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Pentax debuts entry-level dSLR, lenses

The K2000 slips into the product line below the K200D

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Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories
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Lori Grunin
2 min read

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

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.