The new PENTAX K200D dSLR is designed for the novice photographer. Yet it includes many advanced features including a 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor, a weather-resistant body and in-body anti shake & dust removal systems. As the replacement for the K100D the K200D is chock-full of user-friendly features and sophisticated functions borrowed from higher-class models. Even digital camera newbies will enjoy the advanced features of this new model.

PENTAX uses a 10.2-megapixel CCD image sensor in the K200D. All that resolution means you can print larger and sharper images that ever before. The high resolution CCD combines with a DDR2 memory image buffer to give quick capture rates up to 2.8 frames per second. The body of the K200D is designed so that every button and dial is in easy reach. This makes shooting a simple, intuitive operation.

The new model has a larger LCD than previous models, now up to 2.7 inch LCD, keeping it in line with its competitors, though not the largest, while the new Dynamic Range Enlargement feature is also something we’ve seen in Nikon and Sony models for example. Another addition that brings the K200D up to speed with its rivals is the Dust Detect feature that allows you to check the sensor for dust by taking a picture of a white wall or piece of paper and seeing a high-contrast lithograph-type image on the LCD. The sensor can then be cleaned if necessary.

The Pentax Optio T10 is a 6-megapixel point-and-shoot camera with a 3-inch LCD touch screen. The T10 is the third point-and-shoot digital camera to use a touch-sensitive LCD for changing settings, organizing files, and editing photos. The touch screen is the T10′s biggest feature, but the camera also has a 3X optical zoom lens and a 30fps VGA movie mode. The two other touch-screen-equipped cameras currently available, the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-N1 and the Kodak EasyShare One, have received less than stellar reviews, so we’re going to have to see for ourselves whether the T10 is a capable snapshot camera or just another gimmicky gadget. The T10 ships in March and has a suggested retail price of $350.

The satin-finish metal front section of the camera wraps back over the top and bottom and is accentuated by both the chromed ring that surrounds the lens and a thin horizontal strip. The back of the camera provides black plastic areas to hold the camera on either side of the 3-inch, 230,000 pixel monitor.

The Pentax Optio T10 was introduced in the month of the PMA 2006, and proved an instant eye-catcher. The impressively large 3 inch screen takes up a sizeable part of the camera’s back side, which distinguishes itself by the absence of the, for instance, well-known multi controller. The type of monitor that we find on the Pentax Optio T10 is in fact rather surprising; a touch-screen with a resolution of 230,000 pixels. This immediately explains the absence of several “standard” buttons. The large format screen makes an optical viewfinder virtually redundant. The touch-screen monitor enables an altogether different operation, which requires a clear and well-arranged menu structure.

Pentax have been working with the Optio name since 2001, and have managed to achieve a very decent level of brand awareness. Over the past few years, we have seen Pentax invest serious effort, which has resulted in an extensive range of models. Time and time again Pentax succeed in integrating innovative functions in their new models, something that is once again emphasised by the Pentax Optio T10. Although the use of a touch-screen isn’t completely new, it remains surprising. Furthermore, the large screen enables the use of clearly larger pictograms, whilst illustrating it is even more important to have a menu that is both clear and easily accessible.

The Pentax K100D has a sensor resolution of six megapixels, and accept lenses using the Pentax KAF lens mount. The stabilization mechanism – dubbed “Shake Reduction” – is undoubtedly the standout feature of this model. Focusing can be controlled automatically or manually, and uses a phase detection system with 11 points (nine of them cross-type) to determine focus. Images can be framed using a penta-mirror optical viewfinder, and reviewed on a 2.5″ LCD display with a resolution of 210,000 pixels.

A choice of program, aperture- and shutter-priority or manual exposure modes; 16-segment multi, center-weighted or spot metering; shutter speeds from 30 – 1/4000 second; user-selectable ISO sensitivity from 200 – 3200 equivalent, plus eight white balance modes including fully manual white balance let your creative juices flow. For fun snapshots, the K100D offers a range of automatic controls including eight scene modes and four Picture modes (the latter essentially being scene modes that have positions on the mode dial rather than being accessed through the LCD display). A five-mode flash strobe is also available, along with a two or twelve-second self timer.

A remarkable function is the digital preview, which enables you to check the depth of field on the monitor before capturing your image. In fact, you will already be taking a photo, but the difference is that the Pentax K100D will store it in the buffer, instead of instantly writing it onto the memory card. In practice, however, this function did not prove particularly handy; I much rather prefer a depth of field check in the viewfinder. Fortunately, this function is also available on the Pentax K100D!

To improve the image quality, Pentax have equipped their K100D with new algorithms, which should -among other things- help to reduce noise. Not that Pentax users had any reason to complain! Pentax even offer prospective users of a K100D the chance to work with ISO 3200; a unique feature in this class of DSLR cameras. The speed of the camera, which formed a major disadvantage of the Pentax *ist DS2, is another feature that promises improvement. The auto focus provides you with eleven focus points, nine of which are cross-type sensors.