Pentax K200D 10.2MP DSLR Camera

I used to own a Canon Rebel. I am never going back.

I decided to switch to the K200D for the following features:
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• The use of AA batteries means I always have a backup and don’t have to carry an extra charger (I use AA rechargeable batteries – enelopes – and already use a AA charger).
• Water resistant and shock absorbent body stands up to the rigors of travel.
• Built in image stabilization (built into the body) means any lens I buy is cheaper because I don’t need to pay extra for an IS lens. Additionally, with this feature I can often get away without the use of a tripod.
• All Pentax cameras fit all Pentax lenses ever produced…ever.

All of these reasons are things that make Pentax DSLRs unique in the market. Neither Canon nor Nikon offer these features on any DSLR.

Since using this camera I’ve also discovered I can control the the power of the built-in flash which I believe is also a unique feature amongst entry level DSLRs. In line with the rest of the entry level market, this camera still offers several familiar shooting modes. The one advanced feature this camera does not have, which I would very much like to have, is the ability to dial a specific kelvin temperature for the white balance rather than using one of several confusing presets. I can set a manual white balance but I rarely find this to be useful.

The biggest negative to this camera, and really the only negative once one compares it to other entry level SLR cameras, is its weight. The 4 AA batteries and the reinforced body add substantially to the weight and this can put some strain on the neck when hanging by the strap.  I use a Zing for storing my camera and shoot with an awesome Pentax Lens.

Pentax K200D 10.2MP DSLR Camera

Pentax DA 18-250mm Lens

This lens is the amateur photographer’s dream come true. Wide enough for all but the closest macro shots and still with enough zoom for just about everything else. This is one stop shopping. If I am [ad#reviews-image-only] close enough to an animal to see it, I am close enough for a close up. The range is such that this is the only lens I need – ever – so less to carry. Since I’m not switching lenses I don’t have to worry about dirt in the body either. It does have a hefty weight to it but considering that it is 2 or 3 lenses in one, and I don’t have to carry anything else, its more than light enough. Lens creep is the biggest problem I can think of with this lens but after a few weeks of use I quickly learned to deal with it without thinking.

The only negative I can think of with this lens is that Pentax does not offer a DA* version but only a DA version.

Pentax DA 18-250mm Lens

This little camera is amazing. No reason whatsoever for a full camcorder. For the size and convenience of this device the sound and video quality is superb. Having 60 minutes of video capacity has always been enough as I rarely shoot more than a few minutes in a given day. Downloads via the USB (rather than memory card) make things even easier.

Cons: The zoom feature exists but is hardly worth using as it is very minimal. We have also struggled viewing video files on the computer without the flip software. We ultimately downloaded their proprietary software from the flip.com website for free. With this software installed basic editing is easy but we still have trouble locating files on our hard drive from time to time.