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The new Pentax K200D uses the imaging technology of the Pentax K10D. In addition to a 10.1MP sensor, the K200D has a weather-sealed and dust-resistant body, unusual for a camera in this price range, plus a shake reduction (image stabilization) system built into the camera body. The K200D uses SD/SDHC memory cards. The ISO range is 100-1600 (adjustable in 1/3 EV steps).
The Pentax K200D uses 4 AA batteries rather than a custom Li-ion cell. 4 Lithium AA (non-rechargeable) batteries are supplied with the camera. NiMH rechargeable cells can be used, but are not supplied. An AC power supply is available.
The Pentax K200D is expected to start shipping in April 2008 and is available for pre-order from amazon.com in the following options:
The information below was provided by Pentax:
With an easy-to-use interface housed in a compact body, the new PENTAX K200D contains all the advanced imaging technology of the award winning K10D and is designed for users who may be unfamiliar with DSLR cameras but want a camera that will allow them to grow as they learn about photography. With 10.2 megapixels and a 2.7 inch wide view LCD, this model features many of the award winning advancements of the PENTAX Series including:
“Our unique approach to building PENTAX DLSR equipment allows each customer to be confident in their camera choice whether they are just learning about photography or they are a more advanced photo enthusiast,” said Ned Bunnell, president, PENTAX Imaging Company.
“The K20D builds on the technology of the award winning K10D and is ideal for the advanced photographer seeking maximum resolution from their camera as well as complete control over how the camera captures images. The K200D offers an easy-to-use interface while incorporating advanced imaging technology from the award winning K10D. This K200D will grow with an amateur photographer's skill as they learn more about their hobby by offering more features than what is found in entry level models,” added Bunnell.
The K200D combines a large, high-performance 23.5mm x 15.7mm CCD image sensor with the sophisticated PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) as its imaging engine. With its approximately 10.2 effective megapixels, the K200D produces beautiful, fine-detailed images with subtle gradations and texture.
The K200D is equipped with the PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction mechanism, which reduces camera shake for sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions, such as shooting with a telephoto lens, shooting in low light conditions or at night without supplementary flash illumination, or using extended exposures for sunset scenes. This innovative mechanism offers outstanding compensation equivalent to approximately 2.5 to 4 shutter-speed steps. In addition, the lighter image sensor unit and refined data-control algorithm offer improved image stabilization over previous models. PENTAX Shake Reduction is compatible with existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses.*
* Lenses compatible with this mechanism are: PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF- and KAF2-mount lenses, screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be applicable with certain lenses.
The PENTAX-developed Auto Picture mode automatically sets the most appropriate shooting mode (such as Portrait, Landscape and Macro) for a given subject or situation. Since the K200D not only sets an aperture and a shutter speed, but also adjusts white-balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness levels, the photographer can concentrate on image composition and shutter opportunity. The K200D also offers eight Scene modes for easy shooting. This include fun options such as sunset, food, pet, and museum modes.
The K200D features a large 2.7 inch color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots* resolution. The LCD's wide-view design allows the photographer to check the monitor image from approximately 160 degrees both vertically and horizontally making image sharing immediately after capture easy. It even offers digital zooming of playback images up to 20 times for easy confirmation of focus.
* One dot equals 3 pixels.
The K200D features an extremely reliable water-resistant, dust-proof construction, with special seals applied to 60 different parts of the camera body, including the shutter release button and switches/levers/dials. This dependable body makes it possible to use the K200D in the rain or dusty locations without worries.
The K200D's advanced SAFOX VIII autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors) to automatically focus on the subject with utmost precision, even when it is positioned off center. When the subject is captured in focus, the in-focus sensor point is automatically superimposed in red in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation.
The K200D is equipped with a new Custom Image function that lets the user select one of the six modes and adjust an image's processing to their preference by automatically adjusting tone, saturation, contrast, and sharpness. These modes include Natural, Bright, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, and B&W image modes. The photographer can make further fine-tuned adjustments to each setting. The effect on each of the primary colors is shown in a radar-type display on the LCD panel. The user can easily see the effect of their adjustments by using the digital preview option.
The K200D features the user-friendly Dust Removal system to prevent dust from sticking to the surface of the CMOS image sensor (or low-pass filter). The PENTAX-original Super Protect (SP) coating, applied to the image sensor surface through vapor deposition of a fluorine compound, effectively prevents dust from sticking to the surface. In the next step, dust that may remain on the surface will be shaken off when the system shifts the image sensor at high speed. Finally, the dust that is shaken off the image sensor falls onto an adhesive strip positioned at the bottom of the unit, eliminating any possibility of the dust returning to the image sensor surface. This upgraded Dust Reduction system also offers a new Dust Alert function, which shows the user exactly where dust may be sticking to the sensor surface.
The K200D's auto sensitivity control function automatically sets the optimum sensitivity up to ISO 1600, based on such data as the subject's brightness level and lens focal length. Since this function allows the user to use faster shutter speeds in poor lighting situations (such as indoor sports events and night scenes), this feature helps photographers effectively reduce camera shake and prevent blurred images. For specialized applications, sensitivity may be set manually from ISO 100 to ISO 1600.
Combining a lightweight penta-mirror prism with PENTAX-original finder optics and the acclaimed Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen, the K200D's viewfinder delivers a large, bright image with an approximately 96-percent field of view and an approximately 0.85-times magnification.
Along with this model, PENTAX developed a new battery grip as an optional accessory for exclusive use with the PENTAX K200D. Combined with the camera body batteries, this grip extends battery life and captures a larger number of images without battery changes. With an extra shutter-release button, preview lever and AE-lock button, the grip makes vertical-position shooting simple and effortless. The battery grip also features the same reliable dust-proof, water-resistant construction as the K200D camera body.
Mike King , February 11, 2008; 11:44 P.M.
Phil Merrin , February 13, 2008; 04:01 A.M.
Ryan Watts , February 27, 2008; 07:50 P.M.
ATANAS SARTMADJIEV , February 28, 2008; 01:36 A.M.
Vincent Syrek , February 28, 2008; 06:03 P.M.
Taylor L. , March 03, 2008; 05:28 P.M.
Junce Martin , March 05, 2008; 12:00 P.M.
Felix Grant 
, March 13, 2008; 01:28 P.M.
