Hi guys.
long time lurker, but had to leave my 2c in here
I got my pentax K200D a few months ago now. I started off looking at the other entry level models from other brands (D40, EOS1000D etc), not even knowing pentax made a DSLR (yup, im a camera newbie, throwing myself in the deep end). I work in an electronics store, but we only sell canon DSLRs.
I went shopping around other retailers, and i was imediately drawn to the K200D. Wondering what it was, and wanting more details i asked the salesperson, who immediately told me to not bother, and to go with a Nikon 'coz its better'. She couldnt give me a reason though. So feeling really confused, and a bit pissed off at the salespersons useless advice i went home and fired up dpreview and check out the review on the K200D. Weatherproof! backwards compatible! easy to use!
After seeing some of the sample pics from it, and seeing it got a highly recommended from dpreview, i decided to go back into the store with the horrible salesperson and have a closer look.
Finally getting to hold it, i fell in love with its build quality. The body was solid, no creaking etc, and it was very nice to hold. It felt, to me atleast, much better than both the EOS400D and the EOS1000D.
Right there and then, on the spot, i handed over the cash and walked away with the K200D body and a free Sigma 18-50.
Since then ive gotten hold of a SMC 100-300 lens and a 50mm f1.4 SMC-M.
I love my camera, and have no intention to get rid of it. The only downsides i have to it, are that its hard to get hold of accessories for it.