The Pentax K200D DSLR Camera

I've used Pentax film cameras for a lot of years and liked them. But that was only one factor...and a small one...that decided me on the K200D. Let's run down the list of my needs and see how the K200D compares.

1. Must be able to produce photo quality suitable for print publications

2. Must have a TTL (through the lens) optical viewfinder

3. I needed and wanted a camera that could be switched to full manual.

4 Dustproof/weatherproof

5. Image stabilization in the body

6. Relatively easy to use out of the box

7. Ability to use at least some of the lenses I already had

8. Not terribly expensive

Now that you know what I needed, let's see how the K200D stacks up.

1. With a 10.2 megapixel resolution, I can produce 300ppi prints as large as 8 1/2 x 11.

2. Not a problem. All DSLRs have this feature. Or did until the new mirrorless designs came along.

3. Full manual mode available, including manual focus if desired.

4. The K200D incorporates seals that protects it under reasonable weather conditions. Just don't take it out in a hurricane, sandstorm or major tornado!

5. Yes! If you need image stabilization (and you will if you're using a long telephoto), this one is a biggie and Pentax comes through. When this feature is in the body, you can use any brand lens that fits the camera. In the lens? You can only use the lenses the camera's manufacturer makes. They also cost a lot more.

6. Despite the fact the K200D comes with a 160-odd page manual, it doesn't take long to get up and running.

7. A major selling point for Pentax DSLR cameras is that they will accept any lens that Pentax has ever made.

8. No DSLR is cheap, but the K200D was right at $800 when I bought it new about 3 1/2 years ago. Price will vary somewhat depending on where you get it. Mine was ordered off the internet from a shop in New Jersey with no sales tax and free shipping. Add that amount in and the total would've been closer to $900.

The Pentax K200D belongs to the DSLR compact category. What this means is that the imaging sensor is smaller than a standard 35mm film frame. As a result, it takes a little bit of math to figure out exactly what you have. While it can vary slightly from one compact DSLR brand to another, it isn't much. To make it easy, simply multiply your lens focal length by a factor of 1.5 to find out what you really have. For example:

An 18mm-55mm lens on a DSLR (which is frequently the normal kit lens when you buy a new camera) is the equivalent of a 27mm- 82mm on a full-size DSLR or 35mm film camera. Going upstream, this can be a real advantage, especially when you consider that a 70mm-210mm zoom telephoto turns into a 105mm-315mm telephoto.

If you've been buying your point-and-shoot cameras from a major discount store or the local drugstore, walking into a real camera store is like visiting another planet. The first thing that overwhelms your senses is the sheer volume and choice of cameras, brand, accessories, books and on and on. Then there's the personnel. They're there to help, not just take your money...although they would like you to spend it there. They'll answer your questions, show you how the stuff really works, recommend the best equipment for your particular needs and so on. Why do they do this? Because they want you to be happy with what you buy, enjoy photography and come back to them for all of your photographic needs.