Pentax K20D 14.6MP Digital SLR Camera with Shake Reduction (Body Only) by Pentax
|
Our Price: $899.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $779.00 (click here) Category: Digital Camera See more digital camera details and other models |
|---|
Digital camera reviews of Pentax K20D 14.6MP Digital SLR Camera with Shake Reduction (Body Only)
Digital camera Review: Best DSLR for the price
Summary: 5 Stars
The K20D is a very worthwhile upgrade over the K10D:
- higher ISO (ISO 6400) sensor with more megapixels (15MP)
- retains weatherproof body
- Live View (not that mature, but better than nothing!)
- In-Body Anti-Shake
- better AF
- better Auto White Balance
- micro AF adjust
The Pentax K20D is not the best at everything:
- no video mode like the Canon EOS 500D
- Live View is 1st generation (somewhat like Canon EOS 40D class)
- EOS 50D has better high-ISO noise
- gritty screen compared to the full-VGA screen on the EOS 500D / 50D / 5D Mk II
- slower AF than the Canon and Nikon competitors (even the entry-level ones)
However, the K20D
- retains compatibility with the 20-million plus old Pentax lenses out there
- has in-body image stabilization
- is weather sealed
- has micro AF adjust for up to 20 lenses (just like the Canon EOS 50D and higher)
So while it may not win on a point-per-point basis, it wins on the total package. And if you check the price of the EOS 50D, it's obvious that the K20D is a solid value winner. Right now at under $700 this mid-range DSLR body costs less than the newly-announced, entry-level Canon EOS 500D.
When we're comparing Pentax's flagship DSLR to Canon's entry-level DSLR on price, that's really saying something.
Digital camera Review: Best HDR and landscape camera in its class
Summary: 5 Stars
There's been a lot of positive reviews about this camera listing its strengths and very minor weaknesses. What I haven't seen mentioned is how good this camera is for landscape and high dynamic range (HDR) photography.
First I'll mention that the K20D has a depth of field preview. I know it's a feature that a lot of people don't use but it quite helpful if you're serious about shooting landscapes.
Next, there is no camera at anywhere near the current price of the K20D that has an equivalent exposure bracketing feature. Some like the Nikon D40 and D60 completely lack one, though they are still good cameras. Others like the Canon X series models offer 3 exposures with at most 1 stop of compensation. It's the same with Olympus and Sony. Again, these are all good cameras but if you are looking to do HDR work please consider the Pentax K20d.
You get either 3 or 5 exposures of bracketing with up to 2 stops compensation per exposure. That makes HDR photos very easy to do. You don't have to fiddle with the camera between exposures and can be sure that you haven't moved your camera. The remote control works from either the front or back of the camera, which isn't the case with all makes. Again, that makes taking multiple exposures with the exact same focus easy. You can also set the self-timer at 2 seconds. The camera will not wait for 2 seconds then snap off quick multiple shots. It waits the full 2 seconds between each exposure, which gives the camera time to stop vibrating. That ensures spot on focus for multiple exposures.
Add in the weather/dust sealing and extremely solid build and you have a great landscape camera that also happens to be a good all-round performer. The sensor is excellent and gives as good an excellent image especially if you shoot in raw format. If you don't you might look at a less expensive model as you won't be gaining full advantage of what the camera offers. That's not just with this camera but any more capable DSLR.
Another advantage of buying Pentax, Olympus or Sony cameras is the built in shake reduction. That makes the purchase of additional lenses much less expensive. Shake reduction or image stabilization can add an appreciable amount to lens price. Since you're buying an interchangeable lens camera and the eventual cost of lenses can far outstrip the cost of the body that can add up to significant savings. And Pentax lenses, which are excellent are generally less expensive than those of other camera manufacturers. The same can be said of accessories like external flashes, even battery chargers.
A number of reviewers have mentioned that the camera has a slow burst speed. Kind of. To really get an increase of burst speed, we're talking at least double the speed, to really make a difference you will have to spend a whole lot more. An increase of half a frame a second honestly doesn't make a real world difference.
It is true that the camera auto-focuses a bit slowly in low light with the kit lens. In low light I use the 50mm 1.4 lens and experience good results, so that may be as much the lens as the camera.
Digital camera Review: Pentax K20D
Summary: 5 Stars
I received this product extremely fast expecting it take a least a week but arriving in 2 days. It was securely packaged and all required parts were included. I am very happy with the camera, it is my second Pentax DLSR but with many more features and enhancements over the K100D I purchased not more than a year ago. I needed a second camera body but never expected the huge improvements since my last purchase. I also purchased a battery grip and a 50mm normal lens to compliment my zoom lenses so I feel I have every bit the professional setup I wanted. I have never been disappointed with purchases from Amazon.Digital camera Review: Best Pentax Camera to date
Summary: 5 Stars
As a Pentaxian (Pentax lover), I have only used Pentax cameras. My last DSLR was the *ist DL and I thought Pentax could not top that camera until I tried out this model. This is by far the best I've used, all the controls are easily accessible. The 14.9 MP gives truly sharp pictures. They are easy to edit, both on my computer or in the camera. With the SDHC memory card, it can use just about any size, I have a 16GB in it and I know I'll never run out of space. I highly recommend this camera to the serious photographer or for any photographer wanting to take their picture taking abilites to the next level. Even though I've never used any other brand, I'de match any of my Pentax cameras against any other brands out there. Digital camera Review: Amazing camera
Summary: 5 Stars
The Pentax K20D has exceeded by expectations in every way imaginable. I upgraded to the K20D after owning a Nikon D40 for about two years. When I was ready to upgrade I looked at the Nikon D90 and the Canon 40D/50D but in the end, the Pentax K20D offered the best bang for the buck. The determining factors for me were the in camera shake reduction, the build quality/weather sealing of the camera body, and availability for high quality lenses (DA* series and DA Limited) at a fraction of the cost of similar lenses from Nikon or Canon. After owning the Pentax for about two months I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend this camera to anyone looking for a high quality DSLR.