Pentax Launches Entry-Level DSLR

In price and design, the Pentax K2000, announced today, is an entry-level DSLR meant for people who have just upgraded from a point-and-shoot. The 10.2-megapixel camera, which costs $699 for the body and basic lens, has just a smattering of buttons on the back, as well as a mode dial on top, which will look familiar even to people who have never held a DSLR.

Some specs: the camera has a 2.7-inch LCD, ISO up to 3200, continuous shooting at a rate of 3.5 fps, a dust removal and alert system, 10 scene modes, and takes SD and SDHC cards. Since Pentax hasn’t changed its camera mount since 1975, you can use Pentax lenses that were made long before the digital age. Finally, it comes with the Pentax AF200FG Auto flash, valued at about $150. We’re thinking beginners won’t know the first thing about using a detached flash, but this is still a good value for $699.

The camera, lens kit, and flash will be available as a bundle in November. Starting in early 2009, the camera will ship with the standard 18-55mm lens and a 50-200mm lens for $699 (this bundle will not include the flash). Finally, Pentax announced these lenses and accessories:

• PENTAX  DA 60-250mm f/4 ED[IF] SDM lens (November, $1499)
• PENTAX  DA 55mm f/1.4 SDM lens (December, $799)
• PENTAX AF160FC Ring Flash (October, $499)
• Limited lens and 1.4X Rear Converter SDM (Price and shipping date TBA)