http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/ Engadget Comments for Pentax K-m (K2000) DSLR gets reviewed, deemed downright excellent http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/spend less money and get a D40 or a 1000D]]>Dec 1st 2008 2:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/(i support sony, a200 yay)]]>Dec 1st 2008 2:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/Dec 1st 2008 2:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/
So having said all that, when purchasing an SLR I would not buy anything other than Canon or Nikon. Personally I prefer Nikon but I can't bash Canon. The ecosystems for these cameras is just so much larger than the other brands.

On the other hand, if you're just looking for a good camera and will probably only ever use the lens that came with the kit, knock yourself out...]]>Dec 1st 2008 3:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/Dec 1st 2008 3:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/
Also, a lot of people get caught up on the technical specs of new camera bodies and forget that their camera from two or three years ago can still take pictures just fine. The latest Nikon/Canon offering may have perfect auto-focus, 1000 FPS, a full frame sensor, and brings about the second coming of Christ, but that DSLR from 2005 is still just as good as it ever was. In the end, it's really the photographer behind the camera that determines whether or not a picture is good. Remember, Ansel Adams got along just fine without Live View.]]>Dec 1st 2008 5:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/
That said, if you definitely aren't going to buy any other lenses for it, but want a larger sensor (higher quality) than a compact, sure a nice small camera like this makes sense. But if there's a possibility you might ever get more interested in photography and want different lenses, I'd get a Nikon or Canon; both manufacturers have pretty good bottom-end models, so it's not like you'd be losing much by making that choice.

Understand I think it's a bit disappointing that this is the situation - in an ideal world there would be a lens standard which all cameras would follow (or a few standards for different sensor sizes), so you'd be free to choose the best lens or camera for your purposes at any time without getting locked into anything. Sadly, I can't see that happening short of some kind of government action to force manufacturers to open their lens standards - which, since clearly neither Nikon nor Canon are monopolies thanks to the presence of the other one, can't happen.]]>Dec 1st 2008 5:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/
You have money to buy an 'M" series BMW but no money for a measly Pentax camera?]]>Dec 1st 2008 5:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/I think you misread my post. I said, "Whichever brand you choose, there will be more than enough accessories and *lenses* for amateur photographers and enthusiasts." My point was that Nikon and Canon are popular because they offer an overwhelming numbers of options for lenses and accessories, but it's really over-kill for MOST non-professional photogs. Any brand will offer a wide enough selection for amateur photographers, and in the right hands, any modern camera can take a great photo. If you ever decide to go pro, you'll probably need a new system anyways, so future-proofing mostly pointless. Of course, there are always exceptions, but in most cases, picking the right camera shouldn't be about technical specs and upgrade paths.

I'm a Pentax owner and currently own about 15 lenses. About a third of them are manual focus primes from the 70s and 80s. The rest are modern auto focus lenses from the last 10 years. Sometimes, I wish I had a Nikon/Canon so I can have a better AF system, but then I'd be missing out on the wonderful, all metal, DA Limited pancake primes that Pentax offers.]]>Dec 1st 2008 6:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/Dec 1st 2008 8:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/Dec 1st 2008 10:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/Dec 2nd 2008 1:27AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/Dec 1st 2008 2:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/Dec 1st 2008 2:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/Dec 1st 2008 2:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/Dec 1st 2008 2:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/Dec 1st 2008 2:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/
Sorry guys, next time I'll put the ' ;-) ' down for even the most obvious of jokes.]]>Dec 1st 2008 2:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/Dec 1st 2008 3:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/
But I still low ranked you.

Because I know people like that exist!!]]>Dec 1st 2008 3:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/Dec 1st 2008 3:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/Dec 2nd 2008 1:01AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/
It's fantastic.

As someone who did their own B&W art photos in high school, it is a pleasure to use.

I bought a used, 30 year old prime lens on ebay for about $70. This camera communicates with the lens and sets the aperture automatically. No adapters.]]>Dec 1st 2008 3:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/
I have a K10D and a K100D, and the K2000 has many of the features of the more expensive models, but in a nice small(er) package. They take great pics, and there are hundreds of lenses you can use with them, and they all benefit from the in-body shake reduction (no need for the more expensive stabilized lenses).

This would be a great travel camera, or one that you wouldn't have to think twice about bringing along.]]>Dec 1st 2008 3:15PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/Dec 1st 2008 3:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/and I saw one on sale for $530 Canadian
superb value
the d40 is a crippled toy in comparison with no screw drive AF
plus with Pentax you get the bonus of being able to use almost all pentax lenses ever made
even the screw mount ones!
which means a bevy of cheap used yet excellent glass]]>Dec 1st 2008 5:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/
If you are artistic at all and use ISO 1600 semi-regularly, I would check reviews thoroughly before hopping on the Pentax train...]]>Dec 1st 2008 3:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/
If you shoot night photography then you should know that a DSLR in this range is not gonna cut it anyways. And further more, you should get a hotshoe flash if you are gonna be shooting "artistic" shots in the still of the night.

Get a K20D if you want good high ISO at a decent price or spend gobs more for Canon or Nikon FF DSLRs.]]>Dec 1st 2008 4:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/
Isn't "close up candid photography" something that usually runs $19.99/mo online?]]>Dec 1st 2008 4:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/Dec 1st 2008 4:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/
]]>Dec 1st 2008 7:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/
I'll agree with the commenter who complained about the K10's hi-ISO banding problem. It's a recognized issue, and a disappointing black mark on a camera that's otherwise pretty great. In terms of UI, the K10 was a groundbreaker, and it is indeed a pleasure to shoot with -- and it takes great pictures, as long as you don't push it to high ISOs with regularity. (For that get the K100, Pentax's last implementation of a 6MP sensor, which is as much as most non-pros will ever need anyway. It takes great high-ISO shots. So, reputedly, does the K20D.)

Pros are probably going to want a D300 or better. As yet, Pentax doesn't compete at that level (though the K20 can deliver shots very close in quality to those of the D300, and at half the price). Pros are going to want and need to spend the money for systems like that, too. But for serious amateurs and enthusiasts, Pentax is a worthwhile alternative, with possibly a much better quality-to-price ratio.]]>Dec 2nd 2008 7:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/Dec 1st 2008 4:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/Jan 22nd 2009 11:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/
I got sold on the feature set listed above. If you are just taking shots of grandma and the kids all the time for scrap booking, then it's likely a fine camera. Push the sensor to the limits and IS/sealing/metal frame don't amount to squat if the sensor/firmware isn't up to task.

All I am saying is that at 1600 slightly underexposed, there is or was a serious problem with checkerboard banding. This was shooting basketball in a poorly lit gymnasium, not NBA games. Googling this problem shows I am not the only person this affected and it is or was a real issue. I sold the camera months ago and moved on..I will never give them another dime of my money based on the image output and the extremely slow customer support. ]]>Dec 1st 2008 5:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/Dec 1st 2008 10:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/A nice camera is not all that useful without a good lens system behind it and Cannon and Nikon run rings around pentax.
So yeah, may be good but buyer beware]]>Dec 2nd 2008 8:19AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/
The Pentax K-Mount is legendary. Pentax is a tool for photographers and hobbyists, Not Marketing personnel. They have fully supported and provide legacy support for every Single K-Mount and M42 lens since the 60s. Not only that, but they have added in body image stabilization so that my $80 - 85mm F1.9 lens from 1972 gets full image stabilization for up to 3 stops. Let's look at Nikon + Canon's marketing scheme

Release Film Cameras
Release Lenses
Release Digital Cameras
Change Lens mount to make all film lenses incompatible
Re-buy all your lenses for your new dSLR
Release Digital Lenses with built in image stabilization
Re-buy all your lenses with built in image stabilization
-Release a new incremental dSLR every six months
-Re-buy a new dSLR that takes 6.8 fps instead of 4.2 fps.

or

Pentax:
Buy any dSLR we manufacture. Support every lens ever made since the 60s. Image stabilization works for every lens ever made.

The K20D, $730 amazon, can hang with the 50D and D300, which cost almost 2X as much. You can put pentax primes up against anything from Nikon or Canon costing 2X as much. Bank on it. ]]>Dec 2nd 2008 9:08AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/01/pentax-k-m-k2000-dslr-gets-reviewed-deemed-downright-excellen/Nonetheless, kudos to Pentax. It's always good to have competition. If not, we'll all be sucked into the dark-side that is Nikkon. *wink*]]>Dec 17th 2008 8:46AM