Pentax makes conventional 1.5x crop digital SLRs, with no 1x full frame DSLRs in their current lineup. For a larger image sensor, there is the digital medium format 645D (not covered in this article).
Like Sony (and unlike Canon and Nikon), image stabilization is built into the camera body, providing camera-shake reduction to all lenses.
Nikon, Sony and Canon have four or more main DSLR categories (entry level, advanced amateur, professional, professional full frame), however Pentax has two. This categorization is based purely on looking at the specifications of the cameras. It is not necessarily an official designation by Pentax.
Pentax Entry-level Beginner DSLRs
Pentax hasn't been consistent in the way they name their camera models, but a brief look at the cameras' specifications will show a clear pattern, and relationship between old and new models.
These entry-level DSLRs have:
- A pentamirror (not pentaprism) viewfinder, with 0.85x magnification and 96% coverage of the actual image area.
- No top panel LCD for quick summary of main camera settings.
- Front and rear control dials for quick change of camera settings. This is a rare feature in entry-level DSLRs. Canon and Nikon reserve the rear control dial for more expensive models.
- 1/180 maximum flash synch shutter speed. This is slightly better than Sony's 1/160, but worse than the 1/200 seconds found on Canon and Nikon consumer DSLRs. However the difference is minor. A higher synch speed allows more ambient light to be blocked, when using flash.
Rarely seen in an entry-level DSLR, is the optional battery grip that is available for the K200D. However newer models do not have this feature.
Newer models have:
- More megapixels.
- Higher maximum ISO (good for taking photos in the dark, without flash).
- Higher photos per seconds (frames per second, fps) continuous shooting.
- Higher maximum shutter speed.
- HD video.
- Optional brightly colored bodies.
The camera models are:
- Pentax K200D (2008, 10 megapixels, ISO 1600, 2.8 fps, 1/4000 seconds shutter)
- Pentax K-2000 or K-m (2008, 10 megapixels, ISO 3200, 3.5 fps, 1/4000 seconds shutter)
- Pentax K-x (2009, 12 megapixels, ISO 6400, 4.7 fps, 1/6000 seconds shutter, 720p HD video)
- Pentax K-r (2010, 12 megapixels, ISO 12800, 6 fps, 1/6000 seconds shutter, 720p HD video)
Pentax Advanced Consumer/Professional DSLRs
More advanced Pentax DSLRs can be considered either advanced consumer, or professional models.
These cameras have:
- A clearer pentaprism (not pentamirror) viewfinder.
- Top panel LCD for quick summary of main camera settings.
- Front and rear control dials for quick change of camera settings.
- 1/180 maximum flash synch shutter speed. This is slightly better than Sony's 1/160, but worse than the 1/250 seconds found on Canon and Nikon professional DSLRs. However the difference is minor.
- High 1/8000 seconds maximum shutter speed, except for the older K20D.
- Optional battery grip.
Similar to the consumer DSLRs, newer models have:
- More megapixels.
- Higher maximum ISO (good for taking photos in the dark, without flash).
- Higher photos per seconds (frames per second, fps) continuous shooting.
- Higher maximum shutter speed.
- HD video.
The camera models are:
- Pentax K20D (2008, 14 megapixels, ISO 3200, 3 fps, 95% pentaprism 0.95x, 1/4000 seconds shutter)
- Pentax K-7 (2009, 14 megapixels, ISO 3200, 5.2 fps, 100% pentaprism 0.92x, 1/8000 seconds shutter, 1024p HD video)
- Pentax K-5 (2010, 16 megapixels, ISO 12800, 7 fps, 100% pentaprism 0.92x, 1/8000 seconds shutter, 1080p HD video)
The Best Pentax DSLR
Compared to the other major DSLR brands, choosing a Pentax DSLR is relatively simple. Photographers only need to decide whether they need the extra performance of a professional DSLR, and then choose the latest model (or perhaps an older model to save cost). For most photographers, an entry-level DSLR will be more than sufficient for their needs.
More information can be found on the Digital Photography Review, Pentax Forums and Pentax websites.
Canon, Nikon, Olympus and Sony DSLRs should also be considered.
Yuen Kit Mun - Kit Mun is a self-confessed information junkie, reading an average of a book a week over the past two decades. His growing Internet ...
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