Pentax K-m
Review Date : Fri, 23 Jan 2009
Author : Paul Nuttall
The latest addition to the bustling entry-level market the Pentax K-m, but just what does it offer that the K200D doesn’t?
| Pros: | Value, compact size, silver flash design, prompt AF, image detail, tone. |
|---|---|
| Cons: | AEB/self-timer conflict, noisy AF with kit lens, underexposure |
The entry-level digital SLR market remains a hugely popular target for manufacturers, and consumers are faced with a wide array of options and feature-sets competing for their money.
The main reason for this variety, from the manufacturers’ perspective, is that if they can lure you into their system at the start, and get you to buy their lenses as your skill develops, then you’ll be ‘tied’ to their system for the rest of your shooting days. Just ask yourself how many times you’ve heard an experienced snapper postulate, ‘It’s just too difficult to change systems’.
However, the desire of the manufacturers to hook you in early can also be beneficial to you as a consumer. If you are new to the world of DSLRs, then it’s highly likely that you’ll be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of cameras you can pick up for under £400. Whether you want AF live view or not, in-camera or in-lens image stabilisation, or just the plain cheapest, there’s something for you.
So, with such a crowded and competitive market place, what exactly does the Pentax K-m bring to the party to get you hooked on the Pentax system? How does it compare with its sub-£400 peers, what differentiates it from its predecessor, and what exactly makes it the right entry-level DSLR for you?
Verdict
Differentiating with a range of DSLRs can often prove problematic for a manufacturer. The manufacturer can either focus on restricting the inner workings of the camera to keep costs down, or simply alter the design and size to the same end. Pentax has clearly opted for the latter approach with regards to differentiating the K-m from the six-month-old K200D. The latter camera, while debuting at a price point towards the high end of the entry-level market, was acclaimed for featuring facets of its more advanced sibling. It, of course, follows that the K-m also features said facets, owing to the fact that it’s essentially the same camera – but, of course, over £150 cheaper than the K200D was at launch. What you also have to consider is that the K-m is, in essence, more than an entry-level DSLR. The slight quirks with underexposure, and in turn white balance, mean that shooting Raw is certainly preferable, and as such an understanding of image-editing software needed. But this is what the K-m offers – an eminently affordable DSLR that produces good results if you’re willing to put a bit of effort into your shots, a process which will in turn improve your photography.
Have your say!
Latest comments
January 10 12:39
Orlo
nice camera for this money. Made over 4000 pics and am very satisfied. The quality of the pics, however is realy upseting. probably because of the standard lens and my old pentax 28-200mm lens that produces unsharp pictures. (compared with my old Fuji S7000 bridge camera) I am thinking to upgrade to K7 but not sure it is better than K-m in price/quality aspect
January 16 19:00
prv-dubai
I think you should try Sigma lenses, which goes well with my Km. Amazing photos and am really happy with the results..Good Luck
March 07 18:30
Don
I Have a Pentax SFXn With a Sigma 28-200 lense. Woulld it be compatable with the Pentax Km