New Pentax K2000 Announced

[WVDisGeek]

For the Pentax faithful, the new K2000 kit is on the Pentax Imaging website this morning. Looks like the primary differences between it and the K200D are slightly better ISO availability (3200 vs. 1600), slightly faster JPEG capture shooting (3.2 FPS for 5 frames vs. 2.7 FPS for 4 frames). However, it lacks the K200D's weather sealing and it's auto-focus system is only 5 points vs. 11 point on K200D.

Seems geared toward the entry/step-up from P&S market with more auto modes as well.

For now, it is only being sold as a kit with a new lighter kit lens and hot shoe mounted flash. Have not seen prices yet.

Just thought I would pass it along.

 

[ukcatfan]

$699

 

[Anewman]

For now, it is only being sold as a kit with a new lighter kit lens and hot shoe mounted flash. Have not seen prices yet.

Interesting.

 

[Groucho]

It's not 100% clear, but it sounds like you may get both the 18-55mm and 50-200mm lens for that price, as well as the wireless flash. Interesting setup though I'd like to see a cheaper version, the camera itself is certainly set up to compete directly with the D40 and XS, complete with "help" screens.

The lightweight lenses mean that they finally went with plastic lens mounts for their kit lenses. Oh well, at least they appear to still have proper focus rings and presumably still have a non-rotating front element... however they ditched "quick-shift" to save weight which means you can't manually adjust the focus in autofocus mode.

The tiny size also means no more top-mount LCD screen... oh well, the price you pay being so diminutive. Needless to say, I won't be in line to buy one but it is a niche that Pentax probably needed a camera in, so I'm happy as long as it sells well. It sounds like it should be plenty competitive with the others and a solid choice for beginners taking their first DSLR steps.

 

[gokenin]

see for me i think the da55 f1.4 as well as the DA*15 are of more intrest than another new camera body

 

[Groucho]

Absolutely... that 55mm looks really sweet. I've been eager for the 60-250mm but the price is a bit wince-inducing... fortunately they also officially announced their new modern teleconverter, too. That should turn my 50-135mm F2.8 into a 70-189mm F4... not quite as long, but a heck of a lot cheaper. I assume the TC will be weathersealed, too.

It's nice to see a new ringflash, too.

The 15mm F4 will probably be nice but it's nothing that I've really been dying for... I'll live with the 16-50mm F2.8 (whenever I get around to buying that one!)

Of course, the new Leica DSLR looks really drool-inducing, but I suspect it'll be just a tiny bit out of my price range!

 

[Golf4food]

Now if only they'd announce a replacement for the K20D or a Super version so that I can then purchase a K20D for less money...

 

[RBennett]

Now if only they'd announce a replacement for the K20D or a Super version so that I can then purchase a K20D for less money...

I kind of agree...... I'm never going to choose sides because I think that each brand of camera has PHENOMENAL capabilities, but to me it doesn't seem like Pentax has higher range of cameras like, say, Nikon. BUT..... before I go looking into a more expensive camera, maybe I should learn how to use the K100D I have already! P.S. - Hope this comment doesn't offend anyone - I still say PENTAX RULES!!!