Review: Pentax K20D DSLR Camera with innovative Shake Reduction mechanism

The Pentax K20D is a robust and capable digital SLR camera that offers impressive features and image quality. With its sturdy build and advanced specifications, this camera is suitable for both amateur and professional photographers looking to capture stunning images.

One of the standout features of the Pentax K20D is its 14.6-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which delivers excellent image resolution and detail. The camera’s image processing engine ensures accurate color reproduction and low noise levels, even at higher ISO settings. This combination results in sharp and vibrant images, particularly in well-lit conditions.

The K20D boasts a weather-sealed body, making it resistant to dust and moisture. This feature is invaluable for outdoor photography enthusiasts who often find themselves in challenging environments. The camera feels solid in hand, with a comfortable grip and intuitive button placement, allowing for easy access to essential settings and controls.

One of the major advantages of the K20D is its in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system. This feature compensates for camera shake and enables sharper handheld shots, even with slower shutter speeds. It is particularly beneficial when using older lenses that lack built-in stabilization. The IBIS system is effective and gives photographers more flexibility when it comes to lens choices.

Pentax K20D
Pentax K20D

The Pentax K20D offers a wide range of shooting modes and customization options, allowing users to tailor their shooting experience to their specific needs. The camera supports both JPEG and RAW formats, giving photographers greater control over their post-processing workflow. Additionally, the camera has an impressive burst mode, capturing up to three frames per second, making it suitable for action and sports photography.

While the image quality of the K20D is commendable, some users may find that it falls slightly behind in terms of autofocus speed and accuracy, especially when compared to some of its competitors. The 11-point autofocus system, while generally reliable, may struggle in low-light situations or when capturing fast-moving subjects. However, for most general photography scenarios, the autofocus performance is satisfactory.

Another minor drawback is the camera’s LCD screen, which, although adequately sized at 2.7 inches, lacks the resolution and clarity of some more recent camera models. While it is functional for reviewing images and navigating through menus, it may not provide the same level of detail as higher-resolution displays.

Experience Image Stability with the Pentax K20D’s Original Shake Reduction Mechanism

The Pentax K20D features an innovative Shake Reduction mechanism developed by Pentax, designed to combat camera shake and deliver sharp, blur-free images in challenging shooting conditions. Whether you’re using a telephoto lens, capturing images in low light or at night without additional flash, or experimenting with longer exposures for breathtaking sunset scenes, this mechanism ensures your photos remain crisp and clear.

The Shake Reduction mechanism in the K20D offers exceptional compensation, equivalent to approximately 2.5 to 4 shutter-speed steps. This means you can confidently shoot handheld with slower shutter speeds, knowing that the mechanism will effectively compensate for any unintended camera movement. It provides stability and sharpness to your images, even when conditions are less than ideal.

Pentax K20D
Pentax K20D

Compared to previous models, the K20D benefits from a lighter image sensor unit and a refined data-control algorithm, resulting in improved image stabilization. The combination of these advancements enhances the overall effectiveness of the Shake Reduction system, ensuring your photos are free from the blurring effects of camera shake. Photo: Ricoh-imaging co.jp

Furthermore, Pentax Shake Reduction is compatible with the entire range of existing Pentax interchangeable lenses. This means you can enjoy image stabilization benefits across various focal lengths and shooting scenarios, regardless of the lens you choose to use with the K20D.

With the Pentax K20D and its original Shake Reduction mechanism, you can experience enhanced image stability and capture sharp, detailed photographs even in challenging shooting conditions. Say goodbye to the worries of camera shake and embrace the freedom to explore your creativity with confidence.Pentax K20D

In conclusion, the Pentax K20D is a solid digital SLR camera that offers impressive image quality, a weather-sealed body, and a variety of useful features. It is well-suited for photographers who value image resolution, customization options, and a robust build. While it may have some minor autofocus limitations and a less-than-ideal LCD screen, these factors do not overshadow the camera’s overall performance. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or a professional, the Pentax K20D can deliver stunning results and prove to be a reliable companion on your photographic journey. Pentax K20D Digital SLR Camera price: used: $139.99

PENTAX K20D Specifications

Effective Pixelsapprox.14.6 megapixels
Image SensorTotal pixelsapprox.15.07 megapixels
TypeCMOS with a primary color filter
Size23.4mm x 15.6mm
Color Depth8 bit (JPEG) or 12 bit (RAW)
Recorded PixelsJPEG : [14.6M] 4672 x3104 pixels, [10M] 3872 x 2592 pixels, [2M] 1824 x 1216 pixels
RAW : [14.6M] 4672 x 3104 pixels
Sensitivity (Standard output sensitivity)Auto, Manual : ISO100 – 3200 ( 1EV steps or 1/2EV steps ) can be expand to ISO6400, Bulb mode : up to ISO1600
Recording FormatsRAW ( Original ), JPEG ( Conforms to Exif 2.21 ), Conforms to DCF ( Design rule of Camera File system ) 2.0
Image FormatsCompressed : JPEG – Baseline ( starstarstarstar : Premium, starstarstar : Best, starstar : Better, star : Good ), RAW+JPEG : available
Compressed : RAW ( PEF )
Non-compressed : RAW ( DNG )
Storage MediaSD, SDHC memory card
White BalanceAuto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, Fluorescent Light ( W, D, N ), Flash, Manual setting, with WB fine adjustment, Color Temserature ( 3type available )
ViewfinderTypePentaprism type
Focusing screenNatural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen
Field of viewapprox. 95%
Magnificationapprox. 0.95X ( with 50mm F1.4 lens, infinity, -1m-1 )
Diopter adjustmentapprox. -2.5 – +1.5m-1
LCD MonitorTypeTFT color LCD monitor, brightness adjustable, Color adjustable, Wide angle view
Size2.7 inch
Dotsapprox. 230,000 dots
Live ViewTTL by Image sensor
Field of viewapprox. 100%
DisplayEnlargement ( 4X, 8X ), Grid pattern
Preview MethodLive View, Digital preview, Optical preview
PlaybackOne Image, Two Images, Index ( 4 or 9 or 16 thumb nails ), Enlargement ( up to 32X, scroll available ), Image Rotation, Folder view, Slideshow, Histogram, Bright/Dark area
Digital FilterB&W ( 4 type ), Sepia ( 3 type ), Color ( 18 type ), Color extract ( 6 type ), Soft ( three-level amount adjustable ), Illustration, HDR ( 3 type ), Slim ( +/- 8 level amount adjustable ), Brightness ( +/- 8 level amount adjustable )
Focusing SystemTypeTTL Phase-matching 11-point wide autofocus system ( SAFOX VIII )
Focus ModeAF-single (with focus lock); AF-continuous available *
Manual focus
Focus PointAuto, Select, Center
AF assist lampavailable ( by Built-in Flash )
Image StabilizerTypeImage sensor shift mechanism , Max 4 stops
Dust RemovalTypeImage sensor moving mechanism and SP coating with Dust Alert
Exposure ControlMetering SystemTTL open-aperture 16-segment metering ( coupled with lens and AF information )
Metering Mode(1) Multi-segment metering (2) Center-weighted metering (3) Spot metering
Exposure RangeEV 0 – 21 ( at Standard Output Sensitivity 100 with 50mm F1.4 lens )
Modes(1) Green, (2) Program AE, (3) Sensitivity-Priority AE, (4) Shutter-Priority AE, (5) Aperture-Priority AE, (6) Shutter and Aperture Priority AE, (7) Metered Manual, (8) X speed, (9) Bulb
Exposure Compensation±3 EV ( 0.5EV steps ), ±2 EV ( 0.3EV steps )
Auto-bracketing3 or 5 frames within range of ±0.5EV, ±1.0EV, ±1.5EV, ±2.0EV ( 0.5EV steps ) or ±0.3EV, ±0.7EV, ±1.0EV, ±1.3EV, ±1.7EV, ±2.0EV ( 0.3EV steps )
AE Lockavailiable
ShutterShutter TypeElectronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter
Shutter Speed1/4000 – 30 sec. and bulb
Drive ModesSingle-frame , Continuous ( Hi, Lo ), Burst, Self-timer ( 12s, 2s ), Remote control ( 0s, 3s ), Remote control continuous, auto bracket, extended bracket and Multi-exposure
Continuous shootingapprox. 3fps, sequence : until 38 frames ( JPEG and continuous (Hi) ) , 14frames ( RAW (PEF) ), 16frames ( RAW (DNG) )
approx. 2.3fps, sequence : until the memory card becomes full ( JPEG and continuous (Lo) ), 14frames ( RAW (PEF) ), 16frames ( RAW (DNG) )
Burst modeapprox. 21fps, sequence : 115frames ( 1.6M starstarstar JPEG )
Built-in FlashTypeBuilt-in retractable P-TTL pop-up flash
Guide numberapprox. 13 ( Standard Output Sensitivity 100/m )
Angle of view coverage28mm wide-angle ( equivalent to 35mm )
Flash SynchronizationHot shoe, X-sync socket, sync-speed : 1/180 sec., P-TTL, high-speed-sync, wireless-sync with PENTAX dedicated flash
Data FolderFolder NameDate ( 100_MMDD··· ) / PENTX ( 100PENTX, 101PENTX··· ) ,
File NameStandard / User customize
Power SourcesRechargeable D-LI50 lithium-ion battery
Optional AC adapter also available.
You might also like
Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. AcceptRead More