Pentax K200D vs Sony A200 / A300; Weather resist SLR vs. Live-View

In comparison with newest entry-level Digital SLR cameras such as the Nikon D60, the Sony A200, the Olympus E420 and old-fashion Canon Rebel Xti, the new Pentax K200D looks quite good. After Pentax K100D / K100 Super, this solidly constructed SLR camera with weather and dust resistant body can impress even advanced photographers, who are interested in serious cameras as the Canon EOS450 / Rebel Xsi or the Sony A300 / A350.
The Pentax K200 as a step-up of entry-level SLR
Sure, the Pentax K200D is strep of some cool features such as the Live-View mode (Olympus E420, Sony A300) and its ability for using AA batteries is a little questionable. However, the combination of high-speed aperture, in-body stabilization system, waterproof body ( it's a really cool feature, especially for my Sauna-blog), and low-noise high ISO means me much interesting that the Live View LCD, which only enables photographers to hold the camera away from their faces. Although the K200D designed mainly for family users and beginners, this SLR has a host of useful features and functions like any higher-class models.
Pentax K200D main features
- Shake Reduction feature incorporating a 10.2 megapixel CCD is compatible with any Pentax lens ever produced, including SDM lenses, minimizes the effect of camera shake
- Auto Picture and Scene modes offer shooting ease, while advanced modes, such as the Sv mode, allow photographers to grow with the camera
- 2.7 inch high resolution, wide view LCD panel allows easy review of pictures, while including enlarged menu lettering
- Weather and dust resistant body allows you to keep shooting even in harsh conditions
- Includes long life Energizer AA Lithium batteries for the perfect combination of long life and easy to find replacements
- Advanced 16-segment metering and 11-point AF, with 9 cross sensors, ensure perfectly exposed and focused images
- PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) image processing engine maximizes image properties and allows custom adjustment of image parameters
- Custom Image modes, with six preset options, offer superior control of how the PRIME processor develops images
- Enhanced Dynamic Range mode gives 200% more dynamic range
Optical Image Stabilizer
As in case of the Sony A200 (for more look at the previous post) and Olympus E510 / E420, main improvements comparing to previous Pentax K100 is in-body optical stabilization system. For more details about Olympus's SLRs look at Olympus SLRs: E330, E400, E410, E500 and E510. Can pop-cams fight vs. Nikon D80 or Canon XTi?. Pentax is using sensor shift stabilization (where the sensor is moving-shifting to compensate the movement of camera body) what means that you do not need an optically stabilized lens and can use any lenses you want. This mechanism shifts the position of the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed using magnetic force, while adjusting the shifting speed in proportion to the amount of camera shake detected by a built-in sensor. It offers a compensation effect, equivalent to approximately 2.5 to 4 shutter-speed steps. Sure, the Pentax lens collection is not as big as Nikkor and Canon. In addition, its quality is an excellent and you can get more than enough from Pentax and do not look at some manufacturers as Sigma and Tamron.
Pentax K200D specifications
- Interline interlace CCD with primary color filter and integrated Shake/Dust Reduction sensor movement system; Size - 23.5 x 15.7mm; Color depth - 8 bits/channel JPG, 12 bits/channel RAW; Effective pixels - 10.2 MP; Total pixels - 10.75 MP; Recorded resolutions - 3872x2592 (10M), 3008x2000 (6M), 1824x1216 (2M) Quality levels: Best, Better, Good; Dust removal - Image sensor movement combined with SP coating
- Body-based, sensor shift Shake Reduction image stabilizer system - max 4 stops
- Pentax KAF2 bayonet stainless steel mount; Usable lenses - Pentax KAF2, KAF, and KA (K mount, 35mm screw mount, 645/67 med formats useable w/ adapter and/or restrictions)
- TTL phase-matching 11 point wide auto focus system, Focus modes - AF Single (w/focus lock), Manual, AF Continuous available in Action mode (including Auto Pict Action), Kids mode, Pet mode, P/A/S/M/B/Sv; Focus point adjustment - Auto, User-Selectable, Center; AF assist, via built-in flash
- Penta-Mirror viewfinder; Coverage (field of view) - 96%, Magnification - 0.85x (w/ 50mm f/1.4 at infinity), Standard focusing screen - Natural-Bright-Matte II, Diopter adjustment - -2.5 to 1.5, Depth of field preview - Optical diaphragm stop down, Digital
- 2.7” TFT colors LCD monitor, adjustable brightness, 230,000 pixel; wide angle viewable, approx 160 degrees horizontal/vertical
- Continuous Drive at 2.8 fps, up to 4 JPEG, 1.1 fps, RAW
- Retractable P-TTL popup flash, Guide number - 13 (100/m), Coverage - 28mm wide angle (equivalent to 35mm), Flash modes – TBA, Flash exposure compensation -2 to 1 EV in 1/2 steps
- Removable memory - SD, SDHC
- USB 2.0 hi-speed, DC input, cable switch, Video out - NTSC, PAL, Printer interfaces – PictBridge
- 4 AA (lithium, alkaline, NiMH rechargeable), Recordable images - Approx 1100 w/lithium (approx 550 w/ 50% flash use), Playback time - Approx 700 min; optional AC adapter
- ISO Sensitivity: Auto - 100-1600 ISO (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps), Manual - 100-1600 ISO (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps)
- TTL open aperture, 16 segment metering; Sensitivity range - EV 0-21 (ISO 100, 50mm f/1.4); Multi-segment, 16 segments; Center weighted, Spot, Exposure compensation - +/- 2 EV (1/2 or 1/3 steps); Exposure lock, Exposure bracketing, 3 frames, up to +/- 1.5 (1/2 steps) or +/- 1.0 (1/3 steps)
- Electronically controlled, vertical run, focal plane shutter; Shutter speed - 1/4000 to 30 sec, bulb available
- File Formats: RAW PEF/DNG, JPG (EXIF 2.21), DCF 2.0 (design rule for camera file system), DPOF, and Print Image Matching III
- Weight (inc. batteries) 690g - 24.3 oz w/lithium batteries (25.6 oz w/alkaline batteries), 22.2 oz without battery
- Dimensions 134 x 95 x 74 mm (5.3 x 3.7 x 2.9 in)
- Construction material - Reinforced plastic polymer shell around a rugged stainless steel chassis, operating temperature - 32-104 degrees F
Pentax K200D pros and cons
The same as the Pentax K10D an excellent weatherproof construction body with some features and great image quality makes the Pentax K200D very attractive for advanced users. However, its weight and dimensions give the best fit for next-level digital SLR cameras. In comparison with the Nikon D60 (522 g), Sony A200 (572 g) and Olympus E420 (440 g), the K200D with its 690 g body is not so good for family shooting. Moreover, for sport shooting where you need a fast frame rate and a long Tele lens, you should consider a speedy camera. However, for those who need an excellent picture quality the Pentax K200D is a right choice.
Pros:
- Goog and solid build quality, feels more expensive than any entry-level SLR
- Excellent image quality
- Good, low-noise performance at high ISO even at ISO 1600
- Weather sealed body
- Good 18-55mm Kit lens
- Very effective in-body image stabilization system
Cons:
- Small buffer at 2.8 fps, up to 4 JPEG, 1.1 fps, RAW
- Not so small and lightweight as I'd like
Conclusion
Looking through the Nikon D60 ($690 with 18-55mm Lens Kit, for any details look through Nikon D60 vs. Canon Xti, Sony A200, Pentax K200 and Olympus E510), Olympus E410 / E510 / E420 ($790 with 14-42mm Lens Kit), Sony A200 ($550 with 18-70mm Lens Kit) / A300 ($950), Canon Rebel Xti ($510) / Xsi ($1130 with 18-55mm Lens Kit), and of course the Pentax K200D it’s hard to find the worst camera as well as the best. All of these SLRs have some pros and some cons. Nevertheless, small 4/3 Olympus with excellent Zuiko lenses, famous Nikon and Canon, rich of features Sony etc. have they own users and admirers. For more look at Canon EOS400/XTi, Nikon D40x and Pentax K10 pros& cons; SLR over SLR-like triple benefits. As for the Pentax K200D, this SLR ($800 with 18-55mm Lens Kit) is good for traveling through dusty or damp climate countries. For those who rate the image, construction and lens quality highly than lightweight, Live View ability and brand name.