Several days ago, info about the new PENTAX K2000 (aka K-m) was “leaked” at the Photokina fair, and today PENTAX have made its release official through an announcement. The K2000, which is essentially an update to the earlier K200D model, is an entry-level SLR kit, notable not only for its array of user-friendly features, but also for its very low starting price of $699.95. If you want to tickle your shutterbug with the K-m though, you’ll have to wait till it ships in November.

Overall, the K2000 was designed keeping in mind the amateur photographer who’s just switching from a point-and-shoot camera, and most of its star features are centered around making the transition easier and simplifying the delicate optical equipment’s care and use.

The compact, lightweight body is easily maneuvered with one hand and it shares many features with its older cousin the K200D; more specifically, it has the same Sony 10.2 megapixel CCD, a 2.7 inch TFT LCD display, and the PENTAX-patented Shake Reduction mechanism. The latter feature makes use of gyroscopes to stabilize the camera, making it easier to shoot in low-light situations and other difficult conditions, even without a tripod, and at the same time not get blurry images.

A very helpful feature for the wet-behind-the-ears SLR user that was introduced with the K2000 is the “Help” button, which with one press helps explain settings and composition, aiding the user in deciding on the best setup for the shot. And if that wasn’t enough there’s also an auto scene select mode, which if turned on analyzes the shot and selects the appropriate scene mode (macro, landscape, etc). Although this feature existed on the K200D as well, it now includes the Night Shot mode which the previous model was not able to select.

In helping with camera care, the K-m has a Dust Removal feature, by which chemically and then mechanically (through shaking) removes dust from the CCD sensor, and then collects it on an adhesive tape near the base of the sensor, to prevent it from sticking again. In addition to this, the surface of the new lens being shipped with it (more on that later) will be coated with a grease-repellant that will make it easy to wipe away finger prints.

The camera comes with a high-precision, five-point autofocus system which uses five separate sensors positioned in a cross pattern in order to determine optimal, dependable autofocus for the camera.

The new PENTAX does not lack in professional features however, as it is capable of high-speed continuous shooting at circa 3.5 frames per second, for capturing moving subjects and action shots.

Its automatic post-processing capabilities will be of aid to the photographer looking to obtain the most beautiful picture possible, as the K-m features a dynamic range expansion function which removes white-washed areas and gives the picture vibrant colours, and a shadow compensation function which does the same for brightening up pitch-black areas with insufficient detail.

Other tidbits include the energy-efficient power supply which can snap about 1,650 images with one set of four AA batteries, index function, status screen, integrated Pentax software and RAW image support.

Perhaps the most impressive feature however is that the whole kit, which includes the camera body, external wireless flash, and the newly released smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL zoom lens with a focal length of 27.5mm to 84.5mm (thus covering ranges from wide-angle to medium telephoto) all price at just under $700, which is very cheap for SLR kits.

If you’re an amateur photographer looking to go from point-and-shoot cameras to professional SLRs, then this is the kit for you. If you’re a professional or semi-professional photographer on a budget, you may want to take a look into the K-m as well.