Pentax announces entry-level DSLR, K2000 aka K-m at Photokina

The K-m was “leaked” several days ago and today at Photokina, Pentax officially announced the K-m aka K2000 (here in the US) DSLR. Most of the specs that were “leaked” are spot on and nothing much differs from the official announcement. What the leaks failed to mention was the bump in ISO to 3200, but a weaker AF with five points as opposed to the 11 you’ll find on the K200D. But the K2000 does get shadow detection. However, the earlier reports mentioned a jump in continuous drive mode to 3.5FPS, but maybe I’m reading the spec sheet incorrectly.

The K2000 is truly an entry-level DSLR with a simple control layout that can be easily manipulated with one hand. The K2000 borrows many of its older brethren’s internals like the Sony 10.2-megapixel sensor that’s found in the K200D, a 2.7-inch TFT LCD, dust removal system and Shake Reduction technology. What’s really unique about the K2000 is the dedicated and programmable “Help” button that’s located next to the shutter button. This comes in quite handy when new SLR users encounter settings or functions that they’re not familiar with. Full specs for the K2000 can be found after the jump.

The K2000 will ship in November for $699 with the brand new smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL lens and PENTAX AF200FG flash (guide number of 20 (at ISO 100/m). Another bundle will be available in early 2009 with the K2000 Body, DA L 18-55mm lens and smc PENTAX DA L 50-200mm. Both lenses are brand new with plastic mounts.