Pentax debuts entry-level dSLR, lenses
Pentax has introduced a new entry-level model that perplexes me a bit. The K2000, which will be known as the K-m everywhere but here, is priced the same as its slightly older sibling, the K200D--that competitive $700 mark occupied by the Canon EOS Rebel XS and the Nikon D60, among others--but makes a few tradeoffs. Here are some basics:
| Pentax K2000 | Pentax K200D | Canon Rebel XS | Nikon D60 | |
| Sensor | 10.2-megapixel CCD | 10.2-megapixel CCD | 10.1-megapixel CMOS | 10.2-megapixel CCD |
| AF system | 5 points | 11 points | 7 points | 3 points | Maximum ISO sensitivity | 3200 | 1600 | 1600 | 1600 |
| LCD | 230,000 dots, 2.7 inches | 230,000 dots, 2.7 inches | 230,000 dots, 2.5 inches | 230,000 dots, 2.5 inches |
| Viewfinder | 96% coverage, 0.85x magnification | 96% coverage, 0.85x magnification | 95% coverage, 0.81x magnification | 95% coverage, 0.80x magnification |
| Image stabilization | Sensor shift | Sensor shift | Optical | Optical |
| Mfr. Price | $699.95 | $699.95 | $699.99 | $699.95 |
(Credit: Pentax)In exchange for a lighter, slightly more compact but less weather-protected body and a less sophisticated AF system, Pentax includes an extra stop of sensitivity, a bundled flash unit, and an updated user interface. The f3.5-5.6 18-55mm kit lens is also one of Pentax's new DA L series budget lenses, which the company says uses the same optics as the older models but uses less expensive construction. Is a slightly lighter body and a flash worth it to you?
The lens is the first in a series that will also include a 50-200mm model for inclusion in a two-lens kit in early 2009. The single-lens kit is slated to ship in November.
For the high-end lens crowd, Pentax also announced a DA* $1,499.95 60-250mm f4 ED[IF] SDM (ultrasonic motor), scheduled to ship in November, and a $799.95 55mm f/1.4 SDM model for December shipment. The latest accessory is the AF160FC Ring Flash, shipping in October 2008 for $499.95.
Finally, the company announced a DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited lens and 1.4X Rear Converter SDM with as-yet unknown pricing and availability.
On Sale Now:
$494.95
- $599.99
View the latest prices for Pentax K2000 (with 18-55mm lens and AF200FG flash)
Senior Editor Lori Grunin has been covering digital imaging for two decades, but her memory's kind of sketchy on the details. You can hear about it every week on Indecent Exposure, the podcast she co-hosts with Matt Fitzgerald.
