Pentax K200D

The Pentax K200D has been pushed aside by cameras with live view and video but its strengths put it a step above most contemporary entry-level models.

1. Built strongly and weather-sealed like pro-models but quite light to carry.

2. Good range of features and customisable to suit almost anyone. Takes RAW plus full-sized jpg, very handy indeed, and not found in most newer entry models.

3. Uses four AA batteries - my slow-discharge NiMh set lasts ages, with a set of lithiums in my bag in case the NiMhs expire - but they haven't yet.

4. Works with my legacy MF lenses. I use the latest Pentax 18-55WR plus my MF lenses especially the 50/1.7 for portraits, Tamron SP90/2.5 and SP70-210/3.5.

5. Excellent image stabilization with ANY lens incl. MF.

The only weakness is a 1/2 EV smaller dynamic range than I expected. Limit blown highlights by using -1/3 or -1/2EV compensation when shooting high contrast scenes.

Very full featured camera at a reasonable price. Provides all the features which would allow a beginner photographer to learn and grow with the camera.

Supports all the standard fit lenses from Pentax, which provides a route for buying older second-hand lenses should you wish.

Image quality of the camera is generally good. Shoots in both RAW and Jpeg, leaving lots of flexibility to the photographer if they require it.

Uses AA batteries, which makes finding a power source easy, where-ever you are in the world. Worst case, buy a pack from a local shop.

On a more technical level, the noise in the camera is well controlled up to about ISO400. The supplied image processing software (silkypix) is good, and seems very good at removing noise from pictures.

The camera is realtively small and light - very useful for "walk around" snaps.

A top LCD on the camera body is very useful for checking camera settings quickly.

Camera is also weather sealed, provided a weather sealed lens is being used, you can take pictures in the rain without worry. A very useful feature for British weather.