Pentax K-m: Review

Posted to Digital SLR 2010-02-21

Pentax K-m review:

The Pentax K-m is a new full-featured, entry level 10.2MP digital SLR from Pentax. It features a large 23.5mm x 15.7mm sensor, yet is housed in a very compact, lightweight body. Other features include a sensor-shift shake reduction system, a comprehensive dust removal system and a new intelligent auto picture mode that chooses the correct settings for most any subject.

The K-m also includes a continuous shooting speed of up to 3.5 fps, a 5-point autofocus system and a large 2.7 inch 230,000 dot LCD display. There's also a bright, clear viewfinder with a 96% field of view and a magnification of 0.85X, 10 different scene modes and 16-segment multi-pattern metering. The camera uses SD/SDHC memory cards for image storage and is capable of recording RAW and JPG images simultaneously.

Rating:

4.0 out of 5

Value

Pentax introduced two new lenses in conjunction with this camera, and the camera/lens combinations are available at a very reasonable price. The two new lenses are an 18-55m f/3.5-5.6 zoom and a 50-200mm f/4.0-5.6 zoom. Given its price, the K-m is surprisingly full-featured. The in-camera shake reduction system adds to the value, as the camera can be used with almost any lens ever made by Pentax - many excellent used lenses for this camera are available at a very reasonable price.

Ergonomics

Pentax completely redesigned the control layout for this new camera, and it's aimed squarely at the beginning SLR user. Most of the controls are grouped near the grip, and the display instantly tells what each control is for with a touch of the help button. Couple this with the camera's small size and light weight, including the two new lightweight lenses, and you have a camera that is very easy to use. The large LCD and large, bright viewfinder add to the K-m's usability.

Summary

If you're a point-and-shoot or digital super zoom user, and you're ready to take the step up to an SLR, the Pentax K-m makes an excellent choice. Everything about the camera is aimed at the entry-level market, including the price. When compared to the competition, the camera/lens combinations being offered by Pentax represent an excellent value for the price. All in all another excellent offering from Pentax.

Pros

Large 10.2MP image sensor
2.7 inch 230,000 dot LCD display
Large, bright viewfinder
In-camera shake reduction system
New intelligent auto mode

Cons

There are no cons for this product