is pentax k100d super 999 on lcd panel for sale

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Pentax had to join the image stabilization club or face a shaky future. It chose to join in with its new K100D 6.1MP digital SLR ($620 street, body only), an *ist DS2 look-alike that’s the first Pentax to feature a sensor-based shake reduction (SR) system. Unlike the lens-based IS systems on some Canon and Nikon lenses, this one should help reduce vibration-induced blur in photos taken with any new Pentax DA lens, plus all lenses with a Pentax mount.

We examined this camera’s other features in our July 2006 issue, but we recently obtained a production version to see how well the new SR system reduced camera vibration. We also took a close look at claims Pentax made for improved image quality from its new processing engine and firmware, plus the newer versions of the Pentax Photo Browser and Photo Laboratory software that come with the K100D.

As we pointed out in July, the K100D has much in common with the Pentax *ist DS2, including a similar-resolution CCD sensor, nearly identical camera design and control arrangement, similar button placement, a large 2.5-inch LCD with easy-to-read fonts, and a nearly identical pop-up flash.

The biggest external differences appear to be the addition of an image stabilization switch on the back, plus some additional weight and size that can be attributed to the IS system. The four-way control button has also been slightly modified, and, of course, there’s a new logo.

True to Pentax claims, we found some surprises on the image quality front and in the camera’s performance, which don’t have anything to do with the SR system. In the past, Pentax *ist cameras like the DS2 scored some of the lowest (though still respectable) resolution numbers in the 6MP DSLR class while turning in the lowest (that means best) noise levels at ISOs from 200 to 3200.

In our tests, the K100D’s resolution scores jumped up a notch from the *ist DS2’s 1,360 lines (Very High) to 1,520 lines (Extremely High), while noise levels started at Very Low at ISO 200 (instead of Extremely Low) and wound up at ?Moderate levels at ISO 3200 (instead of Moderately Low).

Apparently, Pentax’s new processing engine backs away from the blurring filter that was used to minimize noise at the expense of resolution on the older *ist DSLRs. The company made the right move, as this camera’s resolution has improved noticeably over the *ist DS2, especially at lower ISOs, and is more in line with 6MP Nikons and older Konica Minolta DSLRs that used the same sensor.

This time around, the camera’s color accuracy fell just short of an Excellent rating. However, the differences between the *ist DS2 and K100D won’t be noticeable in most photos.

Since we weigh resolution and color accuracy higher than noise in our overall Image Quality rating, the slight tweaks in processing parameters now earn the K100D a more solid Extremely High score at ISOs up to 1600. At ISO 3200, where most DSLRs get too noisy, the K100D squeaks in with Moderate levels and earns a Very High Image Quality rating.

Performance test results on the K100D showed some pluses and minuses. The viewfinder on the K100D and *ist DS2 are nearly identical when it comes to brightness, AF zones, and spotmeter delineation. But data display now includes a Shake Reduction icon on the far right side; AF mode, Scene Mode, and ISO sensitivity warning icons have been added to the left side. Formerly, the Picture Mode icons were spread out across, but now appear individually when activated.

The K100D earns an Excellent rating for viewfinder accuracy at 96% compared with 94% on the *ist DS2, a minor improvement. And it just squeaks by with an Excellent magnification rating at 0.85X, but that’s down from the 1.04X on the *ist DS2.

More noticeable was the K100D’s improved AF performance across the board, and especially in very low light-possibly another benefit of the improved processor in the K100D. Even in very bright light of EV 12-8, the K100D showed a 0.2 sec improvement over the AF on the *ist DS2, which it maintained all the way down to EV 2. At EV 1 and EV 0 there was a dramatic improvement to 1.51-1.81 sec compared with 1.71-2.2 sec on the *ist DS2. Best news? The K100D now focuses down to EV -1, although rather sluggishly in 2.5 sec.

Pentax doesn’t claim any improvements in battery life for the K100D, despite the newer processing engine. That leaves this camera in the same unfortunate battery condition as the *ist DS2, which has a CIPA rating of only 70 shots when loaded with four AA alkaline cells. We highly recommend buying a set of 2000 mAh (or higher capacity) NiMh AA rechargeables to boost the shot capacity-especially since the K100D’s shake reduction (SR) system will drain the batteries even faster.

That extra drain is worth it for the benefits you’ll get when shooting with the SR system activated. A unique Pentax design, the stabilization system on this camera is very different from that of the KM Maxxum 7D and 5D, and the Sony A100. Pentax claims that more than 30 patents have been filed for this system, which uses a ball-bearing-mounted oscillator and four electromagnets to float the image sensor. (Go to www.PopPhoto.com/october2006 for pictures and further details of how this system works.)

When the SR system isn’t activated and the camera is turned on, the CCD locks in place for normal shooting. (Turn off the camera, and you can hear the sensor moving when you shake the camera.) When you press the shutter button, angular velocity sensors analyze vibration and camera movement (up and down, and side to side) and send control signals to the magnets to compensate.

Part of the compensation depends on the focal length of the lens, which the camera automatically acquires from an attached Pentax DA, FA, D FA, FA J, or F lens. For all other lenses you can dial in the focal length from 8 mm to 800mm using a menu panel.

Pentax claims the SR system can give you a 2- to 3.5-stop improvement over no SR. Using the DxO Analyzer 2.0 test target and Blur analysis software, our Certified Lab tests showed an average of 2 stops for shaky shooters and slightly less for photographers with very stable hands shooting slower than the recommended minimum shutter speed (based on 1/focal length).

For example, when shooting with the Pentax 80-200mm f/4-5.6 zoom lens set at 200mm (a 35mm equivalent of 300mm), most photographers could set the camera to 1/80 sec with the SR activated and get the same sharpness as they’d get shooting 1/200 or 1/320 sec with the SR off.

But the results were a bit more erratic than we found when shooting with the older KM Maxxum models and the Sony Alpha 100, and there didn’t seem to be much improvement for shaky shooters when they set the shutter speed to a stop or two faster than the reciprocal value.

Pentax now includes improved versions of its Photo Browser and Photo Laboratory software. The Browser helps you keep track of images and preview RAW files, and it’s also capable of converting RAW images into Adobe’s DRG RAW format. For extensive RAW processing controls and batch processing features, the Photo Laboratory software is a real winner. It includes everything from Curve and Kelvin color temperature adjustments to chromatic aberration and lens distortion corrections. Nice bundle.

We still think the introduction of a new DSLR was a missed opportunity to add an 8MP model to the Pentax stable for improved sharpness and competitive advantage against the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT and Olympus Evolt E-330, but it’s rumored that Pentax will be leap-frogging the 8MP class altogether.

Bottom line? Sony’s new 10.2MP Alpha 100 costs just $180 more than this new $620 Pentax. And for many DSLR newcomers with a little extra to spend, the Sony could prove to be an irresistible upgrade.

Imaging: 6.1MP (effective) CCD sensor captures 6MP images (3008×2000 pixels) with 12 bits/color in RAW mode. Storage: SD cards. Stores JPEG or RAW files. Burst rate: Up to 5 JPEGs at 2.8 fps. AF system: 11 selectable AF zones with red activation lights. Single-shot and continuous AF with fore-aft and across-the-frame tracking. Sensitive down to EV -1 (at ISO 100, f/1.4). Shutter speeds: 1/4000 to 30 sec plus B (1/3 or 1/2-EV increments).

Metering: TTL metering with 16-zone evaluative metering, centerweighted, and spotmetering (approx. 4% of viewfinder). EV 1-21.5 (at ISO 200). ISO range: 200-3200 (in 1-EV increments). Flash: Built-in pop-up unit with P-TTL autoflash, GN 51 (ISO 200, feet), covers 18mm lens FOV. Flash sync at 1/180 sec. Dedicated hot shoe. Viewfinder: Eye-level, fixed Penta-mirror. LCD: 2.5-in. TFT with approx. 210,000-pixel resolution. Output: Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and video. PictBridge compatible. Batteries: Four AA cells (rechargeable optional) or two CRV3 lithiums. Size/weight: 5.1×3.7×3.2 in., 1.48 lb with card and batteries. Street price: $620, body only; $700 with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Pentax DA lens. For info: www.pentax.com.

Equally equipped with an 18-55mm kit lens, similar 6.1MP CCD sensor, and nearly equal image quality ratings up to ISO 1600, the Nikon D50 takes a hit for not including any type of shake reduction. (You have to pay more for VR lenses). The K100D also features ISO settings up to 3200, a larger 2.5-inch LCD, and more AF zones. However, while you’ll be swapping and charging AA batteries on the K100D every hundred shots or so, the Nikon D50 lets you shoot all day (up to 2000 shots) on its rechargeable Li-ion battery. The D50 also has a slightly faster AF system and flash sync speed of 1/500 sec, plus it has more sophisticated control over remote flash units.

As the only other DSLR with a built-in image stabilization system, the A100 is still a direct competitor to the K100D even with its higher price tag. For the extra money, you get a Super SteadyShot system, which works better than the SR system on the K100D, plus higher resolution (avg. 1900 lines) and image quality from the A100’s 10.2MP CCD. It also has a faster AF system with an eye-activated sensor, a 40-segment meter, a slightly sharper 2.5-inch LCD, better remote flash control, and a more robust rechargeable Li-ion battery. However, for now K100D owners can tap into a wider variety of digitally optimized lenses, including those on their way from Samsung.

Closely based on the existing Pentax K100D model which was first launched back in May 2006, the K100D Super has two main changes from its predecessor - both of them inherited from the higher-spec Pentax K10D model. Most significantly, the new camera now supports Pentax"s SDM (or "Supersonic Drive Motor") lenses. SDM lenses offer two main advantages - they"re quieter, and they can potentially focus faster thanks to the higher torque, gearless motors they employ. (The system is similar to those from other manufacturers, such as Canon"s "Ultrasonic Motor" / USM, Nikon"s "Silent Wave Motor" / SWM, and Olympus" "Supersonic Wave Drive" / SWD, amongst others).

Pentax isn"t actually shipping any SDM lenses yet, but the first such models are fast approaching. The Pentax smc DA * 50-135mm F2.8 ED (IF) SDM and smc DA * 16-50mm F2.8 ED/AL (IF) SDM are both expected to ship later next month, with the smc DA * 200mm F2.8 ED (IF) SDM and smc DA * 300mm F4 ED (IF) SDM following from September. If all goes according to plan, Pentax will have a total of five SDM lenses on the market by December, when the smc DA * 60-250mm F4 ED (IF) SDM is expected to arrive at retail. Two other SDM lenses have been announced - the smc DA 35mm SDM and smc DA * 55mm F1.4 SDM - but no release dates have been announced for either model.

The other main change in the Pentax K100D Super is the addition of a dust removal function as seen in the Pentax K10D. As with that camera, the K100D Super uses its Shake Reduction mechanism as part of a two-pronged approach to fighting dust on the image sensor, shaking the sensor assembly at high frequency to free any dust that has stuck to the low-pass filter over the image sensor. An adhesive sheet captures the dust and prevents it returning to the sensor. The other portion of the dust removal function is a vapor-deposited fluorine compound applied to the surface of the low-pass filter, making dust less likely to adhere in the first place.

Other features of the Pentax K100D Super such as the camera body, image sensor, viewfinder, LCD display, storage, connectivity options and etc. are all essentially identical to the existing Pentax K100D model. The addition of SDM lens support and dust removal has added a scant 0.3 - 0.4 of an ounce to the weight of the newer K100D Super variant.

The new rounder, softer appearance to the K100D"s body is certainly more appealing and appears to have become the "family trademark" as it has been repeated with the recently announced K10D. The front of the camera carries some interesting curves, one of which crosses the face of the hand grip which interestingly isn"t just for looks, it matches the increasing width of your fingers in the grip. At the back we have a fairly familiar Pentax digital SLR layout, a simple thumb grip on the right side and a set of controls clustered around the 2.5" LCD. One addition here is obviously the Shake Reduction switch.

The K100D"s body is the now familiar re-enforced ABS plastic but under the skin there is a stainless steel chassis (image below), not that dissimilar to that of the K10D.

Below you can see the K100D beside some new competition, the six megapixel Nikon D40 . As you can see the two cameras are approximately the same height but the D40 is narrower yet maintains a reasonable grip size. As you can see from the table below despite its small dimensions the K100D is one of the more weighty digital SLR"s, this mostly it appears down to the Shake Reduction system (the K110D being 75g lighter).

The K100D has a decent sized hand grip which as mentioned above is shaped nicely to match the natural shape of your hand. The rear thumb grip provides a little extra support and all of the cameras main "shooting" controls are within reach of your thumb and forefinger. The grip itself has a soft rubber coating but this does not extend to the rear of the camera nor is it repeated on the left side.

The K100D features a bright and sharp 2.5" LCD monitor with 210,000 pixels and a wide viewing angle. It also has a wide range of brightness adjustment (-7 to +7) which affects the LCD backlight and gamma of image display. The LCD is covered by a plastic screen but doesn"t feature an anti-reflective coating.

On top of the camera is a large LCD panel which provides a wide range of information about the current camera settings and exposure. The frames remaining display also doubles up to display information such as the exposure compensation setting and "PC" or "Pb" when the camera is connected to a computer or printer (PictBridge). Unlike other digital SLR"s the K100D"s panel does not have a backlight.

We have always highly rated Pentax viewfinders, they tend to provide large bright views thanks to high magnification and frame view. This was primarily due to the use of a Penta-prism, however the K100D uses the cheaper Penta-mirror type where mirrors are used of a prism. That said it"s one of the better Penta-mirror implementations and while magnification is reduced to 0.85x the view (for an "APS size sensor" camera) is still relatively large and bright.

Looking through the eyepiece the first thing you will notice are the AF frame and the spot metering frame. Normally the AF areas are not visible, the image below is simulated to indicate the position of the AF points. You can choose from Auto AF-point selection, manual point selection or center point only.

quote:

Originally posted by MrJackson2000:

quote:

Originally posted by xand:

Consider cost of batteries for the K100D, you almost -must- buy eneloops or equivalent.

i have a k100d also, and i"ve tried the rayovac hybrid"s (same as the eneloops) and imo they suck, atleast for my camera. they were charged maybe 2 weeks before i used them (main set of Duracell 2650mah died after 600 some shots) and they lasted for like 20 pics (with flash)
i do love the camera, it"s very nice imo.

I"m on my third eneloop charge in 3 months, have taken a total of perhaps 800 shots... much better than the battries i was using previously, but perhaps it"s because they were old-ish.

The second charge was responsible for something like 600 of those shots over a 1.5 month period...

In any case, I won"t go back, simply because the charge lasts even without use for so long. Eneloop might be better than rayovac?

--

with the K10D you will be giving up a stop in noise performance as compared to a K100D. Everything else is better though. It"s also not all that expensive.

onecall has a two lens kit (18-55 + 50-200) for 999 or something atm.

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However I would also say that the manager of LCE in Guildford wouldn"t have had to look too far on the web to find out about the K-7, there has been quite a buzz about it

Yes, but he needs to know Pentax is alive and kicking first to even look for it. Shop managers tend to be passive by nature (i.e. the nature of their business is that they wait for people to come to them) and are not as pro-active and keen to be kept abreast as we are as camera and photography enthusiasts. It sounds as though Pentax UK just aren"t on the ball

If his bread and butter is Canon and Nikon and these are the ones who are always in his face he is going to pay attention to them and their promotions and new models. I asked him about the K20D since I wanted (hoped) to be able to compare a few models hands-on and although he wasn"t dismissive he said "they don"t really get much call for them now" and gave me the feeling he wasn"t sure if Pentax was even really "alive and well". That"s the impression he has and surely the one he imparts to his customers, so when someone is looking for a new camera is he going to steer them in the direction of a company he thinks will be around in 5 years or one where he thinks they might not be around?

With such a lot to shout about with the new model and WR lenses now is the time for Pentax to "hit the streets" and build up their profile again. Watching the What Digital Camera video review by Nigel Atherton, he clearly thinks this is a model to be reckoned with and I think it has the potential to make a lot of people sit up and take notice of Pentax as a brand again - which is what I think it is designed to do, but they need to back it up with grass roots level awareness and promotions. FILM - Pentax: LX, K2 - 24/2.8, 40/2.8, 50/1.4, 120/2.8, 80-200/4.5, 28-105mm 2.8 macro, AF 280T

I really think pentax have a promissing camera with the K-7, i read a lot of positieve comments from photographers that have another brand camera so hopefully they jump ship.

Also Canon seems to do his trick again. When the K20D came the 50D was delaid and came out with a sensor with more megapixels. Maybe it was not delaid because they wanted to have more pixels than Pentax but it seems strange though.

Now that the video specs are out of the K-7 and that it has full controll in video mode Canon has brought an update out for the 5D mkII so that it has full control in video mode as well. Not that they did it because Pentax has it but it seems suspicious though surely with the timing

Joking aside I understand where you are coming from, as a matter of fact I visited LCE in Guildford a few years back when I was deciding between an Oly E-510 and K10D. Then they seemed pretty pro each brand, at least the guy I spoke to then was (don"t think he was the manager). Regards Huw

I really think pentax have a promissing camera with the K-7, i read a lot of positieve comments from photographers that have another brand camera so hopefully they jump ship.

Also Canon seems to do his trick again. When the K20D came the 50D was delaid and came out with a sensor with more megapixels. Maybe it was not delaid because they wanted to have more pixels than Pentax but it seems strange though.

Now that the video specs are out of the K-7 and that it has full controll in video mode Canon has brought an update out for the 5D mkII so that it has full control in video mode as well. Not that they did it because Pentax has it but it seems suspicious though surely with the timing

I am not familiar with the K100D but members in this thread said it was a good camera and I should get one as my first DSLR (I have an LX and K2), but can someone explain whether it is worth paying �250+ for a secondhand one when I can get a brand new KM body for about �50 more? Am I being shortsighted? Is it so much better than a KM?

If a used one is �250 plus I am very tempted to buy a brand new K20D for �519 from SRS. What am I missing? FILM - Pentax: LX, K2 - 24/2.8, 40/2.8, 50/1.4, 120/2.8, 80-200/4.5, 28-105mm 2.8 macro, AF 280T

K100D is a good camera I believe but you might better look at the K100D super and up since they can work with the new KAF3 lenses with the K100D you will loose auto-focus with them.

�251 seems a bit high for a K100D surely when camparing how much the K-M is new. I thought that K10D went for a bit more then that price not sure though. The K-M is I believe a better camera most surely in green mode since the K-M is specially designed for beginners in mind.

You might not use most of the K7 to begin with so maybe getting the K20D now and use that for 3 years and when the K8 is out for awhile so reduce in price you can get that one. Of course if you really want liveview, video mode and want to use older lenses (hoping of course for better metering) I would wait for the K7. Stefan

Sorry Stefan this is a language issue. What am I missing? didn"t mean what am I missing from the K7 by buying a K20, it meant "What part of the picture do I not understand when a secondhand camera (K100D Super) which is discontinued and an "inferior" model costs �250 when I can get a brand new top of the line K20d for only �250 more?" Is there somethign I should know that I do not?

(PS IT was a "super") but still it"s an older discontinued model whereas the K20 is current and better specified and not a lot more money relatively. FILM - Pentax: LX, K2 - 24/2.8, 40/2.8, 50/1.4, 120/2.8, 80-200/4.5, 28-105mm 2.8 macro, AF 280T

Probable the ask for them keep the price high, maybe when the K200D and K20D come more in the secondhand market the price of the K100D super will drop.

The K100D super is of course the second newest serie of Pentax with only the K-M and K200D newer as that so in the secondhand market it belongs to one of the newest serrie. Stefan

According to SRS the only models which are current are the KM, K20D and now the K7 - all others are discontinued FILM - Pentax: LX, K2 - 24/2.8, 40/2.8, 50/1.4, 120/2.8, 80-200/4.5, 28-105mm 2.8 macro, AF 280T

According to SRS (As of about 2 weeks ago) they discontinued the K200D because there was too much overlap with the newer KM. But even then, looking at prices on eBay it makes me think the K20D at �519 for the body at SRS is a hell of deal, and from the looks of it Pentax bodies don"t lose much value. You could probably sell it next year for as much as you pay for it now and then upgrade to the K7 if you wish

Pentax is seen as an "amateur" brand, even though the products are excellent. Unless Pentax/Hoya/Samsung threw billions into product development and advertising they would never have the image (in the UK) that Canon, Nikon and even Sony have.

The odd thing for me is how much I like it! When you see a Nikon or Canon user, you assume (sometimes wrongly) that they wandered into Jessops and bought the first thing they saw. When you see a Pentax user, you know this is a "real" photographer and you immediately have a bond.

On the original subject, I bought the K10D when it came out (overpriced) and I will buy the K7 when it comes out (overpriced). And then I"ll probably skip a model or two again. I hate buying the "previous" model. Which is pathetic, I know!

But at the risk of starting some mad specualtion, where does that leave us in model terms? The current order is K7, K20D, Km. If the K20D is effectively replaced, is the gap above the K7 or below, ie are we getting a higher or lower spec model in another year?