Editorial Review:Product Description:The EI-200 from Pentax allows you to take crisp, clear images in a variety of situations, without the need for preparation or technical know-how. All of this is possible through a high-quality imaging system, PC connectivity, and a wide selection of features and functions. Yet the EI-200 remains compact and easy to use, with a style and handling similar to that of conventional compact cameras. The EI-200 affords a feeling of familiarity; it handles just like a conventional compact camera and sports a stylish design that follows the same sense of proportion and molding. And through an actual image optical viewfinder including diopter adjustment, the EI-200 combines its natural sense of balance with a high level of compositional flexibility.The EI-200 has a comprehensive imaging system providing the utmost in quality and clarity. A superior 3X 5.2mm-16.5mm Pentax zoom lens is equivalent to a 34mm-108mm lens in 35mm format, and an F2.4 - F4.0 aperture ensures the capture of high-resolution images. Attention to imaging quality continues inside the camera body with a 2.11-megapixel 1/2.7-inch CCD achieving sharp, accurate pictures with 1600 x 1200 recording pixels. The EI-200 also employs HP Imaging Technology for further image refinement. The EI-200 provides an easy approach to digital photography, yet offers the user a range of features and functions. It allows the user to get the best shots, whatever the conditions, with a choice of exposure modes, metering modes, and different kinds of white balance. And with USB connectivity to PCs, the EI-200 provides your pictures with limitless possibilities.
Amazon.com Review:Despite the fact that Hewlett-Packard has produced a number of successful digital cameras in the past and is one of the biggest manufacturers of photo-quality printers, the company's lack of experience in film cameras has made it difficult for the public to take them seriously in this field. To help change this perception, Hewlett-Packard has paired up with Pentax for its latest product, and each company has contributed its expertise. The result is a pair of identical cameras: the HP 618 and the Pentax EI 200. With the exception of labels, packaging, and included accessories, the two cameras are the same.
The camera's basic specifications are pretty standard: 2-megapixel CCD, 3x Pentax optical zoom, CompactFlash storage (Type I or II, but no Microdrive support), and a 2-inch display. For advanced users, there are aperture and shutter priority modes, adjustable white balance, exposure metering, and adjustable ISO (100 and 200).
If you like the look and feel of Pentax cameras, you'll appreciate the HP's styling. It's curvy, swoopy, classically designed, and feels very solid. Most people who saw the camera were impressed with its overall quality and were surprised to learn it was a digital.
One of the camera's most intriguing (and underdocumented) features is its use of Digita. Digita is an operating system created specifically for digital cameras, allowing software developers to modify and improve the camera's functions. Past Digita cameras have suffered from slow performance, but the camera seems as quick as most other digital cameras on the market. The engineers did a great job of shipping the camera with a wide variety of menus and functions preinstalled, but Digita allows for even more flexibility. Potential applications of this technology range from task-specific features (time-lapse photography, preset exposure modes, and digital special effects, for example) as well as the ability to add new applications--there are even Digita video games available for download. Unfortunately, the manual includes no information about Digita, and we were unable to determine how to transfer Digita files to the camera. This is extremely powerful technology, but perhaps this ability was buried because the engineers felt that it was too complex for the average user.
The camera makes extensive use of Hewlett-Packard's infrared technology. A remote control is included (handy for self-portraits, keeping the camera steady in low-light shots, and to play back 'slide shows' on your TV), and the camera can wirelessly transfer images to select HP printers.
If you're a fan of Pentax styling or own a Hewlett-Packard printer with infrared ability, this camera is a logical choice.
Pros: - Clean, classic, reassuringly solid design
- Remote control included
- Pentax lens
- Infrared transfer to select HP printers
- Integrated lens cover
Cons: - Digita abilities not documented
- CompactFlash slot supports Type I and Type II cards, but doesn't recognize Microdrive
- Larger and heavier than some point-and-shoot digital cameras
Accessories:
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Accessories:
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
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Still a good camera after 6 years
I have used this camera since Christmas 2000. I finally gave in and bought a 512 MB Compact Flash card. That allows me to take pictures at the highest quality, even though I have never been dissatisfied with the medium quality setting I used as a trade off between picture quality and available storage space. At the highest quality it is easy to make good 5 x 7, even 8 x 10, prints.
I like the Adobe Photoshop 5.0 LE software that came with the camera. It is for Windows 98. When I got a new laptop loaded with Windows XP, I began to use the free open-source photo editor called GIMP.
Unlike some digital cameras, the memory card on this camera appears in My Computer just like another storage device. I have even used the camera to move regular data files to another computer. The connection is by means of a standard USB cable. But, the cable that came with my camera had a flaw in it and the camera would not always connect to the computer until I replaced the cable.
I like the number and type of manual controls available in the menu. My wife has a much newer digital camera and the controls are more limited. This camera also feels like a real camera in my hand, not like a deck of playing cards with buttons. The color and the exposure have always been very, very good on the automatic setting. I have tried to take my own picture several times using the self-timer, but the focus was not good. Set the focus manually for the approximate distance range by means of the menu. I like the feature that balances the flash with existing light for properly exposed faces in evening and night scenes. I cannot say much about battery usage because I have always used rechargeable NiMH batteries or an AC/DC adapter.
Like all digital cameras, the flash synchronization does not allow using auxillary flashes fired by a slave trigger sensing the on camera flash firing. For group pictures in a church I turn the flash "off," set the light balance to tungsten, and use a 1500 W. halogen shop light on a stand.
The selection knob on top of the camera became unpredictable after three or four years of light to moderate use. I dismantled the camera and found dirty grease on the wiper brushes. The camera has been fine since cleaning the contacts. If you attempt that, keep a record of which screw goes into which hole. Some screws look alike, but are not. After reassembly I had one small pin left over, but nothing on the camera has malfunctioned since without it.
The viewfinder shows less coverage than will be in the actual picture. For maximum quality, check the display screen or get a bit closer so all of the image can be used without cropping.
This has been my first experience with a digital camera after many years of serious amateur work with various film cameras. I am amazed at the quality of pictures from point and shoot usage. Someday I would enjoy moving up to a high resolution digital SLR with a host of manual controls.
Rating: -
unique workhorse
I bought this camera in may 2001 just prior to son number 1 being born. I liked the price and the extra options. Since that time, roughly 2 years+, I have taken 6000 pictures. I have used a bunch of digital cameras- this feels a whole lot like a 35mm point and shoot and not a boxy- space aged design (thank god). The pictures in best jpeg mode, or even better tiff mode(I bought a 128 cf card quickly) the resolution and clarity is great. 5x7's and even 8 x 10's print quite nicely. Battery drain is strong even with 1600-2100 nmh rechargeable batteries. I reccomend energizer E squared lithium batteries, they last forever. I like the presets and the manual exposure controls and the digita operating system is super user friendly.Its best to back off a subject at home, and use the 3x optical zoom that way the picture will not wash out. the digital 2x zoom does not produce great pictures. I cannot beleive how fast the pics transfer to the pc via usb- its amazing. If you want a decent camera, with a bit more punch than any other p+s 2 mp, and you are an individual who wants something a bit more rare and special than the olympus or canon that everyone else has, this is for you.
Rating: -
Just the best darn digital camera out there
I've had the EI - 2000 for about 6 months now and have shot approx 1000 shots with it - I have only had to recharge the batteries 3 times total - very, very good on battery power (prob likely due to the SLR which means you don't chew up battery power looking at what you're going to shoot). Photo quality is superb. Functionality is great - you can use as point and shoot or it also has the ability to totally control the shot if you want. Neatest feature is the Jetsend function - point at a printer, press a button, and the current photo prints. Can't say enough good things about this camera.
Rating: 
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Great little camera
I have nothing but good to say about this camera. I own several film cameras, but digital is the way to go. The EI 200 is light and gives good battery life. With a 64 mg compact flashcard I filled the card and used only one set of batteries. The LCD screen disappears in bright light, so trying to change settings in difficult. This also makes macro difficult because you cannot see to focus. The situation with the LCD screen is the reason I gave it 4 stars rather than 5. I also wish Pentax made a remote which works light a cable release. The one they offer with the 3 second delay is a waste of money.
Has any camera manufacturer come up with a digital camera with interchangable and manual focus lenses? That would be the best of both worlds.
However, the EI 200 is a nice, light camera for use when size or weight is important. You can shoot to your hearts content without having to worry about wasting film. Purchasing this camera was an excellent choice.
Rating: -
Very happy with this camera!
Despite the fact that the first EI-200 I received needed warranty service because the display alternated between color & b/w, I'm very happy with this camera. It's a very intuitive compact 3x optical zoom camera.
The USB connectivity works great with your PC, and transferring photos to your PC is -much- faster than cameras with a serial connector. Connecting the camera to your TV for a "slide show" is quick and easy, too.
It wouldn't hurt to consider the HP618 as an alternative. The camera is almost exactly the same; just has HP's logo. I believe HP throws in a few extra accessories with the camera, too.
Must have's for this camera: At least 8 NiMH rechargeable batteries (4 to run the camera; 4 for a spare set), NiMH battery charger, LowePro D-Res 25AW camera case (fits the camera like a glove), Viking Compact Flash Type I Memory Card (at -least- 32Mb; I went for 64Mb).
Check the Pentax website for a free operating system upgrade to 1.11; addresses some issues with fuzzy photos.
Check out the Digita Photo website for free scripts to customize menus, watermarks, etc. (Pentax licenses the operating system from Digita).
