The PENTAX K200D, perfect for developing digital SLR users, offers an easy-to-use interface and incorporates award winning PENTAX imaging technology. With 10.2 megapixels, this DSLR features many of the advancements that are incorporated in the PENTAX K20D, including a LCD monitor, Custom Image functions for perfect control over how images are developed, and the Expanded Dynamic Range function. Compatible with any PENTAX lens ever produced and featuring Shake Reduction, the PENTAX K200D offers a high quality image sensor with the sophisticated PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine), a user-friendly Dust Removal system including the dust alert feature, 11-point SAFOX VIII auto focus system, sophisticated 16-segment multi-pattern metering and auto sensitivity control up to ISO 1600, all in a weather and dust resistant body.

Technical Details

-10.2-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for poster-sized prints
-Includes 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 lens
-Large, 2.7-inch wide-view LCD monitor
-Dust-proof, water-resistant construction; comprehensive Dust Removal system
-Capture images to SD/SDHC cards (not included)
See more technical details

 "SURVIVED IRAQ 2010" 2010-07-22
By Sammy
I bought the Pentax K200D in September 2009 during my deployment in Iraq. It has gone out on every combat mission that I have been on and given me excellent results. Obviously the RAW pictures are of much better quality than JPEG, so if you shoot in RAW this camera is the right choice. This camera has been in wet environments, sandstorms, and dust.

Moral of the story is that I have no complaints about it. If it can survive Iraq and combat missions, than it can survive the US.


 "Pentax K200D" 2010-07-10
By L. Gonyou (East Bridgewater, MA USA)
Years ago I had a Pentax K1000 SLR camera, used it for over 20 years. Decided to buy another Pentax and get a digital, part of my decision was made on the fact that Pentax lenses are supposed to be interchanageable with all Pentax cameras.
I ordered the camera, and tried using my old lenses on it. It fit which is what Pentax says it would do, but would not work with any automatic functions, and after about a hour of trying to figure out how to get it to work, I gave up and sent for the digital lens that comes with the camera. I love the camera, took it on a trip to Nantucket, MA, it worked great! Pictures came out very nice, love the shake reduction, even took pictures from a moving car and they came out really good.
I would recomment this camera, but if you want to use the automatic functions, get it with the digital lens. If you have lots of time, and are a whole lot smarter than me you could try to use your old Pentax lenses from your SLR.


 "Fantastic - the way to go if you want to try a digital SLR" 2010-05-29
By Eric Worthen (Logan, Utah)
I love this camera. It has so much flexibility and so many features. I had a Pentax K1000 film camera that I just loved (still do). The K200D will take all my old lenses. I have to manually focus, but the K200D will adjust exposure to the set aperture and with the right setting will even take the picture with the shutter depressed only when you have the correct focus.

It uses AA batteries, awesome! Reviewers critcize this feature which makes no sense to me. I know that in 10-20 years I will be able to find AA batteries, lithium or rechargable, anywhere. A proprietary battery pack with a proprietary charger like so many of the other DSLR's? Good luck finding those even 5 years from now. I bought some 2500 mah recharchable AA's that last for over 500 shots at least (mostly non-flash).

The 18-55mm AL II kit lens is very versatile and clear, produces great pictures. 18mm Digital is ~28mm or wide angle for film so I've captured some great landscapes, turned around, zoomed it in the 55mm and gotten a great face pic of my kids.

No, this camera does not have live view and does not shoot video, but that is not photography in the traditional sense. Looking through the viewfinder is natural and gives you realistic composition, especially in strong sunlight. I've tried live view DSLR's and they drove me crazy, especially in sunlight where composing a picture became difficult. Shooting video with a DSLR is like shooting still photography with your videocamera - yuck.

The K200D has a very solid body, is weather sealed, and after a year of constant use has proved to be a tank like my old Pentax K1000. Did I mention it takes "RAW" in PEF or DNG format with the click of a button and the quality of the pictures is outstanding? 10 Megapixels is enough resolution to print most any size picture other than billboards, and going to higher megapixels only makes the file sizes larger to work with.

Go for it.


 "AA Battery DSLR" 2010-02-27
By JOE BLOW (Minneapolis, MN)
Pentax is the only company that currently manufactures AA battery powered DSLR's. If you don't like to charge batteries then this is an advantage. Pentax recommends Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries as these have more juice. You can use Alkaline AA batteries however they won't last as long as the Lithium AA batteries. Let's say you are at a museum, zoo, sporting event etc and you discover your Digital camera is out of power, if you have a rechargeable battery there's nothing you can do you won't be able to take photos, now let's say the same thing happens with the Pentax K200D, well all you have to do is go to the gift shop and buy some AA batteries and you're ready to shoot.

Another advantage of the pentax is that you can use manual focus k-mount lenses from 1975 onward with the Pentax DSLRs.(there are limitations, see the manual for more details)

The build quality is excellent for this camera it has weather sealing to protect it from moisture and dust, it also has a top LCD display features usually not seen on a camera in this price range.


 "good for entry level" 2010-01-03
By Ji Shen (Tallahassee, FL)
My first DSLR was pentax *ist DL. this is the second one. My current one is Nikon D90.
COmparing the image quality, pentax really lacks comparing to Nikon. Pentax has much more noise in the same ISO setup. The lens (18-200) is not as sharp as Nikon's 18-200. The difference does not need to be tested in labs but can be told clearly by eyes. Although it is not a fair comparison because of the price difference, my point is that if you do need a high quality DSLR to start with, go with Nikon or Canon, while if your most concern is budget, Pentax is cheaper but "cheaper" image quality as well.



Read more Pentax K200D 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Shake Reduction 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens

Pentax DSLR Crossover Bag
David Busch's Pentax K200D Guide to Digital SLR Photography
Pentax 39687 Battery Grip BG3 (for K200D)
Pentax DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED Lens for Pentax and Samsung DSLR Cameras
Magic Lantern Guides: Pentax K200D