The Pentax K200D is an incredibly feature-rich entry-level DSLR, actually it is the most feature rich as of December 2008. Particularly, the K200D is the only such camera to have a weatherproof body. It is presently the only camera to be weatherproof and run on AA batteries. Using AAs, this DSLR can take upwards of 1100 shots, surpassing most lithium-ion based DSLRs.

 

The K200D features built-in stabilization, spot metering, DOF preview, dust alert and dust reduction, all features not always seen on such entry-level DSLRs. It also has the largest and brightest viewfinder among its peers. Its main limitation compared to advanced and much more expensive models is having fewer buttons and only one control dial. This has to do with advanced photographers needed to react faster and change settings more often to get each shot right.

 

The main competitors to the K200D are the Nikon D60 and Canon Rebel XSi. While the D60 produces slightly cleaner images than the K200D it is not as reliable due to its tendency to over-expose and is much more limited featurewise. The XSi may not have builtin stabilization, a weatherproof body, the convenience of AA batteries, and the largest viewfinder in its class, but it makes a strong showing in terms of image quality at 12 megapixels and performance. Its continuous drive runs at 3.5 FPS (25%) faster and for up to 53 frames.