Images of Pentax's K200D DSLR surface?

Just over a month ago, we got word that Pentax could be readying a pair of new DSLRs, and now it seems that we've been blessed with a plethora of shots of the K200D. 'Course, we suppose they could be doctored, but we just don't believe someone would spend that much time working up Pentax fakes, ya know? Regardless, feel free to hit the read link and check out what's probably the outfit's next shooter -- or some mighty fine 'shops, worst case scenario.

[Via Photography Bay]

[paragraph @ Dec 29th 2007 1:13PM]

Come out with the damn thing allready and make the K10 i want so much come down in price :-P

Acctually, a K200 and K20 (assuming here) wouldn't be such a bad thing, might show those Nikon Fanbois a thing or two ;).

[Matt @ Dec 29th 2007 1:16PM]

Looks pretty good. Too bad I like to shoot wide and Pentax makes a crappy 12mm lens with a permanent hood... and no third party lenses.

[paragraph @ Dec 29th 2007 1:55PM]

O.o There are a load of Pentax Mount Lenses out there, what'chu talkin' 'bout?\

It'll cost you, but Sigma Makes a 14mm SWA with Removable Hood, only $900 ;)

There are plenty of Companies that make lenses for Pentax mount, since there are plenty of non Pentax Cameras that use Pentax Mount (Samsung for one, since it's made by Pentax)

[uhh @ Dec 29th 2007 2:01PM]

I think all of Sigma's prime and zoom WA lenses have Pentax mounts, so I don't know what you're talking about. In terms of digital "3rd party lenses", Sigma is basically it (Tamron too, but they're mainly Nikon/Canon).

[Kevin @ Dec 29th 2007 2:23PM]

The Pentax 12-24mm has a removable hood

http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/product_details/camera_lens--smc_P-DA_12-24mm_F4.0_ED.2F.AL_(IF)/reqID--6919635/subsection--Digital_35mm_zoom

So does the Pentax 14mm (what I shoot)

http://www.pentaximaging.com/products/product_details/camera_lens--smc_P-DA_14mm_F2.8/reqID--3014/subsection--Digital_35mm_wide_angle

[Matt @ Dec 29th 2007 5:06PM]

That is great that the hood is removable! I am mistaken, I was sure that I read somewhere that the hood is permanently attached. I guess I should say that I'm unhappy that Tokina doesn't make lenses for Pentax. Their 12-24 is like $480 now. I think that Pentax cameras are such a better deal than Canon or Nikon but the lenses aren't there. Nikon is rumored to be releasing a sub $300 16-85 VR lens and allthough I can't afford their 12-24 i've played with the Tokina and it is sooo nice with the build quality and the enclosed zoom.

I wish that Pentax released the lenses that Nikon does and Nikon released the bodies that Pentax does. Because of this and my budget I have to buy a D80 (and I know the D80 is half the camera that the Pentax K20 or K200 will be...) So to be safe I'm going to error on the side of the lenses. I'm interested in what you all think.

[Dankoozy @ Dec 29th 2007 2:11PM]

great another low end DSLR for n00bz that uses shitty DRM infested SD cards

[Michael LaFramboise @ Dec 29th 2007 3:38PM]

What the hell does DRM have to do w/ taking your own damn photos?

[Jeff @ Dec 29th 2007 2:25PM]

I'm not too familiar with Pentax DSLR's - what is that "RAW" button on the side intended for? Is that an actual toggle switch or do you need to hold it down to shoot RAW?

If it's a toggle, that's a pretty neat idea. I normally leave my camera set to shoot RAW+JPG, but there are plenty of individual shots I take that I know are basically just snapshots and the RAW file's just gonna take up space... but it's too much hassle to go into the camera menu every time to change the setting. So I end up just having to delete them afterwards.

A RAW toggle's one of those things that I could see not wanting to live without anymore once I'd had it.

[Kevin @ Dec 29th 2007 2:45PM]

Yes, it's a RAW toggle and quite a nice button to have (for the reasons you mentioned)

[Za @ Dec 29th 2007 3:24PM]

It's a RAW toggle switch and it's absolutely brilliant. Also, the K10D, which I bought this past week and have been playing with, is a very solid/rugged body. It has metal construction and weather seals and can be had for $510 shipped after rebates. I am currently playing with it and the 17-70 f/2.8-4.5 Sigma and it's a phenomenal little kit. Autofocus speed is at least as fast and as accurate as the EOS 30D I've been shooting with and the build quality is at least on par. The EOS has a faster burst mode, better noise performance, better default jpeg settings, but also costs just under twice as much, and the 40D is next gen compared to the K10D.

I expect good things for the K20D, though. If that is the K200D, then it looks like a massive upgrade from the K100D, as well.

[Matt @ Dec 29th 2007 5:36PM]

I bet the K20 is such an awesome camera and I bet it will cost about as much as the stupid D80 when I buy the later :( Are there any rumors about Pentax releasing a 16-85? I know they have a 16-50 but it's a f/2.8 so i't s like $750. The Pentax 12-24 is $680 and for that I can get a Tokina 12-24 and a 18-55VR Nikkor.

I'm really want to buy the Pentax body so if anyone knows anything about what Pentax is coming out with lens wise let me know.

[Kevin @ Dec 29th 2007 6:00PM]

Pentax Lens Roadmap [PDF]:
http://www.digital.pentax.co.jp/en/lens/roadmap.pdf

It shows they have a 17-70mm in development

[Paul in Maryland @ Dec 29th 2007 6:21PM]

Matt wrote: "I guess I should say that I'm unhappy that Tokina doesn't make lenses for Pentax."

Tokina and Pentax have been jointly developing zoom lenses (and possibly primes; I'm not sure) for at least two years. I am not sure whether there are two production lines or just one. In Pentax's KAF mount, the lens received Pentax's famous SMC multicoating and is sold under the Pentax brand. The Pentax version tends to cost more, but you get a superior coating (one that is more resistant to flare).

[Ethyriel @ Dec 29th 2007 7:45PM]

I'll be all over the K20D if it turns out to have a CF slot instead of SD. If not, I'm afraid I'll be waiting for the D90. I suppose the lack of a CF slot isn't that huge of a deal, but buying into a system with a lack of lenses, the use of SD is that little bit that pushes it over the edge.

God, I wish the D300 wasn't so expensive, the wait for a D90 is killing me.

[Josh @ Dec 29th 2007 9:16PM]

@ paragraph...
yeah... so I guess your assuming this cameras full frame, and like 10 fps. Well I'm sorry but a pentax camera can never compare to a nikon especially the d3. Thats also not to mention the lenses. Theres really no comparison to nikkor glass(money aside)

[Josh @ Dec 29th 2007 9:21PM]

& @ Ethyriel How much is your budget. If you already have lenses you should just buy the body only. You can get it for about the same price as the d90 or d80s/x will be.

$899:
http://www.shopcartusa.com/P_Nikon_D300_Digital_SLR_25432/PT_Y/?ic_campID=98

[Ethyriel @ Dec 29th 2007 9:46PM]

I wish, but my lens issue is in looking at the future of the system I buy into. This will be my first SLR.

[matt @ Dec 29th 2007 9:37PM]

I just bought the k10d, and will get the k20d just because it effing rocks. To the other matt, sigma makes pentax wide angle lenses, and pentax has a 10-17mm lens that is really nice, and really sharp even at edges... although their 16-50mm da* is much sharper.

[Josh @ Dec 29th 2007 9:56PM]

Ethyriel,
If your on a budget, I would recommend buying a sigma lens for nikon mount. They are pretty cheap for what they are. The lens I use the most is a sigma 10-20mm. The most universal is probably a good zoom maybe a 28-70mm. If you are just getting into dslr cameras I wouldn't recommend anything too nice. A d80 or d200 is a good entry level camera. Just don't get anything for ritz unless you want to only have 1 arm to shoot with and 1 leg to walk with.
But either way, a less expensive nikon d series is the best choice and good entry level camera.

[kei @ Dec 30th 2007 6:55PM]

I've been paying attention on the K200D news as either it will tempted me to get the K200D next year or bring a good price drop on the K100D super. Either way I will be happy!!

[Jeff @ Dec 30th 2007 7:35PM]

love to see more specs.

[ThOnda @ Jan 2nd 2008 9:24AM]

I am about to buy K10D, because I fell in love with that camera.
However...
Could you tell me, please, if the newer versions of firmware solved the problem with JPG conversion mentioned on dpreview?
And the most important question - when will be K20D released? I am willing to shoot on film for some time longer just to get camera with a little more fps and less noise.

[Alex @ Jan 3rd 2008 3:58AM]

I think k200d will become amazing camera, somewhat k10d is now, but easier to use and better. I really wish Pentax will come fast with 17-70 lens.

[Barry M @ Jan 23rd 2008 11:33PM]

The new Pentax k20d and K200d have been posted on the Pentax site as of Jan 23rd.

http://www.pentaximaging.com/

Some real nice features here..14.6 megapixels and Live View to name a few. No word on pricing yet but check it out.