K100d

[JodiM]

I'm fairly new to "serious" photography. I took an intro course awhile ago but I still have a lot to learn. I've only ever used compact digital cameras and have finally gotten sick of crappy pictures. I've decided to go with a DSLR that I can grow into as I want to get into photography as a hobbie.

I want to do a little of everything - nature, lanscape, low light/indoors, sports, etc...so I'll need a general use camera.

I am looking to spend around CAD$600 - $900 with a starter lens (probably in a kit).

I've read the reviews and really liked the K100D with one exception. I understand the manual controls are buried deep in the menus. I am concerned that will be a pain in the butt the better I get.

My question is: Is my concern legitimate? If so, how big of a problem will this be? I think to get something comparable with the main manual controls not buried in a menu I will have to spend over CAD$1000, which is something that I don't want to do if I don't have to.

What is everyone's thoughts and advice on this issue? Your help is appreciated.

[SpecialK]

My question is: Is my concern legitimate?

No. Here's the manual.
http://www.pentaximaging.com/files/manual/K100D%20Manual.pdf

Scratch that link - the file is corrupt.

Here's the K110D which is the same except for shake reduction:
http://www.pentaximaging.com/files/manual/K110D_web.pdf

[xophedebx]

Hello,

The fn settings are really easy to use. So the manual settings have a direct access. You are for sure confusing with the customization menu, which is more technical, but you can live without in a first time.

Xophe

http://www.christophevlaminck.net/K100D%20Super.html

[Pentaxian1992]

I own the K100D, and the manual controls are NOT burried deep in menus. manual controls are very easy to use.
the main problem I have with the camera is the fact that it runs on AA batteries. also, there is a very limited selection of long telephoto lenses. to get a good telephoto lens over 300mm, you have to buy Sigma.
other than that, the K100D is an excellent DSLR. I would recommend it.

[SpecialK]

I own the K100D, and the manual controls are NOT burried deep in menus. manual controls are very easy to use.
the main problem I have with the camera is the fact that it runs on AA batteries. also, there is a very limited selection of long telephoto lenses. to get a good telephoto lens over 300mm, you have to buy Sigma.
other than that, the K100D is an excellent DSLR. I would recommend it.


Funny. I like it because of the AA batteries. Nothng wrong with Sigma lenses, necessarily.

[JodiM]

Thanks for the info:)

[Pentax100D]

Hi,
I do agree that the K100 is a fine camera. I have been using it for nearly a month with the kit lens. It is wonderful. AA batteries were the reason i bought the camera as i travel a lot in africa......when i run out of battery i can always go in any shop and pop in AA.
second the menu is not at all complicated it will take you a day to get used to it. Trust me most of those you will not really get into the first few days.
The only problems wiht the camera that i faced is a yellow tint that comes in photographs which can be remvoed by the tungsten setting but still it is not perfect. (but that is only for some situations)
2nd is the dark corners you get at 18 mm (which again is not a big problem as you can fix it in photoshop)
Except these two issues i have enjoyed the camera a lot.