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.
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.
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.
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 Pixels | approx.14.6 megapixels | |
|---|---|---|
| Image Sensor | Total pixels | approx.15.07 megapixels |
| Type | CMOS with a primary color filter | |
| Size | 23.4mm x 15.6mm | |
| Color Depth | 8 bit (JPEG) or 12 bit (RAW) | |
| Recorded Pixels | JPEG : [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 Formats | RAW ( Original ), JPEG ( Conforms to Exif 2.21 ), Conforms to DCF ( Design rule of Camera File system ) 2.0 | |
| Image Formats | Compressed : JPEG – Baseline (  : Premium, : Best, : Better, : Good ), RAW+JPEG : availableCompressed : RAW ( PEF ) Non-compressed : RAW ( DNG ) | |
| Storage Media | SD, SDHC memory card | |
| White Balance | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, Fluorescent Light ( W, D, N ), Flash, Manual setting, with WB fine adjustment, Color Temserature ( 3type available ) | |
| Viewfinder | Type | Pentaprism type |
| Focusing screen | Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen | |
| Field of view | approx. 95% | |
| Magnification | approx. 0.95X ( with 50mm F1.4 lens, infinity, -1m-1 ) | |
| Diopter adjustment | approx. -2.5 – +1.5m-1 | |
| LCD Monitor | Type | TFT color LCD monitor, brightness adjustable, Color adjustable, Wide angle view |
| Size | 2.7 inch | |
| Dots | approx. 230,000 dots | |
| Live View | TTL by Image sensor | |
| Field of view | approx. 100% | |
| Display | Enlargement ( 4X, 8X ), Grid pattern | |
| Preview Method | Live View, Digital preview, Optical preview | |
| Playback | One 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 Filter | B&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 System | Type | TTL Phase-matching 11-point wide autofocus system ( SAFOX VIII ) |
| Focus Mode | AF-single (with focus lock); AF-continuous available * Manual focus | |
| Focus Point | Auto, Select, Center | |
| AF assist lamp | available ( by Built-in Flash ) | |
| Image Stabilizer | Type | Image sensor shift mechanism , Max 4 stops |
| Dust Removal | Type | Image sensor moving mechanism and SP coating with Dust Alert |
| Exposure Control | Metering System | TTL 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 Range | EV 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-bracketing | 3 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 Lock | availiable | |
| Shutter | Shutter Type | Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter |
| Shutter Speed | 1/4000 – 30 sec. and bulb | |
| Drive Modes | Single-frame , Continuous ( Hi, Lo ), Burst, Self-timer ( 12s, 2s ), Remote control ( 0s, 3s ), Remote control continuous, auto bracket, extended bracket and Multi-exposure | |
| Continuous shooting | approx. 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 mode | approx. 21fps, sequence : 115frames ( 1.6M JPEG ) | |
| Built-in Flash | Type | Built-in retractable P-TTL pop-up flash |
| Guide number | approx. 13 ( Standard Output Sensitivity 100/m ) | |
| Angle of view coverage | 28mm wide-angle ( equivalent to 35mm ) | |
| Flash Synchronization | Hot shoe, X-sync socket, sync-speed : 1/180 sec., P-TTL, high-speed-sync, wireless-sync with PENTAX dedicated flash | |
| Data Folder | Folder Name | Date ( 100_MMDD··· ) / PENTX ( 100PENTX, 101PENTX··· ) , |
| File Name | Standard / User customize | |
| Power Sources | Rechargeable D-LI50 lithium-ion battery Optional AC adapter also available. |