While the Pentax K20D may appear “over-megapixellated” (or a bit too expensive), take a look at the "little" K200D which appears a slightly less impressive (10 Mpix) but is mighty attractive with its weather-sealed body, integrated stabilization system, pleasant viewfinder, sensitivity priority mode and 2.7 inch LCD.  So is the K200D the ideal entry level reflex?

Handling

Loaded with its 4 lithium batteries, the Pentax K200D may seem a bit light; however, the construction of this reflex is excellent and finishing touches are impeccable.  Pentax assures its camera against poor weather (a weather sealed body) by using sealed joints in more "vulnerable" areas: memory card and batteries doors, buttons, etc.  You can therefore take your K200D out in the rain or snow without fear of ruining it.  However, note that the camera is moisture proof but not the lens (the 18-55 mm included in the kit).

This camera is easily taken in your hand and despite the small dimensions the handle assures a good grip.  The optical viewfinder is one of the best in this line of reflexes.  Otherwise, the different controls are well placed and the main settings (flash, motorization, sensitivity, etc.) are directly accessible via the practical Fn button.  However, for those that "dare" to delve into menus, do not expect any particular assistance.  This is unfortunate for a reflex that is supposed to be first and foremost destined for beginners.

The K200D is a rather fast reflex.  Startup is pratically instantaneous and the latency between 2 photos is very short.  In good lighting, the autofocus system is very reactive and results are very satisfactory (11 points including 9 cross).  In poor lighting, performances are somewhat ruined by repetitive hesitation and a slower aufofocus.  For those who wish to invest in the Pentax family of lenses, note that the K200D is compatible with all of the new models with ultrasonic motorization (SDM), assuring faster autofocus and especially more silent functioning.  The K200D also has clever functions inherited from the K10D like the direct access button to RAW format or the priority sensitivity mode.  The latter enables quickly and easily choosing the ISO with the help of the dial while the camera automatically sets the aperture/speed.

Quality of images

The K200D’s 10 Mpix sensor combined with the 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 produces good results.  Images are sharp while colors are very vivid in glossy mode. In Natural mode, they are more neutral and even flat.  Automatic white balance is correct outdoors and, as is too often the case, not to efficient indoors.  Noise control has also improved and images are little affected by billowing up until 400 ISO.  At 800 ISO, noise is more easily noticeable and smoothing degrades the finer details, although images are entirely usable for 30x45 cm prints.  At 1600 ISO, noise is more significant but the quality is still acceptable.  In this domain, the Nikon D60 or Canon EOS 450D (which is much more expensive) do slightly better.  The flash is excellent and rather well controlled.  Finally, exposure (in multi-segment metering mode) has a strong tendancy to under expose which make images particularly dense.  You therefore may want to up this parameter one or two notches.