Latest – Pentax K100D Reviews at IT Reviews (added 17 July ‘07)
Main Pentax K100D Features Include:
- 6.1 megapixel
- ISO 3200
- 2.5 inch LCD
- 16-segment multi-pattern metering
- 11-point auto focus
Pentax’s K100D Review Roundup includes summaries from all main digital camera expert reviewers as they become available, company specification sheet, owners manual, Digital Camera Tracker’s unique reviewers opinion thermometer, and sample photos taken with the Pentax K100D.
| Latest Review Update – 17.07.07
Pentax K100D Reviews – (updated 17 July ‘07)
| IT Reviews |
 |
| Blog Critics |
|
| Digital Camera Info |
|
| Photography Review |
|
| Megapixel |
 |
| PopPhoto Guest Review |
|
| MacWorld |
|
| DPExpert |
|
| DigiCamReview |
|
| TrustedReviews |
|
| DPReview |
|
| PCWorld |
 |
| Pocket-lint |
|
| BusinessWeekOnline |
|
| LetsGoDigital |
|
| HardwareZone |
|
| Computer Active |
|
| Shutterbug |
|
| DPExpert |
|
| Steve’s Digicams |
|
| PopPhoto |
 |
| DCResource |
|
| Imaging Resource |
|
| Luminous Landscape |
|
| Digital Camera Review |
|
| Ephotozine |
|
 |
IT Reviews – 7/17/2007 – has tested the Pentax K100D and writes, “An affordable, solidly built and versatile digital SLR with a host of improved features over the previous ‘*ist’ series, resulting in outstanding picture quality and shake reduction.”
Blog Critics – 5/11/2007 – has reviewed the Pentax K100D and writes,”As I mentioned at the beginning of the review, I was pleasantly surprised by the K100D. The camera is a perfect entry into the DSLR market, and one that can be easily built on. The use of the KA-Mount lenses is a good idea, these can be used then on more expensive and professional bodies at a later date, so long as you stick with the Pentax brand.
I cannot recommend this camera highly enough for those looking to buy their first DSLR, it is a well built, reliable camera from a large and trusted manufacturer.â€
Digital Camera Info – 5/11/2007 – reviews the Pentax K100D and writes, “The Pentax K100D is just what an entry-level DSLR should be – simple to use and functional enough to take good pictures. Pentax deserves praise for putting such a good autofocus system in an inexpensive camera. The combination of the autofocus system and Shake Reduction system will increase the percentage of sharp shots for many users. The 3-zone autofocus systems in the Nikon D40 and Olympus’s DSLRs look pathetic in comparison, and their performance bears out that impression. The K100D does have its flaws – its resolution performance is poor, and its white balance system is limited – but aren’t likely to be a problem for the typical user.”
Photography Review – 2/28/2007 – runs the the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D through its paces and writes, ” For me, the most compelling features of the K10D are its unique exposure modes. These new modes enable you to choose the priority of the camera’s automation based on your shooting style and situational requirements. These subtle changes to the basic camera controls offer flexibility that may result in faster, more confident shooting.
Overall, the Pentax K10D has a compelling feature list and competitive specs. With so much going for it, the K10D draws inevitable comparisons to other cameras in its class. It’s tempting to obsess over what the K10D lacks versus its competition. And indeed, despite all its virtues the K10D is not a Canon or Nikon-killer. In some ways, I think that kind of comparison misses the point: For many serious photographers, pro and amateur alike, the K10D stands on its own as a well-rounded photographic tool that can be used for many types and styles of photography. While some may take issue with the K10D’s image quality, other photographers may not be as trapped by the endless pixel obsession cycle (see Ken Rockwell’s “measurbators”). And finally, Pentax has begun to expand its lens arsenal, with dedicated primes that set it apart from other manufacturer’s systems.”
Megapixel – 2/23/2007 – reviews the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D and writes, ” No RAW+ JPEG format – No light for top mounted LCD panel – Occasionally confusing menu options – Supplied with alkaline batteries.”
PopPhoto – 2/16/2007 – has a guest review of the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D and they write, “What pleases me the most about the images from this camera is it’s very low noise. It seems as though the camera doesn’t have to apply much noise reduction or sharpening. This leaves pictures which are detailed and natural. Compared to say a 10mp Olympus I’d take the Pentax every time.”
MacWorld – 1/30/2007 – reviews the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D and writes “Because of its 6.1-megapixel sensor, you won’t be able to enlarge the K100D’s images as much as you could with a higher resolution camera, but for users who want a DSLR, and all of the flexibility that it provides, the K100D is a great entry-level camera at an unmatched price. Pentax’s extensive lens selection is made more attractive by the camera’s effective vibration reduction, while the camera’s interface and design make for a comfortable shoot. If you want a full-featured SLR with fairly advanced features, it’s hard to beat the price and performance of the K100D.”
DPExpert – 1/26/2007 – reviews the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D and writes “The Pentax K10D is a brilliant camera. At the price it is a world-beater. It will be interesting to see how it goes in the market place where, paradoxically, its low price may count against it. Can a $1900 camera/lens combination compete with a similarly specified camera selling for $3000? Yes, it can. It is as though Pentax has returned to its origins when the company produced affordable, reliable, pioneering SLRs with outstanding lenses. Most serious amateurs have a Pentax in their past and the K10D will bring a nostalgic smile of recognition.”
DigiCamReview – 12/15/2006 – reviews the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D and write – “The Pentax K100D Digital SLR is a great digital camera. It feels very comfortable in hand, and produces very natural pictures with little noise and rich pleasing colours. This camera is very easy to use (in auto mode), and would definitely suit a beginner. The camera offers good battery life, with very good controls and good build quality. The addition of Shake Reduction through an anti-shake CCD sensor means more photos are likely to come out blur free – image stabilisation is an excellent feature to have and is especially useful indoors in low light. Professional photographers might want to compare the camera with other DSLR cameras before purchase, as some may find the camera’s features and options slightly limiting. The K100D with kit lens is available for around £369 making this camera excellent value for money and definitely one of the best budget Digital SLRs available today!”
TrustedReviews – 12/15/2006 – reviews the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D and write – “It may be the cheapest DSLR on the market, but the Pentax K100D isn’t short of advanced features, performance or image quality, and can comfortably hold its own against the Nikon D40. Build quality, design and handling are all superb, and the Shake Reduction system is as good as any on the market. If you’re looking for a good entry-level DSLR with the option to build up a kit, then look no further.”
DPReview – 12/3/2006 – reviews the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D and write – “The clear step forward in image processing and the addition of Shake Reduction are enough to tip the K100D into our Highly Recommended category, this is the camera the *ist DS should have been and is a refreshing change from another strong Canon or Nikon.”
PCWorld – 11/20/2006 – reviews the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D and write – “The K100D is a great entry-level SLR camera, with an unmatched price. Pentax offers an extensive array of lenses to buy separately, and the camera’s interface and design make for a comfortable shoot. If you want a full-featured SLR with fairly advanced features, it’s hard to beat the price and performance of the K100D.”
Pocket-lint – 11/13/2006 – reviews the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D and write – “The K100D is a well-specified little D-SLR that looks like a mid-range model in specification terms but priced to fit the budget end of the market.”
BusinessWeekOnline – 11/11/2006 – reviews the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D and write – “Battery issues aside, the K100D is a step up from most high-end digital compact cameras. It takes clear pictures, has plenty of features, and the shutter speed is fast enough to eliminate the awkward poses caused by click delays. How do I know? I got a friend to take my picture—and both my eyes are smiling.”
LetsGoDigital – 10/28/2006 – reviews the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D and write – “The true power of the Pentax K100D lies in the image quality, which is -after all- the most important aspect of the camera. We should point out that with its 6 Megapixels, the K100D does trail slightly behind on the competition. Then again, does that really matter? The 6 Megapixels easily suffice to make an A3 size print, especially with the quality the Pentax K100D has to offer. Both the colour rendition and the sharpness prove excellent.”
HardwareZone – 10/18/2006 – reviews the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D and write – “During our testing, we were pleased with what it could deliver. In fact, it has performed beyond our expectations for a DSLR that only costs US$700. Noise (grains) were well suppressed up to ISO 800 and its color reproduction was around *88% accurate when compared against the ColorChecker, though Red was slightly saturated. Most of the photos we took didn’t encounter photo blurs and that is mostly because of its effective SR feature, essential to have when you do not have a tripod with you for those ‘in the moment’ shoots.”
Computer Active – 10/18/2006 – reviews the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D and write – “There’s no discernible shutter delay or wait between one full resolution image being saved and the camera being ready to take the next. Images are sharp and vividly colourful, noise only really intruding beyond ISO800 (though ISO1600 is still usable) with the camera erring on the side of underexposure if anything. With anti-shake on, we were also able to get some crisp close-up shots.”
Shutterbug – 10/4/2006 – reviews the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D and write – “Although the Pentax K100D bears a family resemblance to the *ist DL there are major differences between them. The most obvious is built-in (to the body) Shake Reduction, Auto ISO with speeds up to 3200, 11-point AF, Scene modes, and a wider angle of view (140Þ) of the 2.5†LCD preview screen. There are also minor improvements such as the removal of the annoying latch button that you had to press to open the door to the memory card slot. Canon may think that feature is needed on pro cameras, such as the EOS-1D Mark II N, but I’m glad it’s missing from Pentax K100D-series cameras.”
DPExpert – 10/4/2006 – reviews the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D and write – “The Pentax is a brilliant camera. This is not just a value-for-money judgement — if it cost $600 more it would still be highly recommended. If you have any auto-focus Pentax lenses, or if you have more sense than money, you must look at this camera. We didn’t want to send it back.”
Steve’s Digicams – 9/13/2006 – reviews the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D and write – “While it’s true that the K100D’s 6-megapixel resolution lags that of entry-level models by competing manufacturers, the addition of Shake Reduction to a set of mature and useful camera features makes for an attractive consumer dSLR. With an under-$700 MSRP and street price hovering around $600 with 18-55mm kit lens, the SR-equipped K100D is a very good value. With a price point that overlaps into consumer digicam territory, the K100D offers a compelling choice to upgraders, providing dSLR versatility, Shake Reduction and high ISO image quality in a lightweight and compact package. Point-n-shoot upgraders can make the jump to a dSLR without a steep learning curve thanks to the array of automatic and scene modes, while learning how to use the camera’s more advanced shooting modes and features at their own pace.”
PopPhoto – 9/12/2006 – has reviewed the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D and write – “Sony’s new 10.2MP Alpha 100 costs just $180 more than this new Pentax K100D. And for many DSLR newcomers with a little extra to spend, the Sony could prove to be an irresistible upgrade.”
DCResource – 8/31/2006 – has reviewed the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K110D and write – “With a street price of a little over $600 (with the kit lens), the Pentax K100D is quite a bargain. It doesn’t have the resolution of most of the competition, but it offers solid build quality, great photo quality, and image stabilization for not much money. If you’ve got a Pentax lens collection this camera is a no-brainer, and if you’re buying your first D-SLR then it’s also worth a look. The only people to whom I’d say “stay away!” would be those who take a lot of fast action shots, as the buffer memory fills up way too quickly.”
Imaging Resource – 8-29-2006 – has reviewed the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K110D and thought it was enjoyable to use – “My only other bugaboo with the K100D was its often slow and indecisive AF in low light. Low light means typical room lighting indoors. I’ve never seen a camera play for so long to finally lock focus. Pop up the flash as AF assist, and things speed back up. Just an FYI, not a deal killer; though if you’re doing a lot of toddler photography, get a flash.”
Luminous Landscape – 8/28/2006 – has reviewed the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K110D and don’t have any serious concerns, the K100D has a few minor warts, but nothing genuinely significant for its target audience – “So the upshot of my brief experience with the camera, and my appraisal of its situation in the current market, is that it tags along behind the Canikon category leaders offering – quite fairly – less for less, but, when called upon to compete head-to-head, it slaps its only direct competitor, the D50, smartly upside the head with its bargain anti-shake.”
Digital Camera Review – 8/27/2006 – has reviewed the Pentax K110D and don’t have any serious concerns, the K100D has a few minor warts, but nothing genuinely significant for its target audience – “Serious amateur shooters may have a few issues, but family snap-shooters, P&S digicam users just making the jump to a dSLR, student photographers, casual shutterbugs, and old timers with a collection of Pentax glass will appreciate the K100D’s reasonable price, robust construction, operational simplicity, use of available anywhere AA batteries, image stabilization, and solid performance. Institutions that teach basic photography should very seriously consider the K100D since no currently available dSLR offers a better balance of features and capabilities and compatibility with thousands of KAF, KA, K, S (M42), and Pentax Medium Format optics. The K100D may actually be a more practical and useful imaging tool than its illustrious predecessor. Shooters who don’t need image stabilization can opt for the Pentax K110D (which is identical to the K100D — minus IS) and save a hundred bucks.”
Ephotozine – 07/27/2006 – has reviewed the Pentax K110D and they write – “If you’re looking for your first digital SLR, the Pentax K100D is well worth a look. The Shake Reduction, easy controls SD card compatibility and lightweight design make this camera ideal for those looking for a step up from a compact digicam. Photographers who travel will also appreciate these features, as well as the ability to use AA batteries. Existing Pentax SLR owners may also wish to upgrade, whether it is from a film or earlier digital SLR.”
Pentax today announced the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D. The ‘K’ model name not only reflects the classic legacy of Pentax cameras, but designates reverse compatibility with Pentax K-mount lenses.
Pentax K100D Sample Photos
[Sample Photos at Digital Camera Info]
[Sample Photos at Megapixel]
[Sample Photos at DPExpert]
[Sample Photos at DigiCamReview]
[Sample Photos at TrustedReviews]
[Sample Photos at DPReview]
[Sample Photos at Pocket-lint]
[Sample Photos at Flickr]
[Sample Photos at Shutterbug]
[Sample Photos at DPExpert]
[Sample Photos at Steve's Digicams]
Pentax K100D Spec Sheet
[Pentax K100D Spec Sheet at Pentax]
Pentax K100D Owners Manual
Pentax K100D Initial Press Release
The flagship Pentax K100D has plenty of manual control. The camera’s Savox VIII auto focus system has 11 sensor points across the frame to keep subjects in sharp focus. The shutter can flip as fast as 1/4000th of a second and can open for any amount of time with the bulb setting. The K100D has a burst mode that can shoot 2.8 frames per second for up to 5 pictures at a time. With an ISO range extending to 3200 and a noise reduction system, this camera is optimized for low light photography. Shooting in RAW and 3 compressions of JPEG, the Pentax K100D has Natural and Bright color modes that act similarly to different types of film.
Pages: 1 2
Latest Pricing at Amazon
