Pentax Debuts K2000 DSLR

Pentax's forthcoming K2000 camera looks to sway consumers away from point-and-shoot cameras to the world of DSLR photography.

Pentax has taken the wraps of its new K2000 camera, a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera specifically designed to appeal to consumers ready to migrate to the DSLR experience from simpler—and more-limited—point-and-shoot digital cameras. The K2000 will offer simplified operation and automatic features, while enabling users to tap into the range of manual controls and interchangeable lenses available in the DSLR world.

The K2000 will offer a 10.3 megapixel resolution, a 2.7-inch LCD panel, and a compact design to facilitate one-handed operation. The camera will also offer Pentax’s Auto Picture mode that automatically selects correct picture modes for a shot (including a Night Portrait mode), and “powerful learning functions” designed to get new DSLR users up to speed. The camera will ship with the smc Pentax DA L 18–55mm ƒ/3.5-6.5 AL lens, and will also work with the new Pentax DA LS 55–200mm ƒ/4-5.6 zoom lens; both DA L lenses are designed to offer the same optical characteristics as equivalent Pentax DA lenses at a more affordable price point. The K2000 supports SD and SDHC memory cards and will also support a hot-shoe flash; the K2000 also includes a sensor cleaning system to keep dust out of images. Other key features: mechanical image stabilization, high-speed shooting at 3.5 frames per second, sensitivity down to ISO 3,200, and a high-precision five-point autofocus system.

The K2000 should be available in North America this November as a kit with the smc Pentax DA L 18–55mm ƒ/3.5-6.5 AL lens for $699.95. It looks like the K2000 will be known as the K-m outside North America, although pricing and dates don’t seem to be available yet.