Pentax K-m DSLR - Test Shots - Detail and Lens Performance

A range of general test shots are shown over the next two pages. In some cases, the full size image has been reduced for bandwidth purposes, and a crop taken from the original full resolution image has been placed below it to show the overall image quality. Some other pictures may be clicked to view the original full-size image.

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Here's my usual DSLR test shot of Sidmouth seafront, although as you can see the holiday season hasn't really got started yet.

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Compare this with the Sony A200 and other 10MP DSLRs.

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The weather wasn't exactly ideal for photography, but the K-m is fun to use anyway.

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The Pentax 18-55mm DAL kit lens does produce some chromatic aberration....

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...but it's pretty easy to clean it up in either the supplied Silkypix software or Adobe Camera Raw.

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11 comments

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GherkingTR

10:13 PM on 30 March, 2009

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Comprehensive review, cheers Cliff!

Especially, thanks for covering the build quality/feel of the device - I picked up a friend's 450D a few months back, and it felt like a plastic toy compared to the nice metal casing of the entry level Olympus shooters. I imagine a lot of gadget lovers need reviews like these in the run-up to summer.

Score:

Rodney

2:41 PM on 1 April, 2009

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Thanks for this review - I was looking forward to hearing about the K-m.

Apologies if I'm being really obtuse, but where does the K-m sit in relation to the slightly older K200d? the Pentax website describes both models as "entry-class" or words to that effect. They're retailing at about the same (£370 with kit lens) as far as I can see.

Also, for a first time DSLR buyer, how does the Pentax K-M compare to the Alpha 200 (£300ish), Alpha 300 (£350) and Alpha 350 (£400)?

Thanks!

2:43 PM on 1 April, 2009

Apologies - the prices in my comment were ex. VAT (buying for business purposes) but the same still applies for the K200 and K-m Being the same price and the pricing of the alphas compare to the Pentax k-m

CliffSmith

10:15 PM on 1 April, 2009

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Rodney - The K-m fits into the Pentax range below the K200D, which is itself below the K20D. As for how it compares to the Sony cameras, I'd say it has about the same image quality as the A200, but superior build quality, and the Pentax 18-55mm kit lens is a noticeably better than the entry-level Sony 18-70mm.

IgorLEAHU

12:05 PM on 16 April, 2009

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Well done review...from a very objective point of view!

Waiting for a same review of Pentax X70!

Splogbust

11:39 AM on 22 April, 2009

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Thanks for review. The 'focussing points' issue is, well, a non-issue from my and possibly many other people's point of view. My current camera has selectable focussing points - I really haven't a clue how to use them (although I did play with them once or twice) as I always focus using the central one and then re-frame.

Some of these things are more complicated to use than video machines!

Mike19

12:14 PM on 25 April, 2009

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You say that the KM doesnt have an af illuminator or a preview function,but if you read the manuel both of these are present.The af illuminator is provided by strobe flash,if the flash is in upright position. The preview feature can be assigned to the help button ,see page 119 of manuel.Otherwise a great review.Thanks

pinkliverbird

10:11 AM on 14 May, 2009

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Thanks for the review. I've been waiting to see what was said about this camera as I've been interseted in it for some time. I'm wanting to buy an entry level dslr and I've narrowed it down to the Pentax K-m or the Sony A200. Which is the best out of these two camera's. Can anyone advise me please? Thank you.

Simon Hall

11:57 PM on 27 December, 2009

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I am looking at an entry level DSLR and this camera looks very attractive. However there is one reason why it doesn't make my shortlist and that is the fact you have to power it with AA batteries.

Most other entry level DSLRS come with lithium ion cells so why not this one? Just like a budget compact you have to supply your own batteries.

drjoed

7:17 PM on 5 January, 2010

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I have just purchased a Pentax K-x and so far I love the camera...and I especially love the price! regarding the battery comment: I have a number of digital cameras with "proprietary" batteries and there is no doubt that they are lighter than 4 AAs. However, I love being able to pick up an inexpensive set of lithium rechargeable AAs at any drug store or 24 hour Walmart! And should I lose my charger (left one in a hotel in September) I can pick one up pretty cheap! Here in the USA can get a charger with 4 AAs (2100 mah) for $10 to $12. I also just picked up 4 2650 mah AAs for $12.

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