Pentax K100D Super Review

Closely based on the existing Pentax K100D model which was first launched back in May 2006, the K100D Super has two main changes from its predecessor - both of them inherited from the higher-spec Pentax K10D model. Most significantly, the new camera now supports Pentax's SDM (or "Supersonic Drive Motor") lenses. SDM lenses offer two main advantages - they're quieter, and they can potentially focus faster thanks to the higher torque, gearless motors they employ. (The system is similar to those from other manufacturers, such as Canon's "Ultrasonic Motor" / USM, Nikon's "Silent Wave Motor" / SWM, and Olympus' "Supersonic Wave Drive" / SWD, amongst others).

Pentax isn't actually shipping any SDM lenses yet, but the first such models are fast approaching. The Pentax smc DA * 50-135mm F2.8 ED (IF) SDM and smc DA * 16-50mm F2.8 ED/AL (IF) SDM are both expected to ship later next month, with the smc DA * 200mm F2.8 ED (IF) SDM and smc DA * 300mm F4 ED (IF) SDM following from September. If all goes according to plan, Pentax will have a total of five SDM lenses on the market by December, when the smc DA * 60-250mm F4 ED (IF) SDM is expected to arrive at retail. Two other SDM lenses have been announced - the smc DA 35mm SDM and smc DA * 55mm F1.4 SDM - but no release dates have been announced for either model.

The other main change in the Pentax K100D Super is the addition of a dust removal function as seen in the Pentax K10D. As with that camera, the K100D Super uses its Shake Reduction mechanism as part of a two-pronged approach to fighting dust on the image sensor, shaking the sensor assembly at high frequency to free any dust that has stuck to the low-pass filter over the image sensor. An adhesive sheet captures the dust and prevents it returning to the sensor. The other portion of the dust removal function is a vapor-deposited fluorine compound applied to the surface of the low-pass filter, making dust less likely to adhere in the first place.

Other features of the Pentax K100D Super such as the camera body, image sensor, viewfinder, LCD display, storage, connectivity options and etc. are all essentially identical to the existing Pentax K100D model. The addition of SDM lens support and dust removal has added a scant 0.3 - 0.4 of an ounce to the weight of the newer K100D Super variant.

The Pentax K100D Super is expected to ship August 2007, at a suggested price of US$599.99 bundled with an smc Pentax DA 18-55mm kit lens.