| Author: | | Senior Member Registered: October, 2009 Location: Germany Posts: 154 | | Review Date: May 19, 2010 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
| Pros: | great build, top LCD, handling
| | Cons: | low light?
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| Pros | great build, top LCD, handling | | Cons | low light? | | Rating | 8 | | Price | EUR 700 as a kit | | Years Owned | 14 months |
I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
Great build, top LCD is useful, contols are well thought out.
Camera Review
It was a sure winner when I started looking for a first DSLR... and when I held it along with a D60 and a 450D... you could see that this is a solid camera which would go further... when bought, it was possibly the best value for money deal going at the time ... and I could not have been happier.
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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
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| 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.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: February, 2009 Location: Temecula Posts: 3,675 | | Review Date: May 7, 2010 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
| Pros: | Build, ergonomics, top LCD, easy menu, SR (more effective than my K-7's), cheap, weathersealed
| | Cons: | slow burst rate, no live view, ISO 1600 isn't the greatest
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| Pros | Build, ergonomics, top LCD, easy menu, SR (more effective than my K-7's), cheap, weathersealed | | Cons | slow burst rate, no live view, ISO 1600 isn't the greatest | | Rating | 8 | | Price | $580ish | | Years Owned | 1+ |
I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
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Camera Review
For the price, this camera was the top of the pack for all brands IMO when it was in its hay day. It still is the only entry level camera to ever be weathersealed, and to my knowledge the only to ever have a top LCD (or atleast it was). Both of these are very important to me, so this camera was a no brainer.
Its very user friendly, and easy to work with. It is also compact, but not to small ala K-m or K-x. With the battery grip, this is one of the best fealing camera's I've ever held (and I own a K-7). Plus the battery grip is extremely cheap (cost me $35 in its hay day). Not having live view didn't bother me, until I owned a camera that did have it. Now I really miss that when I use my K200d from time to time. Also the fact that you cannot go above ISO 1600 in a pinch can be pottentially limiting, but not to me. high iso on this camera is great if you shoot in B&W, as the grain is very much like film (one of my faorite aspects of the camera actually).
Overall bang for your buck, this camera can't be beat Click on my flickr link in my signature to see shots with the K200d. Basically anything taken over a week ago is with the K200d.
(edit: As for AA's, well im buying the K-7 grip just so I can use them with that camera also. That should tell you my perspective)
| | | | | Junior Member Registered: January, 2009 Location: PA Posts: 40 | | Review Date: May 7, 2010 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
| Pros: | AA battery use, ease of use
| | Cons: | 9
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| Cons | no live view, slow burst mode | | Pros | AA battery use, ease of use | | Rating | 9 | | Price | $500 | | Years Owned | 1 1/2 years |
I can recommend this camera: Yes
Value, Features, Performance & Size
Great camera for the first time DSLR user. Fits perfectly in my big hands.
Camera Review
This was my first dslr, after having owned and used Pentax film slrs for many years. I started out on a K1000 back in the 80's, moved to an MeSuper, and eventually had a Super program, all of which I liked. There was no question in my mind that I would be moving to a Pentax dslr when the time came, and I chose this model after some research on my own. It had nearly all the features I was looking for, and the price was within my budget. It was easy to get started with, and I guess I can just say I like this camera. It uses all of my existing Pentax glass, and it feels comfortable in my hands and easy to use.
| | | | | | | New Member Registered: April, 2008 Location: philadelphia, PA Posts: 17 | | Review Date: February 4, 2010 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
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The K200D is my first DSLR, and I would consider myself an amateur/hobbyist photographer. The K200d is a great camera, and I LOVE it. I would buy it again given the price and alternatives at the time I purchased it in 2008
everyone posts what they like about the camera- here are things I don't like about it. I acknowledge that many problems are common to all dSLRs and the industry as a whole, but I still feel the need to point them out.
it is big and heavy. people traditionally associate heavy cameras with better cameras, but this is a trend that I don't like. it is like the megapixel game. it doesn't do anything to help people take pictures. if anything, it makes it less likely for me to bring my camera. I am glad panasonic has the micro four thirds format that skips the optical viewfinder/mirror. I think this is the future and I hope pentax adopts this new camera format.
the buttons/menu system is poorly designed. Canon cameras have one button for toggling iso, single/multi shot, or timer. I know the K7 implemented this, but the K200d still requires you to press the function button in order to access the menu where all of this can be changed.
There is no easy way to have a bracketed timer shot. The bracket shot function can be selected instead of a timed shot, not together. this is annoying.
long exposure shots drains all the batteries. This is an engineering problem that is not unique to pentax and I don't know if it could be solved, but I brought 2 sets of fully recharged batteries to a dark sky site in hoping to capture some star trails. My camera ate up both sets of rechargeable batteries within 1 hour of photography. I know that it is rated 500+ shots with rechargeables, but this translates to only about 20-30 minutes of extended long exposure shooting. This is annoying.
The K200D also has a pentamirror. Pentax should have spent a few more $$ and put a pentaprism in the viewfinder. I plan on keeping my K200D for years and sometimes I wonder if I shoudl have just purchased a used K10D instead.
| | | | | Inactive Account Registered: September, 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 18 | | Review Date: December 7, 2009 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
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I just finished a photoshoot today and I have to say, I am very impressed w/ the K200D w/ DA 50-200 lens! When the shoot was over, I reviewed the images, and they are crisp and clean. I've had this camera for just over a year now and I cannot be happier. Yes, I do want the K7 or KX, but unless the KX gets a battery grip, I'm not buying it.
One thing I really love about my K200 is the feel and weight. I have the battery grip w/ it, and when that's attached it has a great feel to it. My Eneloop batteries last a long time and got me thru the shoot today. I always have my Energizer rechargeables in the grip, but barely ever have to use them (BTW, those don't last very long). Furthermore, the image quality was simply amazing. I must post some after post processing.
Yes, I do want to "upgrade" to the K7, but this K200D is really doing me some justice right about now.
| | | | | Inactive Account Registered: September, 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 18 | | Review Date: November 3, 2009 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
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My first DSLR was an *istDL back in 06. Well, after I saw the K20 and K200 come out, I knew that I wanted to upgrade. After much research, I purchased the K200.
I absolutely love this camera. I purchased it directly from Pentax since I used to work in a camera store and with this transaction I got a great deal, along w/ a sling bag and grip.
First off, the kit lens is awesome. It is one of the sharpest kit lens you can get. I was so amazed at the quality and clarity of each shot. In addition, the functions and menus are excellent. I do mostly studio work, so I don't have an issue w/ low light focusing.
 | | | | | Inactive Account Registered: June, 2009 Location: Slough, UK Posts: 1 | | Review Date: September 30, 2009 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
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I bought my K200D about 9 months ago (after selling my Canon EOS350D) and I have not been sad with my decision even for a second.
At most of the times, I used my K200D with Sigma DC 18-50mm EX Macro lens and the images have been more than superb.
I took a lot of indoor photos (e.g., functions and portraits) and my gear has made the activities so pleasing | | | | | New Member Registered: June, 2009 Location: adelaide Posts: 11 | | Review Date: September 23, 2009 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
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I have had my K200d for about 6 weeks and am constantly amazed at its capabilities. The pity is I have only scratched the surface of what the camera is able to do,I,m finding out that the more I think I know ,the more I have to learn. I have 8 lens from my spotmatic,SF.7 and isT days and its fun using them in manual and auto modes. As well as being a member of these forums I also joined DPreview,Whirlpool,DPS,and others and have found members more than willing to help,my cup runneth over. Thank you to all....Jay.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: August, 2009 Location: Wandering the Streets Posts: 1,411
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: August 31, 2009 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
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I bought my K200D a little over a month ago and absolutely love it. I finally burned through the first set of Energizers yesterday after well over 1,000 pictures so, even though those batteries are a bit expensive, it is a whole lot cheaper then having film developed. I bought this one because I could use my older Pentax lenses and because it was weather sealed. I will say that this camera is a lot heavier then I expected when I ordered it on-line. This is my first dslr having only owned film slrs and point and shoots before this one. But, after having lugged it all over Nevada and overseas as well I have to say that I don't find the weight a big deal.
Even though I am pretty much an amateur, the pictures I get with this camera are very good, and I even think that some of them are real keepers. I know I am new to this digital game but I have read some of the posts regarding the lack of a high iso as a bit amusing. Prior to this camera I had never shot any film with a higher iso than 800 so when I learned that this one had the ability to shoot at 1600 iso I was amazed. So far, although there may be a touch more noise in my pictures at 1600 iso, I have not been disappointed.
All the lenses I owned for the MX50 have worked out great. Interestingly, I had noticed some focus difficulties with my film camera with my 80-320mm telephoto but I had thought that it was a problem with my own technique. After having used that same lens on this digital I have learned that the infinity focus on that telephoto is a bit out of whack and I sent it back to Pentax for repair. It took quite a bit of experimenting at different apertures and shutter speeds to pin this down and the fact that I didn't have to pay a fortune to develop all those pictures is what allowed me to discover this problem. I am also able to use my older manual focus lenses (even though I actually had to read the manual for that one) and this was a major selling point for me. Some of my finest film era pix have come from those old manual lenses.
Since I am a hobbyist I expect that this camera will do everything I need for a very long time, my film camera satisfied me for almost 20 years and I have no doubt that this one will do likewise. Who knows what will be available by then?
This shot of one of granddaughters is one of my keepers -
 | | | | | Site Supporter Registered: January, 2008 Location: Brampton, ON, Canada Posts: 2,456 | | Review Date: August 20, 2009 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
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In addition to the above:
Pros:
- Raw images are right up there with the best of the best (any camera) in good shooting conditions
- Good ability to "tune" images the way you want them
- When at a Canikonian fest, can shoot in DNG and Adobe colour space and open with any photoshop package.
- Still like those AA's in the back of beyond
- I've had it out in snow to -20C and +40 in humidity - all good.
Cons:
- Default Jpgs are awful
- Viewfinder not as good as previous mid-range models. Not a pentaprism and a bit dim. Hard to read numbers in viewfinder in bright light.
- No official split or manual focusing screens available
- Not as compact as previous mid-range models. Physically heavier and larger.
- Dynamic range definitely skewed toward shadow range. Easier to blow skies out.
- Tendency to underexpose
- Dragging exposure up results in very noisy images with inaccurate colours (but it really is amazing how much can be dragged back).
- Noisy in Low light and sensor sprinkles on mine for long exposures if I don't turn all the noise reduction settings on and the DR off (on the plus side, the sensor mapping really does work).
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: September, 2008 Location: Kansas City Posts: 85 | | Review Date: August 20, 2009 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
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I have had my K200D for about a year now, and what can I say...I love it.
Granted it's the first DSLR that I have ever owned, but I have shot with Canons and Nikons that didn't belong to me. That being said, the build quality of this camera is fantastic. I've not used the standard kit lens, as I ordered my camera without it, and opted for an 18-250 instead (the Pentax model). This combo is great for everyday shooting, so long as you have good light. The AF speed for the K200D is quick if the lighting is favorable. If you are shooting indoors, then a faster lens is required to maintain fast focus times (an added benifit of the extra light they allow into the camera).
I have recomended this camera to many friends, and a couple of my Canon shooting buddies have voiced their envy of the K200's intuitive user control.
Also, the availability of all the old glass to mate to this thing is awesome.
| | | | | Inactive Account Registered: December, 2008 Location: Tasmania, Australia Posts: 7 | | Review Date: July 18, 2009 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
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Pentax K200D: unbeatable quality for the price, always a Pentax strength. Sharper than my Nikon D40 when pixel peeping, and the hue adjustment is very effective for shaping preferred colour response.
Improved ergonomics over K100D, especially no disabling of auto ISO when using exposure compensation.
However, K100D is still the high iso king at 3200 whereas K200D limited to iso 1600.
Having said that, its 1600 iso performance is superior to other DSLRS, including Nikon D40 which itself is better than most Canikons at 1600 iso.(See Camerlabs Nikon D40 review).
High iso performance is fantastic with Pentax, and this is often overlooked.
| | | | | New Member Registered: July, 2009 Location: Varese, Italy Posts: 11 | | Review Date: July 8, 2009 | Recommended | Price: $460.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Build quality, ergonomics, rich CCD colours | | Cons: | ISO sensitivity in low light, slow autofocus | | Years Owned: 16
Ergonomics: 10
Build Quality: 10
User Interface: 9
Autofocus: 7
Features: 8
Value: 10
Image Quality: 9
Noise: 8
New or Used: New
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Here we are boys, it's 2024 and my K200D bought in 2008 is still going strong. I still use it regularly, so I feel it is time for an updated review.
First thing: the build quality was really outstanding. I always look very well after my gear but still... the camera has never needed servicing and still looks almost new. No traces of wear and tear, everything operates as it should. The only signs of time are a couple of hot pixels in the sensor that pixel mapping could not remove. Nothing too bad, they are only noticeable on dark areas and are easily removed in post anyway. My impression of the camera being built as a tank has proven to be correct.
Image quality: the CCD sensor renders deep, rich and warm colours with a film-like grain. I also have a K-7 but I must admit that pictures from the K200D are usually punchier and have more character. It is a pity that this technology has been abandoned in favour of CMOS.
Where age shows is in the ISO range, which goes from 100 to 1600 but stops being usable around 800.
Autofocus has never been Pentax's pride and the K200D does not shine in this regard. This is not a problem to me, as I tend to shoot static subjects such as landscape or still life.
Menu graphics are outdated but at the same time very clear and easy to read. If you value functionality over style, there is nothing to complain.
A note on power cells: at first I was complaining that the K200D was excessively fussy about batteries. I was right, but I soon discovered the remedy: Sanyo Eneloops (now produced by Panasonic) or Japanese-made Duracells. These brands, coupled with a smart charger (I am using a Lacrosse BC700), have been the answer to all my battery-related tribulations.
Verdict after all these years: the K200D is still a joy to use and I hope I will be enjoying it as long as possible.
 | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: May, 2009 Location: Lithuania Posts: 344 | | Review Date: May 30, 2009 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: N/A |
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I have k200d for 9 months so here is my impression:
Very sturdy
Grip is ok
SR is ok but not very very effective
Menu is great I love it
Kit lens provides some exceptional quality images
Viewfinder is ok though I found it to look a bit dark if compared to nikon D40 which viewfinder is about the same in terms of size.
Image comparison is great feature
Easy connection between M42 lenses and pentax bayonet
Top lcd is great but sometimes I miss its lightning
The biggest problem is batteries. My new batteries from Panasonic (rechargable 2600mAh) lasted for 6 months and after that I could make just around 20 shots and camera shows empty batterry indicator though batteries are almost fully charged when checked on other cammeras. That is very big problem. I tried energizer (rechargable 2100mAh) and it was the same. So probably I'll get Eneloop's but if it will repeat I'll bring camera to repair service as I spent money on new batteries and couldn't get camera work properly for at least 300 shots.
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