Pentax K-m Review

Handling & ease of use:
The K-m is one of the smallest DSLRs on the scene, measuring only 91.5x122.5z67.5mm
(HxWxD), and has a few millimetres shaved off its body size when compared to the Pentax K200D, which is itself a relatively compact model. Despite its small size, it is very easy to hold thanks to a very pronounced handgrip with a rubberised exterior for extra grip. Though it is a budget model, the Pentax feels extremely solid and well made with buttons that are a decent size and easy to use; so despite the price, you're not buying a DSLR that feels cheap and plastic.
The K-m has relatively few controls when compared to most other DSLRs. All the key features, such as White Balance, ISO, flash, and self-timer, have their own button, while the lesser-used modes are then available on the on-screen menu system, or via the 'OK' button in the centre of the four-way control. This does make the K-m an extremely easy DSLR for beginners to use, although for the more experienced user, having to access a menu to say, change the AF mode, rather than move a switch or press a button that's readily available on the camera's body, may prove frustrating. However, looking at who the camera is aimed at, I think that Pentax hasn't done much wrong by aiming the operation towards aiding the first-time user as much as possible. The addition of a Help button also allows you to display an explanation of key functions on the LCD monitor to make it easier to use.
The menu system of the K-m has seen a make-over that makes it more pleasing to the eye and easier to use than that of the K20D and K200D. The set-up of tabs and lists doesn’t take long to go through and is, on the whole, easy to understand, so newcomers should be able to navigate it with ease.
There is no top-plate LCD panel on the K-m, so exposure information is displayed on the rear LCD monitor. This doesn’t prove to be a major problem, as the 2.7in screen is bright and sharp and the design of the split blue/grey display is very easy to read.
The viewfinder is very similar to others at this price point – the screen is sharp and reasonably bright, with exposure information running along the bottom. Black markings at the centre show the area covered by the AF points, but there is no visual indication as to which AF point within this area has locked focus on the subject. Apart from this one niggle though, the K-m proves to be a well designed and easy to operate DSLR that will suit the first-time user.

Features:
As with the majority of entry-level models, 
the Pentax K-m boasts a 10.2-megapixel resolution, which provides a maximum image size of 3872x2592 pixels, although you can also set it to shoot at six (3008x2000 pixels) or two-megapixels (1824x1216 pixels). Images are stored on an SD (SDHC) card and are saved as JPEG (three quality settings) and/or Raw (DNG or Pentax PEF) files. There is a wide selection of exposure modes, including a choice of fully automatic scene modes, semi-automatic modes and manual. The metering options include three patterns (16-zone, spot and centre-weighted average), auto-bracketing, AE-Lock and exposure compensation, which should prove more than enough for most photographers’ needs.
Autofocus is based around a five-point system with pretty limited control. You can choose to use the central point only or have all five AF points active, but you can’t choose any of the outer four points or control them at all, other than to switch them all off and rely on the central point. You can set it to shoot in single-shot mode, work in continuous AF mode or have it set to Auto-AF (a combination of the two) via the on-screen menu, and of course, you can focus manually too.
The integral flash pops up automatically in specific program modes and can be manually raised if you want a touch of fill-in flash. Its Guide Number of 11 (ISO 100, m) is less powerful than more expensive models and its coverage of lenses up to 28mm means that you do need to take care when shooting with a wide-angle zoom to avoid severe light fall-off at the edges. Flash exposure compensation is available, as is red-eye reduction, while a Wireless mode can be used when a dedicated Pentax flashgun is set-up off-camera. Also, in low light, the flash can be popped up to provide an AF-assist beam. Shutter speeds range from 1/4000-30secs (plus Bulb) and the ISO range is 100-3200 (plus Auto). The shooting rate of 3.5 frames-per-second is good although it’s limited to sequences of five when shooting JPEG or four when shooting Raw.
What’s really impressive about the K-m is that despite the low price tag, Pentax has included the body-integral Shake Reduction system, which allows for image stabilisation with any lens and a dust reduction system to help keep your images free of spots.
One area where Pentax has saved costs is in the choice of batteries – the K-m uses four AAs rather than a lithium-ion battery.

Performance:
DSLR newcomers are going to like the ease with which they’re able to start shooting successfully with the Pentax. The lack of function buttons on the body is likely to help beginners to quickly feel comfortable with the K-m, as will the clean, informative readout on its LCD monitor, which provides essential details at-a-glance. I liked how, as well as using the four-way control to access functions, by pressing the OK button, you have fast-access to all the key features shown along the bottom half of the LCD monitor. It’s a set-up similar to that found on most Olympus DSLRs and one that really helps speed up the process of selecting the appropriate settings.
In general, the K-m handles well and I’ve little to complain about. One thing that is annoying though, is how immediately after taking a shot, rotating the dial to say, change apertures while in Av, results in you magnifying the previous image if its preview is still shown on the LCD.
While the AF system is pretty basic, it proves fast and responsive in general conditions and isn’t too bad in low light, but it does struggle to keep track of moving subjects. However, in terms of those at whom the camera is aimed, it does the job well. The exposure system also turns in a credible performance, with the 16-zone pattern handling most lighting situations accurately. That said, it’s a little erratic with scenes in which more than a third of the frame is filled with sky, sometimes correctly exposing the foreground and at other times underexposing the scene. Backlit subjects prove problematic, as they do with most cameras, but the fill-in flash balance, when used, is good. Flash performance is fine for group shots etc, but the built-in unit is limited in terms of coverage and power. The Auto White Balance setting was accurate for most situations, including mixed lighting, but in shade, the results tended to be overly warm.
The K-m scores well in terms of sharpness, delivering images with very good detail. However, take care with ultra-wides, like the 12-24mm, which are soft towards the edges. Also, I’d recommend keeping the Shake Reduction switched on when using a telezoom, as I noticed a higher than average number of images suffering from shake, possibly due to the smaller body size making it harder to hold steady. Noise-wise, ISO 100-400 is fine and, while noticeable at ISO 800, noise levels are acceptable. Only exceed these if essential.
Overall, the Pentax K-m is like others at this price point, proving to be a good all-round performer. It's a great choice for the beginner looking for their first DSLR.

SUPPLIED SOFTWARE
The software bundle consists of Pentax Browser 3.0, for locating and organising files, and Pentax Laboratory 3.0, which is used to edit and manipulate images, as well as convert Raw files to JPEG. As with most other supplied software bundles, the software is functional and easy to use, but limited in features. It works with PC and Mac.

Digital Filters
The K-m offers a range of digital filters, offering the potential for interesting effects such as ‘Toy Camera’ and ‘Star burst’, along with more common choices like sepia, monochrome etc

FOUR WAY CONTROL
To the right of the rear LCD monitor is the handy four-way control set-up that allows you to quickly make changes to key settings such as the shooting mode, ISO rating, White Balance and flash mode. You can also use the central OK button to access all the functions shown in the lower half of the LCD monitor.

TEST VERDICT
The Pentax faces some very tough competition with the likes of the Sony Alpha 200, Nikon D60 and Canon EOS 1000D all very similarly priced. There is little between them in terms of features, with the ten-megapixel resolution being a standard for entry-level models and features such as dust removal and Live View becoming ever more commonplace. The Pentax does offer integral Shake Reduction and its minimalist layout of controls will suit beginners, while its small size and light weight mean it will appeal more to those who want a DSLR they can take everywhere. Even though it’s reasonably priced at £400 with standard zoom, I’d expect to see it sell for less, especially as the likes of the Nikon D60 kit are available cheaper. The Pentax K-m does its job competently and offers a good first step for beginners who may ultimately want to upgrade to the likes of the K20D, but I do wonder if Pentax will soon need to begin adding more DSLRs to its range. With only three currently available, those with ambitions to trade up as their experience grows may find that the larger systems from Canon, Nikon and Sony add more appeal to their entry-level models.

Handling & Ease of use: 22/25
Features: 22/25
Performance: 21/25
Value for money: 21/25
OVERALL 86/100


 Image resolution: 10.2-megapixels
 LCD: 2.7in
 storage: SD
 weight: 525g (without battery & SD card)
 phone: 0870 736 8299
 Website: www.pentax.co.uk