EI2000

I was just looking through some old reviews and noticed that the first Pentax digital cameras, the EI100 & the EI200 are there but then it goes straight to the *istD. and no mention of the EI2000 of which I have one. (My first digital camera) For "old times" sake I was going to read the reviews on the digital cameras I'd owned. The EI2000 The *istD The K10 and The K7. Has anyone seen a review of said EI2000. Mine still works perfectly and with 2.25m pixels I could print A4 no bother.
CHEERS Vic.

Hi Vic,

There was a review in Pentax User magazine circa 2000 (sadly I've mis-placed my copy). There were also a couple of early web reviews: dpreview & steves-digicams.

I found the receipt for mine the other other day (wince), sadly both the original & replacement original batteries no longer hold charge, but it runs reasonably well off AA Lithiums with the AA battery cradle.

John.

Hi Vic
If you are a plus member you can access the mag back issues, found under 'Shop' then 'Magazine Back Issues' on the links at the top of the page.

I think you need summer 2001.

Bob

I too have this but it is branded as the Hewlett-Packard C912. Pentax and HP did a joint collaboration and being in HP at that time, batter traded with the marketing guys and got it. Still in working condition but sadly never used.

1st. John. I had a look at your 2 sites but all they give are tech. details, no actual reviews. Thanks.

2nd. Bob. I got to the correct mag (summer 2001) but couldn't access the article. A little help on that one wouldn't go amiss. Thanks.

3rd. Felix. Yes I know it was a joint venture. HP the electrics, Pentax the lens and camera design, and ??? the software. Thanks.

CHEERS Vic.

From Pentax User Magazine Summer 2001:
https://www.pentaxuser.com/magazine/summer-issue-2-2001-29

Pentax also announced the EI-3000, but this never made it to market




(also from Pentax User Magazine Summer 2001)

Thanks Josh. A trip down memory lane. I've still got cards and batteries so I might just get it out again just for fun. If John Slater is still around you might tell him there was the EI100 and the EI200 first and an EI3000 was planned but most makers were making digital point and shoot digital cameras smaller and smaller so Pentax did the same.
CHEERS Vic.
P.S. I hadn't read your third entry. But I have now. Vic.

Hi Vic, the steves-digicams link has sample images after page 6 or 7:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/c912_samples.html

One of mine is here:
https://www.pentaxuser.com/photo/user-15258/chips--chips-and-more-chips-42949

As a camera it is quite nice to use, apart from the limitations of the built-in zoom, 2.2MP and max 400 ISO - it is still quite effective.

John.

John. The sample images are good to see. Also I remember seeing your "CHIPS" shot way back in 2012 I think? I didn't know it was on an EI2000. It's amazing just how good it was "and I suppose still is" for 2.25 megapixels. I still wonder why Pentax never put the tilting screen on any other cameras. The new 645 being the first one. It doesn't need to swivel. just tilt through 90 degrees is enough for waist level or very low or even high shots. Forget the twist around for "selfies". Who needs that on a DSLR?.
CHEERS Vic.

[quote:3496ace15f="vic cross"]John. The sample images are good to see. Also I remember seeing your "CHIPS" shot way back in 2012 I think? I didn't know it was on an EI2000. It's amazing just how good it was "and I suppose still is" for 2.25 megapixels.quote]

Yes the chips shot was posted in 2012 but taken in 2003. I have a whopping 128Mb CF card in it - cost a fortune when I bought it.

The EI2000 was only 2.25Mp but it would go down to ISO 25, a 6"x4" dye-sub print was almost indistinguishable from a 6"x4" print from film - only tiny artifacts give it away close up.

I've found a couple more images from mine on here:

https://www.pentaxuser.com/photo/comp-313/roller-blades-61266

And the last shot on this thread (shot through a telescope and double-glazing):
https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/cruising-airliners-and-experiments-with-teleconvertors-34181

John.

Nice one John. Like I said it's amazing just how good it is for its time. I also have a 128Mb card. It came with an 8Mb card. and my first purchase was a 64Mb card at the then bargain price of approx. £50.00. All I know about the 128Mb card is I'm still paying the mortgage on it It's nice to know there are still people out there with the EI2000. I kept that one but sold my 645, Z1p, *istD, K10, and K7, and moved up each time. I now have and use the K5iis and the K3. I'd like the new 645 but my pension wont stretch that far.
CHEERS Vic.

I remember seeing these advertised (in HP livery) in my office supplier's magazine and was tempted to take the plunge into digital at that point. I resisted as I couldn't justify charging it to the business!