Product Description

User-friendly DSLR - full-featured, yet affordable! Now PENTAX brings the advanced innovation of higher-end digital SLRs to the affordable K100D Super. Building on PENTAX developed Shake Reduction, PENTAX adds an original Dust Removal system to help keep the CCD surface dust-free and full compatibility with SDM lenses. With the arrival of the K100D Super, PENTAX raises the bar and delivers a full-featured and technologically advanced SLR at a very reasonable price. Auto Sensitivity equivalent to ISO 200 to 3200 Auto Picture Mode and Scene Modes 2.5 inch LCD monitor viewable from a wide angle 16-segment multi-pattern metering Ultra-compact stainless-steel chassis and fiber reinforced polycarbonate housing Penta-mirror viewfinder with 0.85X magnification and 96 percent field of view Top shutter speed of 1/4000, 1/180 second flash sync. and bulb setting 2.8 frames/sec capture rate Built-in Flash - Type - Retractable P-TTL auto-popup flash; Guide number - 15.6 (200/m); Coverage - 28mm (35mm equiv); Flash modes - Auto, Manual, Auto w/ Redeye, Manual w/ Redeye; Flash exposure compensation - +/- 2 EV (in 1/2 steps) / External Flash - Type - P-TTL (high speed sync, wireless P-TTL available w/ Pentax dedicated flash units); Synchronization speed - 1/180s Storage Media - Internal memory - n/a; Removable memory - SD or SDHC Capture Modes - Mode selection - Auto Picture Mode, Picture Mode (Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night Scene Portrait, Flash Off), Scene Mode (Night Scene, Surf & Snow, Text, Sunset, Kids, Pet, Candlelight, Museum), Program AE Interfaces - Ports - USB 2.0 hi-speed, video out, DC input, cable switch; Video out - NTSC, PAL; Printer interfaces - PictBridge Power Supply - Power source - CR-V3 (2x), AA (4x lithium, alkaline, NiMH rechargeable); Recordable images - Approx 730 (630 with 50% flash use); Playback time - Approx 700 minutes; AC adapter available - YES,

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #16432 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Pentax
• Model: 19157
• Dimensions: 2.80" h x 3.60" w x 5.10" l, 1.43 pounds
• Memory: 0KB
• Display size: 2.5

Features

• 6.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
• Kit includes smc P-DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 lens
• 2.5-inch LCD display; dust-removal system keeps CCD dust free
• 11-point wide-frame AF; auto sensitivity control up to ISO equivalent of 3200
• Powered by 2 CR-V3 lithium batteries or 4 AA-size batteries (4 alkaline batteries included); stores images on SD memory cards (not included)

From the Manufacturer
The K100D Super is equipped with the Pentax-original Shake Reduction (SR) system to reduce camera shake for sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions such as when using a telephoto lens or when shooting in low light without a flash. The SR mechanism is designed to minimize camera shake by oscillating the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed using magnetic force, while adjusting the speed of oscillation in proportion to the amount of camera shake detected by a built-in sensor. As a result, the K100D Super gives the equivalent to approximately 2 to 3.5 shutter steps of compensation. Since this versatile system is compatible with all existing Pentax interchangeable SLR lenses, it does not require special anti-shake lenses equipped with add-on optics or devices. (The K100D is compatible with K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2-mount lenses without an adapter, and screw-mount, 645-system and 67-system lenses with an adapter. Available functions may be limited with certain lenses.)

Dust Removal System for Spotless Images
The K100D Super features the Pentax original Dust Removal (DR) system to prevent dust from sticking to the surface of the low-pass filter in front of CCD image sensor. Through a vapor deposition process, a fluorine compound is applied to the surface of the low-pass filter. This Pentax-original Super Protect (SP) coating effectively prevents dust and stains from sticking to the surface. Any remaining surface dust falls off when the SR system shifts the CCD at high speed. The dust lands on an adhesive sheet positioned at the bottom of the SR unit, eliminating any possibility of it returning to the CCD surface.

Includes smc P-DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens
The Pentax smc P-DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 is recommended for use with digital cameras. Ideal for beginners, it provides a focal length covering a wide to moderate wide-angle range. Like all Pentax lenses, the smc P-DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 zoom lens is treated with Pentax's acclaimed smc coating for maximum light transmission, sharp definition, and high contrast while minimizing flare and ghost imaging.

Compatibility with SDM System for Smoother, Quieter Autofocus Operation
The K100D Super's camera body is compatible with a new SDM system, which assures smoother, quieter autofocusing operation using a built in supersonic motor. When a lens equipped with the SDM system is mounted on the Pentax K100D Super camera body, the focus mode is automatically switched to SDM-assisted autofocusing.

Auto Sensitivity Control up to ISO Equivalent of 3200
The K100D Super features an Auto Sensitivity Control function that automatically sets the optimum sensitivity up to ISO equivalent of 3200 (the highest automatic setting in its class) based on such data as the subject's brightness level and the lens focal length. Since this function allows the use of higher shutter speeds in poor lighting situations (such as indoor sports events and night scenes), photographers can effectively prevent blurred images. Users may also manually preprogram a desired level, from ISO 200 to the super-high sensitivity of the ISO 3200.

Auto Picture Mode for Effortless Point-and-Shoot SLR Photography
The Pentax-original Auto Picture mode automatically and instantly selects one of five Picture modes (including Portrait, Landscape, and Macro) to create the most appropriate visual effect for a given subject. While the camera sets all primary parameters (including shutter speed, aperture, white balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness), the photographer may concentrate on picture composition and shutter opportunity.

11-Point Wide-Frame AF to Capture Off-Center Subjects in Crisp Focus
The K100D Super's sophisticated SAFOX VIII autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors in the middle) to automatically focus on the subject with utmost precision, even when it is positioned off center. The in-focus sensor point is automatically superimposed in red in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation.

Large LCD Monitor to Facilitate Image Viewing and Menu Setting
The K100D Super features a large 2.5-inch color LCD monitor on its back panel. Its wide-view design allows the photographer to check the monitor image over 140 degrees vertically and horizontally, ensuring effortless image viewing even from a diagonal position. It provides 210,000 pixels for high-resolution image viewing, with a zoom display function that lets users magnify and image up to 12 times for easy confirmation of the focus status and the subject's expressions. The large monitor size allows for large letters, digits, and icons on the menu screens to facilitate menu confirmation and camera operations.

Bright, Clear Viewfinder
The K100D Super features a lightweight penta-mirror viewfinder, which combines Pentax-original finder optics with a Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen to deliver a bright, clear subject image with a 0.85-times magnification and a 96-percent field of view.

True-to-Life, Rich-Gradation Images Assured by 6.1 Effective Megapixels
The K100D features a large, high-performance 23.5mm x 15.7mm CCD. By combining 6.1 effective megapixels with a high-performance imaging engine and advanced image-processing technologies, the K100D Super is designed to produce beautiful, true-to-life images that are rich in color gradation. The K100D Super offers a choice of two finishing touches of "Natural" or "Bright" to create a distinctive atmosphere.

Compatibility with High-Quality, High-Capacity SDHC Memory Card
The K100D Super accepts not only the conventional SD memory card as its storage media, but also the newly standardized SDHC card, which allows users to store higher numbers of large data files, such as RAW-format images.

Compact, Lightweight Body with Optimum Holding Comfort
The K100D Super has been designed to be compact and lightweight for easy carrying and enhanced maneuverability with an easy-to-hold grip to assure a stable shooting position.

Other features:

• 19 custom functions to personalize camera operations
• Consecutive shooting of up to five frames at the speed of approximately 2.8 frames per second (at BEST image quality in JPEG format)
• Eight distinctive Scene modes to accommodate specific subjects/applications
• Choice of two preview functions (digital/optical)
• Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
• Noise-reduction mechanism to reduce digital noise during extended exposures
• Dual power source (two CR-V3 lithium batteries or four AA-size batteries)
• USB 2.0 (HI-SPEED) compatibility for speedy data transfer to PC
• Five digital filters (Black-and-White, Sepia, Slim, Soft, and Brightness) for easy editing of recorded images
• Pentax Photo Laboratory 3 RAW data and image processing software and Pentax Photo Browser 3 image browser software included on the accompanying CD-ROM
• Compatibility with PictBridge, DPOF, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching formats

What's in the Box
Pentax K100D Super body, smc P-DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 lens, lens hood PH-RBA 52mm 38741, lens cap F 52mm 31515, USB cable I-USB17, video cable I-VC28, strap O-ST53, hotshoe cover FK, eyecup FO, body mount cover, finder cap ME, AA alkaline batteries (x 4), software CD-ROM

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Customer Reviews

This is a GLC!
This camera is cheap, fairly light, and produces great JPG right out of the camera. I love the SR feature and would not buy another camera without this feature! I can use up to ISO 1600 and get fairly good low noise shots. I would avoid ISO 3200, but it is good to know that it is there if I really need it.

DO NOT MISS BUYING THIS CAMERA !!!!!
DO NOT MISS THIS CAMERA!!!

Several weeks ago, I purchased the Pentax K100D Super here on Amazon, after doing lots of research here and on other sites. I have been a somewhat serious amateur for 20 years or more, my last SLR being a Pentax Super Program. I also have been using an Olympus point & shoot digital camera, only 1.3 megapixels. It was time to upgrade!

There were several reasons I went with the K100D Super.

1. It is one of the few SLR digitals that uses AA rechargeable batteries. BTW, I use only the new Nimh that hold their charge seemingly forever. They work great.

2. It was compatible with the whole bag of Pentax lenses I bought 20 years ago! This saved me hundreds of dollars!

3. It has been out of production for 2 years, so this was maybe the last chance! Ebay only had 2, both used models.

4. It has a dust removal system, which several techie friends said I wanted.

5. It has the shake reduction system in the camera, instead of the lenses, like some other top brands. This is what allows you to have shake reduction with your old lenses.

So how do I like it, after several days of intense shooting in different conditions? Here is a list of things I like, in no particular order.

1. It uses all my old lenses, although the auto focus does not function with them. It does, however, not allow you to shoot unless the lens is totally focused.

2. One quick trip through the manual and I was able to find all the options on my own. There is a nice bright, large LCD screen on the back that shows all the info. When you review pictures you have
taken, you can see them full screen, or up in the corner, with the rest of the screen filled with all the settings that were in effect for the photo. There a several options for info display as well.

3. After talking to people who are using cameras that cost $2,000, I found that the top ISO setting is larger than theirs. It goes to 3200. If you do any inside shooting without flash, make sure the camera is set to be able to reach all the way to 3200.

4. Top shutter speed is 1/4000th of a second.

5. An available option is a great lens, 18-55 zoom. Don't miss this one!

6. I am using a 4gig SD card. At the lowest settings of pixels and quality, you can get almost 9,000 pictures on the card! At middle quality, you still get a couple thousand on a 4gig card.

7. If you have been using a point & shoot digital and are switching to SLR, you won't believe how fast you can shoot pictures. Pretty much as fast as you press the button.

8. I love the USB cord for transferring pictures to my computer. Using Windows XP, I didn't do anything but plug in. The computer set itself up for my camera and I just used a photo viewer I always use to move photos around, to transfer them into the computer.

9. One set of alkaline batteries that came with the camera wore out while I was just learning the camera. The rechargeable Nimh hybrids lasted all day, in fact I probably shot 400 or 500 photos, left it on much of the day, and the gauge still showed a full charge. 2 sets of these batteries are about all you would ever need.

10. I tried shooting outside in the dark with just lights in the neighborhood and the results were great, using the night shot setting.

11. This camera was envied all weekend by people who had higher priced digital SLRs. Takes great photos, gives you whatever amount of help you need, and lets you control whatever you want to. Even if you have never used an SLR of any type, don't miss this camera.

Possible cons -

1. The lens that comes with the camera on amazon has 5.6 or 4 as its widest aperture. That is one reason you have to use 3200 ISO inside without flash. I have a 55mm 1.4 lens that works great.

2. Make sure you start by setting the Sharpness option as high as it goes. The default isn't the best.

3. The metal loops that hold the straps are mounted vertically, when they should be horizontal. The way they are, when you wear it around your neck, the camera lens tends to point out, not down, even with a heavy telephoto lens attached. This makes it more likely to get damage on the lens or just bang it into people in a crowd. DO NOT NEGLECT TO BUY A SKYLIGHT 1B FILTER TO PROTECT THE LENS.

4. With a telephoto lens, this camera is heavy. But that does help to lessen shaking.

5. The auto white balance is still not too realistic inside with some types of light. When I set the balance manually, it was beautiful, the colors almost exactly what I saw with my eyes.

Hints -

1. Make sure to buy the big Canon camera bag, if you have 3 or more lenses and other gadgets like chargers. Otherwise you will have to go to camera stores and pay top dollar. Walmart, Target, even
big box electronics stores tend not to have nice big camera bags. I would also recommend buying a small bag that only holds the camera and a small lens, for when you want to just grab it and go. The big Canon bag is HEAVY when loaded, and you have to keep something that big with you at all times because people know what is in it!


SUMMING UP -

If you have some old Pentax lenses you like, and you like the Pentax brand, don't miss this camera!!!!!!!!!

Great place to start digital SLR photography
For more than 30 years I have been shooting photographs with Pentax equipment. First the K1000 then a Pentax MX 35mm film camera. Now my first serious entry into making digital pictures this K100D super. The two deciding factors for me were the size of the sensor and the ability to use my old Pentax lenses. I am very pleased with quality of the photos and the quality of this camera. Plus is was relatively easy on my pocket book. If you are looking for a durable quality digital camera, you can't go wrong with this one.