Product Description

An All New Digital SLR for 2008 - The Pentax K20D Digital SLR With 14.6 Mega Pixels and smc P-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 Lens

Improving on the technology of the award winning K10D, the flagship Pentax K20D is the highest resolution camera in the advanced photo enthusiast category and allows more experienced photographers, who demand complete control, to fully customize the camera. The most significant features in the K20D include:

• A newly developed CMOS image sensor to bring out the optimum performance of Pentax interchangeable lenses. Featuring 14.6 effective megapixels and the latest noise-reduction technology, the sensor assures superb image quality.
• Custom Image functions that allow users to select between six preset options and further adjust image processing, including saturation, hue, contrast and sharpness. The K20D also offers an Expanded Dynamic Range function that allows users to gain more contrast and detail in bright settings.
• A Live View that allows users to see the full image area to confirm composition, focus status and lighting on the large 2.7 inch LCD monitor. A grid display may be engaged to help assure the perfect arrangement of an image and Auto Focus may be activated by simply pressing the AF button on the back of the camera. Further fine tuning of the image can be confirmed with the 4X or 8X zoom option.
• An improved Dust Reduction system that features the new Dust Alert function to pinpoint the exact location of dust particles for the photographer to remove.
• A weather and dust resistant body that allows photographers to keep shooting even in harsh conditions.
• A PC sync socket for more advanced photographers who use studio lighting.

Pentax K20D Digital SLR Key Features

• 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor offers superior image resolution with the maximum control over noise
• Shake Reduction compatible with any Pentax lens ever produced, including new SDM lenses, minimizes the effect of camera shak

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #936 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Pentax
• Model: B0015GEJZ0
• Released on: 2008-03-26
• Dimensions: 5.70" h x 4.00" w x 5.60" l, 2.25 pounds
• Display size: 2.7

Features

• 14.6-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for poster-sized prints
• 2.7-inch LCD display; Kit includes 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL II Lens
• Dust-proof, water-resistant construction; comprehensive Dust Removal system
• New Live View function
• Capture images to SD/SDHC cards (not included)

Amazon.com

Improving on the technology of the award winning K10D, the flagship Pentax K20D is the highest-resolution camera in the advanced photo enthusiast category and allows more experienced photographers, who demand complete control, to fully customize the camera. The most significant features in the K20D include:

• A newly-developed CMOS image sensor to bring out the optimum performance of Pentax interchangeable lenses. Featuring 14.6 effective megapixels and the latest noise-reduction technology, the sensor assures superb image quality.
• Custom Image functions that allow users to select between six preset options and further adjust image processing, including saturation, hue, contrast and sharpness. The K20D also offers an Expanded Dynamic Range function that allows users to gain more contrast and detail in bright settings.
• A Live View that allows users to see the full image area to confirm composition, focus status and lighting on the large, 2.7-inch LCD monitor. A grid display may be engaged to help assure the perfect arrangement of an image and Auto focus may be activated by simply pressing the AF button on the back of the camera. Further fine tuning of the image can be confirmed with the 4x or 8x zoom option.
• An improved Dust Reduction system that features the new Dust Alert function to pinpoint the exact location of dust particles for the photographer to remove.
• A weather and dust-resistant body that allow photographers to keep shooting even in harsh conditions.
• A PC sync socket for more advanced photographers who use studio lighting.

Pentax K20K Digital SLR Highlights

Newly Developed CMOS Image Sensor The Pentax K20D features a newly developed CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) image sensor measuring 23.4 mm x 15.6 mm. In designing the K20D, Pentax made the significant transition to a higher resolution 14.6 megapixel sensor, rivaling the detail previously only found in images captured with 35mm film. This considerable gain offers 50 percent more resolution than 10 megapixel sensors, and 20 percent more resolution than 12 megapixel sensors. Pentax Imaging (a leading innovator in the imaging business) collaborated with Samsung Electronics (a market leader in developing and producing semiconductors) in the development of the 14.6 megapixel CMOS Sensor found in the Pentax K20D Digital SLR. The larger photo diode in the sensor gathers more light in a shorter time and therefore can respond more sensitively. As a result, the K20D is able to achieve higher sensitivity levels (up to 6400 in the expanded ISO mode). Also, there is a more direct light path to the pixels. Coupled with a high-performance imaging engine incorporating Pentax-original image-processing technologies programmed to yield natural, true-to-life images, the new model assures fine-detailed, rich-gradation images.

Pentax Original Shake Reduction mechanism The K20D is equipped with the Pentax-developed Shake Reduction mechanism, which reduces camera shake for sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions, such as shooting with a telephoto lens, shooting in low light conditions or at night without supplementary flash illumination, or using extended exposures for sunset scenes. This innovative mechanism offers outstanding compensation equivalent to approximately 2.5 to 4 shutter-speed steps. In addition, the lighter image sensor unit and refined data-control algorithm offer improved image stabilization over previous models. Pentax Shake Reduction is compatible with existing Pentax interchangeable lenses.*
_{* 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 The K20D features a large 2.7 inch color LCD monitor. The wide-view design allows the photographer to view the monitor image from approximately 160 degrees both vertically and horizontally. Since it assures effortless image viewing from a diagonal position, it facilitates low- and high-angle shooting using the Live View function.

New Live View function The K20D features a Live View function that allows users to view an image on the LCD monitor during shooting. This feature is beneficial when the photographer moves his or her eye from the viewfinder in specialized applications, such as low and high-angle shooting, or when perfecting composition. The function also allows users to confirm the Shake-Reduction effect on the monitor while shooting.

High-performance, high-speed PRIME Imaging Engine The K20D incorporates the Pentax-original PRIME (Pentax Real IMage Engine). Designed exclusively for Pentax digital SLR cameras, the engine ensures well-balanced, true-to-life images with faithful color reproduction by efficiently controlling digital signals transmitted by the CMOS image sensor. It also allows complete control over other photographic factors including white balance and the new Custom Image functions. This imaging engine also features a Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) memory to assure speedy image processing and high-speed data transfer.

Custom Image function The K20D is equipped with a new Custom Image function that lets the user select one of the six modes and adjust an image’s processing to their preference by automatically adjusting tone, saturation, contrast, and sharpness. These modes include Natural, Bright, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, and B&W image modes. The photographer can make further fine-tuned adjustments to each setting. The effect on each of the primary colors is shown in a radar-type display on the LCD panel. The user can easily see the effect of their adjustments by using the digital preview option.

Expanded Dynamic Range Function The K20D adds a dynamic-range expansion function, which allows the user to expand the dynamic range (or 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.

Dust-proof, water-resistant construction The K20D boasts an extremely reliable weather-resistant and dust-proof construction with special seals applied to 72 different parts of the camera body, including the shutter release button and all the switches, levers, dials. This dependable body makes it possible to use the K20D in the rain or dusty locations without worries.

Comprehensive Dust Removal System With Prevention, Removal and Alerting Devices The K20D features the user-friendly Dust Removal system to prevent dust from sticking to the surface of the CMOS image sensor (or low-pass filter). The Pentax-original Super Protect (SP) coating, applied to the image sensor surface through vapor deposition of a fluorine compound, effectively prevents dust from sticking to the surface. In the next step, dust that may remain on the surface will be shaken off when the system shifts the image sensor at high speed. Finally, the dust that is shaken off the image sensor falls onto an adhesive strip positioned at the bottom of the unit, eliminating any possibility of the dust returning to the image sensor surface. This upgraded Dust Reduction system also offers a new Dust Alert function, which shows the user exactly where dust may be sticking to the sensor surface.

The K20D also features a versatile exposure system for faithful reproduction of creative intentions:

Hyper Program Function The K20D’s Hyper Program function allows users to instantly switch to the Shutter-Priority or Aperture-Priority AE mode from the Programmed AE mode with a simple turn of the electronic dials on the grip. To return to the Programmed AE mode, simply press the green button positioned next to the shutter release button.

Hyper Manual Function When shooting in Manual mode, one push of the green button allows the user to instantly set the proper exposure for the subject.

Sensitivity-Priority mode The K20D features a unique Sensitivity-Priority (Sv) mode 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, which permit 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. This mode allows users to experiment with a greater range of photographic expressions with greater ease.

Bright, clear viewfinder Featuring a glass pentaprism, the K20D’s viewfinder offers an approximately 95 percent field of view and an approximately 0.95x magnification for easy viewing of the subject and effortless confirmation of focus and composition. Coupled with the acclaimed Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen, it delivers a large, bright subject image.

Continuous shooting at approximately three images per second To trace the movement of an active subject or capture a sequence of the subject’s expressions, the K20D offers a continuous shooting mode that allows the photographer to capture as many as 38 images in succession (in JPEG recording format) at a maximum speed of approximately three images (frames) per second. When switched to the new high-speed advance mode, the user may capture up to approximately 115 images at the speed of approximately 21 images per second.*
_{* The image size is fixed at 1.6 megapixels in the Burst Shooting mode.}

High-precision 11-point wide-frame AF The K20D’s sophisticated SAFOX VIII autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors) to automatically focus on the subject with utmost precision, even when it is positioned off center. When the subject is captured in focus, the in-focus sensor point is automatically superimposed in red in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation.

Powerful rechargeable batteries The K20D features large capacity Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, which can capture approximately 740 images when fully charged. The dramatically improved battery capacity (over the previous K10D) is the result of a new energy saving design.

Additional Features

• A PC Sync socket for shooting with studio lights. The camera remains weather and dust sealed even when the PC socket cap is removed.
• Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
• Reliable, durable shutter unit assuring more than 100,000 shutter releases
• High-rigidity stainless-steel chassis
• 36 custom functions to personalize camera operations
• Universal-type X-sync socket
• RAW button for single-action image-file switching
• Digital Preview for verifying camera settings
• Optional Battery Grip (D-BG2) for extended shooting sessions
• Nine digital filters to add creative and artistic touches
• In-body RAW data development for image filing in JPEG and TIFF formats
• Compatibility with SDM equipped lenses for quiet, extra-smooth autofocus operation
• Pentax PHOTO Laboratory 3, RAW data processing software, Pentax PHOTO Browser 3, browser software and Pentax REMOTE Assistant 3, camera control software, included on the accompanying CD-ROM

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Customer Reviews

Excellent camera, so I bought two body-only K20D
I can only agree with the positive reviews in this discussion forum. The price, under $700, is amazing for a camera of this excellence. When the price was reduced recently to $669. I decided it was worth the investment to buy a second body-only K20D, and I'm glad I did. The learning curve is "kinda" steep for a digital newbie like me, but the info I need is in the manual, of course.

With two cameras, I don't worry about the battery losing power, because one camera is always at the ready. I use a zoom lens in one camera and a prime lens in the other. These days my main focus, no pun intended, is photos of family pets. Adding to our household's menagerie of five indoor cats, most of which had been abandoned, we recently adopted two heretofore abandoned dogs. The photos of these pets are beautiful, especially so when the photos are enlarged to 8 x 10, and no red eye at all, even with the use of simple auto focus.

Amazing image detail, phenomenal build quality, best camera for the price.
I was the unfortunate victim of a thief. My camera bag containing all of my equipment was stolen. I had the new Nikon D90 and loved it. My insurance company reluctantly awarded me a check that covered about a third of the replacement cost for the Nikon gear I lost. I decided that until I had saved enough money to replace the D90 I would buy a less expensive camera to pass the time.
Let me start by saying I'm not a pro, but have a few years as an amateur. I spent a week doing research online (thank you dpreview). The result was the Pentax K20D. I purchased it from Amazon for 669, an absolute bargain as it turns out. My wonderful family gifted me with the DA 18-55mm version 2, the 55-300mm telephoto, and the battery grip, all made by Pentax.
The build quality is the best I've ever experienced!! Stainless steel frame inside a plastic fiber reinforced exterior shell, more rubber seals than you can imagine, and sealed doors for the memory and battery ( real doors!!). The lenses are as rugged as the body and battery grip, with terrific rubber grips grooved deeply, making a solid and rugged feel that I'm in love with. The Pentax weighs about a third more than the D90 but it feels great and I think it gives me a steadier hand. I think the ergonomics are better than Nikon or Cannon, and It's about the same body size as the D90, I miss the Nikon LCD but I wouldn't go back.
The picture quality is just mind blowing, the D90 produced great pictures as well, and I think that this camera equals it in most cases, and exceeds it in others. I've read reviews that claim the K20D shows excessive noise at ISO 1600+, but I rarely ever shoot above 800 so it's not an issue for me. Another issue for reviewers was the frame rate, only 10% of my work is sports or other projects that would necessitate a high frame rate so this camera is fine for me. The K20D produces large image files, a product of a 14.6 mp sensor, and my choice of file type, so it can be slow to save to the memory card. I need to research faster SD cards.
I have about 2000 photographs under my belt with this camera and until Pentax updates the K20D I won't be looking for another. The in body shake reduction reduces the cost of lenses and works very well. Live view, and articulating LCD screens are not something I'm interested in so those innovations missing or not done well on this model are not an issue for me. If you want or need either of those buy a point and shoot, this camera is designed for experienced shooters and doesn't have a lot of the automatic or 'green' modes that entry level DSLR cameras have, Pentax makes those cameras but I don't own one.
If you are shopping for a camera this is a great piece of equipment and the peripherals made by Pentax are outstanding. I have only one complaint and that is the LCD screen as compared to the Nikon D90, I hope that tops the list for the next incarnation of the K20D.

Great Camera for Its Class
I always have positive experience with Pentax Products before the DSLR. One of the reason I decided on choosing Pentax k20D over other brand is its good reviews everywhere online and the affordable price. I have never touch a Pentax DSLR before I place the order on Amazon and not even sure where this thing was made (I would like to take the chance to confirm here it was made in Philipine), that explained I have a lot of faith and trust on all the reviews I have read online, and thank you all, the k20D indeed is a great camera. Due to my past experience with Pentax and being an avid photographer, I find the menu came with the camera quite informing and easy to read. So far I only have less than 50 shots with the k20D and I shouldn't comment too much on the quality of the pictures this camera produced because I pair it with an old standard Pentax 50mm 1:1.4 lens. So far with manual setting the picture quality is very good (outdoor and indoor w/o flash). I took one of the reviewer's advice to set NR to low, and not even care for the camera's default setting. I also pair the k20D with an old zoom Albinar 85-205 zoom lens, the picture outcome was a joke! I tried the Albinar's Macro feature outdoor, to my amaze it was quite good! So I guess I just have to take another reviewer's advice to buy the top-of-the-line Pentax DA* 50-135mm lens to pair with the k20D. I don't have the money yet, I'll definitely buy one when my tax return arrive.
One thing I have to comment on the shipping time from Amazon. I placed the order of k20D (direct from Amazon) on 3/25 along with the Battery Grip (from Amazon MarketPlace), the Grip arrived way before the camera. The camera was shipped on 3/30 (took Amazon 5 days to get the order ready!) and arrived at my house on 4/6 by UPS (12 days total). I had to skip work and wait at home all day for the package, the package arrived at 6:30PM on that day, what a pity! Yes, it's good to have a day off, but in this recession, I dare not pissing the boss off!
PS. I use a store-brand 8GB Class-6 SDHC card with the k20d, it's flawless, and it only cost me $14.99.