Pentax gets official with 14.6-megapixel K20D DSLR
K20D Specifications:
SENSOR
Type: CMOS with primary color filter and integrated Shake/Dust Reduction sensor movement system
Size: 23.4 x 15.6mm
Color depth: 8 bits/channel JPG, 12 bits/channel RAW
Effective pixels: 14.6 MP
Total pixels: 15.1 MP
Recorded resolutions: 4672x3104 (14.6M), 3872x2592 (10M), 3008x2000 (6M), 1824x1216 (2M)
Quality levels: Premium, Best, Better, Good
Dust Removal: Image sensor movement combined with SP coating
LENS MOUNT
Type/construction: Pentax KAF2 bayonet stainless steel mount
Usable lenses: Pentax KAF2, KAF, and KA (K mount, 35mm screwmount, 645/67 med format useable w/ adapter and/or restrictions)
SDM function: YES
Power zoom function: YES
FOCUS SYSTEM
Type: TTL phase-matching 11 point wide autofocus system (SAFOX VIII)
Focus modes: AF Single (w/ focus lock), AF Continuous, Manual
Focus point adjustment: Auto, User-selectable, Center
AF assist: YES, via built-in flash
VIEWFINDER
Type: Pentaprism
Coverage (field of view): 95%
Magnification: 0.95x (w/ 50mm f/1.4 at infinity)
Standard focusing screen: Natural-Bright-Matte II
Diopter adjustment: -2.5 to 1.5
Depth of field preview: Optical diaphragm stop down, Digital, Live View (FOV 100%, magnification 4x/8x available, grid pattern available)
LCD MONITOR
Type: 2.7" TFT color LCD monitor, adjustable brightness/color, Live View available (TTL by image sensor, 100% FOV)
Resolution: Approx 230,000 dots
Wide angle viewable: YES, approx 160° horizontal/vertical
BUILT-IN FLASH
Type: Retractable P-TTL popup flash
Guide number: 13 (100/m)
Coverage: 28mm wide angle (equivalent to 35mm)
Flash modes: on, redeye, slow sync, slow sync + redeye, trailing curtain sync, wireless
Flash exposure compensation: -2 to +1 EV in 1/2 steps
EXTERNAL FLASH
Type: Hot Shoe (P-TTL, high speed sync available), Wireless with PENTAX dedicated flash, X-Sync socket
Synchronization speed: 1/180s
STORAGE MEDIA
Internal memory: n/a
Removable memory: SD, SDHC
INTERFACES
Ports: USB 2.0 hi-speed, video out, DC input, cable switch, X-Sync socket
Video out: NTSC, PAL
Printer interfaces: PictBridge
POWER SUPPLY
Power source: Rechargeable Li-Ion battery D-LI50, BG2 Battery Grip (optional) for second D-LI50 battery
Recordable images: Approx 740 (approx 530 with 50% flash)
Playback time: Approx 330 min
AC adapter available: YES (optional)
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Body dimensions (W x H x D): 5.6 x 4.0 x 2.76"
Body weight
Without battery or removable memory: 25.2 oz
Loaded and ready: 28.2 oz
Construction material(s): Reinforced plastic polymer shell surrounding a rugged stainless steel chassis
Operating temperature: 32-104°F
LANGUAGE SUPPORT
English, French, German, Spanish, Swedish, Dutch, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Danish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Japanese, Korean, Traditional/Simplified Chinese
IMAGE STABILIZATION
Type: Body-based, sensor shift Shake Reduction (4 stops maximum)
METERING SYSTEM
Type: TTL open-aperture, 16 segment metering
Sensitivity range: EV 0-21 (ISO 100, 50mm f/1.4)
Multi-segment: YES, 16 segments
Center weighted: YES
Spot: YES
Exposure compensation: +/- 3EV (1/2 steps), +/- 2EV (1/3 steps)
Exposure lock: YES
Exposure bracketing: YES, 3 or 5 frames, up to +/- 2EV (1/2 or 1/3 steps)
ISO SENSITIVITY
Auto: 100-3200 ISO (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps), Bulb mode up to ISO 1600, expanded range ISO available to ISO 6400
Manual: 100-3200 ISO (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps), Bulb mode up to ISO 1600, expanded range ISO available to ISO 6400
WHITE BALANCE*
Auto preset modes: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent (W, D, N), Flash, Color Temperature
Manual mode(s): YES
* WB fine adjustment available
SHUTTER
Type: Electronically controlled, vertical run, focal plane shutter
Shutter speed: 1/4000 to 30 sec, bulb available
CAPTURE MODES
Mode selection: Green, Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Shutter and Aperture Priority, Metered Manual, X Speed, Bulb, USER
Green simplified mode available: YES
P/A/S/M/B: P, A, S, M, B (extended modes include Sv, TAv)
Date stamp: n/a
Digital filters (capture): Custom Image Function includes Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, and Vibrant modes, each with gamut radar and fine adjustment of saturation, hue, contrast, and sharpness. Monochrome includes adjustment for filter effects (green, yellow, orange, red, magenta, blue, cyan, infrared), toning (sepia warm/cool), contrast, and sharpness (regular and fine adjustment scales).
Data record: Folder Name (standard, date), File Name (standard, customizable)
DRIVE MODES
Mode selection: Single, Continuous (Hi, Lo), Burst (1.6M, JPG), Self-Timer (12s, 2s), Remote (0s, 3s), Remote Continuous, Auto Bracket, Extended Bracket, Multi-Exposure, Interval
Continuous FPS:
- 3.0 FPS (38 JPG and Continuous Hi, 14 RAW PEF, 16 RAW DNG)
- 2.3 FPS (unlimited JPG and Continuous Lo, 14 RAW PEF, 16 RAW DNG)
- 20 FPS in Burst mode (115 at 1.6M, , JPG)
Self-timer: YES (12s, 2s)
Remote control: YES, infrared (0s, 3s, continuous) and cable switch supported
PLAYBACK MODES
Mode selection: One shot, two shots, index (4, 9, or 16 thumbnails), magnification, image rotation, folder view, slideshow, histogram, bright/dark indicators, RAW to JPG
Magnification: Up to 32x, scrollable
Digital filters (playback): B&W (4), Sepia (3), Color (18), Color Extract (6), Soft (3), Illustration, HDR (3), Slim (+/- 8), Brightness (+/- 8)
FILE FORMATS
Still: RAW PEF/DNG, JPG (EXIF 2.21), DCF 2.0 (design rule for camera file system), DPOF, Print Image Matching III
CUSTOM FUNCTIONS
Functions available: 36
COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS*
*For device connectivity. Bundled software requirements may vary.
Windows: Windows XP/Vista, USB port
Mac: MacOS 10.2 or later, USB 2.0 port
KIT INCLUSIONS
K20D body, USB Cable I-USB17, Video Cable I-VC28, Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery D-LI50, Battery Charge Cradle D-BC50, AC Plug Cord, Strap O-ST53, Hotshoe Cover FK, Eyecup FP, Body Mount Cover, Finder Cap for ME, Focusing Screen LF-80 Frame Matte, Bottom Cap K10D, Software CD-ROM S-SW74/75
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
AC Adapter Kit D-AC50, Battery Charger Kit K-BC50, Battery Grip BG2, Cap D-BG2 (for battery grip), Focusing Screen LL-80 AF Divided Matte, Focusing Screen LI-80 AF Scale Matte, Remote Control F, Cable Switch CS-205, Magnifying Eyepiece O-ME53, DSLR Gadget Bag, DSLR
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
VeganFreak @ Jan 23rd 2008 5:14PM
quite impressive actually. could use a bigger framerate on full though...
Temple @ Jan 23rd 2008 6:36PM
I'm sick of people mentioning full-frame sensors for every mid-range DSLR mentioned. Do people actually expect a full-frame sensor at $1,300 (Even the Canon 1D Mark III is only a 1.3 crop)? The reality is a 1.5 crop is perfectly in line with other prosumer cameras in the price range (Canon 40D, Nikon D300, Sony A700) and is likely more then enough for people in that market segment with the added benefit of increased reach for smaller lens. If you want a full-frame wait for Canon's 5D replacement, but it'll probably cost twice this camera's price.
Temple @ Jan 23rd 2008 6:45PM
Actually, my bad. reread your comment you were talking fps. My mistake. The low fps is likely due to the relatively high effective 14.6 megapixel. 3fps is relatively low compared to 5fps of the A700, 6.5 of the 40D, and 6fps of the D300(8fps with grip). I suppose its a trade-off between megapixels and speed.
kjb434 @ Jan 23rd 2008 5:27PM
14.6 Megapixel.....14.6 Megapixel?
WTF! The human eye can never see that much detail. Outside of being able to zoom really really really really really really close to the picture to see that nasty nose hair on a someone that needs to get plucked, this is going too far.
These cameras would be good to substitute for microscopes.
AlexL @ Jan 23rd 2008 5:59PM
Er...do you know how pictures work?
You see, after you take a picture, what usually happens is you print the picture on these things called "paper". And the curious thing about paper is that they come in different sizes. Sometimes people like to print their picture on really, really big paper, you see, and the bigger the paper, the more space each pixel takes up, and the more pixels there are, the more detail shows up in the print.
kjb434 @ Jan 23rd 2008 6:12PM
But at that pixel resolution, you're going after billboard sized prints. And at that size, the image is not going to be reviewed up close.
Ethyriel @ Jan 23rd 2008 7:55PM
At 14mp you're printing 18x24 at about 172ppi if you do no cropping at all in the 18" axis. That's a pretty average sized poster and a less than optimal resolution. To print at 2880dpi on an inkjet you should aim for about 300-360ppi, so you'll likely be limited to 1200dpi on a thermal or 1440 on a piezo inkjet. I mean, you could print higher, but it's kind of pointless.
Also keep in mind that people like to crop. And whenever you do a color adjustment you lose data. Open up your histogram. Now do some color adjustments with the histogram, apply them, and open up the histogram again. You see that banding? That's lost color information. Shooting in a higher bit depth (12 bit raw) is the best solution for that (besides color calibrating for your scene and getting your exposure perfect), but more pixels helps. Especially when you consider the natural blending that occurs between pixels in an inkjet print with the multiple drops per pixel, and of course spatter.
Eric @ Jan 23rd 2008 5:30PM
Great, 14.5 megapixels, and all it works with is SD cards. Never mind that fast Firewire 800 card readers are for CF cards only. So prepare to wait for your photos to download. Watch a movie, go the park, knit a sweater. USB2? U stands for Useless.
Reader @ Jan 23rd 2008 5:35PM
You're hurting USB's feelings...
Eric @ Jan 23rd 2008 5:47PM
Well, I have to admit I'm still mad from a week of shooting in New York in the diamond district. My firewire card reader died. So I wandered around Manhattan on foot for 2 1/2 hours looking for another Firewire CF card reader. Not one camera store or computer store had one! What the heck? New York is supposed to be the photo center of the world! And nobody carries professional supplies around 47th Street and Fifth Avenue?
I had to settle for a SanDisk USB2 reader. So now my 4 gig cards, downloading 16.7 megapixel images took an hour or more each to download! So forgive me if I'm a bit bitter on the subject.
Ethyriel @ Jan 23rd 2008 7:58PM
I'm with you, that SD slot is really holding me back. But, to get a comparable Nikon you're spending $500 more. I'll wait for some good reviews.
Eric @ Jan 24th 2008 10:30AM
Yeah, well SD cards aren't as expensive as they used to be. So I wouldn't let it hold me back much. I had a boss for years who used Pentax cameras. Back when film was the norm and we owned our cameras ourselves. Then digital came along, but newspaper photographers couldn't afford $15,000 a camera, so their employers bought them. So he had to go with Nikons. But he bought digital Pentax cameras for his personal use and couldn't be happier. I have a similar situation. I was a long-time Leica users in the film days, but shoot Canon at work and Nikon at home. Go figure. We photographers are an odd bunch.
DaMaDo @ Jan 23rd 2008 5:36PM
I have the K10D and love it. First and foremost the picture quality is amazing. I always shoot RAW and post process in lightroom. If you shoot jpeg be sure to adjust the settings in camera (like +2 saturation). Second the ergonomics and controls are the best I have worked with. I've played with most other cameras and for me, this one is by far the best. The right controls in the right place working the right way. I find the whole thing very intuitive. This is all personal opinion of course.
I believe the K20D will be another hit.
aoi tsuki @ Jan 24th 2008 12:58AM
Another sleeper hit maybe.
i had only dabbled with the K10D in a couple of stores when my roommate's had come in from Beach Camera. i have to say, i was really floored by the quality of shots along with the quality of glass from the old primes (35mm, 50mm, 100mm) he had from his old Pentax K1000. Even the kit lens was sharper (and faster) than that of my Canon, without stopping it down to f/8. It even had a distance scale and pretty good build quality. Don't even get me started on the built-in IS.
i love my Canon 20D and the Canon system in general, but i have to say, i recommend the Pentaxes heavily. Probably the biggest bang for your buck amongst the DSLRs, though heavily underrated compared to Canon and Nikon. If i had to do it all over again, i may have started with a Pentax. :)
joe @ Jan 23rd 2008 5:48PM
I just bought a k10d for 599 after the rebate and still very glad I did. Colors are very natural and while glass options are a little limited now, it sounds like they are picking up steam.
The Tamron 70-200 2.8 for Pentax just showed up on Amazon's site and if it is a good lens, the 699 price point will make it great..
Alevino @ Jan 23rd 2008 6:31PM
Will upgrade from my beast K10D. I`m a Pentaxian!!! That`s it!!!
Just a my birthday`s month (March)...
No excuses, milady!!!!
dan roed @ Jan 23rd 2008 7:39PM
just get the Canon 40D for $999 body only. way better deal.
Ethyriel @ Jan 23rd 2008 7:57PM
Yeah, because you know, all his KAF mount glass will work on that brand new Canon.
Oktyabr @ Jan 23rd 2008 7:48PM
I sold my beloved K10D right before Thanksgiving in anticipation of seeing the K20D become reality. It has been hard to be without my DSLR but as I'm just a hobbyist/prosumer with a couple of other cameras at my disposal it's quite workable and I probably saved $200-300 by selling it then instead of now :)
At least i know how many pennies I need to save for the K20D!
Kimmo @ Jan 24th 2008 2:47AM
Camera manufacturers are good at coming up with slightly humorous picture quality settings: "Good, Better, Best, Premium" ? :) Should they scramble the order of the settings I'd have some serious trouble choosing between the "Premium" and "Best" qualities.
Why not go all the way to "good, better, best, bestest". Hehe.
Peter @ Jan 24th 2008 3:30AM
I'm a happy K10d shooter, but I was hoping for a major overhaul on the AF system with the K20d... and it looks like we don't get it. Of course, it will probably still be faster than the K10d, but likely not more accurate, since its the same "SAFOX VIII" designation.
david @ Jan 24th 2008 3:56AM
Honestly, if you already have the K10, i don t really see a need to get the k20 right now especially at this price point.
I sold my isd D (another pentaxist here !) last october for the k10, and the money im saving by waiting for the k30? is going directly to buying lens and a lightweight tripod.
pentax most likely (for serious but maybe not pro photographers) offers the best bang for the buck and they are important even to canon and nikon users since the company innovates and offers competition.
Now i m going to cry to sleep because my uncle decided to give me most of his photography equipment- konica minolta maxxum 9 with a 80-200mm 2.8f, 100mm 2.8f, 85mm 2.8f and other g series lens...........
Dankoozy @ Jan 24th 2008 5:05AM
can they just stop with SD-only DSLR's already? is the SDCA/SDMI paying them to do this or what? SD is the format of the devil
24X36NOW @ Jan 28th 2008 6:31PM
You know what I hate? When people suggest that Pentax coming out with a full frame digital SLR is somehow a bad thing - it would be the BEST thing. But what I hate more than anything, and I am so completely sick of, is when people start parroting that marketing CRAP about undersized capture devices providing a "benefit" to telephoto shooters, or "increasing the reach" of telephoto lenses. They do no such thing. The focal length and the magnification of a lens does not change because a digital SLR has a capture device (CCD/CMOS) that is smaller than a full 35mm frame. THE ONLY THING that changes is you have a REDUCED angle of view. You DO NOT GAIN ANYTHING - you only LOSE something. You can get the EXACT SAME PHOTO WITH THE EXACT SAME LENS on a film or Full Frame digital SLR as you can on an APS-C (or other undersized) digital SLR by CROPPING THE IMAGE to the smaller size of the sensor. What you CANNOT do is regain the LOST portion of your full frame image on a digital SLR with an undersized capture device. All you can do to ATTEMPT to compensate is to use a smaller focal length lens, BUT THIS DOES NOT GIVE YOU THE SAME PICTURE - it gives you a picture with LESS MAGNIFICATION, which is NOT the same. People on this subject are going a long way to proving P.T. Barnum right!!
jswcpm @ Feb 17th 2008 9:28PM
I went from a Pentax MX to a K10D and was happy to be able to use my old Pentax lenses (28, 52, and 200).
Ok, Money aside, why would i want to buy a K20D now that i have a K10D? What will I be able to do with a K20D that I cannot do with a K10D.
If I sell my K10D and keep the lens for the K20D the extra $'s won't make much of a difference...so, i might as well keep the K10D....(unless i can get Penn Camera to give me a good deal in trading up). Nice that the Battery Grip and the batteries are the same.
oh, and yes, i am also a Pentaxian too (sounds better than a Pentaxaphile)....