Other categories

7.7 out of 10

Pentax K20D

14.6 megapixels, first seen: 24 January 2008

Information found in: from 150 sources in 25 countries.

Best Price: 701.19 USD

  • User Score (348)
    9.7 9.7 from 348 reviewers
  • Expert Score (40)
    8.0 8.0 from 40 reviewers
  • Design (18)
    7.3 7.3 from 18 reviewers
  • Value for money (15)
    7.7 7.7 from 15 reviewers
  • Features (15)
    7.9 7.9 from 15 reviewers
  • Ease of use (17)
    7.8 7.8 from 17 reviewers
  • Performance (39)
    7.4 7.4 from 39 reviewers
  • Picture quality (50)
    7.7 7.7 from 50 reviewers
More grades Less grades

Pros & Cons

  • adjustable lcd monitor, selectable program lines, and a m42, great pictures, customizable auto iso
  • tendency to underexpose, smc pentax, lcd smaller as well, then frame, clunky user interface

The PENTAX K20D offers superb image quality, an array of advanced features and outstanding reliability and operability to meet the specialized and exacting demands of photo enthusiasts, including advanced amateurs. It incorporates a newly developed image sensor to bring out the optimum performance of PENTAX interchangeable lenses, while offering the features and functions needed to maximize the pleasure and excitement of digital photography.

  • 14.6 effective megapixel…

Pentax K20D

The Pentax K20D has been developed based on Pentax’s previous model, the K10D. It has the same black body, plus, some features have been added such as a 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor and the addition of live view for the first time on a Pentax DSLR. The camera is based around the successful K10D body with the addition of a 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor and sees the addition of live view for the first time on a Pentax DSLR. Lenses compatible with this mechanism are: PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF- and K…

See more

Pentax K20D

The Pentax K20D has been developed based on Pentax’s previous model, the K10D. It has the same black body, plus, some features have been added such as a 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor and the addition of live view for the first time on a Pentax DSLR. The camera is based around the successful K10D body with the addition of a 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor and sees the addition of live view for the first time on a Pentax DSLR. 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). The K20D features an expanded range function and lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. It comes in the colour Black. Pentax has been promoting the K20D as “A High-Performance Lens-Interchangeable Digital SLR Camera for Truly Demanding Photo Enthusiasts”.

Features

A CMOS image sensor measuring 23.4 mm x 15.6 mm that was developed for K20D is featured on this model as well. The CMOS sensor features an approximately 14.6 megapixels. Newly added in this model, among a few, is the Custom Image function that lets the user select or adjust the image’s finishing touches to their preference, an upgraded SR (Shake Reduction) system; a Dust Removal system and a multi-mode exposure system for reproduction of the photographer’s intentions. The K20D incorporates the PENTAX-original PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) as its imaging engine. This imaging engine also features a DDR2 (Double Data Rate 2) memory. The K20D is equipped with the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which helps in reducing camera shake. The K20D features a Live View function, which allows the user to view the image on the LCD monitor on the camera’s back panel during shooting. This function also allows the user to confirm the shake-reduction effect on the monitor during the shooting. The K20D has added a dynamic-range expansion function, which allows the user to expand a dynamic range (or a range of gradation reproduction). The K20D features the Dust Removal (DR) system to prevent dust from sticking to the surface of the CMOS image sensor (or low-pass filter). The Custom Image function lets the users select one of the six modes and adjust the image’s finishing touches to their presence. This function also enables the user to take photographs with their intend image. The Hyper Program function allows the user to switch to the Shutter- or Aperture-Priority AE mode from the Programmed AE mode.

External Resources

[[Http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08012311pentaxk20d.asp |DPreview]]

See less

Reviews of Pentax K20D

  1. K20D

    Reviewer: Stuff.tv
    4 June 2008
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    Excellent performance and features, but at a price that’s too high Read more

  2. Review: Pentax K20D digital camera

    Reviewer: Computeractive
    6 July 2008
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    Good points: Tank-like build; water and dust resistance; clear, easy-to-navigate menu screens and control layout; built-in anti shake Bad Points: Expensive for anyone trading up from a compact camera; continuous capture speed could be faster and screen bigger Overall: Solid model with high pixel count and feature set that ticks most of the boxes for enthusiasts Read more

  3. Pentax K20D

    Reviewer: DigitalVersus
    18 April 2008
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    The K20D is a very nice reflex. If it lacks a bit of ambition compared to its predecessor, there is an impressive technical sheet (large viewfinder, stabilization, anti-dust and 14 million pixel sensor). This is a model that will please those who like expert cameras. Read more

  4. Pentax K20D digital SLR

    Reviewer: Register Hardware
    6 June 2010

    The K20D is a serious piece of kit, which demands serious lenses to get the best quality from its 14.6-megapixel sensor. Getting the thing set up to taste requires close attention to the manual and plenty of unhurried tweaking, and accordingly it's a complete waste of time and money if you just want a competent but straightforwar digital SLR. The camera's weakest point is its flash, but that's hardly an issue for potential customers who'll certainly already have a better... Read more

  5. Pentax K20D Review

    Reviewer: CNET
    4 June 2008
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    Pentax's 14-megapixel K20D is a great choice for a midlevel SLR and offers a lot of bang for the buck Read more

  1. K20D first impressions.

    Reviewer: Serge Golikov, Sydney, AUSTRALIA, Digital Camera Magazine
    1 August 2008
    Overall 10
    10
     

    I have only had the camera 2 days so it will take a while to fully explore the rich feature set implimentation, but the out of the camera .JPG's I am getting under various lighting conditions and ISO settings, is superior in IQ to the D200 I've used for 2 years. The ability to take shots under low light with shutter speeds down to 1/10 second, makes the difference of getting or missing a shot. The focus is very responsive and accurate 95% of the time. This should make an... Read more

  2. Pentax K20d - It is better than they say

    Reviewer: Ray Beckwith, Photo answers
    24 July 2008
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    I have been a Nikon user for a number of years. While my D300 was away being re-calibrated I managed to get hold of a K20D. I was so impressed I bought one along with a variety of lenses. Its build probably isn't up to that of the D300 but image quality is and, for me, metering is actually better. I am now using it for weddings as opposed to the Nikons and propose to buy a second body soon. It really is that good. Read more

  3. Pentax K20D: A Pentax for the digital revolution

    Reviewer: Dooyoo
    24 June 2010
    Overall 10
    10
    Features 10
    10
    Ease of use 10
    10
    Picture quality 10
    10
     

    Summary: A really lovely camera to use. Read more

  4. Pentax K20 D

    Reviewer: Moose, Amazon
    15 March 2010 See Product at Amazon (701.19 USD)
    Overall 10
    10
     

    Love this camera. Its my first digital SLR. I have numerous older Pentax lenses that I used in the 80's that I occasionally use on this body. I did buy two new lens for the D SLR. Very happy with the performance. I have no complaints. Read more

  5. Best consumer DSLR around

    Reviewer: Amazon
    16 July 2010 See Product at Amazon (701.19 USD)
    Overall 10
    10
     

    This review is from: Pentax K20D 18-55mm II Lens Kit (14.6 MP High Performance DSLR With Integrated Shake Reduction) (Electronics) Let me open this review with a simple statement: the Pentax K20D is one of the best consumer digital SLRs by any manufacturer. The 'headline feature' is the weather sealing - competing products such as the Canon EOS 450D must be covered with a plastic bag if (or, in the west of Scotland, _when_) it rains. The K20D, on the other hand, laughs... Read more

Ask the community

Need more advice? Ask the community a question.

Other Products

Users who looked at this product also looked at these:

  1. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W370
    Freakscore: 8.0
    Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W370

Video Reviews

  • Default
  • Default
  • Default
  • 2
  • Thumbnailserver2?app=vss&contentid=1a3da0ece8ce6e6d&offsetms=1&itag=w160&hl=en&sigh=__femh5_6k3z3tvvzu4abzbx1r1s0=
  • Thumbnailserver2?app=vss&contentid=d72579de3de1ffcd&offsetms=104320&itag=w160&hl=en&sigh=__9_vmtjrrjehf2r4vuqaypk-sece=
  • Thumbnailserver2?app=vss&contentid=c86af93df7fa67d8&offsetms=160000&itag=w160&hl=en&sigh=__vok6zr4k_9d5owafn9zrs04cvvy=