Pentax K1000 Camera: Read This Pentax K1000 Review

The very fact that it is still in rotation and being used frequently in the world of photography means that this is a classic camera still worth exploring.

The Pentax K-series of SLR cameras was first introduced in 1975, with the K1000 making its debut in 1976. A lot has happened in the decades since it took the stage, with gigantic leaps forward during the dawning of the digital age, but this camera remains one of the best manual clickers on the market.

The Pentax K1000 camera is used by beginner and student photographers all around the world because of its light body and incredible user-friendliness, but that doesn’t mean it’s only for novices. Professional photogs don’t shy away from its use, either.

It’s a classic, yes, but it’s a productive classic that maintains its relevance, even after all these years.

Pentax K1000 Review

The Pentax K1000 camera is an all-manual device, devoid of any of the automatic operations that have become industry-standard with today’s SLR cameras. This is a major turn-off for those who are just looking for a simple point-and-shoot; but for the people who have a real interest in serious photography, the Pentax K1000 offers the chance to get your hands dirty in the realization of your art.

And if you feel ready to make the leap from indistinct digital photography into the world of manual creativity, take heart: this is one of the simplest and easy to use cameras on the market.

With a 35mm lens, a horizontal travel, a rubberized silk cloth shutter for its focal plane, and a light 18.5 ounce weight, this is a camera for the ages, able to give you crisp and clean pictures of anything you have a mind to shoot.

It’s incredibly portable, it’s criminally easy to use, and it’s unbelievably affordable. What more could you possibly want in a top-notch SLR camera?

Pentax K1000 Camera: Consumer Opinion

You can read about the features, details, and manufacturer-written praise as much as you like, but you won’t find out about the realities of a product’s true performance until you read what actual consumers have had to say about their experiences.

For a greater understanding of this camera, let’s take a look now at what people in the real world of photography think about it.

Consumers like:

• Fantastic user-friendly operation for beginner or student photographers
• Great value (new for $125, used for $50)
• Super lightweight (18.5 ounces), but tough enough to take a real beating

Consumers don’t like:

• Occasional slight inaccuracy of exposure meter
• Lack of self timer
• Light meter battery dies quickly if lens cap is not on when camera isn’t being used

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Best Pentax Camera Accessories: Pentax Camera Bags, Lenses & More

Fortunately for you, Pentax camera accessories are widely available from a number of different website and stores.

Pentax is one of the top manufacturers of high quality cameras and photographic equipment, making everything from state of the art DSLR devices to simple point-and-clicks and all the various Pentax camera accessories you may need to fill out your kit.

If you aren’t a highly experienced photographer, there are a lot of accessories you can overlook (like specialty lenses and high-tech external flashes), but there are a number of great add-ons for people with even a novice-level of shooting skill.

Some of the different kinds of Pentax camera accessories include:

• Camera bags and cases
• Lens cases
• Lenses
• Straps
• Cables

And even though Pentax has spread its focus wide enough to include the manufacture of so many different accessories, they still feature the great attention to detail and precision engineering that makes this company one of the most recognizable and trusted brands in the business.

Best Pentax Camera Bags

Pentax camera bags come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. There are small cases that can fit your digital point-and-click, large bags that can store your entire kit, and even specialty bags for your expensive lenses.

Here’s a brief look at some of the best Pentax camera bags and cases:

• Pentax PTX-L80 ($10) – This soft case is made especially for the storage of Pentax Optio cameras and features hand-finished leather of the finest North American hides.
• Pentax PTX-1M Camera Case ($6) – The PTX-1m is a slim, leather case suited to house an IQ Zoom camera snugly and securely. It’s made from tough PVC for the best in camera protection.
• Pentax DA 40mm Lens Soft Case ($55) – Why spend $2,000 on a lens if you’re not going to keep it safe? This soft case is made of leather and features a thick, fashionable drawstring closure.

Best Pentax Camera Lenses

Beyond bags and straps, some of the most common Pentax camera accessories purchased are lenses. With varieties in wide-angle, zoom, autofocus, and a number of different focal length options, Pentax camera lenses are some of the most versatile and well-crafted accessories on the market.

Let’s take a look at a quick rundown of three of the best Pentax camera lenses:

• Pentax Normal SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 Autofocus Lens ($450) – This is classic lens with mild telephoto capabilities. It’s a great value for a product with such high image stabilization.
• Pentax DA 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED Lens ($270) – Featuring cropping with very little loss of detail, this Pentax lens is one of the most affordable, lightweight, and high resolution zoom lenses of the bunch.
• Pentax SMC P-FA 31mm f/1.8 Autofocus LE Lens ($1,700) – One of the best (and consequently, one of the most expensive) Pentax camera lenses in the catalog, this limited edition SMC has the most excellent image quality of them all.

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Pentax ZX 50 Review | The Pentax XZ50 35mm SLR Camera Review

The Pentax ZX 50 is a Single Lens Reflex (SLR) 35mm camera that has been touted as one of the best overall machines for novice photographers that are serious about taking pictures.

Pentax has yet to arrive at the pinnacle of the photography industry, always remaining in the shadows of Canon, Nikon, and Olympus, but their products are absolutely worth your time and energy to explore further.

And that goes double for the ZX 50.

Pentax ZX 50 Review

This is an ultra compact autofocus SLR camera that combines together an easy to understand operation with professional level, sophisticated features that will suit your every need.

And to top it all off, it’s incredibly affordable; especially as far as other SLR cameras in its class go.

But no camera is truly perfect. For every advantage there’s a disadvantage. It’s ultimately up to you, though, to decide which outweighs the other: the pros or the cons.

Here’s a look at some of the best and worst aspects of the Pentax ZX 50. Read them and then make the decision for yourself about whether the strengths are enough to overpower the weaknesses, or vice versa.

Strengths:

• User Friendly – A lot of SLR cameras, especially non-digital ones, are extraordinarily difficult to figure out. The Pentax ZX 50, though, has been praised by the online consumer review community as being a camera that even a beginner can maneuver well enough to take some outstanding photos.
• Great Battery Life- With two lithium batteries, the lifespan of this camera is astounding. Some consumers have found that their Pentax ZX 50 cameras have lasted more than a year on a single set of batteries.

Weaknesses:

• Soft Autofocus – It has been noted by several consumers that the autofocus can sometimes have trouble focusing, resulting in soft photos. This can be a problem, sure, but it can also be easily rectified by switching over to manual focus.
• Lightweight Shaking – Because the body is so lightweight, many people have found shaking to be an issue. With less weight to keep your hands steady, you may end up taking many more blurry photos with this camera than you would with another, heavier model.

Pentax ZX 50 35mm SLR Camera: Specifications and Features

For a bare-bones look at exactly what this Pentax SLR has to offer in the way of hardware and performance, here’s the list of its specifications and features:

• Film: 35mm
• Battery: 2 Lithium batteries
• Weight: 12.2 ounces
• Shutter Speed: 30 – 1/2000 seconds
• Type: Single Lens Reflex (SLR)
• Focus: Autofocus and manual focus
• Frames Per Second: 2 fps
• Auto Shooting Modes: Landscape, Sports, Portrait, Macro

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Pentax Optio S10, A40, and Z10 Digital Camera Reviews

As far as mid-range cameras go, the Pentax Optio digital camera line is still looking for a foot hole in the market. Those who own and operate a Pentax Optio camera rave about them. But they have yet to attract a bigger following.

Is this because the Pentax Optio digital camera is less productive or of a lower quality than its competitors?

Not necessarily.

The main reason that Pentax is having some trouble building a user base is because when it comes to spending more than $300 on a digital camera, most consumers like to go with brand names they know and trust.

So far, the Pentax Optio digital camera is not such a brand.

But, in all honesty, it should be.

Below are brief glimpses at three Pentax Optio digital camera models. We’ll see if the pros outweigh the cons, and whether or not Pentax Optio cameras truly deserve to up there with the best of them. These Pentax reviews on digital cameras ought to shed some light.

Pentax Optio A40 Digital Camera Review

Those who have been following the Pentax Optio digital camera A-series have fallen in love with the A40. The features are much improved over the previous incarnation, and nothing was tossed away that will be missed.

The Optio A40 is still a very small camera that is easily portable. It measures a minute 3.6 x 2.2 x 0.9 and weighs in at a light 5.3 ounces. Some consumers have complained that the size and weight of the Optio A40 makes it seem cheap, but most people are fond of its feel.

The A40′s resolution is crystal clear and the shake reduction optical zoom is a wonderful features.

Here’s a list of some of the Optio A40′s details:

• 12-megapixel resolution
• 2.5-inch LCD display
• Enhanced Face recognition auto focus
• High-quality movie mode
• Features mechanical, digital, and movie mode Shake Reduction

Pentax Optio S10Digital Camera Review

The Pentax Optio S10 is a bigger, sturdier digital camera than the A40. It’s nearly twice the size and almost 3 times the weight, but it is one of the best Pentax Optio digital cameras on the market.

It takes photos of excellent quality, the shake reduction is a vast improvement over past models, and it works fast powering on in less than three seconds.

The battery’s life span is only of average length and it’s kind of a pain to recharge it, but these are minor faults with a good camera.

Some of the Pentax Optio S10 specs:

• 10-megapixel CCD resolution
• 3x Optical zoom
• 2.5-inch LCD screen
• Digital shake reduction
• High speed automatic face recognition

Pentax Optio Z10 Digital Camera Review

The Pentax Optio Z10 digital camera is a cross between amazing and lackluster features.

As far as resolution goes, the Z10 is far behind the S10 and A40, but the optical zoom is out of this world. The 170-degree viewing angle is dynamite for such a small camera, but any pictures taken indoors with a flash come out grainy.

The Z10 seems to be a bit of a trade-off. It’s a great price for a so-so camera.

Here are some its features:

• 8-megapixel resolution
• 7x optical zoom
• 2.5 inch LCD display with 170-degree viewing angle
• Digital Shake Reduction

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Pentax Waterproof Cameras Offer Something for Everyone

Are you looking for durable waterproof cameras that can withstand cold temperatures on land or sea? The Pentax Optio W60 or Pentax W80 might be just the camera you’re looking for.

Pentax Optio W60: Waterproof Digital Camera Review

The Pentax Optio W60 is very durable and can be fully submerged underwater without any additional housing. It also has a 28 mm wide-angle capability. The wide angle allows you to capture landscapes, architecture, group photos, and close-up shots.

The camera features 10 megapixels and a 5x zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle capability. Because of the camera’s enhanced design, you can operate it up to 13 feet underwater in extreme temperatures as cold as 14° F (or 10° C).

Pentax Optio W80: Underwater Digital Cameras

Not only is the Pentax Option W80 durable, but you can snap hundreds of underwater pictures and take up to two hours of video footage on a single charge! The Pentax Optio W80′s waterproof design withstands depths of up to 16 feet. Its Super Protect (SP) coating applied to the camera’s internal zoom lens helps repel water, grime, and finger marks.

The Pentax Optio W80 has a wide angle zoom lens that allows you to take tight shots as well as expansive landscape photographs. The camera has two basic modes: Auto Picture and Auto Macro.

With the Auto Picture mode, you can automatically select the most appropriate shooting mode for any given subject or scene. The Auto Macro Mode lets you automatically switch the camera’s focus range to macro in close-up applications.

Reviews on digital cameras show the following features and functions for the Optio w60 and Option w80 digital cameras:

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This dSLR camera, first launched in 2006, is one of many famous dSLRs produced by Pentax. The K10D is the early version of the K20D, and offers dSLRs functions in a hefty, rugged body.

Following on the cheaper side of the dSLR market, the Pentax K10D has an average currently price range of $500 – $800, which is fairly cheaper for a professional camera. It comes with an auto lens out of the box, and a number of different lenses can be added – Pentax sells quite a few different kits, so you’re bound to have a good selection no matter your needs.

If you’re in the market for a sub-$1000 dSLR camera, then read on.

Body

The body of this dSLR was specifically designed to be rugged, durable, and weather resistant. The case is made to block dust, which can get on mirrors and lenses and ruin shots, and it is water resistant, so you don’t have to fear grabbing that last minute shot in the rain.

The body of this camera is beautiful to behold, and has a professional, no-nonsense look to it. Unlike some high end cameras, such as the Cybershot line, where the lens is a long barrel along the left side of the device, giving it an almost camcorder appearance, this camera has a traditional shape to it.

The viewfinder is nestled comfortably above the LCD, which is nearly centered in the back of the camera. There are a number of controls on both sides of the LCD, and they are intuitively placed so that the thumb of the shooting hand can control nearly everything needed while taking a shot.

There is a built in flash, and it is a pop up, which keeps the camera compact and easier to store, and reduces the worry over breaking or damaging the flash protrusion.

Features

This camera features a 10 megapixel sensor, which is the resolution that can be found with many average point and shoot cameras now. With 10 megapixels, large, high quality prints can be made. The resolution can be downgraded to eight and six megapixels for smaller shots.

The camera features 11-point autofocus, which means you’d be hard pressed to find a subject you couldn’t photograph clearly. The AF comes in both single and continuous mode, and works quickly when needed. If you prefer to do the focusing yourself, there’s also manual focus.

The ISO has a range from 100 – 1600, so you won’t miss out on any night shots. Shutter speed can be delayed up to 30 seconds, and can be increased up to 1/4000 of a second.

Exposure can be manipulated in both 1/3 and 1/2 increments, something that HDR photographers will especially enjoy.

Image Quality

Image quality is what you would expect from Pentax high quality, sharp, accurate, with low noise at lower and moderate ISOs.

Cons

Noise gets pretty unacceptable after about 800 ISO, and at the highest ISO, you’re not going to be getting awesome night shots without keeping the ISO low and cranking up the exposure, which could prove problematic with many bright lights.

There can also be problems with the auto focus in lower lights. This, of course, could be rectified by using manual focus, but that only works with still shots.

Conclusion

This camera, like many other sub-$1000 dSLRs, is a very good choice for those needing a (relatively) inexpensive digital SLR camera. If you are looking to take a lot of night shots, or if you want a camera that can provide perfectly despite the settings, than you may want to save your money for a few more months and get a higher-end camera.

By: Blair Mathis

If you are an amateur, but you need a DSLR, you’ve likely noticed the K20D has an attractive price for it’s set of features. Does the Pentax live up to it’s claims, however, or is it simply a prosumer with a DSLR tag? Read on to find out.

Body

The first thing you will notice when looking at the Pentax K20D, is that it is not as awkward looking as some other dSLR cameras. The lens is proportionate to the body, and doesn’t look dwarfed.

The camera itself is surprisingly small for a mid-range dSLR, and it is easy to hold in one hand. It has a right-side hand grip, as all cameras do, and has a centered screen in the back. The menu and navigation buttons are laid out as they are on any camera – mostly on the right side, with a few on the left.

The built-in flash is mounted above the lens, while the EVF viewfinder is mounted directly above the large LCD display. The shutter button is positioned towards the front of the camera, for easy access by the index finger when held with one hand. The zoom button sits on the opposite side of the camera, and is comfortably in reach of the thumb.

The front of the camera is mostly blank, with the lens taking up most of it. There is a small ‘K20′ located in the corner.

The finish of the body is textured, and it is colored black. Overall, the camera looks professional and comfortable, and is something no professional would be embarrassed to hold.

Features

This camera features the ability to shoot photos upto 14 megapixels (4672 x 3104), enough to make large, high quality prints. The megapixel shooting level can be lowered down to 10/6/2.2 megapixel levels for smaller shots.

The K20D can shoot in two photo formats – JPEG and RAW. The JPEG has four compression levels, while the RAW can be shot as RAW+JPEG or PEF/DNG RAW.

For clear shots, the Pentax K20D has 11-point auto focus using nine cross sensors, for fast speeds and high accuracy. The AF is dynamic, auto, or single, depending on your needs.

There are seven exposure modes, including the common aperture/priority/manual, as well as the less common green mode and flash sync speed mode. In addition to the seven exposure modes, there are 10 white balance modes, including auto, manual, and auto sub levels like daylight and tungsten.

The exposure bracketing goes in half and third increments up to +/-2 AE. The ISO cam go up to a high 6400, so shots in the dark are definitely do-able with this camera.

For those times when you need more creative shots in a short amount of time, you can use one of several different filters, including: HDR, BW Sepia, 3/18/6 color, Soft, Slim, etc.

Image Quality

As with the previous version of this camera, the K20D takes very nice photos. Daytime photos are superb, while night time shots are very nice. At high ISO, there is noise, but no more than you would reasonably expect to see from any mid-range dSLR.

Conclusion

If you need a professional camera for a less-than-professional choice, the Pentax K20D dSLR camera certainly holds its own as a viable option. The camera is small easy to hold, while at the same time feeling sturdy and robust. It sports a wide array of exposure, white balance, and filter settings, and can take clear, crisp photos in nearly any occasion.

By: Blair Mathis

Pentax has added a new waterproof to their stable in the form of the Pentax Optio W80.

Pentax has added a new waterproof to their stable in the form of the Pentax Optio W80. The successor to the w60, it has had a 2 MP boost over the w60′s 10 and is now waterproof to 5 mtr instead of 4 mtr. The Pentax Optio W80 has also been toughened up, now being certified shockproof for 1 mtr drops. The Pentax Optio W80 hits the shelves at around $280 so the improvements aren’t exactly cheap.

The build quality of the Pentax W80 appears at be superior to its older sibling although the basic body shape is very much the same as is the control layout and accessibility.

With a 5 x wide-angle zoom, 100mm macro focus capability, high definition movie mode and ISO range that tops out at 6,400, the W80 is pretty versatile. The Pentax Optio W80′sslim profile isn’t compromised during shooting due to the lens doesn’t extend even at the maximum zoom settings. Although the 2, 5″ LCD isn’t the biggest, it is bright, sharp and saturated even under horrible lighting conditions.

The Pentax Optio W80 colors and exposure are good although pictures are somewhat gritty and soft even at low ISO’s. ISO 1600 is not too shabby but deteriorates quickly after that. The Pentax Optio W80 also had a mediocre lens which was has a sharp center point but lost focus towards the sides, noticeably more so on the left than the right.

Definition was rather weak, even in center frame and softened up considerably towards the edges. On a more general note, the control layout is spartan forcing excessive main menu use, even to effect basic settings such as white balance and ISO.

The Pentax Optio W80 buttons also have a distinctly tacky feel to them. The auto focus is not the fastest and the face detection sometimes wandered. There is only digital shake reduction which just isn’t comparable with an image stabilisation system. The 1,280 x 720 pixel HD movie mode is desirable, but unfortunately you cannot zoom while filming and the Pentax Optio W80 does not have a HDMI output.

The Pentax Optio W80 in short

The lens issue aside, The Pentax Optio W80 produces average picture quality and looses user friendly points due to the menu access issues. The Pentax Optico W80 is one the most shock and waterproof digital compact camera on the market.

By: Alex Terrell

The K7 is the latest semi-pro dSLR camera from Pentax, and clocks in at the high price of $1200. Aimed at enthusiasts, hobbyist and pros on a budget, this 14.2 megapixel digital SLR doesn’t come with a lens at its base price.

If you’re looking for a mid-level professional camera that takes a wide-array of lenses and offers the latest features available, while keeping the price moderate, read on to find out if the Pentax K7 digital SLR camera might be the right one for you.

Features

The basic features of this are: a 14.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, 5.2 frames per second burst mode, 30fps videos in 720p and 1080i resolutions, 1/8000 max shutter speed, 77 segment metering system, 3″ LCD display, both horizontal and vertical shake reduction, new dust removal system, a chassis made of magnesium alloy, and, perhaps the coolest feature, an HDR setting that will create a high dynamic range photo from three different photos.

Design

As tends to be the trend with the newest dSLR cameras, the lens on the Pentax K7 is the largest piece of the unit. The body is small (for a digital SLR), and is shaped in a classic square shape. The hand grips are grooved and indented for comfortable and secure holding, while the rest of the unit is a black matte finish.

The front is adorned with the white Pentax logo, there is a power button is to the right of the unit, the left side has the AES switch and RAW button, and both sides have small silver neck strap loops.

The top of the camera has an exposure button, ISO button, and mode dial, as well as a small settings display and on/off switch. The back of the digital camera has a large display that takes up most of the case. Above the screen is the viewfinder, and to the right are the general digital camera buttons: gallery, trash, format, white balance, auto focus, menu, and disp.

Photo Quality

Based on the sample shots that have been posted on many websites, most notably the ones on Photography Blog, this camera has a high dynamic range, and produces sharp images in low light. Noise is barely discernable in the low-light shots, including one that appears to be inside a subway tunnel. While image quality is dependant on the lens used, there is some fringing on distant objects on the sample photos.

Video Quality

Likewise, the sample video posted by Photography Blog shows very high-quality imagery, with very saturated colors, sharp edges, and HQ audio.

Conclusion

This camera has all the promise of being an excellent contended in the mid-price dSLR market, with unusual features, such as the in-camera HDR merging, and the latest in auto focus, dust reduction, and anti-shake. Pentax is known for its high-quality products, and there is a huge array of lenses available for the unit.

by Blair Mathis