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Pentax K200D

Ergonomics 
 9.1
Build Quality 
 9.8
User Interface 
 8.6
Autofocus 
 7.6
Features 
 8.3
Value 
 9.3
Image Quality 
 8.9
Noise 
 7.3
Reviews Views Date of last review
69 202,416 Mon September 11, 2023
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Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
99% of reviewers $473.89 8.75
Pentax K200D

Pentax K200D
supersize
Pentax K200D
supersize

Description:

The 10 MP Pentax K200D became quite popular as a mid-range model between the K2000/K-m and the K20D due to it's provision for a battery grip, weather sealing, and affordable price.

Camera Manuals:


Pentax K200D
© www.pentaxforums.com, sharable with attribution
Year Introduced
2008
In Production
No (Discontinued 2009)
Current US Price
N/A
In-Depth Review
N/A
Sensor
Sensor Format
APS-C
Sensor Type
CCD
Megapixels
10.2
Resolution
2592 x 3872 pixels
AA Filter
Yes
Super Resolution
No
Bit Depth
12
Minimum ISO
100
Maximum ISO
1600
ISO Range
100 - 1600
Imaging
Exposure Modes
Auto Picture, Scene, P, Sv, Av, Tv, M, B
Program Modes
Normal, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night-scene Portrait
Maximum FPS
2.8
Continuous Shooting
Hi: 2.8 fps up to 4 frames (JPG and RAW) Lo: 1.1 fps until card is full (JPG), up tp 4 frames (RAW)
Shutter Speeds (Auto)
30s - 1/4000s (stepless)
Shutter Speeds (Manual)
B, 30s - 1/4000s
Shutter Life
Exposure compensation
+/-3 EV
Auto bracketing
Exposure (3 frames)
Expanded dynamic range
Highlight (on, off)
Exposure lock
Yes
Self timer
2 s with mirror lock-up, 12 s
Metering Sensor
16-Segment
Meter range
0 to 21 EV
Meter pattern
Multi-Segment,Center Weighted,Spot
Mirror lock-up
Yes
Interval shooting
No
HDR mode
No
Multiple exposures
No
Pixel mapping
Yes
Scene Modes
8: Night Scene, Surf and Snow, Food, Sunset, Kids, Pet, Candlelight, Museum
Restrictions
Exposure modes with M and K lenses are restricted to Av (with aperture always wide open) and M (with stop-down metering)
Lens Mount
Mount
KAF2 (no aperture coupler)
Composition Adjustment
No
Stabilization
Yes (sensor-shift SR)
Power zoom
Not supported
Supported Lenses
All Pentax K-mount lenses except for lenses with the KAF4 mount variant. Manual focus only with K-, M-, and A-series lenses. Stop down metering only with K- and M-series lenses. M42, Pentax 645 and Pentax 6x7 lenses with the appropriate adapters (stop down metering and manual focus only).
Lens correction
None
Focusing
Autofocus (viewfinder)
Yes (SAFOX VIII, 11 focus points (9 cross type))
AF Points
11
Autofocus sensitivity
-1 EV
Front/back focus correction
No
Autofocus with SDM
Yes
Autofocus assist
Stroboscopic Flash
Viewfinder/LCD
Viewfinder
0.86x, 95%
Viewfinder type
Pentamirror
Diopter adjustment
-2.5 to +1.5
AF Points in viewfinder
Yes
Exchangeable screen
No
Depth of field preview
Yes
Digital preview
Yes (with image magnificaion)
Live View
No
Top LCD
Yes
Focus Peaking
N/A
Back LCD
2.7 in. 230,000 pix
Body
Weather resistant
Yes
Control wheels
1
Battery grip
D-BG3 with 4x AA
Card slots
1
Dust removal
Yes, Sensor Shake DR
Dust alert
Yes
Memory card type
SD, SDHC
Size (W x H x D)
133.5 x 95 x 74 mm
Weight
630 g
File format
PEF (RAW),DNG (RAW),JPG
Battery life
Battery
4 x AA
Flash
Built-in flash
Yes, GN 13 (ISO 100/m)
Sync speed
1/180s
P-TTL flash
Yes
Flash functions
Auto discharge, On (leading curtain sync), Redeye reduction, Slow-speed sync, Trailing curtain sync*, High-speed sync*, Manual*, Wireless*, Contrast control* * Available when combined with external flash
TTL flash
No
Flash exposure comp
-2 to 1 EV
Video
Resolution / Framerates
No
Exposure Modes
Movie mode restrictions
N/A
AF During Recording
No
Sound in Movie mode
N/A
Interfacing
GPS
Not Supported
Tethering
None
Connectivity
USB 2.0/Video out, DC in, cable release
Latest Firmware
Version 1.01
Notes
User reviews
In-camera RAW development
Manual: http://www.pentax.jp/english/support/man-pdf/k200d.pdf
Price History:



Add Review of Pentax K200D
Author:
Sort Reviews by: Date | Author | Rating | Recommendation | Likes (Descending) Showing Reviews 16-30 of 69
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 

 
Pros:
Cons:

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
Add Review of Pentax K200D



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