Pentax K100D Super 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera
Product Description
Pentax takes entry-level SLR users to the next level with the K100D Super Digital SLR. Adding a Dust Removal system to help keep the CCD surface dust-free and full compatibility with SDM lenses, Pentax has upgraded an already fully featured set to bring you a technologically advanced SLR at a very affordable price. 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 is equipped with the Pentax-original Shake Reduction (SR) system to reduce camera shake for sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions such as when using a telephoto lens or when shooting in low light without a flash. The SR mechanism is designed to minimize camera shake by oscillating the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed using magnetic force, while adjusting the speed of oscillation in proportion to the amount of camera shake detected by a built-in sensor. As a result, the K100D Super gives the equivalent to approximately 2 to 3.5 shutter steps of compensation. Since this versatile system is compatible with all existing Pentax interchangeable SLR lenses, it does not require special anti-shake lenses equipped with add-on optics or devices. (The K100D is compatible with K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2-mount lenses without an adapter, and screw-mount, 645-system and 67-system lenses with an adapter. Available functions may be limited with certain lenses.)
Dust Removal System for Spotless Images
The K100D Super features
the Pentax original Dust Removal (DR) system to prevent dust from sticking to
the surface of the low-pass filter in front of CCD image sensor. Through a vapor
deposition process, a fluorine compound is applied to the surface of the
low-pass filter. This Pentax-original Super Protect (SP) coating effectively
prevents dust and stains from sticking to the surface. Any remaining surface
dust falls off when the SR system shifts the CCD at high speed. The dust lands
on an adhesive sheet positioned at the bottom of the SR unit, eliminating any
possibility of it returning to the CCD surface.
Includes smc P-DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens
The Pentax smc P-DA 18-55mm
f3.5-5.6 is recommended for use with digital cameras. Ideal for beginners, it
provides a focal length covering a wide to moderate wide-angle range. Like all
Pentax lenses, the smc P-DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 zoom lens is treated with Pentax's
acclaimed smc coating for maximum light transmission, sharp definition, and high
contrast while minimizing flare and ghost imaging.
Compatibility with SDM System for Smoother, Quieter Autofocus
Operation
The K100D Super's camera body is compatible with a new SDM
system, which assures smoother, quieter autofocusing operation using a built in
supersonic motor. When a lens equipped with the SDM system is mounted on the
Pentax K100D Super camera body, the focus mode is automatically switched to
SDM-assisted autofocusing.
Auto Sensitivity Control up to ISO Equivalent of 3200
The K100D
Super features an Auto Sensitivity Control function that automatically sets the
optimum sensitivity up to ISO equivalent of 3200 (the highest automatic setting
in its class) based on such data as the subject's brightness level and the lens
focal length. Since this function allows the use of higher shutter speeds in
poor lighting situations (such as indoor sports events and night scenes),
photographers can effectively prevent blurred images. Users may also manually
preprogram a desired level, from ISO 200 to the super-high sensitivity of the
ISO 3200.
Auto Picture Mode for Effortless Point-and-Shoot SLR
Photography
The Pentax-original Auto Picture mode automatically and
instantly selects one of five Picture modes (including Portrait, Landscape, and
Macro) to create the most appropriate visual effect for a given subject. While
the camera sets all primary parameters (including shutter speed, aperture, white
balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness), the photographer may concentrate
on picture composition and shutter opportunity.
11-Point Wide-Frame AF to Capture Off-Center Subjects in Crisp
Focus
The K100D Super's sophisticated SAFOX VIII autofocus system
features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors in the middle) to
automatically focus on the subject with utmost precision, even when it is
positioned off center. The in-focus sensor point is automatically superimposed
in red in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation.
Large LCD Monitor to Facilitate Image Viewing and Menu Setting
The
K100D Super features a large 2.5-inch color LCD monitor on its back panel. Its
wide-view design allows the photographer to check the monitor image over 140
degrees vertically and horizontally, ensuring effortless image viewing even from
a diagonal position. It provides 210,000 pixels for high-resolution image
viewing, with a zoom display function that lets users magnify and image up to 12
times for easy confirmation of the focus status and the subject's expressions.
The large monitor size allows for large letters, digits, and icons on the menu
screens to facilitate menu confirmation and camera operations.
Bright, Clear Viewfinder
The K100D Super features a lightweight
penta-mirror viewfinder, which combines Pentax-original finder optics with a
Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen to deliver a bright, clear subject image
with a 0.85-times magnification and a 96-percent field of view.
True-to-Life, Rich-Gradation Images Assured by 6.1 Effective
Megapixels
The K100D features a large, high-performance 23.5mm x 15.7mm
CCD. By combining 6.1 effective megapixels with a high-performance imaging
engine and advanced image-processing technologies, the K100D Super is designed
to produce beautiful, true-to-life images that are rich in color gradation. The
K100D Super offers a choice of two finishing touches of "Natural" or "Bright" to
create a distinctive atmosphere.
Compatibility with High-Quality, High-Capacity SDHC Memory Card
The
K100D Super accepts not only the conventional SD memory card as its storage
media, but also the newly standardized SDHC card, which allows users to store
higher numbers of large data files, such as RAW-format images.
Compact, Lightweight Body with Optimum Holding Comfort
The K100D
Super has been designed to be compact and lightweight for easy carrying and
enhanced maneuverability with an easy-to-hold grip to assure a stable shooting
position.
Other features:
19 custom functions to personalize camera operations
Consecutive shooting of up to five frames at the speed of approximately 2.8
frames per second (at BEST image quality in JPEG format)
Eight distinctive Scene modes to accommodate specific subjects/applications
Choice of two preview functions (digital/optical)
Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and
spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
Noise-reduction mechanism to reduce digital noise during extended exposures
Dual power source (two CR-V3 lithium batteries or four AA-size batteries)
USB 2.0 (HI-SPEED) compatibility for speedy data transfer to PC
Five digital filters (Black-and-White, Sepia, Slim, Soft, and Brightness)
for easy editing of recorded images
Pentax Photo Laboratory 3 RAW data and image processing software and Pentax
Photo Browser 3 image browser software included on the accompanying CD-ROM
Compatibility with PictBridge, DPOF, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching
formats
Pentax K100D Super 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera user reviews
"
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. "
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!
"
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."
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