Strengths: Good image quality, many features for a relatively low price, shake reduction on all pentax lenses, works with many old pentax lenses, easy to use.

Weaknesses: Autofocus a little slower than competition, but good enough for most uses. Only 6mp(not that important because with higher resolution sensors there is more noise though 8mp would have been nice)

Summary: The ergonomics are very good and the button layout is convenient. It has a nice weight and feel to it and is definitely more comfortable than the rebel xt(i). The kit lens is also very good. The k100d is basically everything you would expect from a DSLR from the increased speed to the higher photo quality. This is a very good camera for the price, but if you need a more advanced camera or faster autofocus, you may want to wait for the pentax k10d, which is due out this winter.

Strengths: Affordable price, solid construction, feels really great in hands, shake reduction is super useful.

Weaknesses: Focusing is a little hesitating when the ambient light is not strong enough.

Summary: Shake reduction is super helpful, especially when shooting indoors. I really love this feature. The 18-55mm kit lens also features SMC(super-multi coating), however still not comparable to other prime lenses I have.

Strengths: Relatively inexpensive compared to other entry level digital SLR cameras; built-in shake reduction; uses inexpensive SD memory cards; uses 4 AA-size batteries instead of proprietary batteries

Weaknesses: None that I can think of right now

Summary: This is a great camera for the price ($584.00 right now with the 18-55mm lens.) It takes pictures with excellent quality. It has shake reduction built in so you don't need to buy expensive lenses with image stabilization. It uses inexpensive SD memory cards which are relatively cheaper than other media and also uses four AA-size batteries instead of the more expensive proprietary batteries. You can't get a better value for an entry level digital SLR camera. For those of you just starting to get into digital SLR cameras, this is the one to get.

Strengths: Price, Shake Reduction, Large and bright LCD, Decent viewfinder, Decent kit lens for starter, Backward compatable lenses, Natural picture tones and decent noise control.

Weaknesses: Slower focus in low light compared to other competitors, Small buffer.

Summary: Pentax K100D is my first DSLR camera. It is very well constructed.(not cheap plastic) It is not too bulky or heavy. I picked this camera because of its SR and faster focus compared to the Pentax DL and DS. I shot some graduation pictures with this camera, it did not fail me. The pictures came out sharp and natural without much need of modification. I like pentax's color. With all the features came with K100D and its moderate price, I would recommend this camera to others!

Strengths: well constructed, large LCD, bright view finder, lots of inexpensive lens out there, SR works

Weaknesses: focus is still sort of slow, noise at ISO1600, shallow buffer, focus assist light utilizes build-in flash, poor continuous shooting speed

Summary: Pentax K100D makes a very good beginner's DSLR. Good ergonomics. The control settings are not as handy, but for a beginner that is less an issue. If you do not want to invest a lot of money in photography, then pentax is your perfect choice.