k100D

[testmonkey]

I'm pondering the purchase of my first DSLR and think Pentax's K100D looks like a solid camera (for my price point, anyway). Anyone have/used one? Any opinions out there, specifically relating to how it stacks up to the Nikon D40 or Rebel XT?

I'd love feedback before purchasing, as well as feedback about where you purchased it.

[tyson]

I have only just gotten this camera, but so far I love working with it.

I don't have any experience with other DSLRs, though, but the K100D is a very nice camera with some very nice features. The Shock Reduction works well, and can even be used with fully manual lenses by entering in the focal length. It has a nice bright screen and looks like a serious camera (and I think performs like one too).

I currently use it with an old, easy to come by fully manual 50mm f/2 prime lens. It's a little soft way out at f2, but thats the lens' fault.

One minor note - if you are using a Mac, Aperture or Preview don't support the K100D RAW files yet. Hopefully this will be resolved in the next RAW update. Until then, you can use the Mac software that comes with the camera to develop your RAW files, or you can use that software to convert the RAW files to the Adobe RAW files which are a bit more portable.

Of course, don't forget to check out all the professional reviews of the camera which provide a lot of information.

Tyson

[testmonkey]

Tyson,

Thanks for the input. I've read about every review of the K100D I can find and for the most part the reviews are gushing (and they've helped me know the limitations of the camera). One thing no one has mentioned before you was that RAW support on the Mac is not there yet. This is an extremely helpful to know as I use a Mac day in and day out; thanks for mentioning this tidbit.

Care to share any details as to where you picked up your K100D? I'm curious as to how your customer service experience was.

[tyson]

Being in Australia, I bought mine from www.teds.com.au. I found it was a good price for the body and two sigma lenses.

They did two packages - one with a 18-50 and a 55-200mm pair of lenses, the other with 24-70 and 70-300mm. I ordered the former, but the latter turned up. I sent it back and they sorted it out right away. I also picked up a tripod and extended warrantee covering the body and lenses.

I look forward to hunting around the pawn shops and op-shops for my new pentax lenses.

Tyson

[Floppy]

I recently purchased a K100D, my first DSLR and I've found it to be fantastic to learn on. I have a Sigma 18-200mm lens that seems to be a good allrounder. For the price the Pentax is great value.

[brianwahl]

I just put an order in for a K100d w/the 18-55 kit lens.

I got it for $552 at www.beachcamera.com. Pentax has a $50 mail-in rebate for purchases before Jan 9th, so if you pick it up in the next week, it comes in at $502 after the rebate.

That's about the best deal for a DSLR out there that I've seen.

I was going back and forth between the K100d and the Nikon D50. I tried them both out in a store for a while, and the K100d just felt a bit better to me - plus the anti-shake feature is really nice. I took some test shots with it in the store with a somewhat slow-ish shutter speed handheld, and the difference was very noticeable.

-Brian

[property#1]

I have had my K100D since November, and I love it. I am new to DSLR as I have always shot on film with a Contax SLR. I have had the K100D outside in rather cold temps and not a problem, spent a day at the zoo and snapped over 100 shots. To me the K100 is an excellent choice that I am sure you will not regret.
Some of the pictures from my K100D can be seen on http://www.flickr.com/photos/manager_2000