Digital Cameras Ratings

It’s a great time to be buying a 10 megapixel SLR, as all the top manufacturer’s have new, 5-star models.So let’s examine: What do we want most?Great photos, a well made camera, and features that will let us achieve our photographic goals.The K10D delivers.

All the top contenders will deliver excellent results that can be made into poster size prints with great color and detail.Although we can point so some shortcomings (like the poor performance of the Sony Alpha 100 at ISO 1600), image quality is something that is still in the eye of the beholder.

However, features are features, and the K10D has loads.The first thing you’ll notice is the solid feel in your hands.It feels robust, and the shutter has been tested to 100,000 shots (same as Canon’s bigger brother 30D).But to this, we add something else not found in any other camera in the class: weather-proofing.The body contains 72 seals to help keep dust, dirt and moisture on the outside (the optional grip has 38 seals).
When you put on the optional grip, it really does feel like a part of the camera, not a wiggly thing that might come off.

To get those great photos, the K10D has all the standard feature set, plus a few new ones (like “sensitivity” mode), which will come in hand for some people, but of more partical use to many will be the ability to define what “Auto ISO” range the camera can use.Want the camera to be able to use 1600?Done.Pentax’s metering systems have always been well thought of, but you’ll get center-weighted and spot metering as options, too.Their “digital preview” can be very handy in setting up the proper white balance.

The viewfinder is the largest in it’s class (although the D80 is the smallest fraction behind).When viewing through it, you’ll see the 11-point autofocus.What you don’t see is that the nine central segments are “cross basis” points, meaning they focus on both vertical and horizontal lines.The other competitors simply have one, the center segment, that is cross-basis.This may not help it focus faster, but it should improve accuracy.Additionally, the focusing mode is easy to change.A switch up front allows you to select manual, single or continuous autofocusing, while a dial on back allows you to change from spot focus (only the center zone), wide (allows the camera to select) or free-floating (you select any of the eleven zones, and can change it quickly with the key-pad on the back of the camera).

The choice of the SD/SDHC cards is great.This small cards avoid the dreaded “bent pin” issue of the compact flash cards, and the SD are compatible with a hugh number of compact cameras as well.Another nice touch is the optional remote control.It can trigger the camera from the front AND from BEHIND the camera, and can store inside the optional grip.I also love the fact they included the .dng standard for RAW images, as this is an open standard developed by Adobe.

And there is one feature that Pentax now leads: Shake Reduction (or VR, or IS, or SteadyShot).First, like the Sony, the SR is built into the camera.So for a modest cost up front, ALL your lenses get some stabalization…even older manual focus lenses!And as a side benefit, you get a slight benefit in keeping the sensor clean.But what most people don’t understand about Pentax SR system is that it is a THREE AXIS anti-shake system, something that no other maker offers.In-lens, or the Sony rail system, compensate for you shaking left/right & up/done.By combine these two, it compensates for diagonally, too.What they do not compentate is for “rotational” shake.Imagine a line running through the camera lens to the subject, rotating the camera around this axis.The Pentax SR system uses magnets and bearings to allow the sensor to free float compared to the body.Tremendous technology.

Pentax has been a bit light on their lens selection, but keep in mind that this uses every Pentax 35mm lens ever made, and 3 exciting new lenses that they recently announced (16-50 f2.8; 50-135 f2.8; and 60-250 f4.0, all weather sealed with ultrasonic motors) make them very competitive.For a first lens, the 18-55 is hard to beat.It’s well made, featuring a metal lens mount, and the internal focusing allows for easier use of filters and a more efficient, included, lens hood.

Buy the Canon XTi, Nikon D80 or Sony Alpha 100, and you’ll get a terrific camera.But for my money (yes, I did buy one), the Pentax K10D is the best.

Product Description
The Pentax K10D Digital SLR features an array of Pentax innovations including 10.2 effective Megapixels and a Pentax-developed Shake Reduction (SR) system that effectively offers a 2.5 to 4 stop advantage for sharp, blur-free images even under difficult shooting conditions, such as macro and telephoto photography or low light settings without a flash. Also featured is a newly developed Pentax Real IMage Engine (PRIME) designed exclusively for Pentax digital SLR cameras to produce well-balanced, true-to-life images. Pentax also incorporated a new high performance 22-bit A/D converter to quickly transfer images with accurate color tones and richer gradation from the CCD to the imaging engine. The new Dust Removal (DR) system incorporating Pentax-original Special Protect (SP) coating helps keep the CCD surface dust-free, and adds a shift mechanism to shake dust off the CCD. All this is housed in a dependable dust-proof, weather-resistant body construction featuring 72 seals throughout the camera to allow photographers to continue shooting even in dusty or rainy environments.Power Source -Rechargeable D-LI50 Lithium-ion battery, Optional AC adapter System Requirements -Mac OS 10.2 or later, PowerPC G4 minimum, Windows 2000, XP, Pentium 4, 2 GHz recommended, 512MB RAM, 1024×768 graphics, 250MB hard drive, standard equipped USB port Dimensions -5.6 x 4.0 x 2.8 inches (141.5x 101 x 70mm) Weight -25.0 ounces (710 grams)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pentax K10D 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Shake Reduction (Body Only)

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First of all, I’m an electronics freak.I’m also an electrical freak, aka an electrical engineering student in college.I bought a Pentax Optio s5i “way back” in 2003 (it does seem like a while ago), when it was one of the first 5 megapixel cameras on the market.I loved everything about that camera: the form factor, the picture quality, the battery life, its easy menu navigation, and the fact that if you didn’t like the auto picture mode, which always took great pictures anyway, you could use a dozen other preset modes (like sports, sunset, flowers, outdoor…) or you could just use the manual focus and manual exposure value.

Everything that I loved about the s5i is still in the genetics of the A20.The camera is almost the identical size, and it uses the same battery model; but its unbelievable picture quality, incredibly fast response time (auto-focus time, readiness after taking a picture, turn-on time, etc.), DivX video capability, and huge 2.5 inch LCD emphasize the lightning-fast pace at which the semiconductor industry, specifically consumer electronics, has developed.

Some more nice features:
-Since the A20 is double the resolution of my old s5i, I was thinking that the picture files would be double the size, around 5MB, but this is not so.The camera uses compression (which is adjustable in the menu) to keep files around 3.5MB at 10 megapixels at the best quality (***, three stars).
-The A20 has a “green button” that is soft-key that the user can set in the menu.Pressing the green button will change the display in the LCD to where the user can adjust 4 different settings all with just the arrow keys.The user can choose in the menu which 4 settings are displayed with the green button and the 4 settings can be any item that is in the regular menu.
-The focus capability is unbelievable.The A20 has auto, macro, super-macro, pan, infinity, and manual focus modes.I held my finger right in front of the lens and was able to take an excellent picture of my finger print…you never know when you might need a picture like that…

I’ve only had the camera for a week now, so this review probably doesn’t even scratch the surface but to sum it up:
-The camera is incredibly small for 10 megapixels but not too small to use (and I’m a pretty big guy).
-The 2.5 inch LCD is massive.
-The picture quality is unbelievable.
-The customization capabilty is very very extensive.
-The manual features are great.
-The camera is VERY easy to use!

….and I love it so much, that I’m going to buy my sister one for her birthday, but SSHHH, don’t tell her!!!

Product Description
The flagship of the Optio digital camera line, the high-end PENTAX Optio A20 offers the pinnacle of PENTAX compact digital photography in an ultra-compact aluminum alloy body. With a 10.0 megapixel CCD, a 3X optical zoom lens, built in Shake Reduction and Tracking AF, the Optio A20 offers a versatile manual-shooting mode. Add to this, a 232,000 pixel 2.5 inch LCD and Movie mode MPEG-4 DivX (640 x 480) capture at 30fps and guaranteed video playback on all DivX certified devices. The convenient charging cradle recharges a Lithium-ion battery in the camera.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pentax Optio A20 10MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom and Shake Reduction

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Excellent service. The whole camera kit was a great buy! The product arrived on time and was packed very well! I would recommend this to anyone else who may be interested.

Product Description
The PENTAX K20D Digital SLR offers advanced photo enthusiasts an array of exciting PENTAX innovations. The newly developed CMOS image sensor brings out optimum performance of PENTAX interchangeable lenses. Featuring 14.6 effective megapixels (highest in its class) and the latest noise-reduction technology, the sensor assures superb image quality. This SLR will make you feel in control with its Live View function that allows the photographer to see the image on the camera’s back panel LCD Monitor while shooting. Customizable features ideal for shooters who demand complete control include the Expanded Dynamic Range function that allows users to gain more contrast/detail in bright settings and a new Custom Image function to select/adjust finishing touches to an image.
The smc P-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL II An ideal zoom lens for a wide range of shooting applications, covering a wide to moderate wide-angle. Has improved resolution to match with high-resolution sensors and Pentax SP coating, which protects the exposed lens elements. It has aspherical elements to compensate for spherical aberration, and a focal length equivalent to 27mm to 82.5mm in the 35mm format. Minimum Aperture – F22-38 Lens Construction – 11 elements in 8 groups Angle of View – 76-29 degrees with Pentax Digital SLRs Minimum Focusing Distance – 0.82′ (0.25m) Diaphragm Control – Fully Automatic.
Pentax DA 50-200mm f4-5.6 ED lens offers 4x zoom coverage in the telephoto range. Further, the lens features an angle of view from 31.5 degrees to 8.1 degrees (equivalent in focal length from 76.5mm to 306mm in the 35mm format).
8GB DELUXE ACCESSORY KIT: 8GB Secure Digital Card – USB Card Reader – Memory Card Wallet – DL-I50 Rechargeable Battery – Camera Gadget Bag – Full Size 59″ Tripod W/Case – Jumpstart Guide to Digital SLR Cameras – LCD Screen Protectors – Lens Care & Cleaning Kit.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pentax K20D 14.6MP Shake Reduction Digital SLR Camera with Pentax 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL II Lens and Pentax 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED Lens + 8GB Deluxe Accessory Kit

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The Pentax K100D is a nice upgrade, replacing the well thought of *ist DL camera. The K100D builds on that camera, and boast improvements in focusing and stabalization.

The improvement to multi-point, cross sensors is very welcome. This should dramatically improve the general focus operation of the camera, while at the same time, the new sytem allows the user more control than the older *ist DL. [Cross type autofocus means that at that particular point, the camera can focus on both horizontal and vertical lines. Many cameras, like the Canon Rebel XT, only have one cross sensors. This K100D has 9.]

The stabalizer is the real gem here. The stabalizer will be a big benefit to anyone who does a high percentage of the shots indoors, WITH or without flash. For candid, non-flash photos, the stabalizer allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds. That’s also great for things like museums, that don’t allow flash photos.

What people sometimes miss is how the stabalizer helps with flash. The flash fires fast, up to 1/10,000th of a second. But it only lights up our subject. If no other light get through, then we have cardboard cut-out subjects standing in front of a black background. At normal flash shutter speeds, we often have a background, but much is too dark. The stabalizer allows you to shoot at a slower speed without shaking the camera. This brings out more background. Additionally, more available light strikes the subject, requiring a bit less light from the flash. This makes the subject appear more “real”, our goal with flash photos.

The camera construction is solid, and a bit heavier than you might think because of its metal interior. For good or bad, the camera uses 4 AA batteries. Their easy to get, NiMH rechargables are cheap, but they weigh a bit more and don’t last as long as the Lithium Ion type batteries.

Pentax has a good selection of lenses, but not up there with the likes of Canon and Nikon.

The K100D stacks up very nicely due to the built-in stabalizer, multi-zone AF, construction, and large LCD. If you have a bit more money to spend, consider the Sony A100, which upgrades to 10 megapixel and Lithium Ion battery.

Pentax has released firmware update 1.01, which now allows the camera to use the new SDHC cards which should be available soon. These cards allow you to exceed the 2GB limit of SD, with 4GB cards to be the first available.

Product Description
Compatible with any Pentax lens ever produced and featuring Shake Reduction, the Pentax K100D Digital SLR Camera has a 6.1 megapixel APS-C size CCD and sophisticated 16-segment multi-pattern metering, delivering outstanding image reproduction, while the bright, high-precision Pentax mirror viewfinder features with 0.85x magnification. Incorporating a large 2.5 inch LCD monitor with 210,000 pixel resolution and a friendly Mode Dial offering Auto Picture and Picture modes as well as new Scene modes for even simpler photography. The Pentax developed Shake Reduction system in the K100D effectively offers a two-stop advantage for sharp, blur-free images even under difficult shooting conditions while using such as lenses as the SMCP-DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL Autofocus Lens even in low light without a flash.Power Source -Four AA (Lithium, Alkaline, and rechargeable NiMH) batteries, or Two CR-V3 lithium batteries Battery Life -Approximately 730 recordable images or 700 playback minutes with CR-V3 batteries Picture Modes -Auto Picture, Scene, Standard, Portrait, Night-scene Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Flash Off, Program AE, Shutter Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE, Metered Manual, Bulb Scene Modes -Night Scene, Surf & Snow, Text, Sunset, Kids, Pet, Candlelight, Museum System Requirements -Pentium II Processor (Pentium 4 recommended), Windows 2000, XP, 250MB available Hard Drive space or more, PowerPC G3 or later (G4 recommended), Mac OS X (10.2 or later), 256MB RAM (512MB or more recommended), 250MB available Hard Drive space or more, 1024 x 768, 24 Bit color Monitor, USB port Shake Reduction mode built-in Dimensions -Height 3.6 x Width 5.1 x Depth 2.8 inches (93 x 130 x 70mm) Weight -19.8 ounces (560 grams)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pentax K100D 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Shake Reduction and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens

Great camera I’ve been shooting for 8 years and this is my first DSLR.It’s superior to any of the compacts I’ve owned recently.I bought a 28mm-100mm sigma lens and it’s crystal clear pics are fantastic.It’s very fast I can snap 5 pictures in the time my old camera processed one.
It’s easy enough my wife can use it with no problems.The features are great too you can change the photo into B & W, Sepia, watercolor, pastel, high contrast, soft focus and save the results on the camera.I would recommend to any photographer looking for a first DSLR. I only wish the body was not plastic and was weather proofed.

Product Description
The Pentax K2000 offers uncomplicated operation for new digital SLR users and family photographers seeking high-quality digital SLR photography for the first time. Combining Pentax-developed, easy-to-use Auto Picture modes as well as powerful learning functions all housed in one of the smallest, lightest camera bodies in its class, the Pentax K2000 system is ideal for digital SLR beginners. Additional features on the newest digital K2000 SLR body include a 10.2-megapixel CCD, a 2.7-inch wide-view LCD panel and an ultra-compact design that facilitates one-handed operation. The body also features the same Pentax-developed Shake Reduction technology found on more advanced K-series digital SLRs. Pentax Shake Reduction is compatible with more than 25 million Pentax lenses, and delivers sharp images even when hand-held at slower shutter speeds. The K2000 also features the powerful, Pentax-developed Auto Picture Mode, which selects from Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, and Night! Portrait modes to tailor the camera settings to guide and teach you about digital SLR photography.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pentax K2000 Digital SLR Camera 10.2MP with Shake Reduction (Body) Black.