After series of rumors about the new entry level Pentax SLR, the company today officially announced the K-m digital SLR that will compete with Nikon D60 and Canon Rebel XS. The camera comes with a 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor, 2.7-inch LCD screen, Sensor shift image stabilization, dust reduction, ISO sensitivity of 100-3,200, 5-point autofocus, 3.5 fps continuous shooting mode, full manual controls, auto scene selection mode and support for SD/SDHC memory cards.
One unusual thing about the camera is that, it uses 4 AA and not a lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack used by almost all entry level digital SLRs. In Europe, the K-m will ship in November for Euro 499 with an 18-55mm kit lens. In USA, where the camera is known as K2000, it is priced $699.95 with 18-55mm lens and AF200FG flash kit on Amazon for preorder.