Pentax EI-200 2.11MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

by Pentax

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.2 x 5 x 2.8 inches ; 10.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004ZCPO
• Item model number: EI-200
• Batteries: 4 AA batteries required.
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #63,138 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2000

Product Description

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Usefull Electronics, January 9, 2001

By 

Jordan Schneider (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pentax EI-200 2.11MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I received this camera as a gift, and found the wonder in not using film. Freinds were captivated, and I was impressed. This is not easy as I am a semi-professional photagrapher for years. Colors and details were exellent, while the auto settings worked great. It has the ability to manual adjust many settings but this is usually not necessary.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very happy with this camera!, May 17, 2001

By 

Steve Mantle (Bellevue, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pentax EI-200 2.11MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

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).

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kickus assus maximus, May 8, 2001

By 

V.V.G.P. de Vos (Netherlands) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pentax EI-200 2.11MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Whoah..... I have to admit this is the first digital camera i've ever owned.... It's quite large and heavy, but it has a really great lens and the standard settings are great for starters... The quality of the photo's is superb.

I own a few "normal" camera's and i'm not a pro in making photo's. I use both my regular APS and my digital camera when I'm out to take pictures. The big advantage of a digital camera is the direct look and (usually) delete option. This one looks like a camera and not like a discman or mp3player. A camera is made to make photo's and not to look cool in your pocket... The lens is one of the best there is... And it's really user friendly!

The big disadvantage is the battery life... it uses 4 aa batteries. ....

Despite this little disadvantage it's a 5 star rating in my book!