Camera Test: Pentax K100D

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1) Nikon D50
($550, street, body only; $700 with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DX Zoom-Nikkor lens)
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.

2) Sony Alpha 100
($899, street, body only; $999 with Sony Zoom DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 kit lens)
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.

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