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.
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.
1356326
You cannot get a quality point and shoot digital with a long wide angle zoom that has a viewfinder. In fact, you can hardly get any point and shoot with a viewfinder. I really miss having this feature for several reasons: (1) I wear reading glasses. With a viewfinder (especially one that allows an optic adjustment) I can see details of the shot I want to take (is my subject smiling?). With the largest LCD screen, I cannot always see the detail I want. I sometimes have to put my glasses on to take a picture. Not easy when you are wearing goggles on a ski slope. A pain anywhere. (2) In bright sun, forget it. Just "point and shoot" and hope for the best. (3) Holding the camera up toward your eye and slightly against your face provides a more stable base and results in much less shake than holding a camera out from your body. I don't know why manufacturers stopped making viewfinders--economy? weight? --but I sorely miss them. I'm afraid it's a lost cause.
1907339
There is only the LCD viewfinder. In the conditions of higher backlight - often what is sought to illuminate the subject - it is too washed out to accurately compose the pic. I understand this to be a universal complaint with LCD-only finders.
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.
85341
The X20 has a slightly different sensor that is suppose to be slightly sharper but the differences are very small, as to be virtually undetectable. Some people like the X10 better then the 20 because it has a more sophisticated and feature rich Contrast Control setting. The lens is exactly the same. I was dissapointed that there wasn't more of a difference. Oh ... the X20 displays some of your exposure settings in the optical view finder. But a lot of folks don't even use the optical view finder and instead just use the excellent monitor. It was pretty much of a waste for me to "upgrade" from the 10 to the 20 ... but my son enjoys inheriting the 10. :-) The X20 has a slightly different sensor that is suppose to be slightly sharper but the differences are very small, as to be virtually undetectable. Some people like the X10 better then the 20 because it has a more sophisticated and feature rich Contrast Control setting. The lens is exactly the same. I was dissapointed that there wasn't more of a difference. Oh ... the X20 displays some of your exposure settings in the optical view finder. But a lot of folks don't even use the optical view finder and instead just use the excellent monitor. It was pretty much of a waste for me to... » Read More The X20 has a slightly different sensor that is suppose to be slightly sharper but the differences are very small, as to be virtually undetectable. Some people like the X10 better then the 20 because it has a more sophisticated and feature rich Contrast Control setting. The lens is exactly the same. I was dissapointed that there wasn't more of a difference. Oh ... the X20 displays some of your exposure settings in the optical view finder. But a lot of folks don't even use the optical view finder and instead just use the excellent monitor. It was pretty much of a waste for me to "upgrade" from the 10 to the 20 ... but my son enjoys inheriting the 10. :-) « Show Less
263009
I wondered if there were better LCDs out there for outside photos than on my last two cameras (Fujis). Anyway, I am gravitating toward a slightly larger camera with a nice optical zoom. On the high end, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35, and on the low end the Fuji S1500. These cameras tend to have viewfinders, but I need to do a lot more research before I make a final decision.
1402675
Hard to tell from the press release and product information, eh? The Eye-Start looks like it improves focus response time on your first shot by some small amount by starting focusing when you put your eye to the viewfinder. I guess that means if you use the LCD that you just get "normal" focus time, not "improved" focus time.Hey, wait, can you even compose a shot in the LCD? Don't most DSLRs only have menu and playback on the LCD, and viewfinder for viewing through the lens to compose?
309252
I own the G15. It is now a replacement for my Pentax Kr DSLR. The G15 does everything my DSLR does and then some. Pictures are excellent. Even the digital zoom is good for small prints, which is all I do anyway. The HD video is also great. I can even zoom while taking the video. If I ever have a time when I cannot see the LCD screen, I'll use the optical viewfinder. Since the optical viewfinder only shows 75% of the actual picture, it should be rarely used. The LCD works great anyway. I also agree with others that not carrying around the bulky DSLR is another benefit. I'm just an amateur photographer who likes taking good/great pictures and the G15 does that for me. I own the G15. It is now a replacement for my Pentax Kr DSLR. The G15 does everything my DSLR does and then some. Pictures are excellent. Even the digital zoom is good for small prints, which is all I do anyway. The HD video is also great. I can even zoom while taking the video. If I ever have a time when I cannot see the LCD screen, I'll use the optical viewfinder. Since the optical viewfinder only shows 75% of the actual picture, it should be rarely used. The LCD works great anyway. I also agree with others that not carrying around the bulky DSLR is another benefit. I'm just an amateur... » Read More I own the G15. It is now a replacement for my Pentax Kr DSLR. The G15 does everything my DSLR does and then some. Pictures are excellent. Even the digital zoom is good for small prints, which is all I do anyway. The HD video is also great. I can even zoom while taking the video. If I ever have a time when I cannot see the LCD screen, I'll use the optical viewfinder. Since the optical viewfinder only shows 75% of the actual picture, it should be rarely used. The LCD works great anyway. I also agree with others that not carrying around the bulky DSLR is another benefit. I'm just an amateur photographer who likes taking good/great pictures and the G15 does that for me. « Show Less
1547866
The G16 is designed for one to use the LCD to frame your shots. The viewfinder is small, and is not actually what the lens see's. Unlike a DSLR, there is no prism to indicate what the lens is seeing. The viewfinder is merely a close aproximate to what the lens is seeing. On the G16, the LCD screen is the best bet to frame the shot. You can use the LCD is bright sunlight or a car race, but you may have to adjust the aperture and shutter accordingly for the scene, in Manual mode. The LCD will show your exposure in "Live View" before the shot is made, whereas the viewfinder will not.
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!
2038628
Ok so the pictures say it has a viewfinder (the little eyehole on the back of the camera for the unintelligent), yet some people are saying it does NOT have one and some people are saying it DOES have one.... how is someone who NEEDS a viewfinder supposed to know whether to purchase this camera or not
1392155
Thank you very much for your review and for posting the pics, which look really great. I am kicking myself for not preordering this camera. I kept vacillating between the Pentax K-X and this one. I would like to be able to take good photos in low light and to have a big zoom (like a moon shot, for example). Any insight you might have would be welcome.
2008090
I'm not a professional photographer and haven't read any reviews about quality of viewfinder or LCD. I have had no problems with either in using my Sony. A friend who is a pro recommended it to me and I'm perfectly happy with the pics I've taken. shannon s, TX
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.
2058086
I have the Pentax lens and absolutely love it. I do not have, nor have never used, the Tamron lens. However, Pentax forums has some very good reviews of it (http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/tamron-70-200mm-f2-8-di-ld-macro.html). You might want to ensure that's the exact lens you are looking to buy.You lose one stop with the Pentax. Depending on the camera you have, that may be a big deal. I've found I can use the 60-250 with a TC in bright light without problems (it's a 5.6 lens when the TC is used with it) for action photography. I use mine for wildlife and sports photography (outdoor mainly) and it does everything I need. I have the Pentax lens and absolutely love it. I do not have, nor have never used, the Tamron lens. However, Pentax forums has some very good reviews of it (http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/tamron-70-200mm-f2-8-di-ld-macro.html). You might want to ensure that's the exact lens you are looking to buy.You lose one stop with the Pentax. Depending on the camera you have, that may be a big deal. I've found I can use the 60-250 with a TC in bright light without problems (it's a 5.6 lens when the TC is used with it) for action photography. I use mine for wildlife and sports... » Read More I have the Pentax lens and absolutely love it. I do not have, nor have never used, the Tamron lens. However, Pentax forums has some very good reviews of it (http://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/tamron-70-200mm-f2-8-di-ld-macro.html). You might want to ensure that's the exact lens you are looking to buy.You lose one stop with the Pentax. Depending on the camera you have, that may be a big deal. I've found I can use the 60-250 with a TC in bright light without problems (it's a 5.6 lens when the TC is used with it) for action photography. I use mine for wildlife and sports photography (outdoor mainly) and it does everything I need. « Show Less
2184546
It is not a debate. The sensor in the full frame is larger, therefore more pixels, more info, better image quality. When you look through the viewfinder in the full frame you get 50mm, it's not expanded. Either way this is a good lens. You have to know how to use it is all.