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.