Pentax K20D First Impressions Summary

The Pentax K20D is a new digital SLR that follows the K10D with several dramatic changes. As Pentax�s flagship DSLR, the K20D has a 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor with more than twice the resolution of its predecessor. The new model also has a live view on its larger LCD screen, increased dynamic range, an improved dust reduction system, and a battery that lasts much longer. Like its predecessor, the K20D has a lens mount that accepts old and new Pentax lenses. The Pentax K20D will retail for $1,299 for the body only when it goes on sale in April.

We checked out the Pentax K20D on the show floor at PMA in January 2008. This is a pre-production model, so not everything was working perfectly, but we�ve got a good idea of how this interesting new SLR handles, and how it might perform.

Overall Impressions

Value

The Pentax K20D will retail for $1,299 when it goes on sale in April. This puts it well above the $799 K200D that comes with a kit lens. The new K20D DSLR has a twin sister - the Samsung GX-20. It has the same 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor, dust reduction system, live view 2.7-inch LCD, in-camera image stabilization, and weather-resistant body. Even Pentax�s booth reps said it is exactly the same camera, but rebranded for Samsung. The GX-20, however, sells for $1,399. The better bargain? The K20D.

Comparison to the Pentax K10D
The Pentax K10D comes with less than half the resolution of the newer model with its 6.3-megapixel CCD. The new model has a completely different 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor that allows for more dynamic range. The older K10D does not have the special dynamic range function, nor does it have the dust alert function. It does have an older version of the dust reduction technology that involves physically shaking the image sensor. The Pentax K10D has a slightly smaller 2.5-inch LCD screen and relatively poor resolution of 210,000 pixels. The old screen doesn�t have the live view like the new model, either. The two DSLRs have the same 11-point autofocus system, exposure modes (although it doesn�t have the Sensitivity Priority mode), and 3 fps Burst mode, but the new K20D adds a 21 fps High-Speed burst, although it shoots at reduced resolution. The old K10D has an older battery that gets 500 shots per charge, significantly less than its successor. The Pentax K10D sells for about $850 online with an 18-55mm kit lens included.

Who It�s For

• Point-and-Shooters � This DSLR has a few items that will interest point-and-shooters: a live view LCD, editing perks for slimming, and direct printing.
• Budget Consumers � At $1,299, the Pentax K20D isn�t a DSLR on a budget, but it certainly isn�t the most expensive one out there, either.
• Gadget Freaks � It has a dust reduction system along with in-camera image stabilization and a newly-developed 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor. Very cool.
• Manual Control Freaks � There are manual controls available for everything. Shoot happily, manual control freaks.
• Pros/ Serious Hobbyists � Pros and hobbyists who have huge stashes of Pentax lenses will find this is the best camera to put them on.

Conclusion

Likes

• Fast AF system
• Accepts all Pentax lenses
• Comfortable hand grip
• PC sync socket
• Water-resistant
• Longer battery life

Dislikes

• Live view LCD blacks out when focussing
• Grainy optical viewfinder
• Lengthy, verbose menus
• Confusing placement of features

The 14.6-megapixel Pentax K20D has a lot going for it. It has a water-resistant camera body that is durable and tightly sealed and is backwards compatible with Pentax lenses old and new. It is comfortable to hold and there are tons of on-camera buttons, but the features that aren�t on the body are tough to find in the lengthy and confusing menus.

The preproduction K20D at the show was incredibly slow in its processing speeds. It took a long time to write images after a burst sequence and even longer to open the Playback mode. Let�s hope those items are fixed by production time.

The biggest disappointment is the live view on the 2.7-inch LCD screen. This is Pentax�s first attempt at live view and it shows. The whole system is slow � and it may not from being preproduction but more because of the way the camera is constructed. We'll ahve to wait to test the final version before we draw any firm conclusions, but the live view is provided by the CMOS sensor, but the autofocus system only works when the mirror is flipped up. And when the mirror flips up, the live view blacks out. If you�re photographing sports or other moving subjects, you won�t be able to see what you�re focusing on and if the subject is actually in the picture. We'll explore this more in our full review.

The live view LCD system is clunky � and that, along with the new 14.6-megapixel CMOS, is one of the camera�s best assets. The Pentax K20D will retail for $1,299 in April. It is the best option for photographers who have bags of old Pentax lenses laying around and otherwise won�t be able to use them. But if you�re buying a DSLR for the first time, you might be better off with a cheaper model like the new Digital Rebel XSi.