Pentax K200D vs Sony Alpha 700 — Which Is Better?

The Pentax K200D and the Sony Alpha 700 are both DSLRs, mirror-based stills cameras of the late 2000s. The Sony arrived in 2007 and the Pentax followed in 2008, so they are close contemporaries.

The bodies are close in size. The K200D measures 134 x 95 x 74 mm and weighs 690 g, while the Alpha 700 is larger and 78 g heavier at 142 x 105 x 80 mm and 768 g.

The lens system is the first decision: the K200D takes Pentax KAF lenses and the Alpha 700 takes Sony Alpha DT lenses, and neither accepts the other's glass directly. Both use APS-C sensors, so framing and crop are the same. The Sony's 12.2 MP CMOS sensor offers more pixels than the Pentax's 10.2 MP CCD for cropping a distant subject, and its pentaprism viewfinder differs from the Pentax's pentamirror design.

The Alpha 700 is the stronger choice for action. Its 5 fps continuous shooting outpaces the K200D's 2.8 fps, and its 1/8000 second top shutter is half the exposure time of the Pentax's 1/4000. The Sony's native ISO ceiling of 3200, expandable to 6400, gives higher settings than the Pentax's 1600. The K200D answers with 11 autofocus points against the Sony's 9, and both stabilise the sensor in-body so any mounted lens gains shake reduction.

Neither camera records video, and neither offers a built-in intervalometer for timelapse work. This shared limitation means both are purely stills cameras, so any movie requirement points to a different body entirely.

The Alpha 700 has the better rear screen for reviewing focus and checking detail on location. Its 3-inch LCD carries 920,000 dots against 230,000 on the K200D's 2.7-inch panel, so checking critical focus is easier. The screen also flips for reviewing shots from low or awkward angles.

The K200D's counterweight is weather sealing, which the Alpha 700 lacks, making it the body for rain and dust. Neither offers live view, touch control, GPS or wireless connectivity, so image transfer means cards and cables on both. Both have a built-in flash and support an external flash.

The K200D is the camera for long days away from power. Its four AA batteries are rated for 1800 shots against 650 for the Alpha 700's NP-FM500H pack, and spares are ordinary AA cells rather than a second dedicated battery.

The storage split is one of card formats. The Alpha 700 takes CompactFlash Type I or II plus Memory Stick Duo or Pro Duo in dual slots, while the K200D takes SD, SDHC and MMC in a single slot. Neither charges over USB.