Darren Addy
EF5
DSLR camera debates around here normally tend to come down to Nikon vs Canon. If you have invested in a particular manufacturer's mount for your lens arsenal, then (unless you are independently wealthy) you probably won't be looking to change camera manufacturer anytime soon.
However, if you have yet to invest in extra lenses or are still deciding on a DSLR, I think the Pentax K200D warrants your consideration. Two features in particular deserve your attention:
The "weather-proof" could be a HUGE plus for chasers.
The camera is getting rave reviews from users at Amazon. Digital Photography's review is here. Reviewers even like the KIT lens, it seems!
I also like the fact that you can use older mount Pentax lenses on the camera (with adapters). Naturally you lose many of the capabilities of the modern auto-everything lenses, but it is nice to have that option.
Perhaps a more significant advantage to Pentax's approach is that you get image stabilization with any Pentax lens. (Their anti-shake reduction is built into the BODY). Which can be a significant money-saver over having to buy dedicated image-stabilization lenses.
The K200D seems to also have plenty of power for advanced photographers (23 custom programmable functions) but also has features beneficial to those who are new to shooting with a DSLR. Ergonomics sound impressive also: Changing exposure values on the fly (for example) or switching to RAW or RAW+JPEG mode on the fly. Even switching resolution on the fly (if you are concerned about filling your card, for instance).
FYI: There is also a $100 cash rebate on the K200D until July 26th.
Official Pentax product page.
Steve's Digicam Review
However, if you have yet to invest in extra lenses or are still deciding on a DSLR, I think the Pentax K200D warrants your consideration. Two features in particular deserve your attention:
- The most significant change of the K200D is its weather-proofed body. This mean that the K200D becomes the smallest and cheapest weather-proof DSLR
- It also becomes the only weather-proof DSLR that CAN use Alkaline AA batteries.
The "weather-proof" could be a HUGE plus for chasers.
The camera is getting rave reviews from users at Amazon. Digital Photography's review is here. Reviewers even like the KIT lens, it seems!
I also like the fact that you can use older mount Pentax lenses on the camera (with adapters). Naturally you lose many of the capabilities of the modern auto-everything lenses, but it is nice to have that option.
Perhaps a more significant advantage to Pentax's approach is that you get image stabilization with any Pentax lens. (Their anti-shake reduction is built into the BODY). Which can be a significant money-saver over having to buy dedicated image-stabilization lenses.
The K200D seems to also have plenty of power for advanced photographers (23 custom programmable functions) but also has features beneficial to those who are new to shooting with a DSLR. Ergonomics sound impressive also: Changing exposure values on the fly (for example) or switching to RAW or RAW+JPEG mode on the fly. Even switching resolution on the fly (if you are concerned about filling your card, for instance).
FYI: There is also a $100 cash rebate on the K200D until July 26th.
Official Pentax product page.
Steve's Digicam Review
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