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Home > Pentax > K200D Digital Camera

Pentax K200D

Hey! You should know that this product has been discontinued. Here are our current recommended cameras in the Point and Shoot Digital Cameras category.

Pentax K200D

We've given the K200D a grade of C.

Editor's Review

User comments

User Reviews

Editor's Review

Pentax has replaced this with the K-x model. Here's what we had to say about the K200D when it was released in January 2008:

The Pentax K200D is a good entry level digital SLR. 10.2-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for poster-sized prints, while Custom Image functions allow for an incredible degree of control. A 2.7-inch LCD screen allows for quick and easy review and editing of images. The K200D is compatible with any Pentax lens ever produced and features Shake Reduction and a high quality image sensor. A range of ISO options up to 1600 ensures that the Pentax K200D can handle a variety of lighting conditions. Features a weather and dust resistant body.

Specifications

10.2 Megapixels
Pentax KAF2 bayonet lens mount
11 point wide autofocus with continuous focus in action mode
Body-based, sensor shift shake/dust reduction sensor movement system
Open aperture, 16 segment metering
ISO Levels: 100-1600
JPEG/RAW File Formats
2.7-inch LCD
SD, SDHC memory card compatible
Power supplied by 4AA batteries (lithium, alkaline, NiMH rechargeable)
Part Number: KB88740
UPC: 027075146464
Release Date: Jan 28, 2008

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Pentax K200D Comments & Questions (write your own!)

Write a comment or ask a question about the Pentax K200D:

Will my K1000 35mm lenses fit on the K200D body? (Granny3Flashes — 07/02/2009)

I am interested in purchasing a new digital camera. I have a K1000 film camera with 3 different lenses for it and would like to be able to use them on a digital. Only one is auto focus. Will these lenses work on the K200D body and on the Auto (all green) setting?

reply to this comment

by James DeRuvo (07/03/2009)

You bet, so long as they're K mount.

reply to this comment

Granny3Flashes (07/05/2009)

Thanks for the answer. Now to buy the new camera!

reply to this comment

Difference between K200D and K2000? (chriscarmichael — 04/22/2009)

There's a K200D and a K2000. I'd like to buy one but it's so confusing trying to compare features and prices. What's the key difference between them?

reply to this comment

John Snider (04/23/2009)

The K2000 is the "Small" or "Compact" entry level SLR from Pentax. The K2000 is an entry Level SLR and currently sells in the 550-625 range (Complete with external flash kit and lens). Auto focus on the K2000 is 5 vs 11 points, the 200 has a more solid construction (more stainless and less plastic), they removed the orientation sensor from the 2000, and No top LCD on the 2000 but the K2000 has higher ISO, the 2000 is faster, and Is quite a bit smaller/lighter. The K2000 was released to compete with the entry level cameras from Nikon (Eg; the Nikon D40), Canon, Olympus, Etc.... It has about the same size of a D40 but weighs quite a bit more.

Other than size, dropping the top LCD, improving the ISO, tossing in a few extra preset scenes, and dropping the number of AF points the two cameras are near identical.

reply to this comment

chriscarmichael (05/09/2009)

Thanks much; your input was very helpful. I went ahead and purchased the K2000 and so far it seems like a great camera.

reply to this comment

is there any cheaper place that anybody knows of to get this camera? (krystalinwonderland47 — 04/14/2009)

I got sand in my old one, and I'm pretty much dying without one. I've been reading about this camera for awhile and its the one I want, but I want to find one, even used (but in good condition) for a little cheaper.

reply to this comment

by James DeRuvo (04/15/2009)

Well, if used, eBay is your best bet. But remember this ... going for cheaper, rather than a reputable dealer online may be more trouble than it's worth. Make sure you check store/seller ratings and remember the old addage ... "let the buyer beware."

reply to this comment

I work for an internet site selling many different products, ranging from baby products to dog beds.. will this be a good camera? (jerseygirl128 — 02/27/2009)

I need a camera that won't distort the pastel colors of the baby products, or the detail of the dog beds. I will also be taking pictures of jewelry for the website. Is this a good camera for all of that?

reply to this comment

by James DeRuvo (02/27/2009)

Sure. It'll be fine. But as for color distortion, you are more likely to experience that from an uncalibrated computer monitor. And you should also consider getting a good light box. That'll make all the difference. Hammacher Schlimmer has one for about $70 with lights included.

reply to this comment

I take lots of night time (long exposure) shots how well suited is this model? Others? (vintagebugs — 11/28/2008)

I mainly use a tripod and rarely shoot people. Mainly landscapes, moon clouds are my subject matter but I still want good performace under normal lighting conditions as well.

reply to this comment

by James DeRuvo (12/05/2008)

There are several Pentax fans on the board here. It's a fine camera (my first SLR was a pentax), but for the money, I think you need look at the glass (Lenses) first, followed by the body. Think more system. And for my money, it doesn't get any better than Nikon or Canon for lens quality. And in that price range, you'd be looking at the Canon XT and XS.

reply to this comment

Will K-mount lenses work on the K200D ? (szimmerman44 — 09/06/2008)

I have a number of old Tokina Lenses (e.g. 50-250 macro) with a K-mount. Will they work with the Pentax K200D camera ?

reply to this comment

Alan Schamber (09/08/2008)

Yes... they will not only work great, but you will also have several good things:

Image stabilization with all of them.

Focus correction (so your lenses WILL focus right, no matter if they are a really old design).

Alan.

reply to this comment

Is the K200D compatability with my 64-Bit home computer (Software5 — 08/17/2008)

This is my first digital camera. I want one I can grow into. I am unfamiliar with what software I will need to edit / print pictures; but I do know I have had a lot of incompatabilty problems with my 64-bit operating system.

reply to this comment

by James DeRuvo (08/19/2008)

Matt, can you be more specific on your compatibility problems? Have you updated the Vista OS? (I'm assuming you're on vista) But to be honest, the Canon and Nikon cameras are leading the pack right now. Better chips, better glass, faster focus.

reply to this comment

A question for owners of both Pentax K200D and Pentax K10D cameras. (Blue — 04/14/2008)

I have read in several reviews about soft focus that the K10D has and also see it in some of the photos posted. I seem to notice it more in the photos which have trees, shrubs, etc. Other shots look perfectly ok. My question is whether the K200D has improved sharpness or is it about the same? I'd really like to have a camera which would offer RAW, but one that would not require every photo taken to be edited with software to make it acceptably sharp. I would appreciate any input about the image quality of the K10D as compared to the K200D . Also anything you may not like about either camera after owning one or both.

reply to this comment

Gary (04/18/2008)

The K10D is a bit soft only when shooting JPEGs - it's very sharp when shooting RAW. That being said, the K200 and K20 both have vastly improved JPEG engines, which are highly customizable into preset settings as well, so if you're a JPEG shooter you will get much better results from the new Pentax cameras than any of their predecessors. I hope this answers your question ;)

reply to this comment

Blue (04/20/2008)

Gary, thank you for your informative answer. It will help me to make a decision about which camera to buy. I'm assuming that you are a K10D owner, and I'm interested to know if you are pleased with its performance. Are there things you especially like or dislike about your camera? No obligation to answer this, just wondering. Thanks again.

reply to this comment

If the Pentax K200D has most of the features of the K10D, why is it rated as the next model after K100D? (Blue — 03/03/2008)

It seems to have most of the K10D features, plus a few improvements, but does not have the pentaprism. Even the price is closer to the K10D, yet it is often ranked lower and described as the next step up from the K100D. What keeps it from having the same status as the K10D?

reply to this comment

Blue (03/03/2008)

reply to this comment

Aditya D (03/15/2008)

Could you refer to where you're finding the information that it doesn't have the same status as the K10D? If you are referring to the price difference, it could be for one of two reasons. The first is that the K10D uses a Lithium Ion battery system, which has a much more expensive battery, and more costly to integrate. Also, the K200 might just have been built more cost effective, so that it is seemingly cheaper then the K10D. The K10D price will drop with the K200D becomes widely available. Also, from everything I've read, the K200D is basically a better version of the K10D, with a AA system instead of Li-Ion system. Hope this helps, if you have any other questions feel free to ask.

reply to this comment

Blue (03/15/2008)

I'll be glad to clarify. Below are only two of several sites which say the K200D is the successor to the K100D, and several reviews refer to it as a beginning photographer's camera. The price is in the same range as the K10D and it has much the same, or improved, features as the K10D. The description of the specs sounds like it should be the next step up from the K10D. I'm just curious why many reviews I've read rank it just above the K100D. It seems like it should be classified as more than a camera for someone who is just starting out and wants to grow with their camera, as one review stated. I am considering buying one of these Pentax cameras and I'm trying to understand why they rated it this way.

dpreview.com/news/0801/0801... you for taking the time to answer my question, Aditya D. I appreciate your input. I'm researching these cameras so I can decide which one would suit me best. Thanks again, TS

reply to this comment

Aditya D (03/16/2008)

Well the simple answer to your question is that yes, it is better than the K100D, basically an upgraded version combining elements of the K100D plus elements of the K10D, and then adding some of its own, but it still isn't an "expert camera." With a price of $500-600 (if I'm not mistaken), it is by far one of the cheapest DSLRs out there, which is one of the big indicators that it's not a professional camera. Amateur, or starting cameras, usually include cameras like the Sony a100, and the Nikon D200, among several other Canons and Nikons (as well as some Olympus and such) which are priced at $800-1000. Once you start getting in to the upper $1000s and multi-thousand dollar cameras, you're getting professional, for example the Mark III from Canon, or at the very low end of the spectrum the A700 from Sony. Anyway, with the cheaper, amateur, cameras you're losing things like the processor quality, the CCD quality (or number of CCDs), number and type of features on the camera, speed of shooting (one of the biggest things), and things like that. As far as why the K200D is just above the K100D as opposed to leagues above it is because frankly in the camera world its not a "huge" improvement. If you are set on buying a Pentax, then definitely go with the K200D over the 10D or the 100D, but also look at other brands a bit (even if all of your lenses are Pentax or you're brand loyal), it will give you a good perspective of things that cameras can do, and basically what you're paying for. Also, it may give you reason to step above the K200D to a Nikon D300 or something. Hope this answers your question.

reply to this comment

Blue (03/16/2008)

Thanks for the information. I've been considering the Pentax K10D and the K200D for the sole reason that I have four of the older K-mount lenses. 28mm, 50mm, 135mm, and 75-300mm, if I recall correctly. I am aware that they cannot be used with autofocus, but they used to produce excellent film photos. Plus, I would have lenses that my budget would not otherwise allow if I bought another brand camera. I have looked at Nikon and Canon, but still go back to the fact that if I buy a Pentax, the image stabilization is in the camera, and I wouldn't have to pay for that extra feature as I would on Nikon or other lenses. If money was no object, I would go for Nikon, I imagine. Thank you again.

reply to this comment

TER-OR (04/04/2008)

The K100 and K200 have a series of shooting modes. The K10 and K20 rely on the user to understand all the settings and make these changes for themselves. The K10 and K20 are more flexible cameras, with a broader range of user-available settings while the K100 and 200 are meant for a more casual photographer. The 10/20 use a prism while the 100/200 uses a pentamirror. There are some other differences, the question you need to ask, as I'm doing myself, is whether the "modes" will be more convenient, and sufficient for my use. If it's easier to merely switch between lighting sources etc. in modes rather than adjusting settings as you shoot.

reply to this comment

Blue (04/10/2008)

Terry, thanks for your input. I've been busy and still haven't settled on a camera yet, but would have chosen the K10D a few months ago except for the soft focus in jpegs that I keep reading about . I can actually see it in some posted pictures. It seems that the edges are a bit fuzzy, but it has great detail. Crisp-edges make the leaves on trees stand out nicely, but that's where I seem to see the softness mostly.....in the greenery. It doesn't have to be super sharp, but I don't much care for a photo with a blurry effect to some of the elements in the photo. (The type that makes you feel like blinking your eyes to clear up the image a little.) On the other hand, I have also seen lots of posted pictures taken by the K10D which were breathtaking landscapes (and others) with little to no softness in focus.

Trouble is, there is no local store that carries the Pentax line, except for the point and shoot compacts. It would help greatly if I could get my hands on the camera before choosing to buy. If I do decide to order one, I suppose I could return it and upgrade to a better model if it doesn't produce the photos I think it should. I would hope for the price that it would produce good jpegs for everyday shots. I just don't want to have to shoot in RAW all the time. If not for owning several good K-mount lens, I would consider another brand, but hate not to use these.

Thanks for taking the time to help me decide. I'm always glad for advice or opinions.

reply to this comment

Luis D (05/10/2008)

What´s your final decision ?, I have the same doubts between de K 10 or K 200 because I have some K-mount lenses for a Pentax film camera

reply to this comment

Blue (05/12/2008)

Well, Luis D, I have almost talked myself into waiting until the K20D comes down in price as they say it probably will within six months on one forum I was reading. I want the pentaprism rather than the pentamirror, and there seem to be significant differences in the K20D and the K10D. I am still not sure and have had family illnesses to attend to, so haven't had time to settle on one. I would be inclined to get the K200D if not for the pentamirror that it has. I like what I read about it. My trouble is that I need to hold a camera before buying, but can't find any within decent driving distance. Gas is too high to go a long way to check it out, so will just have to order whatever I finally decide on and hope it suits me when it gets here.

You probably know about these sites, but dcpreview, the online photographer, pop photo, imaging-resource.com, and amazon all have info on cameras. Flickr lets you look up photos by camera model, and you can compare to see if you like some better than others. Best of luck to you in your decision.

reply to this comment

Pentax K200D Reviews

Pentax K200D Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users

5.0 out of 5

excellent camera (helene — 11/25/2009)

excellent pictures. excellent features. tough and solid body.

2.0 out of 5

Pentax 200d (Kathleen Hansen — 05/24/2009)

I am very disappointed with the undependable behavior of this camera. It tends to underexpose outside pictures no matter what setting. If you take photographs of birds, it is a disaster. Buyer beware as instead of correcting the issue in the pentax K200d, Pentax just keeps producing new cameras at an alarming rate! Two more sisnce I bought this turkey!

5.0 out of 5

good (vyas — 12/23/2008)

it very good

5.0 out of 5

very capable camera (Dan — 11/01/2008)

I had the ist DL before this and several point and shoot digitals. The DL was a capable camera for any amateur shooting, but I wanted the stability factor, and a couple of the custom features. There is precious little missing on this camera and what is missing can usually be worked around. The big complaint is the single wheel for adjustments.(compared to the K20d which sports front and back wheels) This is likely a slight problem for a pro, shooting hundreds of shots on a regular basis, but had caused me 0 grief. You can easily make adjustments, and the time lost is zilch for 99.9999% of the targeted users. It also lacks the live view that top of the line cameras offer, but I would seldom use that anyway, and in bright sunlight you ususally can't see the screen well . I do wish the panel on top was lighted, but you can see in the viewfinder, so it isn't life and death. This camera has been dinged for lackluster jpegs, most saying RAW is best. Well, RAW is better though it takes effort many amateurs don't want to expend. AND many folks have remarked on some of th color shots I have made, and I generally use jpeg. When I shoot weddings I do use RAW in case I need to milk the last drop out of the picture, but most folks would be very happy without it. You have the ability to shoot both at the same time, and make many in camera adjustmentsa. I have had many Pentax cameras. Spotmatic-K1000-ME Super-ME-ist DL-and now this and all have done their job. I am not knocking Nikon-Canon or anyone else. You can't go wrong with them, fine products, but Pentax holds it's own, and offers the use of most any lens they ever made. I use a couple M42 lenses as well a A lenses-M lenses-and a couple new Digital designed lenses. I'm happy. Dan

5.0 out of 5

Great camers (RIchard — 08/01/2008)

I have done photography for 42 years. Owned Nikon, Bronica, Hasselblad, Cannon. Have more fun with this camera though it can't do what more specialized cameras can do. Owned a comporable Nikon and find this superior in many ways. Bad thing is rechargable AA batteries.

5.0 out of 5

A very solid camera (Jim — 07/19/2008)

This is a very well constructed camera with a fiberglas-reinforced steel chassis and both water resistant and dust proof design. It has no fancy frills - smile detection, live view, face detection, etc. It's just an excellent camera that takes great photos with ease. I just returned from Alaska and now have a photo library of 100's of fantastic photos. I was especially impressed with the rich colors and details of landscape shots. Flying eagles were no problem with the in-camera stabilization. The 18-55mm kit lens is very good quality, but I added the Pentax DA 55-300mm telephoto zoom and the Pentax 50mm portrait. This three lenses make a great combination. I highly recommend this camera for the enthusiast looking to move into the DSLR realm but within a reasonable budget.

5.0 out of 5

Best camera I've owned in 55 years! (Richard Earl — 07/05/2008)

I consider myself to be a "past pro" - I used to earn my living as a photographer but now I'm just an enthusiast/hobbyist. Nevertheless, I've owned at least a dozen cameras over the years - Canon, Nikon, Kowa Six, Olympus and my all-time favorite, Pentax.

To keep this short... the K200D with the two "kit" lenses (18-55mm and 50-200mm) produces WONDERFUL results whether set on "All Green (AUTO everything)", fully manual, or anywhere inbetween. Whenever I get a "bad" picture it is MY fault, not the camera's! I also use manual Pentax lenses from 40 years ago... results are crisp and clear. Sure using manual lenses is less convenient and takes more attention to detail, but anyone too lazy to bother with such details as aperture, shutter speed and focus, isn't a "photographer" anyway, IMHO.

The K200D may be labelled an "Entry level" DSLR but as far as I'm concerned, it's a PRO all the way. To paraphrase: "If it LOOKS like a professional camera, and OPERATES like a professional camera... then it's PROFESSIONAL'S camera." But even for a novice, the K200D, set on AUTO will produce terrific candids 99% of the time. What more can you ask?

That said, let's compare apples to apples! I'm sure a $5,000 Nikon or Canon with another $5,000 lens attached likely would outperform the Pentax K200D in special situations - high speed, lowest lighting, rapid firing, etc. But for most normal folks shooting landscapes, birds, flowers and families, it would take better eyes than mine to tell the difference between the photos this < $1,000 K200D takes and the ones you'd get from a >$10,000 Nikon or Canon!

5.0 out of 5

CHEATING WITH A SMILE (Ken — 06/01/2008)

I wanted to own a DSLR camera when I saw how beautiful the pictures that my friends were taking. I just thought it complicated with all the adjustments. It was a good thing I found this camera. It was easy to use and had a lot of auto preselected settings that takes great pictures. My friends were amazed at my new found skill. They wanted to know what settings I took. I just smiled and said, " If you got it, you got it". This camera has room for me to grow and experiment a little and not be afraid of making mistakes. But i tell my self why learn when I already have results. This Camera is a must have. Thank you PENTAX.

5.0 out of 5

A very nice unit indeed. (Robbie Reynen — 03/29/2008)

The Pentax K200D is our first DSLR camera. I had read many reviews surrounding most if not all of the other offerings in the same spec and price range. And all are worthwhile and fantastic in there own way. The Nikion D40X was bright and sharp but the colours seemed a little exagerated. The Canon 400D was fine too but felt flimsy and a little too fragile for an SLR; while the Sony A200 again had the goods but felt and looked like toy. With it's weather proof casing the K200D feels solid; at least much more so than the others. It's ease of operation is wonderful and the auto function does the job extremely well. The shake reduction function is tremendous. Taking indoor shots at 1/6 shutter speed without flash and presto they're pretty good; and I'm no "Steady Eddy" when holding a camera. For some lack of "live view" may be an issue but I have always found this feature on camera's extremely annoying. The Penta Mirror gives excellent, clear peripheral viewing. The Pentax K200D is an excellent unit. The only downside was the price of around $900.00US (although it came with the Pentax bag, lens cleaner, battery recharger, cleaning cloth, lens filter and USB SD card adaptor)
The Nikon 10 meg is around $750.00US but as mentioned, the other cameras in this range have that real cheap plastic feel. Cheerio and good shooting !

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Pentax K200D

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