The Pentax K100D is a 6.1 MP entry-level DSLR. The K100D is compatible with any Pentax lens ever produced. The in-body Shake Reduction (.pdf fact sheet) means that you get image stabilization with every K-Mount lens out there. The K100D also features a 2.5″ LCD, an 11 point AF system with 9 cross-type sensors, ISO 200-3200 and 16-segment multi-pattern metering.
Reviews
A good-all round, entry-level contender with enough advanced features to keep enthusiasts happy too – especially if they have brand loyalty to Pentax and can make use of their existing stock of lenses. The K100D Super represents value for money par excellence!
The clear step forward in image processing and the addition of Shake Reduction are enough to tip the K100D into our Highly Recommended category, this is the camera the *ist DS should have been and is a refreshing change from another strong Canon or Nikon.
Photo quality was excellent in most cases. The K100D took well-exposed photos with vivid colors and pleasing sharpness — this camera is clearly aimed toward the consumer set. Noise levels are nice and low through ISO 800, and ISO 1600 is still usable, with ISO 3200 only for desperate situations.
I have enjoyed my time with the Pentax *istD — I mean K100D. Yes, it’s going to take a little time for me to get used to the new/old name of the latest SLR from Pentax. I say “new” because they’ve finally left behind the ill-conceived *istD naming scheme that unnecessarily alienated so many. I say “old” because the K100D’s name so closely matches the long-running mechanical film SLR, the K1000. Due to the similar shape of the D, you can even mistake the two.
If you’re looking for your first digital SLR, the Pentax K100D is well worth a look. The Shake Reduction, easy controls SD card compatibility and lightweight design make this camera ideal for those looking for a step up from a compact digicam. Photographers who travel will also appreciate these features, as well as the ability to use AA batteries. Existing Pentax SLR owners may also wish to upgrade, whether it is from a film or earlier digital SLR.
The Pentax K100D is just what an entry-level DSLR should be – simple to use and functional enough to take good pictures. Pentax deserves praise for putting such a good autofocus system in an inexpensive camera. The combination of the autofocus system and Shake Reduction system will increase the percentage of sharp shots for many users. The 3-zone autofocus systems in the Nikon D40 and Olympus’s DSLRs look pathetic in comparison, and their performance bears out that impression.
In use, the K100 is totally, completely…okay. It won’t blow you away. Neither will it frustrate or dismay you. In fact, you may end up appreciating its tough, cheerful, scrappy can-do character.
With its built-in image stabilization and comfy mix of manual and automatic features, the Pentax K100D is one of the best dSLR bargains on the market.
Because of its 6.1-megapixel sensor, you won’t be able to enlarge the K100D’s images as much as you could with a higher resolution camera, but for users who want a DSLR, and all of the flexibility that it provides, the K100D is a great entry-level camera at an unmatched price.
Serious amateur shooters may have a few issues, but family snap-shooters, P&S digicam users just making the jump to a dSLR, student photographers, casual shutterbugs, and old timers with a collection of Pentax glass will appreciate the K100D’s reasonable price, robust construction, operational simplicity, use of available anywhere AA batteries, image stabilization, and solid performance.
The auto focus has become faster, and we daresay it was about time. The Pentax K100D now turns out to be pleasantly rapid to work with. A helpful function is the Shake Reduction. Perhaps not as effective as an image stabilisation in a lens, but certainly more than sufficient for most uses.
Official Pentax Resources
Where to Buy
First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site.
[tags]pentax, k100d, review, dslr, digital camera[/tags]
