The new Pentax K20d
PPentax K20d by Pentax
By Timothy Reeves
16 March 2008
I was in the market for a new DSLR camera I looked at many different models only to perplexed by the list of options on the newer cameras coming out. After wading through the reviews and looking at all the options one camera stood out in the crowd as far as price and options. The new Pentax K20d with a 14.6 mega pixel CMOS sensor and a list of very useful features made this camera the choice for me. The pentax K20d has the highest resolution in its class and can record in J-peg and RAW formats simultaneously you can also convert your RAW image files to j-peg or 8mbTiff files in the camera. The camera will store the original file and converted file to the same folder. The K20d also gives you a choice to shot in RAW dng format and Pentax RAW format and gives you a quick switch button that allows the operator to be able to switch between selected file formats easily. The K20d also gives an easy way to set exposure modes and auto focus modes as easy as turning a dial you switch between spot center weighted and scene auto focus and auto metering. The automatic white balance works great but there are applications where the manual white balance feature come in handy. The K20d also offers a live view LCD screen which would come in handy while working with the camera on a tripod or in macro work since the screen is viewable from a full 140 degree angle in all directions composition would be possible in live view mode with the camera in almost any position . The LCD screens color can also be fine tuned so what you see is what you get.
Shooting modes include a user customizable shooting mode which lets you set the way the processor records the image to the CCD it lets you adjust contrast saturation and tone. You have green mode which is pretty much automatic mode camera select aperture and shutter speed in a preselected ISO. SV mode which lets you select ISO quickly using a dial on the back of the camera TV mode which allows you to select shutter speed, AV mode which allows you to adjust aperture, TAV mode which allows you to select shutter speed and aperture while the camera selects the ISO, a manual mode and bulb mode for long exposures. The K20d also includes shake reduction built into the CCD that will work with all Pentax compatible lenses. The Dl150 lithium ion battery is good for about 700 shots without the use of the flash and the shooting time can be doubled by adding an optional battery grip. The camera body and optional grip are sealed to be weather and dust resistant for shooting in extreme conditions. The k20d also incorporates Pentax's new sonic drive motor lenses these lenses are designed for quieter quicker operation of the auto focus system and are optimized for digital camera use so there is no amplification of the lens. The K20d also includes a dust alert system and sensor shift mechanism the dust alert system actually takes a picture of the CCD and shows you where dust is located on the CCD and the shift mechanism actually shakes loose dust particles off the CCD on to a an adhesive strip.
So how much does the camera that has it all cost in my opinion its price tag is very modest at about $1300 after using this camera for about a week I feel the money I spent was well used. I forgot to mention for the studio photographer there is a PC socket for the use of studio flashes.
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