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.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi First Impressions Summary

Entering an increasingly crowded market for consumer digital SLRs comes the entry-level Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi, which premieres at PMA 2008 in Las Vegas, Nev. The XSi is the third in Canon�s budget DSLR series, updating the Digital Rebel XTi.

This new version of the Rebel is marketed toward the photo enthusiast who might turn in his or her point-and-shoot for a consumer DSLR. Canon promises the XSi is its best Rebel yet, borrowing features from its flagship professional line, including faster processing, improved autofocus, Live View, and an expanded spot metering, in addition to higher resolution, larger LCD screen, and updated menu system.

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi has a MSRP of $899.99 for the kit with the new EF-S18-55mm f/3.5 � f/5.6 IS zoom lens (which includes optical iamge stabilization), or $799.99 for the body alone when it ships in April 2008.

Overall Impressions

Value
The anticipation for the Canon Rebel XSi, or previous Rebels for that matter, has photo nerds� hearts racing. Buyers in the market for a consumer SLR are most likely dropping a good chunk of their savings on this camera, as customers move up from a point-and-shoot and venture into photography as a serious hobby and potentially as a business if they upgrade into higher-end models. So is the $900 worth it? With the added features, it�s a sweet deal. That�s not to underline the fact that almost every other manufacturer this week at PMA 2008 under-priced the XSi: the Nikon D60($749), the Sony Alpha A300($800), and the Pentax K200D($799). The point is that yes, the Digital Rebel XSi costs more than its competitors. The reality is, though, that consumers won�t care. The Rebel series has consistently been Canon�s top seller, and we anticipate it will remain so.

Who�s this Camera For?

• Point and Shooters � The EOS Digital Rebel XSi is far from a point-and-shoot, but Canon is actively marketing its new SLR to this segment. The XSi suits point-and-shooters who want to buy a DSLR to pursue more creative control in photography. With personalized background menus, larger font, and automatic modes, the XSi does fine to suit new DSLR users.
• Budget Consumers � The lowest original MSRP in the digital SLR market for a kit is about $750 new. Nikon, Sony, and Pentax each offer bundled DSLR kits (with included lens) that retail for the price of the Canon XSi body alone. While the $899.99 kit price on the Digital Rebel isn�t the least expensive, the sub-$1000 is still affordable. It fuels the democracy of photography that puts more DSLRs in the hands of more average consumers.
• Gadget Freaks � The XSi lacks certain gadget favorites like a touch screen, true Movie modes, or Wi-Fi capabilities that SLRs have yet to employ; these features are more typical in point-and-shoot cameras. Techies in pursuit of a DSLR, however, might be drawn to the Live View, which is becoming increasingly popular among Olympus, Nikon, and Panasonic SLRs.
• Manual Control Freaks � The Canon XSi brings with it a few more manual controls over the XTi, including an additional spot metering setting and expanded Auto Lighting Optimizer. Although the camera could use more incremental stops in ISO sensitivity, the Digital Rebel will satisfy Canon users.
• Pros / Serious Amateurs � Hardcore addicts would normally lean toward Canon�s higher-end professional models, such as the 1D Mark III or 1Ds Mark III. They would, however, consider the XSi as a backup camera to their existing line of EF lenses, since it is priced at a budget $800 price tag for the body. The smaller body and lower price tag is tempting for pros to take the XSi for traveling or parties.

Summary
Likes

• Live View added as the first on any Rebel
• Includes image stabilized lens with the kit
• Fast burst of 3.5 fps -Now includes Spot metering
• Larger 3-inch LCD screen
• Sturdier body when compared to XTi
• Improved grip with textured rubber for easier handling

Dislikes

• Tiny AF points through viewfinder
• Redistribution of back button layout
• No CompactFlash memory support
• Price isn�t as competitive as other PMA 2008 DSLRs

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi joins a successful line of Rebels that rank as the manufacturer�s top seller. This 12.2-megapixel entry-level DSLR is the third in the series. The XSi incorporates features borrowed from its flagship professional cameras, mixed with functions targeted for its PowerShot customers to cater to the point-and-shooter upgrading to an SLR for the first time. With its added features of Live View, Spot metering, improved autofocus, and faster burst shooting, combined with an image-stabilized kit lens, the Digital Rebel XSi is sure to do well in the market. It still faces competition from Nikon, Sony, and Pentax, all of which undercut the XSi�s near-$900 kit price. Despite that, we anticipate Canon�s brand recognition and history of the Digital Rebel will make the XSi a favorite among entry-level DSLR consumers.