Pentax K100D: any good?

Question

I am looking to buy my first digital SLR, and I want to go Pentax because I already have lenses fitting Pentax cameras, from my old 35mm.
I like the flexibility of lens choice, as I shoot mainly arty/abstract, portraits and bands, no fashion or anything professional like wildlife (aside from my pets!) or sports. I don't really need giant prints, as of right now.
The K100D is the cheapest Pentax DSRL, with 6.1 million pixels resolution and some of the features of the better models. Resolution in the other models is 10.6 or even 14.something, how big can you print with either, retaining sharpness?
All considered, would K100D be much worse than the K10D, K200D or even K20D, in terms of picture quality, features and ease of use?
Should I just save up more and get the best/mid range or will I be ok with the cheapo of the Pentax family?
If anyone owns any of these cameras or knows something about them, please give your views!

Answer 1

IMO you should go with the K200D. It has dust removal for the sensor which the K100D doesn't and the body of the K200D is weather sealed.



The K100D Super added dust removal.



I suggest reading reviews of the cameras you referenced and basing your decision on the one that will best fit your needs and pocketbook.



http://www.dpreview.com

http://www.shutterbug.com

http://www.popphoto.com

http://www.digitalcameraguide.com

Answer 2

Go DSLR. I work for Ritz Camera, and it's going to give you the most options for now. You don't want to put the money into an SLR, and in 6 months decide that you want to go digital. The K100D is an amazing camera, and on the plus side, you can use any Pentax lens EVER made. In case you aren't aware that's like 5 million lenses. It is a little bit confusing (ie menus and such) but if you take the time to thoroughly read your manual, and can maybe squeeze in a few classes, you'll be golden. If you are looking at other DSLRS, for beginners, I prefer the Nikon D40 and D60. Ultra easy to use, lots of great features, and under $700...Also (not to plug one company over another, but it's a good deal) there's a deal for a two lens kit (18-55mm and 55-200mm) that comes with the two lenses, a Nikon camera bag and two Nikon school DVD's for $100 more. Which is a really good deal, considering the second lens is a $199 lens. But, on the issue of the K2 (which is a great starting point film SLR) vs. the K100D, go with the Pentax.

Answer 3

I have the older Pentax DL which the K100 replaced and got a heck of a buy on it at the time, as it was being sold as a close out. It came with the 18x55mm lens for $500 with a $100 mail in rebate. I have since added a 70x300mm lens, Vivitar external flash, 3 SD cards, UV and Polarizing filters and their adapter rings, a 4 cell smart charger, a pistol grip (from my Miranda 35 SLR) that fits the tripod screw socket, 4 sets of 2500 mah batteries (which I keep in their plastic holders), a wired remote ($11 on the net, Pentax wanted $65 for theirs), bottle of lens cleaner, lens cloths, small lens brush, and a small mini tripod, all which fits in a rather small camera "Gadget bag". The DL doesn't have the "anti-shake" feature that the K models came out with, but that has never been a problem for an experienced photographer and I just covered the international air show in Dayton this past weekend and had NO problem getting clear shots of the F/A 22 Raptor in flight.