Pentax Digital SLR Cameras |
Page updated: January 2008 |
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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: 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 can't compete with the size of a compact digital camera - no SLR can.
But compared to some of the other SLR cameras you could buy, 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 K100D Super |
Release Date | August 2007 |
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| Key Features | 6 megapixels, image stabilization, dust control | |
| Uniqueness | Low cost | |
| Great For | Travel and low-light | |
| Level | Beginner | |
| Avg. Kit Price | $535 | |
| Competitors | Canon Rebel XT, Nikon D40 | |
| The K100D Super represents several advancements over the older K100D model. While it still has the built-in anti-shake that's available on the K100D, the Super adds a dust control system, an 11-point wide area autofocus and is compatible with EVERY Pentax lens ever made. This makes the K100D Super a great transition camera for anyone with a large collection of Pentax film SLR lenses. | ||
| Compare Prices for the K100D Super at Amazon or Adorama | ||
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 | $800 | |
| Competitors | Canon Rebel XSi, 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 Shopzilla , Amazon or Adorama
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Pentax K20D |
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Release Date | March 2008 |
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| Key Features | 14.6 megapixels, image stabilization, dust control | |
| Uniqueness | Most megapixels | |
| Great For | Rugged travel | |
| Level | Intermediate to Advanced | |
| Avg. Kit Price | $1,300 | |
| Competitors | Canon 40D, Nikon D80 | |
| 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 Shopzilla , Amazon or Adorama
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