New Pentax K20d DSLR
- Thread starter iceemn360
- Start date
TitusvileSurfer
New member
Pentax FTW! Cheers to happy shooting.
iceemn360
New member
Im actually going to Costa Rica in a few weeks so I purchased a the K20d, flash, macro lens, and two DA* lenses. The DA star lenses in particular allow me to take my entire set up into harsh/wet/ and otherwise demanding outdoor conditions. I also want the extra body in case of a failure (which is unlikely). Especially since Ill be out and about the jungle for weeks at a time and in no way near a camera store at any time. I love both though and they are incredible beginner cameras. I personally had no experience before the K10d...let alone knowing how to properly use a Point and Shoot camera. I took a shot in the dark and though I initially went into a camera store to get a Cannon I came out with a Pentax and for me I have had an amazing time with it. There is a camera for everyone out there and it just depends on what you want out of it. I sure found what I wanted!
iceemn360
New member
in addition the K20d has a larger sensor which is now CMOS and has better low light performance interms of noise control and ISO capabilities. I also got the fast DA* lenses for the likely low light forest conditions.
here is a link to my "redux" of 2008 and a great year with my K10d
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1548654
here is a link to my "redux" of 2008 and a great year with my K10d
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1548654
iceemn360
New member
I was asked either here or on another forum by a member whom I cant remember for th elife of me (sorry!). They recently asked me about how this camera is different than my K10d and also why I initially went Pentax.
I guess to start:
The K20D shares the same ergonomically friendly solid body with the K10d model (great rubberized outer grips that fit naturally as well as a body made of what I believe is a durable polycarbonate?).
Also as with both higher end Pentax models, they are fully weather sealed for Rain/Snow/Dust and have occasionally been tested successfully by the avid photographer during evens such as thunder storms/ waterfall photos ect
They also share Body Image Stabilization and a Dust Reduction system (involves jittering the sensor to loosen dust and move it to a dust attractant strip>> it seems to work well)
Both bodies also demonstrate the legacy K mount that makes the bodies compatible with all Pentax lenses ever produced (though a few of the very very old lenses may need an adapter). Some of you have seen my 20+ yr old lenses that I use as fast manual primes (50mm 17 for $40 and a 100mm 2.8 for $100).
The legacy mount opens up a wealth of lenses previously produced by pentax and what this means is that it opens up a lot of generally low cost options (good for me as a college student) to the current production line of lenses.
Aside from a larger 2.7 (still smallish compared to C or N) LCD, the exterior is virtually identical on the K10D vs the K20D.
But looks arent usually the reason for an upgrade are they....
Inside the K20d is a truly different beast.
Printing posters often, I find the 14.2 megapixel sensor to be a plus (vs the 10.2 on the K10d)
the New sensor is also a CMOS sensor vs the older CCD of the K10d
Higher ISO and Noise reduction (up to 6400 ISO though best at 3200 or below)
Improved programming and functions in general for customizations
MUCH improved AWB and overall white balancing
Live View> Sweet and a + for macro photographers or minute manual adjustments
An improved Burst Mode though not as fast as other camera makes out on the market
Aside from that, there are many other internal differences that I dont know enough about ot list
I also purchased the K20d since I really wanted two bodies while abroad (in Costa Rica) I wouldn't have to worry about one failing (knock on wood) and I certainly dont expect either one to fail but it doesnt hurt on anything more than the wallet to have a spare
In addition I ordered...
a new flash> Pentax AF360
remote trigger> for group shots/timed shots
the Pentax DA 55-300 > for my zoom range
Pentax DA* 16-50> constant F2.8 through entire zoom range and weather sealed (ie water and dust resistant)
Pentax DA* 50-135 >constant F2.8 through entire zoom range and weather sealed
Sigma 105 2.8 Macro
spare batteries
The Pentax System fits MY preferences well and perhaps may fit yours
I tend to shoot in rugged outdoor conditions near water/dust ect.
I like the feel of the camera and it fits quite well in my grip. both of these cameras are SOLID in construction
Seeing the IS is based in the body, any lens that I buy would benefit from 2-3 stops. This was a plus for my film lens purchases which give me speed and better performance in what was already difficult low light conditions
The pentax lenses/bodies also seemed to fit my budget well (sine there is a general wide availability for past production lenses are moderate costs). Even the current production lenses are rather reasonably priced
Currently the K10d body running $500 and the K20d body running $740
The DA star lenses run about 600-700 each (Pentax DA* 16-50mm F2.8 and Pentax DA* 50-135mm F2.8)
Given that, every camera brand has its plusses and minuses
Pentax lacks a full frame body and an currently produced line of Lenses (Pentaxians tend to use a lot of older lenses [not a bad thing... some are legendary in quality] since the current production line is limited when compared to the diversity of C and N currently produced. lenses)
from what I hear/see C and N have much faster AF speed and overall excellent IQ
Also Pentax recently merged with Hoya but will retain the Pentax name (sign of hard economic times???). Hopefully for me they will hang on a little longer
In sum the Pentax products fit my preferences in terms of conditions of use/build/IQ/durability/and perhaps most importantly $$$
Im definitely a Very Happy Camper
But everyone has their own preferences and expectations for what they want out of their camera
So pick an chose your weapon and get out there to shoot no matter what you are shooting with
I guess to start:
The K20D shares the same ergonomically friendly solid body with the K10d model (great rubberized outer grips that fit naturally as well as a body made of what I believe is a durable polycarbonate?).
Also as with both higher end Pentax models, they are fully weather sealed for Rain/Snow/Dust and have occasionally been tested successfully by the avid photographer during evens such as thunder storms/ waterfall photos ect
They also share Body Image Stabilization and a Dust Reduction system (involves jittering the sensor to loosen dust and move it to a dust attractant strip>> it seems to work well)
Both bodies also demonstrate the legacy K mount that makes the bodies compatible with all Pentax lenses ever produced (though a few of the very very old lenses may need an adapter). Some of you have seen my 20+ yr old lenses that I use as fast manual primes (50mm 17 for $40 and a 100mm 2.8 for $100).
The legacy mount opens up a wealth of lenses previously produced by pentax and what this means is that it opens up a lot of generally low cost options (good for me as a college student) to the current production line of lenses.
Aside from a larger 2.7 (still smallish compared to C or N) LCD, the exterior is virtually identical on the K10D vs the K20D.
But looks arent usually the reason for an upgrade are they....
Inside the K20d is a truly different beast.
Printing posters often, I find the 14.2 megapixel sensor to be a plus (vs the 10.2 on the K10d)
the New sensor is also a CMOS sensor vs the older CCD of the K10d
Higher ISO and Noise reduction (up to 6400 ISO though best at 3200 or below)
Improved programming and functions in general for customizations
MUCH improved AWB and overall white balancing
Live View> Sweet and a + for macro photographers or minute manual adjustments
An improved Burst Mode though not as fast as other camera makes out on the market
Aside from that, there are many other internal differences that I dont know enough about ot list
I also purchased the K20d since I really wanted two bodies while abroad (in Costa Rica) I wouldn't have to worry about one failing (knock on wood) and I certainly dont expect either one to fail but it doesnt hurt on anything more than the wallet to have a spare
In addition I ordered...
a new flash> Pentax AF360
remote trigger> for group shots/timed shots
the Pentax DA 55-300 > for my zoom range
Pentax DA* 16-50> constant F2.8 through entire zoom range and weather sealed (ie water and dust resistant)
Pentax DA* 50-135 >constant F2.8 through entire zoom range and weather sealed
Sigma 105 2.8 Macro
spare batteries
The Pentax System fits MY preferences well and perhaps may fit yours
I tend to shoot in rugged outdoor conditions near water/dust ect.
I like the feel of the camera and it fits quite well in my grip. both of these cameras are SOLID in construction
Seeing the IS is based in the body, any lens that I buy would benefit from 2-3 stops. This was a plus for my film lens purchases which give me speed and better performance in what was already difficult low light conditions
The pentax lenses/bodies also seemed to fit my budget well (sine there is a general wide availability for past production lenses are moderate costs). Even the current production lenses are rather reasonably priced
Currently the K10d body running $500 and the K20d body running $740
The DA star lenses run about 600-700 each (Pentax DA* 16-50mm F2.8 and Pentax DA* 50-135mm F2.8)
Given that, every camera brand has its plusses and minuses
Pentax lacks a full frame body and an currently produced line of Lenses (Pentaxians tend to use a lot of older lenses [not a bad thing... some are legendary in quality] since the current production line is limited when compared to the diversity of C and N currently produced. lenses)
from what I hear/see C and N have much faster AF speed and overall excellent IQ
Also Pentax recently merged with Hoya but will retain the Pentax name (sign of hard economic times???). Hopefully for me they will hang on a little longer
In sum the Pentax products fit my preferences in terms of conditions of use/build/IQ/durability/and perhaps most importantly $$$
Im definitely a Very Happy Camper
But everyone has their own preferences and expectations for what they want out of their camera
So pick an chose your weapon and get out there to shoot no matter what you are shooting with
