Pentax Digital SLR Cameras |
Page updated: October 2009
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Pentax digital SLR cameras were late to arrive. Canon and Nikon had already started the transition from film SLR cameras to digital, and owners of Pentax lenses were waiting in the wings. The first Pentax digital SLR finally made its appearance in 2003, and it came with a rather odd name: the *ist D. |
After that first camera, Pentax built up steam and has been rolling out new camera models ever since.
They have also introduced some new innovations that make the Pentax digital SLRs very tempting to new buyers.
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A Quick History of Pentax Digital SLRs
Besides its unique name, the *ist D had something else going for it: it was the smallest and lightest digital SLR you could buy.
Don't get me wrong: it couldn't compete with the size of compact digital camera - no SLR can.
But compared to some of the other SLR cameras you could buy back then, the *ist D fit into a small-sized bag and didn't give you neck cramps when you carried for a day.
Pentax has made sure that every camera in their line continues this trend, which makes them great cameras for avid travelers.
Other camera manufacturers have followed suit: competition in the small-sized digital SLR category is heating up.
An Affordable SLR
In 2006, Pentax snuck in a first.
The *ist DL - the Pentax entry-level digital SLR - became the first digital SLR you could buy for less than $600. The previous price barrier was $1,000 and that was broken by the Canon EOS 300D Digital Rebel.
It was the beginning of a downward price trend, making high-end digital SLR cameras more accessible to the average consumer and not just reserved for professional photographers.
Built-in Anti-Shake
In May of 2006, Pentax had another surprise for the digital SLR camera market when they announced the arrival of the K100D.
This camera featured an innovation that at the time was only included on cameras made by Konica Minolta (now acquired by Sony): built-in image stabilization.
The K100D was the most affordable digital SLR you could buy that included this useful feature.
The Latest Pentax Digital SLR Cameras
Pentax K200D |
Release Date | April 2008 |
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| Key Features | 10.2 megapixels, image stabilization, dust control | |
| Uniqueness | Weather and dust resistant | |
| Great For | Rugged travel | |
| Level | Beginner to Intermediate | |
| Avg. Kit Price | $620  | |
| Competitors | Canon Rebel XS, Nikon D60 | |
| The K200D offers up something quite rare compared to other cameras in this price range: a weather an dust resistant body. While you shouldn't toss the camera in a lake, you should be able to take photos at the beach and in the rain without worrying about destroying your expensive SLR. Another benefit of the K200D is that it's compatible with every Pentax lens ever made, and the built-in image stabilization will function even with older lenses. | ||
| Compare Prices for the K200D at Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo Video | ||
Pentax K20D |
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Release Date | March 2008 |
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| Key Features | 14.6 megapixels, image stabilization, dust control | |
| Uniqueness | High megapixel count | |
| Great For | Rugged travel | |
| Level | Intermediate to Advanced | |
| Avg. Kit Price | $1,170 | |
| Competitors | Canon 40D, Nikon D80, Sony A350 | |
| The K20D boasts one of the highest megapixel counts of the consumer-level digital SLR cameras. In addition to its dust control and built-in image stabilization, the K20D includes a live view mode (the only Pentax SLR with this feature), expanded dynamic range and an 11 point autofocus system all packaged in a weather a dust-resistant body. | ||
| Compare Prices for the K20D at Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo Video | ||
Pentax K-x - NEW! |
Release Date | October 2009 |
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| Key Features | 12.4 megapixels, image stabilization, video capture | |
| Uniqueness | Multicolor bodies | |
| Great For | Travel | |
| Level | Beginner | |
| Avg. Kit Price | $650 | |
| Competitors | Canon T1i (500D), Nikon D5000 | |
| The second Pentax to include video, the K-x can capture High Definition 720p video at 24 frames per second. Like the K-7, it has an 11-point autofocus and built-in image stabilization. What sets this camera apart from many other entry-level models are its body and batteries: the camera body will be available in black, white, red and navy (rather than the standard black of all other DSLRs) and the camera will run off of regular AA batteries (no special charger required) — good news for travelers who like to venture far afield. | ||
| Compare Prices for the K-x at Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo Video | ||
Pentax K-7 - NEW! |
Release Date | July 2009 |
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| Key Features | 14.6 megapixels, image stabilization, video capture | |
| Uniqueness | Weather sealing | |
| Great For | Travel | |
| Level | Intermediate to Advanced | |
| Avg. Kit Price | $1,300 | |
| Competitors | Canon T1i (500D), Nikon D90 | |
| Jumping right on to the digital SLR video bandwagon, the K-7 includes a high-definition 720p video capture mode in addition to its live view LCD, dust control and built-in image stabilization. Like other Pentax digital SLRs, the K-7 is weather and cold resistant and features a fast continuous rate (5.2 photos per second) and an 11-point autofocus system. The icing on the cake: an in-camera HDR capture mode, an electronic level and automatic lens distortion correction. | ||
| Compare Prices for the K-7 at Amazon, Adorama or B&H Photo Video | ||
Related Links
 Panasonic Digital SLR |
Digital SLR Home | Sony Digital SLR |
