Product Reviews

Pentax's latest DSLR, the 10.2-megapixel K-m, is a new addition to the range and sits beneath the previous entry-level model, the K200D. Following stiff competition in the entry-level class, Pentax has followed rivals such as Nikon and Canon and removed the top-plate data panel in favour of a single LCD to the rear. Other savings have been made, too. For instance, the K-m has a pared-down AF system and it lacks the attractive weatherproof sealing of the K200D. We've always been impressed with the build of the DA 18-55mm starter lens, but the new DA L version adopts a polycarbonate lens mount to keep both the weight and cost down.

On the plus side, the new model sports the same 10.2-megapixel CCD with anti-shake and dust-busting systems as its bigger brother. Furthermore, improvements in signal processing means the maximum sensitivity has increased to ISO3200.

Pentax has also improved the continuous-shooting rate, up from 2.8 frames per second (fps) in the K200D to a more respectable 3.5fps, but the K-m has inherited the same small buffer of the K200D.

Holding it in your hands, the K-m has the characteristic Pentax feel - that is, rather angular and hard, the ridge of the rear thumb-grip especially so at times. Like other models from Pentax, the choice of AA batteries adds to the somewhat heavy-feeling body, although the K-m is 105g (or just over 85%) lighter than the K200D.

With the top-plate data panel gone to save room, the mode-selector dial has been placed to the right of the viewfinder. Following Nikon's example, the K-m's buttons are larger than average, although the thumb-pad - a collection of five buttons with short-cuts to WB, ISO, flash and drive-modes - is closely grouped

ADVERTISEMENT

and a bit fiddly in use.

With such a small body, there really doesn't seem room for anything larger than the 2.7in LCD, which is the same spec as the display on the K200D. It's of a reasonable quality, but its 230,000 dots means it lacks the sharpness and detail of more upmarket models.

Now that the main LCD has to act as a data panel, the K-m looks a little different and works differently to previous Pentaxes. Like its rivals, you can use the data panel to make certain selections, but you have to use the fiddly thumb-pad, and there are no niceties such as a proximity sensor to switch off the screen when holding the camera to your eye.

There are no real surprises in the viewfinder, but we like the fact Pentax has included the ISO setting with all but the manual metering mode; then it displays the metered variation in exposure instead. Despite the K-m only having five focus-detection points, autofocus is fast and seems accurate and reliable.

Its cross-shaped automatic detection area makes it a superior choice to the meager three-point system found on the Nikon D60, only it doesn't show where the camera is focusing and you can't manually select any other than the centre point. The last detail is a mild inconvenience for off-centre subjects but not being able to check the point of focus is a real drawback for experienced users.

From our tests, the K-m buffered just six Jpegs or five Raw files in a burst, and our photos were a bit of a mixed bag. We noticed the usual colour inaccuracies under indoor lighting, and in-camera Jpegs were both poorly processed and sharpened, much like we've seen in the past.

Clipped highlights were fairly common, but the D-Range option for compressing the dynamic range was a help. Far better results can be had by developing Raw files with the bundled Silkypix software. Noise levels are on a par with rivals, while a few even have an ISO3200 setting at this level. Be that as it may, distracting coloured speckles and luminance smoothing means the maximum ISO is likely to be kept in reserve.

Poorly detailed Jpegs and a small buffer put the K-m at a disadvantage with similarly priced rivals, and distinctly so with the lack of visible focus detection points. If it wasn't for that, the K-m would be a very good choice.