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| Pentax K20D 14.6MP Digital SLR Camera with Shake Reduction (Body Only) | 
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Avg. Customer Rating:  (based on 17 reviews)
Sales Rank: 770
Category: Photography
Publisher: Pentax
Studio: Pentax
Brand: Pentax
Label: Pentax
Media: Electronics
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Display Size: 2.7
Maximum Resolution: 14
Has Red Eye Reduction: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.8
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 4 x 2.8
MPN: 19381
Model: 19381
UPC: 027075130814
EAN: 0027075130814
ASIN: B0012Q94AI
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | 14.6-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for poster-sized prints | | • | 2.7-inch LCD display; body only--no lens included | | • | Dust-proof, water-resistant construction; comprehensive Dust Removal system | | • | New Live View function | | • | Capture images to SD/SDHC cards (not included) |
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Product Description
The Pentax K20D digital SLR offers advanced photo enthusiasts an array of exciting Pentax innovations. The CMOS image sensor brings out optimum performance of Pentax interchangeable lenses. Featuring 14.6 effective megapixels (highest in its class) and noise-reduction technology, the sensor assures superb image quality. This SLR will make you feel in control with its Live View function that allows the photographer to see the image on the camera's back panel LCD monitor while shooting. Customizable features ideal for shooters who demand complete control include the Expanded Dynamic Range function that allows users to gain more contrast / detail in bright settings and a Custom Image function to select / adjust finishing touches to an image. An improved Dust Reduction system features prevention, removal and alerting devices. Combine these innovations with the renowned Pentax-developed Shake Reduction (SR) system, Pentax Real IMage Engine (PRIME) and incorporate them in a dependable dust-proof, weather-resistant body - you've now got a superb camera that allow photographers to shoot anytime, anywhere, even in dusty or rainy environments.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 12 more reviews...
A great camera, but not perfect. July 6, 2008
In March of 2008 I bought a K200D, my first DSLR. Loved the camera, but wanted more control and more options. So, I then bought a K20D.
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****CONTROLS :: The controls on the K20D are incredibly awesome. Everything is just *right*. Changes from the basic K200D layout:
A) External Metering dial
B) External bracketing button
C) External focal point mode dial
D) A second e-dial, which is great.
I absolutely love, love, love K20D ergonomics and menu system.. I can operate the camera and all its functions without looking at it. I never press a button I don't intent to press, and I never confuse buttons. Things just "make sense". It's so hard to describe. This is worlds different coming from Canon and Nikon comparisons -- Perhaps it was my unfamiliarity with those cameras, but their menu systems, while flashy, were downright confusing.
You also have a "Green Button" mode and a "User Mode" on the K20D which is very interesting -- You can set up a custom "profile" on the K20D in User mode which sounds cool, but truthfully I haven't used it yet.
****PERFORMANCE:
The K20D performs admirably, just like the K200D. There are a few differences, though:
1) The K20D has a MUCH improved buffer - I can shoot 15 RAW files at 3.0FPS (still low), compared to 4 RAW at 2.8 FPS on the K200D. Unfotunately the FPS on the K20D remains incredibly slow at full resolution.
2) The K20D has a "burst" mode of 21 FPS at around 1.4MP. Neat to play around with but nothing special.
3) ISO goes up to 3200 standard (K200D is maxed at 1600) with 6400 available. However, IQ drops severely after ISO 1600. ISO 3200 is OKAY if you have a picture with non-dark areas, but there is visible banding at ISO3200 and for the most part I avoid it. I use NoiseNinja on my ISO3200 images and they're acceptable if you're not going to crop.
4) A noticeably improved viewfinder -- I can tell the difference immediately over the K200D. Brighter, nicer. Lovely.
**** IMAGE QUALITY
Great, just like the K200D. As a matter of fact, I really couldn't tell you the difference in IQ between two 100% crops of the cameras, except that the K20D's crop is going to be slightly larger from the added MP.
I've tested this extensively with three lenses (DA 16-45, DA 55-300, DA* 50-135) and there is really no IQ difference between the cameras. I may need to get a high quality prime to tell the difference, and even then, you'll be pixel peeping.
However, the K20D *DOES* allow you to get slightly larger prints before you start interpolating pixels, which is something to consider.
****OTHER:
Live view - Almost worthless. I get hot pixels on the image when I use live view for any extended period of time. I've refused to upgrade to the 1.01 firmware for fear of it breaking some software compatibility. Nothing really important to me, though, because the Pentax implimentation of Liveview isn't that great.
Sealing - Better than the K200D, but by how much I don't know. The battery and SD card doors are latch opened instead of slide opened like the K200D.
Battery Performance -- Pretty good. Pentax has retained their rather uninformative battery meter, unfortunately. I really wish they'd get with the times and introduce a %-estimate for their battery meter.
Autofocus Speed-- Absolutely zero difference between the K200D and the K20D -- I have tested this extensively with two lenses using a video camera for frame-accurate timing.
Autofocus Performance -- Decent. Low light it suffers (EV5/6 or lower), but tries for accuracy, so I'm not sure what to say. I wish it were faster.
OVERALL --- A highly recommended camera. Pentax makes some great glass. Match them up with a K20D and ENJOY shooting photos. The camera is an absolute ergonomic and control-layout pleasure to use. Menus make sense. Performance is good with just a few small things to gripe about.
I really like the camera and it's recommended for those people not needing very fast FPS or first-party lenses past 300mm.
Almost Perfect July 2, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
A much bigger jump from K10D than I expected; wonderful color and contrast; A little on the heavy side but very good balance.
Great value! June 23, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Some great features for the $. Super images. I recommend the 18-250 lens. I moved over from a Nikon D50 and, after the learning curve, really appreciate what this camera offers.
I enjoy the K20D June 16, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I previously owned the Pentax istDl and liked the pictures it produced. The K20D has been a fantastic camera so far. I personally really like having the shake reduction in the body because now all my lenses can take advantage of this. The dust removal has already saved me once where I was shooting and was able to get the dust off immediately without getting out the blower and brush :)
One problem I had was on my Mac Leopard Mac Book Pro I could not get the software that comes with the camera to install. For me this is not a major problem because I use other software that I prefer. I did notice the previous Mac Software update had some patches for the K20D as well as several other cameras.
Here are some examples photos I have taken with the K20D and the older istDL. [...]
Jeff Walters June 7, 2008
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I've just had the K20D for about 2 weeks and have really enjoyed it. Having to decide between Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus, and Sony was difficult after reading so many reviews. I took a chance on the Pentax based on forums & reviews. I couldn't find the camera in any stores around my home other than the other brands mentioned. The Pentax does feel the best in my hands and when I first held it, it is definitely better built than the others. I bought the 18-55mm AL II kit lens and it does excellent and will purchase the 18-250mm in the future. I have taken the same type shots with my Minolta film camera from the early 80's and this camera surpasses it in quality. I was stubborn for a long time to switch to digital after having the money invested in the Minolta lenses and other equipment.
I personally think all the major cameras are good and I picked Pentax on a leap of faith. It was the best camera for the money and future lenses and accessories won't break the bank. I have not much use yet for the live view feature but many of the features are usable and intuitive. I really like the idea and flexibility of the front and rear e-dials. I can adjust the aperture with the rear dial and the shutter speed with the front dial. If I could change anything I would make the ISO a dedicated button and maybe the white balance. At least they are at the beginning of the Fn(function) menu button and only requires one extra button to push.
I would highly recommend this camera unless you shoot alot of sports which the 3 frames per second burst rate doesn't cut it for you. The picture quality is A-1 and the cropping in on some shots I've taken are just great since I don't have a strong zoom lense yet. They don't pixelate on the computer and that has to be the 14.1 megapixels at work with the CMOS sensor. It is a big difference and I'm glad I have purchased the K20D over the K10D if just for the sensor only.
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