Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use of your Pentax K100D Super Digital SLR Camera. Please read it thoroughly before operating the camera and keep it for future reference. The Pentax K100D Super is a 6.1-megapixel digital SLR camera featuring a built-in Shake Reduction (SR) system, a Dust Removal (DR) system, and compatibility with SDM lenses for quiet autofocus.
Image: Front view of the Pentax K100D Super Digital SLR Camera body, showcasing its compact design and lens mount.
Setup
1. Battery Installation
The K100D Super can be powered by two CR-V3 lithium batteries or four AA-size batteries. Ensure correct polarity when inserting batteries into the battery compartment located at the bottom of the camera grip.
2. Memory Card Installation
The camera uses SD or SDHC memory cards. Open the memory card slot cover, insert the card with the label facing the correct direction until it clicks into place, then close the cover securely.
3. Lens Attachment
Align the red dot on the lens with the red dot on the camera's lens mount. Rotate the lens clockwise until it locks into position. The K100D Super is compatible with K-, KA-, KAF-, and KAF2-mount lenses. Screw-mount, 645-system, and 67-system lenses can be used with an adapter, though some functions may be limited.
Operating the Camera
1. Power On/Off
To power on the camera, rotate the power switch located around the shutter button. To power off, rotate it back to the OFF position.
2. Shooting Modes
- Auto Picture Mode: The camera automatically selects the most appropriate Picture mode (e.g., Portrait, Landscape, Macro) and sets all primary parameters for effortless shooting.
- Program (P), Shutter-Priority (Tv), Aperture-Priority (Av), Manual (M): These modes allow for greater creative control over exposure settings.
- Scene Modes: Eight distinctive scene modes are available for specific subjects or applications, such as Night Portrait, Action, Kids, Sunset, Surf & Snow, and Text.
3. Focusing
- Autofocus (AF): The SAFOX VIII autofocus system features 11 sensor points (9 cross-type) for precise focusing. The in-focus sensor point is indicated in red in the viewfinder.
- SDM System: When an SDM-compatible lens is attached, the camera automatically switches to SDM-assisted autofocus for smoother and quieter operation.
4. Sensitivity Control (ISO)
The Auto Sensitivity Control function automatically sets the optimum ISO sensitivity up to ISO 3200 based on lighting conditions. You can also manually set the ISO from 200 to 3200.
5. Image Viewing
Images can be viewed on the 2.5-inch color LCD monitor, which offers a wide 140-degree viewing angle and 210,000 pixels resolution. A zoom display function allows magnification up to 12 times for focus confirmation. The bright penta-mirror viewfinder provides a clear subject image with 0.85x magnification and a 96% field of view.
6. Shake Reduction (SR)
The Pentax-original Shake Reduction system minimizes camera shake by oscillating the CCD image sensor. This system is compatible with all existing Pentax interchangeable SLR lenses and provides approximately 2 to 3.5 shutter steps of compensation.
7. Digital Filters
The camera includes five digital filters for easy image editing: Black-and-White, Sepia, Slim, Soft, and Brightness.
Maintenance
1. Dust Removal (DR) System
The Pentax original Dust Removal system prevents dust from adhering to the low-pass filter in front of the CCD image sensor. A Super Protect (SP) coating repels dust, and any remaining dust is dislodged by high-speed CCD shifts and collected on an adhesive sheet.
2. General Cleaning
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the camera body. For the lens and LCD screen, use specialized cleaning solutions and cloths designed for optical surfaces. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Troubleshooting
- Camera does not power on: Check battery installation and charge level. Ensure the power switch is fully engaged.
- Blurred images: Ensure Shake Reduction is active. Check shutter speed and adjust ISO or aperture if shooting in low light.
- Camera slow to respond: If the camera is in standby, it may take a moment to wake up. This can be aggravated by certain lens types in anti-shake mode.
- Dust spots on images: Utilize the built-in Dust Removal system. If spots persist, professional cleaning may be required.
- Menu navigation difficult: Refer to the detailed camera manual for specific menu layouts and functions.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Effective Still Resolution | 6.1 MP |
| Photo Sensor Size | APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) |
| Image Stabilization | Sensor-shift (Shake Reduction) |
| Compatible Mountings | Pentax KAF2, Pentax KAF3 (also K, KA, KAF with limitations) |
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto (up to 3200), Manual (200-3200) |
| Autofocus Points | 11 points (9 cross-type) |
| LCD Screen Size | 2.5 Inches |
| LCD Display Resolution | 210,000 pixels |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.85x |
| Shutter Speed | 30 seconds to 1/4000 seconds |
| Continuous Shooting | Approx. 2.8 frames per second (up to 5 frames in JPEG BEST) |
| Storage Media | SD/SDHC card |
| File Format | JPEG, RAW |
| Power Source | 2 CR-V3 lithium batteries or 4 AA-size batteries |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 (HI-SPEED) |
| Dimensions (Approx.) | Compact SLR form factor |
| Weight (Body Only) | 1.42 Pounds |
Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official Pentax website. The camera includes Pentax Photo Laboratory 3 RAW data and image processing software and Pentax Photo Browser 3 image browser software on the accompanying CD-ROM.
What's in the Box
- Pentax K100D Super body
- USB cable I-USB17
- Video cable I-VC28
- Strap O-ST53
- Hotshoe cover FK
- Eyecup FO
- Body mount cover
- Finder cap ME
- AA alkaline batteries (x 4)
- Software CD-ROM