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Pentax K100D Super 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Shake Reduction and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens
 
Manufacturer: Pentax
Customer Rating:
 
List Price: $599.95
Sale Price: $999.90
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Product Description
Compatible with any Pentax lens ever produced and featuring Shake Reduction, the affordable Pentax K100D Super offers a large 2.5 inch LCD monitor with 210,000 pixel resolution and a friendly Mode Dial featuring Auto Picture and Picture modes as well as new Scene modes for even simpler photography. The 6.1 megapixel APS-C size CCD, 11-point auto focus mechanism, and sophisticated 16 segment multi-pattern metering delivers outstanding image reproduction, while the bright, high-precision Penta mirror viewfinder features a 96% field of view and 0.85X magnification. All these features and more combine in a compact design with a high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis that is built to last. The K100D Super digital SLR incorporates a unique Shake Reduction feature that helps deliver sharp, blur-free, handheld shots with any Pentax SLR lens. This is particularly helpful in situations where camera shake is an issue, such as with telephoto or macro lenses, indoors without a flash, or other low light conditions such as at dawn, dusk or at night. The Pentax SR feature is an electromagnetically controlled system built into the body that detects handheld camera shake and compensates by moving a free floating image sensor. Unlike other DSLR optical anti shake systems, this SR system delivers Shake Reduction with all Pentax SLR lenses ever manufactured without requiring a special series of bulky, expensive optics. As a result, photographers can capture sharp images at a shutter speed that is 2 to 3.5 stops slower than would otherwise be possible. Behind the "Dust Removal" designation lies an entire system unto itself. The surface of the low pass filter is sealed with a nanotechnology based fluorine coating. This ensures that it is difficult for dust to adhere to the sensor surface. Dust that may land on the surface is shaken off when the SR system shifts the CCD at high speed. An adhesive sheet captures the dust, eliminating any possibility of its returning to the CCD surface.

Product Details
  • 6.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
  • Kit includes smc P-DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 lens
  • 2.5-inch LCD display; dust-removal system keeps CCD dust free
  • 11-point wide-frame AF; auto sensitivity control up to ISO equivalent of 3200
  • Powered by 2 CR-V3 lithium batteries or 4 AA-size batteries (4 alkaline batteries included); stores images on SD memory cards (not included)

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Customer Reviews
Amazing Camera, very happy with purchase
 
Review Date: October 10, 2007
Reviewer: kdkns,
First off I'm an amateur photographer and just started getting back into photography. I started with a digital camera with manual controls, other lenes, etc... and then moved off to a simple point and shoot camera. This is the first SLR type camera that I have owned and the difference is huge between quality of photos and being able to take certain shots ( Arguable, but manual controls and different lenses on SLR do help )

Physical:

The body feels very solid and has a good weight. It doesn't feel like a plastic toy and feels like a very sold build quality. Even the flaps for batteries and SD Memory Card are very well made.

Button placement at first feels odd but once you've learned the menu system and how to use them it works well.

The kit lenses works very well in most situations. The only time you may want to use a different lens is in indoors with poor/dim lighting. It also feels as solid as the camera body and the manual focus/zoom wheels all turn smoothly and stay put when set.

Using the Camera:

At first like most things there is a learning curve but you can be up and taking photos as soon as the batteries are in and putting it on AUTO PICT mode. Before I purchased the camera I had read complaints on how the menu's wording of items was a bit strange, but honestly they are not hard to figure out and it is spelled out in the manual as to what they are. In fact it's easer just to go ahead and click it and see what it does. There are few of these in the menu but everything else is very clear.

Taking photos is easy and similar to any other digital camera. Depending on the mode you are in you can adjust Exposure/Shutter Speed/Aper/ISO/etc...

Another large complaint against the camera is the burst mode only allows you to take no more than 5 JPEGS ( Highest Quality ) or 3 RAW images before slowing down significantly. This is true, however, depending on your needs this may not matter. If you need to be able to take more than 5 shots at a time then you may want to look at another camera. I took a risk and found that it more than meets my needs.l I was able to take multiple shots of pets/bees/etc just fine with 5 high quality photos or 3 RAW images without any problems.

The viewfinder contains information that is listed on the top LCD and can also be viewed on the LCD on the back of the camera. All very easy to read and see once you understand where each item is placed.


Quality of Photos

Excellent. That's it. One exception though is in the AUTO PICT mode. It works well but I found that you get better photos in either the P ( Program Mode ) or by going to SCENE mode and picking out a scene type like pets, sunset, etc...

Other issues

Everything about the camera has far exceeded my expectations and all my photos have very crisp, sharp detail and color. To help shoot indoors I purchased the Pentax 50mm f1.4 lenses which is around $200 at the time of this writing. Excellent lens which makes indoor/low light photography/fast action shots a breeze. It will allow you to take more light in which will allow you to shoot at a faster shutter speed ( The faster the shutter speed -> less light into camera -> darker photo ). I highly recommend purchasing this lens if you plan on doing portraits or indoor photos with low lighting.



Summary:

Pros:

Excellent photos, build quality, easy to use controls, can be used by beginner to advanced. Remember, no matter how great the camera, the person still should know some photography basics like how to set exposure, this will help anyone get great shots from any camera.

Cons:

Burst mode only allows 5 Jpegs or 3 RAW, but may depend on person if this matters.



Makes Photography Fun Again
 
Review Date: September 27, 2007
Reviewer: Chuck M.,
I grew up using the Pentax K1000 film cameras, so it was natural for me to move up to the Pentax K100D SLR Digital cameras. I bought the K100D Super, and it is truly .... "Super"!!!

Not only does it accept all my old K series lenses from my old film camera (saving me thousands of dollars), but it's easy to use. No sooner do you pull this out of the box do you immediately begin to realize how it works. The settings are intutitive, and photos are professional-grade.

I was considering it's older brother, the K10, but I feel I've made the right choice. The learning curve on the K10 would have been too steep for me. I am halfway between a pro and an amatuer, and this camera suits my skill level perfectly.

This camera makes photography fun again!
Pentax: Always the Best!
 
Review Date: January 16, 2008
Reviewer: J Anthony, San Francisco, CA United States
If you're an avid photographer (which means you love to take photos) or you're new to digital SLRs and you're ready to make the move to a digital SLR, then the Pentax K100D Super is a top choice.

For those use to operating a typical 35mm film SLR, the switch to digital is fairly easy. I've been a Pentax guy for over 20 years: the old K1000 being one of my favorite standard SLRs, along with the newer ZX50. If you're not use to using a typical SLR and have been using any of the simple point-and-shoot digital cameras out there, don't worry, trust yourself, you can adapt and it can be really exhilarating. Using an SLR, whether 35mm or digital, offers so much more when taking pictures.

You may be one of those who are debating with yourself: Pentax, Canon or Nikon? Then you find yourself reading too many publication reviews (and more, like posts here on Amazon) and you lean one way, then the next, and finally start getting crazy. Pure & simple, all three manufacturers make excellent cameras: including digital SLRs! I think anyone who is involved with photography will agree. However, I've used Canon's & Nikons, and Pentax has always ended up being my #1 choice.

When looking for a camera, I feel your #1 consideration should be: how much photography do you do? If you're like me; a traveler, a hobbyist, and find yourself shooting a lot of photos then you're more apt to invest in a good camera. The #2 consideration is cost. Without a doubt, the Pentax K100D Super results in one of the best Digital SLRs out there for the money; a fact all publication reviews, that I respect, agree on.

Many publication reviews often compare the K100D Super to the Nikon & Cannon, and one of the most consistent factors noted is while Canon & Nikon digitals are sporting 10 megapixels, the K100D Super only has 6.5 megapixel. I say, what ever. The reality is, that 10 megapixels can be a concern if you're trying to print pictures the size of posters, and quite simply most people aren't. The reality is most folks will print normal size photos, and even up to 8.5x11 or slightly larger. The Pentax shoots in RAW & JPEG, the RAW features allows for manipulation, using any descent photo software, to larger sizes photos including 15x17.5

I've used my K100D Super on a recent trip to Point Reyes State Park, here in the Bay Area. I was sure to shoot photos of sand on the beach: personal and really up close to see individual grains of sand. I took photos of the oysters we had, reflections of drift wood on still salt water ponds, a jelly fish (some 30 feet away), the crashing waves, any possible deviation of shots I could think of, and I was purely amazed at the K100D Super's performance & quality! I used both the Auto setting and then played with the other settings.

While there are many great features on the Pentax, and easy read up is available on-line, let me highlight those I would note to support my recommendation:

Cost: This camera is the best value & cost for a camera of this quality. Again, this is stated time and time again in publication & on-line reviews.

Body: The body of the K100D Super is solid! It's a great combination of polycarbonate & stainless steel housing. It's not the cheapo plastic like other cameras.

Anti-shake: This alone, is one serious note to consider. Pentax puts their anti-shake in the camera body, unlike Nikon & Canon who put it in their lenses, thus one reason why Canon & Nikon lens cost more in the long run. Now, seeing the error in their ways, I've read Nikon & Canon are racing like mad dogs to fall in line with Pentax's lead.

Pentax Lenses: Any Pentax lens ever made will work on the K100D Super. This is where Pentax has shined for years. Those of us with older lenses can just pop them right onto the K100D Super's body (in fact, most Pentax SLR cameras allow for this). If you go to a garage sale or flea market and find a great old Pentax lens, it's will fit the K100D Super. And since this is the case, all Pentax lenses benefit from the anti-shake in the camera. Better yet, digital lenses are different than film lenses. Film lenses are superior in many ways to digital lenses. Using an older Pentax film lens on the digital body enhances the quality of the photo, an added benefit to the Pentax crowd.

And, the K100D Super is already set to accept the newest generation of Pentax lenses (SDM lenses) coming out this year.

Dust Removal System: The Pentax has an internal anti-dust shake device that removes any dust that may be present.

Auto/Manual: Auto Picture Mode, Scene Modes & Manual. You can easily go between using the Auto mode of the camera or fall back on your own experience of doing things manually using the AV, TV, Manual and so on.

Memory Card: the K100D Super uses SD Cards, but typical Pentax (thinking ahead), the camera will also accept the newer SDHC cards.

Batteries: There are several batteries the camera can utilize: rechargeable, Lithium & standard AA+. This is a benefit as you're not limited to one manufacturer's battery.

I took this camera out of the box, DID NOT READ ANYTHING - LITERALLY, put in the batteries, put in an SD Card, turned it on, set the date, turned it off and walked out the door to Point Reyes. Then, I turned it on and starting shooting pictures. It was that easy (and yes, I plan to read the manual). I wish Amazon let you post photos on a review.

This is a solid pick for me and others. Hope this helps.
Perfect for the Beginner
 
Review Date: October 26, 2007
Reviewer: V. Moore, Hawaii
I have never had a camera where you had the ability to change lenses, I can hardly stand the wait for my telephoto to get here. My Brother who is a super photographer recommended this camera to me, and on the very first hour I was shooting pictures with it. So beginner, or advanced you will love this Digital SLR Camera.
best for its class considering the price
 
Review Date: January 7, 2008
Reviewer: Adri Febrianto, Jakarta, Indonesia
I just recently made my jump to the DSLR camera after around five years being a pocket digicam user. My first digital camera was a very compact one megapixel, and then I changed it to the more megapixel count digicam which was Fuji 3.2 megs. Getting interested in using manual exposure made me ditch that and bought the Pentax Optio 550. It's my last pocket digicam before I bought this K100D Super.
What I can share about this great DSLR is this K100D Super is loaded with lots of features, such as Shake Reduction (a very useful features that allows me to take pictures indoor without having to fire the flash so I could take advantage of those sun rays sneaking thru' the branches of tree outside my room's window), 11 autofocus point, AA battery (ever run out of juice when you're in the middle of your fun day ?), a display on top of the cam, digital filter and dust removal capability. You can have all of these features at a price that won't break your piggy bank.
In Indonesia where I live, a shop offered me a very good deal where this DSLR can be had for as low as around USD 540.
The picture quality is top-notch, very crisp and clear. I cranked the sharpness setting one step higher, and the sharpness of pictures I've taken never let me down, even in high ISO and low speed.
Combination of those three factors (features, price and pic-quality) made this cam the most suitable DSLR for amateur like me.

If you're looking for a DSLR that could bolster your career as a fine photographer, this cam might not be right choice, as more advanced DSLR like K10D (also from Pentax), Nikon D200, or Canon 40D carry more features, perform better and provide better picture quality, but come with higher price tags.

This K100D is not without its downside. For action and/or sport photographer, this cam perform too slow when you use the continous mode. Very large print is somewhat not recommended as this cam only provides 6 megs.

Ask yourself what is your need in using the DSLR for you. After you already have the clear answer to the question, then you can match your need to the feature of the cameras.
Sorry if my English is bad, as it's not my native lang.