The K100D Super is equipped with the Pentax-original Shake Reduction (SR) system to reduce camera shake for sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions such as when using a telephoto lens or when shooting in low light without a flash. The SR mechanism is designed to minimize camera shake by oscillating the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed using magnetic force, while adjusting the speed of oscillation in proportion to the amount of camera shake detected by a built-in sensor. As a result, the K100D Super gives the equivalent to approximately 2 to 3.5 shutter steps of compensation. Since this versatile system is compatible with all existing Pentax interchangeable SLR lenses, it does not require special anti-shake lenses equipped with add-on optics or devices. (The K100D is compatible with K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2-mount lenses without an adapter, and screw-mount, 645-system and 67-system lenses with an adapter. Available functions may be limited with certain lenses.)
Dust Removal System for Spotless Images
The K100D Super features the Pentax original Dust Removal (DR) system to prevent dust from sticking to the surface of the low-pass filter in front of CCD image sensor. Through a vapor deposition process, a fluorine compound is applied to the surface of the low-pass filter. This Pentax-original Super Protect (SP) coating effectively prevents dust and stains from sticking to the surface. Any remaining surface dust falls off when the SR system shifts the CCD at high speed. The dust lands on an adhesive sheet positioned at the bottom of the SR unit, eliminating any possibility of it returning to the CCD surface.
Includes smc P-DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens
The Pentax smc P-DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 is recommended for use with digital cameras. Ideal for beginners, it provides a focal length covering a wide to moderate wide-angle range. Like all Pentax lenses, the smc P-DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 zoom lens is treated with Pentax's acclaimed smc coating for maximum light transmission, sharp definition, and high contrast while minimizing flare and ghost imaging.
Compatibility with SDM System for Smoother, Quieter Autofocus Operation
The K100D Super's camera body is compatible with a new SDM system, which assures smoother, quieter autofocusing operation using a built in supersonic motor. When a lens equipped with the SDM system is mounted on the Pentax K100D Super camera body, the focus mode is automatically switched to SDM-assisted autofocusing.
Auto Sensitivity Control up to ISO Equivalent of 3200
The K100D Super features an Auto Sensitivity Control function that automatically sets the optimum sensitivity up to ISO equivalent of 3200 (the highest automatic setting in its class) based on such data as the subject's brightness level and the lens focal length. Since this function allows the use of higher shutter speeds in poor lighting situations (such as indoor sports events and night scenes), photographers can effectively prevent blurred images. Users may also manually preprogram a desired level, from ISO 200 to the super-high sensitivity of the ISO 3200.
Auto Picture Mode for Effortless Point-and-Shoot SLR Photography
The Pentax-original Auto Picture mode automatically and instantly selects one of five Picture modes (including Portrait, Landscape, and Macro) to create the most appropriate visual effect for a given subject. While the camera sets all primary parameters (including shutter speed, aperture, white balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness), the photographer may concentrate on picture composition and shutter opportunity.
11-Point Wide-Frame AF to Capture Off-Center Subjects in Crisp Focus
The K100D Super's sophisticated SAFOX VIII autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors in the middle) to automatically focus on the subject with utmost precision, even when it is positioned off center. The in-focus sensor point is automatically superimposed in red in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation.
Large LCD Monitor to Facilitate Image Viewing and Menu Setting
The K100D Super features a large 2.5-inch color LCD monitor on its back panel. Its wide-view design allows the photographer to check the monitor image over 140 degrees vertically and horizontally, ensuring effortless image viewing even from a diagonal position. It provides 210,000 pixels for high-resolution image viewing, with a zoom display function that lets users magnify and image up to 12 times for easy confirmation of the focus status and the subject's expressions. The large monitor size allows for large letters, digits, and icons on the menu screens to facilitate menu confirmation and camera operations.
Bright, Clear Viewfinder
The K100D Super features a lightweight penta-mirror viewfinder, which combines Pentax-original finder optics with a Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen to deliver a bright, clear subject image with a 0.85-times magnification and a 96-percent field of view.
True-to-Life, Rich-Gradation Images Assured by 6.1 Effective Megapixels
The K100D features a large, high-performance 23.5mm x 15.7mm CCD. By combining 6.1 effective megapixels with a high-performance imaging engine and advanced image-processing technologies, the K100D Super is designed to produce beautiful, true-to-life images that are rich in color gradation. The K100D Super offers a choice of two finishing touches of "Natural" or "Bright" to create a distinctive atmosphere.
Compatibility with High-Quality, High-Capacity SDHC Memory Card
The K100D Super accepts not only the conventional SD memory card as its storage media, but also the newly standardized SDHC card, which allows users to store higher numbers of large data files, such as RAW-format images.
Compact, Lightweight Body with Optimum Holding Comfort
The K100D Super has been designed to be compact and lightweight for easy carrying and enhanced maneuverability with an easy-to-hold grip to assure a stable shooting position.
Other features:
- 19 custom functions to personalize camera operations
- Consecutive shooting of up to five frames at the speed of approximately 2.8 frames per second (at BEST image quality in JPEG format)
- Eight distinctive Scene modes to accommodate specific subjects/applications
- Choice of two preview functions (digital/optical)
- Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
- Noise-reduction mechanism to reduce digital noise during extended exposures
- Dual power source (two CR-V3 lithium batteries or four AA-size batteries)
- USB 2.0 (HI-SPEED) compatibility for speedy data transfer to PC
- Five digital filters (Black-and-White, Sepia, Slim, Soft, and Brightness) for easy editing of recorded images
- Pentax Photo Laboratory 3 RAW data and image processing software and Pentax Photo Browser 3 image browser software included on the accompanying CD-ROM
- Compatibility with PictBridge, DPOF, Exif Print, and PRINT Image Matching formats
Customer Reviews
Positive first experience
I got into photography back in the 1980s with a film SLR camera. Since then, I had made do with some basic Kodak point and shoot digital cameras which I was very happy with, but did not offer the flexibility of an SLR. When I finally needed to get a digital SLR for a project, I admittedly didn't know a lot about the choices. I did some on-line research and realized that the Pentax offered the most flexibility. You can use rechargeable AA batteries, an SD card and ANY Pentax SLR lens ever made. That means you have access to one of the most popular lens mounts ever made. In any case, I felt that was worth the tradeoff in less resolution and the reliance on menu-driven features. So far I've been pretty happy with the camera. It seems fairly easy to use for basic photography and if you are willing to learn all of the menu options and practice, you can do all sorts of things with the camera. I don't have experience with comparable cameras from other makers such as Canon or Nikon, but I would say that if you are looking for a relatively affordable and fleixible digital SLR, this is a pretty good choice. The only thing I can see that the camera is missing is a plug for a PC-connection for an external flash, but that's a relatively small thing. The camera does have a nice Pentax-designed shake control, and apparently a unique autofocus design.
The BEST Indoor Light Digital SLR
I actually have the K100D, not the Super, but the comments apply to either model. My daughter does gymnastics and the pictures I take are taken indoors without flash. In order to get the most benefit from this camera, DO NOT settle for the kit lens that comes with it. That lens (18-55mm) is fine for outdoor snapshots, but to really get the most of this camera, get a fast prime lens (50mm f1.4, 50mm f1.7, 50mm f2.0, 35mm f2.0, 28mm f1.8, 20mm f1.8, etc.) This camera can take pictures that I believe NO OTHER SLR can do and has 3 distinct advantages over other SLRs.
1. Shake reduction - This allows the camera to be reduce movement due to the user and keeps the photos sharper. It can be used with ANY Pentax-mount lens you put on, saving potentially huge amounts on lenses (check out others stabilized lens prices and you'll see). Some of the other Pentax bodies also have this feature and I understand that there may even be a higher degree of reduction with models like the 10D.
2. More sensitivity - You may think a 6 megapixel image is a disadvantage, but it allows the sensor to have an ISO range of 200 MINIMUM to 3200, because the sensors are larger and need less light, meaning more speed. No other currently made body that I know of has this kind of sensor sensitivity, although some bump the ISO up as high or higher with expensive, perhaps more advanced (but I don't think better results) technology.
3. More lens usage - there are more lenses available that fit on this camera than on any other brand, by far, and these lenses are often far less cost than what the new types cost. I've found that manual focus lenses are not always a disadvantage, and in fact, often get me better and faster pictures, since I can set the focus and not have to wait for the camera to do the focus function. Other Pentax bodies do the same.
So, if you want a camera for indoor shooting with the most sensitivity and not spend an arm and a leg, get this one and get a prime lens or two to go with it. You'll not only be amazed at what you can shoot, but so will your friends. I only hope Pentax comes out with a full-frame 14 megapixel version of an equivalent sensor.
Great Camera, Insane Price
What on earth would drive someone to try and sell a K100D for nearly twice retail, when you can get either a K100D, K110D, or K200D for four hundred dollars or more less?
Buy this camera, but not at this price.
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