode | Years Owned: 4
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 10
Autofocus: 7
Features: 9
Value: 9
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
| | It was my first DSLR. Like it very much. Hope my pictures will speak better then 1000 words
Really good camera for beginner. Trying not to use ISO more then 400.
| | | | New Member Registered: January, 2009 Location: Sydney Posts: 4 | Review Date: March 29, 2012 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | | Cons: | | Years Owned: 3
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 8
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
| | Just found this section of the forum and thought I would add my bit.
I have had Pentax SLR and DSLRs for years and so have a sundry collection of lenses etc.
My wife started to become interested in photography, so I bought her a K200D to go with my K20D.
These days, I find myself using the 200 more than the 20, much to her annoyance, but to be fair, she seems to have stolen my Canon G10 =]
The 200 is invariably fitted with 18-250 Sigma lens with lens noise reduction ON and body noise reduction OFF as it helps with the viewfinder image. I also have a katzeye fitted, which helps with my not great eyesight if I am using manual focus. (Mush quicker with the Katxeye in poor light).
I only use Lithium batteries as they last for ages. I just but packs of 4 when they are on special at the supermarket and keep a couple of packs in my gadget bag at all times.
It amazes me that Pentax discontinued this camera so quickly. A 'K200D Super', with 100% viewfinder, less noise at high ASA and possibly Live View would have been a killer DSLR proposition.
I would instantly recommend this camera to a newcomer to DSLRs as they can be found new or almost new on internet auction sites and at very attractive prices compared to what I paid initially.
Cheers
Pat
| | | | Forum Member Registered: August, 2008 Location: vancouver bc Posts: 96 | Review Date: February 25, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $600.00
| Rating: 9 |
| backwards compatable with all my k-mount lenses
feels better balanced with battery grip
trips shutter button on grip when grip is turned on
strong chassis(drop my camera once- used my foot to break fall) broke lens hood, other then that nothing else damaged | | | | Pentaxian Registered: June, 2010 Location: North Zealand, Denmark Posts: 1,516 | Review Date: September 19, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $545.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Fantastic build quality; excellent range of features | Cons: | a bit outdated when it comes to high ISO | Years Owned: 2
Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 7
Features: 10
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 9
New or Used: Used
| | I cannot think of a better designed - for its time - entry level camera; actually, it is more than an "entry level" camera; it is a camera that one can grow with for years.
A bit outdated today, perhaps, but not really for me:
- There is no live-view, but I actually went DSLR to get the optical view finder;
- There is no video recording possible, but I don't care (and would buy a camcorder if I did care for video);
- It does not allow for very, very high ISO. Surely, there has been some development here, but the way it allows for user control of noise reduction routines is exemplary.
And then to the positive aspects: - Fantastic build quality and weather sealing
- Uses CCD. Maybe it is just me, but isn't there something special about CCD images?
- Many custom menu features such as Catch-in Focus; AF enabling and disabling at the touch of a button; AE-lock/unlock with AF and many more
- User control of noise reduction enabling and disabling - at all settings and for both long-exposure and high-ISO noise
- Use of old lenses AND focus confirmation with old MF lenses with Aperture ring
- Self-timer with mirror lock-up
- Dedicated RAW button - VERY convenient
- Uses rechargeable as well as non-rechargeable lithium AA cells as well as common alkalines - which you can always find in a shop nearby!!!
- Interface for cable and wireless (radio) remote release. (I do wish, Pentax had retained that feature in their later entry level cameras)
- Top LCD display
....and then some more, that I have forgotten at this time of writing.
The noteworthy thing is that you get ALL of these in one very ergonomic and affordable package,
A great camera!!!
| | | | Site Supporter Registered: December, 2009 Location: Here, there, and everywhere. Posts: 4,384 1 user found this helpful | Review Date: December 4, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $605.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Weather sealed, sturdy, runs on AA batteries, top LCD, reliable
| Cons: | Noise above ISO 400 (especially in dark portions of the photo), loud shutter (can sometimes startle twitchy wildlife)
| |
Pros | Weather sealed, sturdy, runs on AA batteries, top LCD, reliable | Cons | Noise above ISO 400 (especially in dark portions of the photo), loud shutter (can sometimes startle twitchy wildlife) | Rating | 9 | Price (U.S. Dollars) | 605 | Years Owned | 2 |
I can recommend this camera: Yes Value, Features, Performance & Size
Sturdy and Reliable for Outdoor Photography Camera Review General Comments: The K200D was my first DSLR, and I've been happy with it from day one. I'm primarily an outdoor photographer, so weather sealing was one of my primary considerations, as was the ability to use AA batteries. I've used the K200D in sub-zero F cold, in rain and snow, and in dusty 90-degree heat. I carry the camera around my neck when hiking, and have accidentally smacked it against trees and rocks without any marks on the body or damage to the works. When bicycling, I carry the camera in a padded bag on my bike's rear rack. I've never had any trouble despite having over 35000 actuations. Here's a summary of the K200D's main characteristics:
Thorough, understandable instruction books
Excellent neck strap (though I swapped it for one I made)
Logical placement of controls
Labels on camera and lens are easy to read
Camera can be used while wearing gloves
Ability to select LARGE TEXT for monitor menu commands
Uses AA batteries
Uses standard SD and SDHC memory cards
Mirror lock-up capability
Shutter release is crisp, certain, quick
Quick recycling time means quick picture-taking for action shots
Image stabilization feature
Black body (subdued is good for bird photography)
Sticky textured hand and thumb grips
Shoots JPEG, RAW, or both at once
Viewfinder diopter adjusts easily to suit eyesight
Downloading images to computer is a snap Winter Use: In winter cold, I can operate the camera without removing my gloves because the hand grip is just the right size and shape, and the controls and shutter are not too cluttered or cramped. The Downside: The downside of the K200D when compared to more recent Pentax DSLRs is that ISOs higher than 400 introduce noticeable and even distracting noise into the pictures, especially in shadows. In my book, this is more than offset by the camera's other benefits. A note about batteries For most of the time I've owned the K200D, I've used Sanyo Eneloop rechargeable batteries, with lithium spares in my camera bag as backups. The Eneloops work a charm. DO NOT rely on alkaline rechargeable AA cells. They will not work in this camera. Summary: Though I will get another Pentax camera body to use as a backup or for low-light situations, the K200D will remain my go-to camera for most of my work. The sturdiness, reliability, weather sealing, and ability to use AA cells (good for when I'm on cyclotour) just can't be beat. Unfortunately, the K200D is discontinued and there is no obvious replacement, but there are used models on the market, and they're well worth considering for anyone who wants a reliable and capable camera for shooting outdoors in any weather. I've written more about the K200D, including photos of the camera, here.
| | | | Veteran Member Registered: July, 2009 Location: San Francisco Posts: 471 | Review Date: December 3, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $475.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Compact size, AA Batteries, weather and dust resistant, solid construction, well placed grips, basic Shooting Modes on the dial | Cons: | Weight | New or Used: New
| |
Pros | Compact size, AA Batteries, weather and dust resistant, solid construction, well placed grips, basic Shooting Modes on the dial | Cons | Weight | Rating | 9 | Price (U.S. Dollars) | $475.00 | Years Owned | 1 Year |
I can recommend this camera: Yes Value, Features, Performance & Size
The K200D is a very reasonably priced camera, it is compact (though not lightweight), it uses regular AA Batteries and is sealed against weather and dust. The construction is very solid and the body has great ergonomics. It has easy simple to use features on the outside of the camera that even a novice like me can utilize to get photos they will be happy with. Camera Review
(Note the price included a Grip)
This is actually my 3rd DSLR however I am not a very experienced photographer and I actually got this for that reason. I start with a K100D Super and learned the extreme basics of using a DSLR with that and loved it then got the upgrade bug and replaced it with a K20. This was a mistake for me really as the K20 had features and abilities I was in no way ready to tackle, not to mention it was HUGE, and I was using it less because of it; I start to miss my K100. So I sold the K20 (on this forum) and bought this lovely camera (K200D, again on this forum). With the K200D I got my upgrade from the K100D, gaining weather sealing, a few more megapixels, new and better rubber grip bits, while retaining the compact size, and controls that I was familiar with, and had grown to love, from the K100D. I am now using my camera more than I did during the brief period I owned the K20D.
So what do I really like or dislike about this camera..
Likes:
Compact size: I have small children and most of the time when I can carry my camera at all, it is stowed in a messenger bag full of snacks, changes of clothes (for both me and at least one kid), towels, etc. that go with a kid outing. The bag gets cramped getting a camera in and out in a hurry requires a svelte camera. The K200D is small and with the kit lenses or the 50mm on, it comes out quick.
AA Batteries: Oh man, in this day of mobile this and than, kids toys all powered by electricity of some sort or other, computers in every room etc. the last thing we need in the house is another tangle of cables or another proprietary charger. We have lots of other things around that require AA batteries and have a charger always at hand and probably charging. I have plenty of Sanyo Eneloop AAs and so this is just the right power option for me.
Weather and dust resistant: I live near the ocean in San Francisco where it is wet and foggy all the time and so most of my shooting is out in the weather. The weather resistance is just the right thing for the area.
Solid construction: Just picking the camera up after using a friends canon or nikon puts a smile on my face. There is some heft to the K200D but it is just such a good solid feel that I feel like a pro just holding it (never mind my amateur photos)
Well placed grips: One thing of the K20D I liked was the ergonomics of the body. The K100D was a slippery customer and the new K20 design for the grip and thumb thing was just great. Well, the K200D has that same setup (pretty much) and just feels perfect in my hand.
Basic Shooting Modes on the dial: Another thing about the K20D that I missed from the K100D was the camera for dummies settings on the dial. I mostly use M or Aperture Priority however when the kids are running wild, and I gotta get something in quick, I really like the settings like the one with the mountain or the one with the Person on it. Having there where I can click to it in a second and click back to M again if I wish is awesome.
Dislikes:
Weight: If it could be a little lighter, but not too much, I would be in heaven (and give a 10) but this is the only (though minor) dislike and I can definitely live with this one.
So overall I love this camera and could not be happier after downgrading from the K20D. This little camera does it all.
| | | | Veteran Member Registered: November, 2008 Location: Newcastle, Australia Posts: 1,444 | Review Date: August 27, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $590.00
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Top LCD, battery grip, weather sealing
| Cons: | no live view (but really... that doesnt matter much)
| |
Pros | Top LCD, battery grip, weather sealing | Cons | no live view (but really... that doesnt matter much) | Rating | 9 | Price (U.S. Dollars) | 590 | Years Owned | 20 months |
I can recommend this camera: Yes Value, Features, Performance & Size
1) Unbeatable value for the features.
2) Perhaps a tad heavy if you're a bit arthritic in the wrists
3) Reliable, reliable, reliable! Camera Review
I bought this as my first digital SLR, coming from superzoom bridge cameras. I found it difficult to make the adjustment at first, and, because I bought it so cheaply (on special at a local electronics shop) I really didn't expect that I would still be using it nearly two years down the track. I *did* expect to make a switch to Canon, Nikon or Olympus... but they were not in my tiny price range at the time.
Needless to say I have given up seriously considering the others, because the K200D has been everything I want, and everything I need. I have a small (but growing) collection of lenses, nothing startling, but it all works. I bought a Kx a few months back, being smitten by the "gotta have it" bug... but I sold that yesterday... for me, the K200D is the better of the two cameras. It might only be a 10MP (who needs more... seriously... ) and its sensor may not be top of the range (correct exposure means that it doesn't matter that much), but it *is* weather sealed and it feels solid.
Can't recommend it highly enough, but stopped short of a 10, just because nothing is that perfect .
| | | | Moderator Site Supporter Registered: June, 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Posts: 17,377 | Review Date: May 8, 2010 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
Pros: | Well made and WR | Cons: | only 1 dial | Ergonomics: 9
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 7
Features: 9
Value: 10
Image Quality: 10
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
| |
Pros | Well made and WR | Cons | only 1 dial | Rating | 9 | Price | 680 | Years Owned | 4 | I can recommend this camera: Yes Value, Features, Performance & Size
Its weather sealed. It has excellent shutter speed range and can be used in Tv, AV, M etc. It also can work with AA Lithium batteries or some of the better quality rechargeable batteries. Some people whine and moan wanting an overpriced proprietary battery system that requires batteries that cost as much as an auto battery . . . Camera Review
This body replaced my tired Nikon. I had still been using my aging manual focus Pentax film gear and AF Canon gear for macro work. This allowed me to integrate Pentax digital and film on a trial bases without mortgaging the farm. 4 months later I added a K20d and MZ-3 film body. This is the best dSLR on the market in its class when it came out and still is. Of course it may have been the only WR camera in its class.
| | | | Pentaxian Registered: June, 2011 Posts: 485 | Review Date: December 20, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $280.00
| Rating: 8 |
Pros: | price, images, ergonomics, controls | Cons: | high noise, slow AF | Years Owned: 4
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 7
Features: 7
Value: 8
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 6
New or Used: Used
| | This was my first DSLR, so excuse me if I get emotional
I produced a lot of images I am fond of with this lens and the provided kit lens. It is well built (I abused it for years), reliable (never once failed me) and gave me solid images with a few exceptions. I felt in awe to own such a piece of photographic machinery and learned a lot about photography from it. For someone getting into photography, and if you can pick it up for cheap today, then I would recommend it.
Now for the exceptions. I remember quite a few times I was frustrated by the unreliable and slow AF and the high noise levels. 400 ISO was as high as I would venture at anytime. I know that's subjective mostly, but in most situations 800 or above was just too ruined to be fun. The AF would be consistently too slow to capture subjects with accuracy, and when it did lock on it wasn't always on. This isn't so much a diss on the camera as it was the year the camera was released and the price point. By the time I got it (remember, my first DSLR) it was a few years after release.
But, I just love photography. So I tinkered and I learned with it. I think having a camera with some limitations helped me learn even more. And the build quality kept it going through every adventure. And it got me into Pentax, so there's that too | | |