Pentax's white SLR for Imperial stormtroopers

Pentax's limited-edition white K2000.

(Credit: Pentax)

It can be hard to get your lower-end SLR to stand out in the crowd of options these days, which is doubtless why Pentax on Tuesday announced a white version of its entry-level K2000 SLR and two bundled lenses.

The "very limited edition" model comes with white versions of the smc DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL and smc DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 AL lenses beginning in February, Pentax said. The company won't announce prices until later, but the ordinary versions of those products cost about $800 today.

News.com Poll

Ugly or beautiful?
What do you think about the look of Pentax's limited-edition white K2000?

It's ugly
It's beautiful
Meh

View results

In the compact camera market, distinctive colors have proved a useful marketing tool, but I'm a crotchety curmudgeon who's generally scorns such superficial gimmicks.

So why do I find myself actually liking the look a little?

Maybe it's a Pavlov conditioning reaction that makes me salivate when I see Canon's distinctive but high-priced L-series telephoto lenses. Or maybe it's just because it's a different look. I don't care for the silver variants of Canon's Rebel line of entry-level SLRs.

There's something slightly whimsical about a white SLR studded with black buttons, eyecup, and hand grip. It reminded me of an Imperial stormtrooper from Star Wars. Or perhaps a ptarmigan in winter plumage. Or maybe James Bond's underwater-ready Lotus Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me.

I don't think I'd buy it though. Aside from the premium pricing I'd expect with a "very limited edition" product, I'm not sure how well the white Pentax will hold up against wear and tear, though. The problem with getting something for its distinctive appearance is you're committed to keeping it looking good.

I included some more photos below. Do you think it's ugly or wondrous?

Pentax's limited-edition white K2000.

(Credit: Pentax)

Pentax's limited-edition white K2000.

(Credit: Pentax)

Pentax's limited-edition white K2000.

(Credit: Pentax)

[Penguinisto]

Well... it could be useful for wildlife photography in the wintertime, I guess.

(otherwise, what's the point? any other lenses you'd have would kind of stand out like a sore (insert body part here). :)

[kelmon]

In that respect, it's going to look like a reverse Canon when it has L series lenses mounted...

[Angry_Ginger]

Its neat only when I think of a 'storm trooper' holding it in an advert. But imagine trying to find those lens to match it, uh no thanks. Agree with Penguinisto on the sore (insert body part here) comment.

[lk335]

So sexy! I love it!

I shoot with a K100D right now and the body failed on me this past week so I was looking to buy a replacement anyways.... i want!

but alas... for the price this will be...I'll buy a K20D instead.

[conquerors_choi]

Unmarked ...

but whatever it contains functions, that would be not as much as others brand machine...maybe..

[djacobow1]

"Only Imperial Stormtroopers [focus accuracy] could be so precise."

[DigitalFrog]

"These are not the SLRs we're looking for......Move along!"

[gonar_acosta]

I want one.
no one else will
I'll find it in five years at goodwill where I got my k1000 and fall in love all over again.
everyone will loathe it

[wileypeter]

What a terrible idea.

A) Your hands are all over it in all sorts of situations. Not only will it show dirt, it will attract dirt like nobody's business.

B) That thing is going to be a reflection nightmare. It won't matter if you're opposite a mirror, but a window? It's going to be a bright white beacon in any reflective surface available. I suppose Adobe should be happy about the additional Photoshop use, but I can't imagine it being a plus for anyone else.

A triumph of marketing over function. Well, maybe triumph is a strong word.