Great camera

I'm not qualified to do a detailed camera review as we just recently switched from a point and shoot to a DSLR. I was a bit nervous that we would spend the extra money for this DSLR only to realize the source of the horrible pictures was due to the operator. However I will say that so far that even with our limited camera knowledge the pictures are a huge step up from any previous camera. We expect it will only get better as we continue to learn how to use it beyond the auto settings and hopefully as we invest in better lenses. I would certainly recommend this camera and the lens kit to anyone looking to make the upgrade.

Big bang for a little camera!

I have a K200d and a Nikon D300 but I have to say that the K200d is pretty much on par with my D300 when given enough light and shot in lower iso ranges. If you don't shoot in dark lighting and don't need extra features of more expensive cameras, you will be very happy with the output from the K200d. Images are very detailed when you put some good glass to it. The Pentax FA 50mm 1.4 can't be touched by the other brands for it's image quality and low price. I've shot pictures with this camera where my iso was set to 100 and camera metered for highlights -- using some software to bring in some fill light showed that the camera retained a lot of dark and shadow detail without a whole lot of noise. Overall, I may shoot with my D300 more because of it's features, but I will never get rid of my K200d because I think it is that good!

Nice camera!

I also own a K1000 slr that I got in 1986. I bought this camera specifically because my other lenses should fit it. Unfortunately, my 80 mm zoom from JCPenney does not. There is one piece that is too big. My true Pentax lenses fit.
So far I love the camera. The pics are incredible. But I hate the photo software that comes with it. It is not intuitive (ie, you have to read the instructions) and I have yet to figure out how to resize images to make them less than 2.5 megs.
Don't forget to buy a memory card. The camera has no internal memory at all.
The size is nice, fits well in my hand and it's light enough to hold with one hand. I like the built in flash especially after years of using one with the hot shoe.

Fabulous!

I've had the K200D for about two weeks now and have no regrets. This is the best camera out there for the money. If you have any interest at all in learning to take better pictures this camera will be ready as you learn more, but it's also good for the true beginner with lots of auto modes to help you.
I think the things that make this better than the competition are 1) shake reduction in the body. When you start buying lenses you don't have to keep paying for that feature in every single lens (nikon VR?) 2)very durable body construction and weather/dust sealed. Any DA lenses you attach are as well. This is only available in cameras for the pros normally. 3)all pentax lenses for the last 3 or 4 decades can be used, some older manual ones need a $10 adapter--but you can buy tons of used awesome old lenses on ebay for very cheap. 4)this kit lens is the best kit lens out there. I've read alot of reviews and all the experts agree this is the best. It was made for the camera that is one step  more

K200D for Landscape Pictures

I recently purchased the Pentax K200D with the 18-55mm lens after much comparison of all the popular entry level dSLRs. I chose the Pentax based on actually "feeling" the camera at a local camera store. It was comfortable and feels very well built. I used the camera on a recent trip to the Smoky Mountains and took many picts in automatic with the bracketing mode turned on. The pictures were fantastic. I would recommend this camera to anyone wanting to make the leap from "point and shoot" to dSLRs and wants a bit more than most entry level cameras and the weather resistent well built camera body. This camera really met all my expectations and then some.