Pentax today revealed an entry-level DSRL model designed to answer the needs of beginners in SRL photography by combining simplicity with user-friendly operations, all in a compact, lightweight body – PENTAX K-m, also known as K2000. The announcement was made during the Photokina show in Cologne, Germany.

PENTAX K-m is an ideal alternative for photographers who are willing to make the transition to SRL photography, especially thanks to its “simple, straightforward operation” which Pentax says will result in a high-quality digital SRL experience with little trouble and confusion.

In addition to the compact and lightweight design for enhanced portability and maneuverability, backed up by the in-body Shake Reduction mechanism, PENTAX K-m promises to be an assistant to the photographer.

While offering a simple control system, with most buttons positioned for easy access, PENTAX K-m also features a new version of Auto Picture mode, as well as a bunch of more advanced features for an unprecedented, blur free, experience.

If you’re tired of dust appearing on your captured images, PENTAX K-m also comes to fix that with the Dust Removal system, which removes dust and stains from the surface. This will result in high-quality images, and speaking of that, the 10.2 megapixels promise to offer detailed images and textures, while the user is given the possibility to add some finishing touches to the image.

PENTAX K-m allows the capturing of images at approximately 3.5 frames per second in the JPEG recording format. In addition to that, it also offers a five-point wide-area AF system for a high-precision auto-focus.

On Monday, Pentax also introduced PENTAX AF160FC auto macro flash, designed to work with the digital SRL cameras, as well as two new high-performance interchangeable lenses for the smc PETAX-DA Star series, designed specifically for digital SRL cameras.

PENTAX K-2000 is expected to ship in the United States in November starting at $699.