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Pentax K2000 Video

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Pentax K2000
Created: 06/10/2009
Video description: Speedy performance lifts the Pentax K2000 above the cheap-dSLR masses, but bad default settings make it an iffy choice for newbies.

Pentax K2000 Video Transcript

[ music ] ^M00:00:03

>> Hi. I'm Lori Grunin, Senior Editor with CNET, and this is the Pentax K2000. K2000 is Pentax's entry level digital SLR model and it comes in a variety of kits, including one with a flash unit. And since I think an external flash is something that everybody should get with a digital SLR, that's a pretty good deal. Aside from having some very nice kits, the Pentax is a pretty good SLR. Its strength is its speed. It's one of the fastest entry level digital SLR's for everything except for continuous shooting. Continuous shooting it gets limited to about 5 shots before it really slows down, and that even with a fast card. So if you're gonna be doing burst shooting, then I'd probably stay away from this one. But if you're looking for an otherwise fast camera, then this is probably a good bet. Overall it's pretty well made. The body feels a lot more solid than a lot of the cheap entry level models. Some basic specs on the camera, it has a 10 megapixel CCD, and uses in-body image stabilization, censor shift, just like Olympus and Sony. The LCD is 2.7 inches and it's fixed, it's not movable like we're seeing on some of the slightly higher end SLR's. It also has a pretty nice viewfinder. It doesn't light up like the others do, but it's slightly larger and the focus stop light is in a much easier to spot place down in the middle of the display, rather than off to the side. It also has a pretty simple side control panel display, but not really dummed [phonetic] down. It's a nice compromise between getting rid of all of your options and just giving you the options you need. Like most of the cameras in its class, this one doesn't do video. However, it also doesn't do live view, which is pretty popular in this class of cameras. Another flaw with this model is the default settings for shooting JPEG. It uses a bright custom image mode, which just really skews the colors and clips your dynamic range. So if you're going to want to use a camera that you don't have to change the setting on, then I don't recommend this one. Another feature, which some people like, others don't, tends to polarize people, if you'll pardon the pun, is power. It doesn't have a lithium ion rechargeable battery; instead you can use 4 AA size batteries. Overall it's a decent camera as long as you're willing to play a little bit. I'm Lori Grunin, and this is the Pentax K2000. ^E00:02:33

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Pentax K2000 (with 18-55mm lens) Review

The good: Very fast autofocus; relatively nice viewfinder; wireless flash and in-body image stabilization.

The bad: No Live View mode; poor default JPEG image settings.

The bottom line: Speedy performance lifts the Pentax K2000 above the cheap-dSLR masses, but bad default settings make it an iffy choice for newbies.

Read full review

Pentax K2000 (with 18-55mm lens) Specs

Manufacturer: Pentax
Part number: 17312

Product Specifications
  • Product Specifications

  • Product Basic Spec

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Pentax K2000 (with 18-55mm lens) Prices

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B&H Photo-Video

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In stock $499.95
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In stock $449.95