Pentax K20D Digital camera
Pentax K20D Digital camera overview
Advanced features such as the Pentax-developed Shake Reduction system that works with over 24 million existing Pentax lenses, the PRIME image processor which offers custom capture modes and flawless image processing, rugged weather-resistant, dust-proof design and a host of fully customizable features and advanced functions capable of satisfying the needs of the most discerning photographers. Be inspired. Take your creativity to stunning new levels with the K20D.
Pentax K20D Digital camera features
High-quality image reproduction
The K20D features a newly-developed 14.6 MP CMOS sensor which offers superior image resolution with maximum control over noise. Coupled with a high-performance imaging engine incorporating PENTAX-original image-processing technologies, it assures fine-detailed, rich-gradation images.
High-performance, high-speed PRIME imaging engine
The K20D incorporates the PENTAX-original PRIME (Pentax Real IMage Engine) image processing engine. It assures well-balanced, true-to-life images with faithful colour reproduction.
PENTAX-original SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism
The PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism effectively reduces camera shake for sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions and is compatible with almost all existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses*. This innovative mechanism offers an outstanding compensation effect equivalent to approximately 2.5 to 4 shutter-speed steps.
* Lenses compatible with this mechanism are: PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF- and KAF2-mount lenses, screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some functions may not be applicable with certain lenses.
Large 2.7-inch wide-view LCD monitor with Live View Function
The large 2.7-inch colour LCD monitor allows you to zoom in on the image up to 32X. The Live View function allows you to view the image on the LCD monitor during shooting for more precise composition. Its wide-view design allows you to check the monitor image from approximately 160 degrees both vertically and horizontally and facilitates low- and high-angle shooting.
Expanded Dynamic Range function
The dynamic-range expansion function allows the user to expand a dynamic range (or a range of gradation reproduction) while retaining the proper contrast to avoid white-washed areas. With an approximately 1EV expansion effect, it assures beautiful, rich-gradation images.
Comprehensive Dust Removal system
The K20D features the user-friendly Dust Removal (DR) system to prevent dust from sticking to the surface of the CMOS image sensor (or low-pass filter). This DR system offers a new Dust Alert function, which allows the user to check for dust on the image sensor in advance helping to reduce the need for time-consuming retouching later on.
Custom Image function
The Custom Image function lets the user select one of six modes and then, if desired, to further adjust the image’s finishing touches to their preference. Allowing a minor adjustment to tone, saturation, contrast, and sharpness, this function allows the user to take photographs that truly reflect their photographic vision.
Versatile exposure system for faithful reproduction
Hyper Program:
Hyper Program function allows the user to instantly switch to the Shutter- or Aperture-Priority AE mode from the Programmed AE mode, with a simple turn of the electronic dials on the grip.
Hyper Manual:
When shooting in Manual mode, a single push of the green button allows the user to instantly set the proper exposure for the subject. The user can then either take the image or quickly shift the exposure to obtain a desired degree of over- or under-exposure.
Sensitivity-Priority mode:
Sensitivity-Priority (Sv) mode is designed to automatically select the optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed for a user-selected sensitivity. The sensitivity can be shifted instantly in 1/2 or 1/3 steps by turning the electronic dial on the back panel.
Shutter & Aperture-Priority mode:
Taking full advantage of the unique capability of digital cameras permitting automatic shift of sensitivity at any time, the Shutter/Aperture-Priority (TAv) mode automatically selects the most appropriate sensitivity for a user-selected shutter-speed/aperture combination.
Dust-proof, water-resistant construction
The K20D boasts an extremely reliable dust-proof, water-resistant construction, with special seals applied to 74 different parts of the camera body, including the shutter release button and all the switches, levers and dials, making it possible for you use the K20D in the rain or in dusty locations without worries.
High-precision 11-point wide-frame AF with 16-segment multi-pattern metering
The K20D’s sophisticated SAFOX VIII autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to automatically focus on the subject with utmost precision, regardless of where they are in the frame. Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering accommodates various photographic applications.
Other features Reliable, durable shutter unit assuring more than 100,000 shutter releases High-rigidity cold rolled stainless-steel chassis 36 custom functions to personalize camera operations Universal-type X-sync socket allows direct connection of studio flash systems Customizable RAW button for single-action image-file type switching Digital Preview that allows previewing and recording of the preview image Continuous shooting mode allows the user to capture as many as 38 images in succession (in JPEG recording format) at a maximum speed of approximately three images per second. The viewfinder offers an approximately 95-percent field of view and an approximately 0.95-times magnification
Pentax K20D Digital camera SPECS
Type
TTL autofocus, auto-exposure digital SLR digital-still camera with built-in retractable P-TTL auto pop-up flash
Effective Pixels 14.6 megapixels
Sensor CMOS with primary colour filter
Size: 23.4mm x 15.6mm
Total Pixels: 15.07 megapixels
Colour Depth 8 bit (JPEG) or 12 bit (RAW)
Recorded Pixels JPEG: [14.6M] 4672 x 3104 pixels, [10M] 3872 x 2592 pixels, [2M] 1824 x 1216 pixels
RAW: [14.6M] 4672 x 3104 pixels
Sensitivity Auto, Manual : 100-3200 (1EV steps or 1/2EV steps or 1/3EV steps) can be expand to ISO6400 , Bulb mode : up to ISO1600
Recording Formats RAW (PEF/DNG), JPEG (Exif 2.21), DCF 2.0 compliant, DPOF compatible, Print Image Matching III compatible, RAW+JPEG simultaneous capturing compatible
Image Formats Compressed: JPEG - Baseline
(****: Premium, ***: Best , **: Better, *: Good)
Compressed: RAW (PEF)
Non-compressed: RAW (PEF, DNG)
RAW + JPEG: available
Storage Media SD memory card, SDHC memory card
Lens Mount
PENTAX KAF2 bayonet mount
Usable Lens PENTAX KAF2-, KAF-, and KA-mount lenses.
* Power zoom function available. K-mount lenses usable with restrictions. S-mount lenses, 67/645 lenses usable with adapter and with restrictions.
Pentax K20D Digital camera user reviews
I prefer to spot meter and shoot manual with film, but find myself using auto.
My only complaint is silly - Pentax K20D Digital camera does so much there's a lot to learn. I actually took it out of the box, charged the battery, and took it on a shoot. Found all but one of the advanced features I wanted to use. When I later looked for Pentax K20D Digital camera in the manual I found 3 more things I didn't know the camera could do. So some study time with the manual is warranted.
The white balance system is wonderful. Live View with grid very helpful in architectural work."
"
The White Balance is very warm, and Pentax K20D Digital camera's something I'm having a difficult time getting past. I want to be able to pick it up and shoot when i see something, not have to adjust the color before having that opportunity.
A possible solution is to shoot in raw and re-work white balance later, but Pentax K20D Digital camera seems like a silly solution. I want to shoot what I see, and the Pentax K20D Digital camera isn't giving me that.
Otherwise, I enjoy this camera for the simple fact I can use all my other Pentax lenses on it."
Decent IQ, but deficient in many areas compared to competition. 3 fps in this day and age is an absolute joke.
Problems
Pentax K20D Digital camera current lens line is VERY weak in longer telephoto lenses over 200mm (they don't exist). AF is still the very slow and horrible AF from the K10D which is over 2 years old. The camera except for the sensor is the same K10D. Don't waste your time. Get another brand. Pentax K20D Digital camera won't be around for much longer.
"
Anyway, Pentax kindly brought out the replacement to the aformentioned K10D.
So lets look at it.
1. Image Quality - Nothing short of excellent! Pentax K20D Digital camera can be compared to Pro spec cameras for other manufacturers, such as EOS 1D mk3, and D3, but only up to ISO1600 (more of which later)
2. Build - Pentax K20D Digital camera is basically the K10D with major upgrades, meaning that the body feels well built and robust.
3. Features - Pentax K20D Digital camera has more than the K10D, and even has controls for changing settings such as colour, sharpness, contrast, saturation to certain modes, such as Portrait, Bright, Natural, Landscape and vivid, yet still you control the WB mode and AV/TV, and they work!
Pentax K20D Digital camera also has a burst mode of 21 FPS which although is only 1.6MP can be useful
4. Live view - basic live view which wont allow AF, but useful in MF, especially with the zoom in feature coupled with it.
5. X-sync - First for years on Pentax DSLR's, which means full control of Studio Lighting via the camera, Shame the K10D does not have this.
6. ISO quality - anything up to ISO1600 is excellent, 3200 good, but 6400 average. It does have dynamic range increase, but not at ISO100, and works pretty well.
7. Colour rendition - Different to the K10D due to the use of a CMOS sensor, rather than CCD, not worse or better, just different. Pentax K20D Digital camera like using different types of colour film.
8. All the other advantages the K10D has, such as full weather sealing that works, ability to use ANY Pentax lens, long lasting battery and being a giant killer!
To sum up, Pentax K20D Digital camera is a camera that will take on rival cameras at twice the price and more, yet still hold its own. In fact Pentax K20D Digital camera might be the best APS-C sensor camera on the market, from an IQ point of view, that is currently available, and I include the D300 and EOS 50D in that argument.
Just make sure that you partner it with good quality optics such as the Limiteds, top primes from the past, DA* and Sigma's EX range, as it requires the best there is (even the "kit" lens was upgraded to cope with the K20D).
Finally, if you are thinking of upgrading from the K10D, the battery grip will fit this too, another bonus!
Problems
Nothing at all, this is a stunning camera!
"
Pentax K20D Digital camera was excellent in every way
except ISO in range's of 800 and up
compared the camera to the d90 Nikon and the a700 sonny
before purchasing the noise was a big issue
I wonder if Pentax will get a firmware upgrade to fix or help the noise problem
"
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