Pentax has aimed its K100D SLR digital camera at beginner and intermediate photographers, giving it a collection of easy-to-use features, a low starting price, and a small camera body (at least when compared with other SLR digital cameras). Unfortunately, a lengthy list of pricey add-ons greatly limits the initial value of the K100D.

The Pentax K100D ships with only one lens (an 18-55mm lens), which will provide wide-angle and limited zoom shots. Additional lenses, which would give you increased zoom capabilities, typically cost $250 or more. You also may want to purchase add-on flash units ($200 or more), an AC adapter ($90), a memory card, and rechargeable batteries. The K100D doesn't ship with any of these items, unfortunately.

Those who choose to purchase lenses with large zooms will appreciate one of the K100D's best features: Pentax's Shake Reduction (SR) system. The SR system works very well, reducing camera shake and limiting blurry photos caused by a long zoom or low-light conditions. However, Pentax says the SR doesn't work for moving subjects.

If you don't mind the extra cost of the add-ons, the K100D provides some nice features. This digital camera offers 6.1 megapixels of resolution, which is enough to create high-quality prints up to 8x10 or 11x14 inches, depending on lighting conditions.

Our tests showed you can shoot your first photo 1-2 seconds after pressing the power button. Shutter lag varies greatly, ranging from almost non-existent to a disappointing full second, depending on the subject distance and exterior lighting. Shot-to-shot delays usually measure around 1 second, although using the flash could push the delay to 3 seconds.

The 2.5-inch LCD is bright and sharp in all lighting conditions. It also contains a 12X magnification feature, allowing you to "zoom in" on particular aspects of your photos.

As you might expect with an SLR digital camera, the K100D offers many manual-setting features. Intermediate photographers will appreciate how the K100D guides them to make the best choices when using manual features. Beginning photographers will appreciate this unit's many easy-to-use and automatic features.

Even though the Pentax K100D is a nice SLR offering for beginner and intermediate users, most photographers who want an SLR digital camera probably will be better served by spending more up front for an SLR camera with more features since it will require fewer pricey add-on components later on -- unless they already own many Pentax lenses.


Pros: Smaller body than most SLRs, many easy-to-use features, good wide-angle options
Cons: Many pricey add-ons, shutter lag is a problem at times, included lens has limited zoom capabilities

Warranty
1 year, limited