An excellent overall camera. The autofocus is good and the functionality (aperture and shutter priority, metering capabilities) have been completely adequate for everything I've encountered. The 38-80 lens is good, though I just got a new tamron 70-300 last week and I'll know more about the cameras capabilities then.

Small gripe: the lens, when fully seated, has a very little loose feeling to it (don't know whether this is my camera or typical.

Excellent value for beginner to advanced photography.

Similar Products Used:

None

ease of use, adjustable diopter, spot metering, metal lens mount, remote shutter release, metal tripod mount

I wish Pentax made a version with 1/4000 shutter speed. Everything else is perfect.

After 15 years of shooting with a Chinon CM-5 manual SLR camera, I decided it was time to join the autofocus/autoexposure age. I limited myself to a maximum of $400 for a camera body, less if I had to buy new lenses (I have a quiver of Pentax K mount lenses). I rounded up a herd of cameras and tried each one in stores. I then created a spreadsheet of features for each camera and marked a camera that scored highest in a particular category. The top two: theCanon Rebel 2000 and the Pentax ZX-5n.

The Rebel G was eliminated early because the Rebel 2000 replaces it in the Canon line-up and adds 4 more focusing points, better light metering, and a depth of field preview. Most outlets have marked their Rebel Gs down in order to clear their stock, so if you're a Canon fan looking to get started in the Canon EOS system, the G could be the best deal going at the moment. But be warned - Canon cut some corners in order to put the camera in a certain price range, such as using a plastic lens mount (the lens mount is the highest point of stress on an SLR camera).

The N60 was eliminated because it lacked the remote shutter release option, critical to long-exposure photography. I did learn one thing from it: I need an adjustable diopter.

The N70 was a bit pricey and complex to operate, particularly when adjusting aperture "on the fly". A nice camera otherwise.

The Elan IIe (US model) has a reputation for battery and electrical problems. How can I buy a camera I can't trust?

The ZX-50 was eliminated due to its plastic lens mount. The ZX-5n had a metal lens mount and only cost a little bit more money. Besides, I fell in love with the ZX-5n's retro styling. Too cool!

On paper, the Rebel 2000 and ZX-5n have almost the same features except that the ZX-5n allows the user to manually set the film speed (useful for creating special effects with photographs) and it comes with an integrated adjustable diopter for improved viewing by those of us who wear glasses. In practice, I found the ZX-5n to have the superior viewfinder overall due to its prismatic viewfinder. Canon cut corners here and used a box mirror for the Rebel 2000 viewfinder, which is a bit darker than a prismatic viewfinder. The Canon depth-of-field button exasperated the darkness problem and was nearly useless. The Pentax ZX-5n DOF button worked just fine, helped by the prismatic viewfinder, larger exit glass, and adjustable diopter.

But the real charm of the ZX-5n is the control layout. Each button is clearly labeled and performs only one function. On the Rebel 2000, to change the aperture manually, the user must mash a button and spin a dial at the same time. I knew how to use the ZX-5n camera as soon as I picked it up. Everything was where I expected it to be. The knob on the right sets the shutter speed. Turn it to "A" and you're in auto-shutter mode (aka aperture priority mode). The aperture is controlled by the f-stop ring on the lens. Turn it to "A" and you're in auto-aperture mode. Turn both to "A" and you're in fully-automatic mode. The knob on the left controls your exposure compensation, such as if you want to deliberately underexpose or over expose a shot in fully-auto mode. A switch on the left sets you in single-shot or multi-shot bracketing mode and turns on the timer. A switch on the left sets your TTL light meter to general, center-weighted, or spot metering. Autofocus/manual focus is set by a switch on the lens. Depth of field is a button near the lens mount. The only button that seemed out of place is the remote shutter release slot, which is on the port side near the AF/MF switch, which is probably located there to reduce the risk of the cable drooping in front of the lens during a shot.

Best of all, the ZX-5n accepted my manual focus lenses, as did all of the Pentax ZX (MZ in Europe) cameras. Users of the Phoeni

Customer Service

Haven't had to use it.

Similar Products Used:

Rebel 2000, Rebel G, Elan IIe, N60, N70, ZX-50.

I'm glad I purchased the Pentax! Wow , alot of camera with great features. Easy to use for the beginner as well as advanced photographer.If you want a camera that's light ,takes great photoes without being complicated look no farther than the Zx-5N

none

You can find this camera on line for alot less than the reported price. I bought mine for 529.00. This includes the 28-80 zoom,case, batteries,battery pack & a 5yr warranty

Customer Service

No reported promlems

Similar Products Used:

Richo KR10

The old-fashioned control layout makes it easy to use for older photographers. The automatic light metering is among the best. Handling is first-class.

No multiple exposures, panoramic format is a gimmick. The built in motor drive could be faster.

It's not the professional's choice; its specification is only adequate for amateur use. However its handling is wonderful and it couldn't be simpler to use. It does everything I want it to.

Customer Service

Not needed yet.

Similar Products Used:

Canon EOS50, Canon EOS5

I like the "retro" controls. Familier to use. Almost everything any photographer would want in a basic, reliable camera body. Love the price. Focus alert works with manual focus lenses, even with adapted screw-mount lenses.

Would like PC terminal. Wouldn't miss panorama or date options.

I wanted to get the most out of a camera body. The ZX-5n gives the most for the price. A great camera for anyone at any level of experience.

Similar Products Used:

Pentax K-1000, MX, ZX-M, Canon Elan, Nikon 6006.

Manual option for basically all settings along with all the major automatic settings most serious photographs would be happy about. The three light metering modes are very useful and very accurate. Autofocus seems appears to be accurate and relatively fast.

Third party flash systems are little limited at the moment and the good pentax flashes are very expensive. Film rewind (including midroll) spools the film all the way into the roll. 1/100 flash sync would be nicer if it were 1/250. Don't think the panoramic mode makes the negative wider, it only reduces the height of the negative (you could ask a photo developer to do this from standard 35mm neg). I suppose most cameras now have a special cable release ($29 for the pentax) but why is the old type not adapted to fit this camera (perhaps so we have to pay for another gadget?).

Excellent all around camera at a reasonable price.

Customer Service

NA

Similar Products Used:

NA

Easy to use with easy to read controls, light weight, many features, great metering

no mirror lock up, no double exposure is just a wee bit troubled autofocusing in low light situtations

Fantastic camera packed with many features, is my overall favorite camera, out of a selection of 6

Customer Service

not needed

Similar Products Used:

Ricoh KR10, Ricoh KR5, Pentax K1000, Nikon F5

It's a very nice camera. Has lots of good features. Easy to use, lightweight & takes very decent photos. It's perfect for intermediate level user.

Had some situations where the TTL metering system was fooled under certain low light conditions. Had it totally blow a great shot on a bear at twenty feet. The autofocus/ meter wouldn't secure a lock on the slightly moving, low light image. But under most conditions it worked well enough.

A good beginner/ intermediate camera. This is no pro-camera. Don't be fooled by sales reps pitches on it. Although it is a very nice little camera for it's class ... it will never stand up to an across-the-board comparison with the full-featured models. But, in all actuality, this is not the way Pentax represents it themaselves, anyway. It's easy to use, has good options & will reward you with some very nice images. Once you have mastered it, you'll be well prepared to take the next step up. But, don't rush it ... be sure to enjoy the fun, as you learn.

Customer Service

No contact

Similar Products Used:

Canon, Nikon

The interface is similar to common manual cameras and is very simple. No dumb gimmicks like "sports mode". I use is camera for freelance photojournalism as well. I've made money with it and won covers. This camera doesn't get in the way of the photographer. The size is right, too.

Rewind and load sequence is slower than high-end pro cameras (e.g., Nikon N90/F5).
Pentax AF lenses are pretty expensive. I mostly use third-party (e.g., Sigma).
Pentax flash technology isn't quite as nice as Canon EOS and Nikon. On Pentax, you can't just set EV -1 and get perfect fill flash automatically. For some work, like sports, some people might find EOS eye-tracking focus handy.

This is a great camera for enthusiasts and pros who don't need specialized features like image-stabilized lenses, superfast film advance, and eye-tracking focus. You can easily access the most important controls like aperture and shutter speed quickly. You can also visually confirm the state of the electromechanical knobs. Very nice.

Customer Service

Haven't needed this.

Similar Products Used:

Pentax PZ70

easy to use controls,DOF preview,lightweight,can still use my old MF lenses.

Slight problem with AF locking in w300mm in low or extremely bright back light. Had to use MF.

Bought this as an upgrade for ZX-5 solely for DOF preview. Now use ZX-5 for backup.

Customer Service

Haven't used.

Similar Products Used:

Cannon Rebel 2000