Pentax K200D The reviews are confusing when it comes to the viewfinder vs lcd. Several people complain that they only have a viewfinder to use in their reviews. Yet the product specifications show an lcd and other people mention it in their reviews. So which is it -- it has an lcd or not? Pentax K200D The reviews are confusing when it comes to the viewfinder vs lcd. Several people complain that they only have a viewfinder to use in their reviews. Yet the product specifications... » Read More Pentax K200D The reviews are confusing when it comes to the viewfinder vs lcd. Several people complain that they only have a viewfinder to use in their reviews. Yet the product specifications show an lcd and other people mention it in their reviews. So which is it -- it has an lcd or not? « Show Less
536212
The K200D has no "Live View". Instead, it uses an optical viewfinder which allows you to look through the actual lens. The LCD screen is for displaying your images AFTER you take them. Live View - the ability to use the LCD to frame and focus your shot before you take it - has its uses but an optical viewfinder is really best on a dSLR IMHO.
1536568
Ah, then you should be pretty much at home with the basic functions of the K200D. The LCD also displays setting information.BTW, if you have any screwmount lenses, make sure to get the official Pentax adapter since the 3rd party adapters may lose infinity focus. Also get some good NiMH rechargeable AA batteries (like Eneloops) and a charger.
1536569
Thank you so much for explaining the difference. I have used a 35 mm Pentax for years. And I have a small digital that I use now for quick shots. But I wanted to move up to something that would give me a good combination of options. So the dSLR cameras are all new to me.
1575990
Hi Kendal N,The viewfinder is a good option to use when the LCD is obscured by bright sunlight, but it is not a very high resolution image. It's workable though for capturing most shots. The viewfinder is also useful when using the zoom lens, as it allows the camera to be held more steady.
784609
The K-01 comes only in the yellow/black, black/black, and white/black versions. It has been discontinued by pentax. It is a good camera. Get one while still possible.
363697
I was worried about not having a view-finder on my digital camera when I first switched to the Nikon l1. And really, it hasnt bothered me at all. You can always adjust the brightness of the screen so you can see the image and its got a matte not glossy screen so you are not reflected in the image. I've had to buy a new camera since mine got stolen, and I find that the swivel abilties of the s10 will come very handy if you are concerned with the LCD screen.
1942235
There is no viewfinder. Only the LCD screen. As a SLR user that bothered me at first. Now I couldn't imagine any other way.
263010
You are definitely not alone in wanting a viewfinder. I am at the age where I need reading glasses and thus, if I am using the camera, I need to have glasses handy so I can see the LCD. This is very frustrating. And I am purchasing a camera with a high optical zoom feature primarily so I can use it outdoors, for nature shots. So having the LCD wash out in the bright light is also going to be frustrating.
39833
I'll have to check (I'm not close to my camera at the moment). I think it does....I think it does everything that the back display does....in fact to me the viewfinder is much clearer. I'll check and post a response here.
1126995
Hi Mike,I would really go for the viewfinder. I just bought a new camera with no view finder and I dropped it after 3 months (eeek!) and now it still takes pictures but I can't see what I am taking! Also, it is difficult in the sun with no view finder or in the dark. Hope this helps. I need buy a new camera and it will have a viewfinder!
482190
Yes, indeed, it does have a viewfinder. That is exactly why I bought this camera. Most digital cameras today use a LCD screen and have no viewfinder. In bright daylight, LCD screens are hard to when and impossible if you are looking toward the sky like photographing birds, airplanes, etc. This camera has a button that activates the viewfinder and shuts down the LCD screen. It works quite well.
1298989
To cut to the chase on the K3 is like this: the K3 model is the BEST DSLR Pentax/Ricoh camera body made by them, bar none. The cost difference in between the K3 and the others is a moot subject compared to the large and small details that has been added. If I only one of the changes to pick as best, I would pick image resolution because no other Pentax DSLR can come close to the K3. To my judgment, the money was well spent for it. This camera makes your Pentax system 50% better instantly! I hope this helps your choice.
1290138
I'm currently using it on my 5DMK3 without any issues. Like I stated in my review however, approximately 3-4% of the screen (the edges) will be excluded from the viewfinder. This hasn't hindered my shots though and would highly recommend it over spending another $100 on the 2.2X magnification version. If I want to be precise with my shot I'll use my external 7in monitor. This viewfinder is great for being in the field shooting.
909791
I does have a viewfinder, it's small but useful for situations you describe. The LCD screen is very good also, about 1 million pixels vs 250 to 400 thousand for most point & Shoot cameras. The shutter to picture time (or Delay) is excellent, with a good UHS Class1 card, it's as quick as you can get w/o going to a full size DSLR.
1771453
I really dont have any regrets with my camera, and I think dxo mark gave it a better overall rating than the K-3. The only cAmera I would have probably waited for is a full frame Pentax but dont know when that would happen.
23669
Yes the LCD gives a live view so it works very well as a viewfinder. In other cameras I really preferred the small viewfinder but on this camera the LCD works so well I almost never use the small viewfinder. The screen flips up and down (both for still images and video) but it does not flip out to the side and it does not rotate.
1989597
Take a look at the two. It looks to me like the most significant difference is the rugged build of the Pentax. However, it does not have WiFi and has a 4x lens. So if 5x interests you more than 4x and you must have WiFi and don't really care about owning a camera that will survive a really hard knock, then go with the Nikon. All I know is that I've got about 3,000 images under my belt with my Orange WG-3 and none of them are flawed by mechanical, sensor or lens problems. About half were taken after our 16-month-old grandson decided to see how far he could throw it (it landed on a hardwood floor about six feet away and slide into a baseboard). And about 500 of those were taken in Greenland and Iceland in wet, cold (at or just below 32 degrees F most days) weather. Also, I took a 20-second movie after tying the camera's carabiner clip to a 20-foot long rope and then tossing it into a clear stream coming off a glacier in Greenland. Not much of a movie, but no leaks! I don't know if the Nikon would have performed as well as the Pentax or survived any of my (and our grandson's) abuse or not. All I know is that the Pentax did.
1447681
I didn't see any difference. I am very happy with mine, it woulds like I believe it should. There was only one issue with the viewfinder which in my opinion become too easily detached, but I am sure that's only my model. I would say do more research on this 1d in comparison to others. You can always buy and return it to if you don't mind spending a few bucks on shipping it back if you don't like it.
792518
I have been wondering the same thing & still can't decide. I was wondering if you have decided yet & if so which way you went? I have a Pentax Optio A10 right now & I love everything about it except the shutter speed so I have been looking for a new one & can't decide between the Sony DSCW80 & the Canon SD1000.