Pentax K2000 reviewed
dpreview.com just posted their comprehensive review of Pentax’s latest entry-level DSLR, the K2000 (or K-m). Being a Pentax K10D owner I was excited to see the K2000 hit the market to go head to head with the entry-level Nikons and Canons. Unfortunately, it seems Pentax has taken a similar path as Canon did with their original Digital Rebel (EOS 300D). By simplifying the camera to appeal to novices, they have created a starter DSLR that most users will quickly outgrow.
While I understand this tactic from a business perspective (when users outgrow the K2000 they will theoretically upgrade to a K200D or K20D), it frustrates me as a photographer that Pentax would hamstring the K2000 in the ways they have (read the review to see what I’m talking about). Seeing as how one can pick up a K200D kit for less than $500 these days, I’d have a lot of difficulty recomending the K2000 to anyone. But that’s just me. Be sure to click over to the dpreview.com review and decide for yourself.
February 1st, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I played with a Km at a camera store thinking it might be pocketable when paired with one or two Pentax pancake lenses. But the lack of selectable focusing points and missing focus point feedback/confirmation (in the viewfinder) stopped me from considering this camera any further. Even my point-n-shoot [FujiFilm FinePix F100d] shows me where the camera focuses.
February 16th, 2009 at 10:45 am
I must say I disagree — I do not see how this is a camera most will quickly outgrow. And even if that were true, the same could be said of every entry-level model. I think you’ve been swayed by the obvious anti-Pentax bias at dpreview, whose review is the most negative of all those I found on the net.
To address the specific points in Stephen’s comment: The automatic mode is supposed to be just that — the camera automatically selects the best focus point. If you don’t like this, you can switch to centre focus, a mode which has suited professional photographers for many decades now. As for focus confirmation, there is not one but two systems: an audible beep and an icon in the viewfinder bar.
Yes, it would be even better to have selectable focus points. But I cannot see how this is a deal-breaker. The camera still has an excellent sensor, improved AF, improved frame rates, shake reduction, dust removal and every other important feature. If it did everything it wouldn’t be an entry-level model!
To me the biggest limitation is not the body but the poor lenses it is bundled with. I have just published a more thorough evaluation over on my blog:
http://noisetheatre.blogspot.com/2009/02/your-first-dslr-pentax-k-m.html