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Pentax K100D Super gets reviewed -- better, faster, cheaper
Pentax didn't do anything too drastic when it revved the already well-received K100D to "Super" status: apart from a dust-removal system, SDM lens support, ISO 3200 mode, and a much lower price, the Super is pretty much the same as the non-Super K100D it replaced. That's apparently just fine, according to the crew over at Photography blog, who recently took the 6.1 megapixel Super for a spin and gave it five out of five stars -- they found that the dust-removal and anti-shake systems, combined with the 11-point autofocus, made for terrific pictures at the Super's $600 price point, with user-friendly features like dual LCD displays and SD card support just sweetening the pot. In fact, the only flaw PB found with the Super was that power options are limited to four AAs or two CR-V3 rechargeables -- which some might find annoying, but definitely manageable.
Pentax's K100D is just Super
Pentax has an update for their entry-level K100D DSLR which is so great, they've dubbed it the K100D Thuper Duper (clap clap). Ok ok, it's just the K100D Super but it's hard to contain our girlish enthusiasm in the face of marketing genius. Their latest features Pentax's shake reduction system like the K100D only now with a new dust removal system and full compatibility with Pentax's higher-end SDM lenses. Other than that and SDHC compatibility (still no CF support), we're still looking at the same 6.1 megapixel cam (APS-C size CCD) with 2.5-inch LCD, and ISO 3200 max sensitivity -- not a bad thing for first timer DSLRers based on previous reviews. The body alone will set you back $520 come August 2007.
Pentax K100D DSLR reviewed
Pentax certainly isn't new to the budget-DSLR scene, and its K100D is another fairly affordable offering into the single-reflex lens world. When we first got wind of this camera a few months back, our biggest excitement stemmed from the more manageable naming system, but ePhotoZine actually found quite a bit more to love about the K100D than the refreshing model name. While this unit is an awful lot like the *ist DL 6.1, that's actually not such a bad thing. The most substantial update to the 6.1 megapixel camera is the CCD-shift shake reduction system -- a first in the Pentax DSLR lineup -- that presumably helps reduce blur in moving and low-light situations (i.e. OIS). Reviewers found the system beneficial, but poorly implemented nonetheless; there's no visual indication the system is actually working or how effective it is until you view the finished image, which isn't exactly useful in the field. Also, the camera had a tough time digesting more than 3 RAW shots in succession, often forcing the operator to wait until the buffer was clear before shooting could resume. However, if those two relatively professional complaints won't apply to you, the K100D produced excellent images and was said to "perform well for its price point." While the 2.5-inch display, sturdy enclosure, 200 to 3200 ISO settings, and impressive 11-point AF system were viewed quite fondly, it should be noted that your CF cards aren't welcome here, as only the SD format is accepted, and 4 AA batteries are used in favor of a proprietary cell. But if you've been chomping at the bit to grab a DSLR on the cheap, and you can live with the, um, unstable anti-shake system, you can snag the K100D now with a bundled 18-55mm lens for $699.99. [Via Photography Blog]
Pentax's K100D and K110D DSLRs
Pentax just announced their K100D and K110D Digital SLRs today which hopefully kick that ridiculous, google-hating *ist naming convention to the curb once and for all. The two DSLRs are in fact, the same 6.1 megapixel digital cams only the K100D packs in Pentax's CCD oscillating Shake Reduction technology to keep your pics clean while shooting with a telephoto lens or under low-light conditions. Each camera remains compatible with Pentax K-mount lenses, and features ISO 200 to 3200 sensitivity, a 2.5-inch LCD, and SMC Pentax DA lens with 12x zoom. Expect the K100D to ship for $699 in July with the K110D set to drop in August for an entry-level enthusiast's price of $599.
