I bought the K200D after researching and evaluating cameras for about a month. I have an Canon IXUS 60 point and shoot and prior to that had a Pentax point and shot, which incidentally cost more than the K200D when I bought it in 2002.
I was looking for a good starter camera that would allow me to explore photography and learn how to compose a shot but still allow me to switch to auto and take care of things for me. I had a fixed budget in my head and so I was evaluating the Canon Eos 1000D, Sony Alpha a200, Nikon D40 and to be honest, had written off the K200D due to the AA batteries.
I was swayed toward the Canon by the availability of the 50mm f1.8 prime for about AU$140, but it just seemed to be a bit too expensive to buy a kit and the prime, also reviews were a bit mixed and I didn't want to follow the herd, even though my IXUS is a great little camera.
I had decided the D40 would probably be a good, cheap camera but was put off by the need for AF-S lenses if I wanted autofocus. The spec on it was also quite low with regard to dust minimisation and image stabilisation. The price made it very attractive.
However, I was really sold on the a200. The spec was good and it seemed excellent value for money. Reviews seemed very positive too.
It was a discussion that I started on a local Mac forum that put the Pentax back in my mind as the debate turned toward the relative merits of proprietary Lithium Ion batteries vs. AAs. When I heard that it was possible to shoot all day on rechargeables I looked at the K200D again and the specs were the equal of any of the other cameras I was looking at and even rivalled the Canon Eos 450D. Reviews were all good too.
Still I was quite set on the Sony. When I went to the shop to have a look at them I found the Nikon to feel quite nice but a little light and small (I have hands like shovels) and the Sony to feel plasticy, the K200D felt so solid in my hands. So to cut a long (and somewhat predictable and dull) narrative short I bought a K200D because:
- in body image stabilisation,
- the build quality and dust/water proofing,
- the picture quality, positive reviews;
- and bang for my buck
I have a really long learning curve but I am extremely glad to have found this forum and have already gleaned some great information.