Pentax K20

FEATURES OVERVIEW

Overall, the features and specs of the K20D are remarkably similar to the features and specs of the K10D. The most notable changes include the 14.6 megapixel CMOS image sensor which, in theory, produces a far superior signal-to-noise ratio over the lower-resolution CCD image sensors in Pentax's older cameras. In terms of continuous shooting performance, the K20D has the same 3 frames per second burst performance at maximum resolution found on its predecessor. Unfortunately, the K20D can no longer capture unlimited JPEGs at this speed and stops after 38 exposures. If you need to take continuous photos until the memory card is full, you will need to set the camera to capture burst images at a maximum speed of 2.3 frames per second.

On the other hand, the K20D does offer a fun 20fps shooting mode...but the resolution is limited to only 1.6 megapixels when shooting at this overwhelmingly fast burst speed. The following is a quick overview of the various shooting modes:

• "Green": Fully automatic mode, with limited user adjustments
• P: The camera sets shutter speed and aperture; the user has the option to set a full range of camera settings, including choice of flash modes, exposure compensation, flash compensation, metering mode, AF mode, shooting mode, ISO sensitivity, white balance, image size and quality (these same camera settings may be accessed in the Tv, Av, M, and B modes as well)
• Sv: ISO is set by user, aperture and shutter speed by the camera
• Tv: Shutter speed and ISO are set by the user, aperture by the camera
• Av: Aperture and ISO are set by the user, shutter speed by the camera
• TAv: Shutter speed and aperture are set by the user, ISO by the camera
• M: Shutter speed, aperture, and ISO are set by the user
• B: Identical to manual except the shutter remains open as long as you press the shutter button
• X-Sync: The shutter speed is set to the default flash sync speed (1/180 seconds)
• User: The photographer customizes the settings according to preference

FORM, FIT, AND FEEL

Styling and Build Quality

The K20D is a slightly chunky very traditional looking DSLR that is virtually identical to the K10D.

As a semi-pro body, the K20D is larger and heavier than entry level DSLRs, and the K20D is one of the heaviest cameras in its class.

The K20D uses the same polycarbonate body shell seen in the K10D over a metal alloy frame with stainless steel lens mount and heavy duty dust/weather seals should stand up to anything short of armed conflict.

The built-in handgrip and its rubber-like covering provide a very secure hold and a stable balance point (for right handed shooters).

Ergonomics and Interface

Like all Pentax K digitals, controls are logical, well placed, and quickly become intuitive.

The Fn button (direct access to Sensitivity, Flash, White Balance, and Drive Mode settings), Exposure Compensation button, dedicated RAW button, and twin control dials are well placed and easily accessed.

Display/Viewfinder

The K20D monitor is a 2.7 inch LCD with 230,000 dots and adjustable brightness levels. The monitor itself is a "wide view" type with a viewing angle of more than 140 degrees both vertically and horizontally. You can easily show images to multiple people using the camera's monitor, and images can be magnified up to 12x magnification. The monitor also includes a "Live View" mode which allows you to compose shots with the LCD (more on that later).

Pentax K20D Specifications: