Camera Test: Pentax K100D

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What's Hot
• Built-in Shake Reduction works with all Pentax-compatible lenses.
• Improved image quality and AF system.
• Excellent RAW converter.

What's Not
• 6.1MP at a price competing with 8MPs.
• Just 70 shots with alkaline batteries.

Who's This For?
• Photographers on a budget looking for their first DSLR.
• Current Pentax 35mm SLR owners with a bag of Pentax lenses.
Vital Statistics
Imaging: 6.1MP (effective) CCD sensor captures 6MP images (3008x2000 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: 5.1x3.7x3.2 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.

Viewfinder Accuracy: 96% (Excellent)
Viewfinder Magnification: 0.85X (Excellent)
RAW Software

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