I've used the K200 with the 18-55 AL II kit lens for eight months and I couldn't be more impressed. I have and still use both a Canon 35mm SLR and a point and shoot digital and was somewhat brand loyal. When you feel the K200 in your hands and use it you'll know you have more than an entry level camera. It is built solid, has dust and water seals-some thing not found on an entry level camera, and in body shake reduction, so any lens you use is stabilized. Lastly, what I consider a plus, it uses four AA batteries. I have shot many images in all conditions and it does a wonderful job. You can customize the settings to get the image just the way you like, or just let the camera do the work for you in auto mode. I have bench tested the 18-55 AL II kit lens and it is by far the best kit lens on the market in its class. Pentax makes some of the finest, most affordable lenses, and the fact that older Pentax lenses work with the camera is a huge plus.