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Pentax K20D 14.6MP Digital SLR Camera with Shake Reduction (Body Only) | 
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Brand: Pentax
Category: Photography
List Price: $999.95
Buy New: $752.99
You Save: $246.96 (25%)
New (63) Used (1)
Avg. Customer Rating:  44 reviews
Sales Rank: 188
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Display Size: 2.7
Maximum Resolution: 14
Has Red Eye Reduction: Yes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.8
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 4 x 2.8
MPN: B0012Q94AI
Model: B0012Q94AI
UPC: 027075130814
EAN: 0027075130814
ASIN: B0012Q94AI
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | 14.6-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for poster-sized prints | | • | 2.7-inch LCD display; body only--no lens included | | • | Dust-proof, water-resistant construction; comprehensive Dust Removal system | | • | New Live View function | | • | Capture images to SD/SDHC cards (not included) |
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Product Description
The PENTAX K20D digital SLR offers advanced photo enthusiasts an array of exciting PENTAX innovations. The newly developed CMOS image sensor brings out optimum performance of PENTAX interchangeable lenses. Featuring 14.6 effective megapixels (highest in its class) and the latest noise-reduction technology, the sensor assures superb image quality. This SLR will make you feel in control with its Live View function that allows the photographer to see the image on the camera's back panel LCD monitor while shooting. Customizable features ideal for shooters who demand complete control include the Expanded Dynamic Range function that allows users to gain more contrast/detail in bright settings and a new Custom Image function to select/adjust finishing touches to an image. Weather and dust resistant body allows you to keep shooting even in harsh conditions; Dust Reduction and Dust Alert features eliminate the need of time retouching Advanced 16-segment metering and 11-point AF, with 9 cross sensors, ensure perfectly exposed and focused images Unique exposure modes, such as hyper-program, Sv and TAv, offer shooting versatility Retractable P-TTL popup ElectronicFlash; Guide number - 13 (100/m); Coverage - 28mm wide angle (equivalent to 35mm) Flash modes - on, redeye, slow sync, slow sync + redeye, trailing curtain sync, wireless; Flash exposure compensation - -2 to +1 EV in 1/2 steps / Hot Shoe for adding optional external-flash USB 2.0 hi-speed, video out, DC input, cable switch, X-Sync socket; Video out - NTSC, PAL; Printer interfaces - PictBridge Body dimensions (W x H x D) - 5.6 x 4.0 x 2.76?; Body weight (without battery or removable memory) - 25.2 oz; Loaded and ready - 28.2 oz Uses and includes Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery D-LI50 (39581) with Charger
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| Customer Reviews: Read 39 more reviews...
Excellent IQ November 12, 2008
Very nice upgrade to K10d. Better detail in shadow areas. Great sharpness and texture to objects.
Surpassed All Expectations! Bought instead of Nikon 300 or Canon November 11, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
First, a quick disclaimer - I'm not a pro but probably fall into the serious amateur category after falling in love with my old Minolta Maxxum 7000 over 20 years ago. I'm the person behind the camera at all the parties and occassionally get the exceptional shot worthy of a few "oooh and ahhhs". I've also been holding out on buying anything more than a simple toss around digital until the cost and quality of dslr's were to my liking. As the price and quality of 10+ mp dslr's are now in the comfort range I decided to chuck the point and shoot junk I've been making do with and began shopping in earnest. After testing the Canon the speed seemed nice but I wasn't impressed so I narrowed it down to the Nikon 300 - it seemed to have everything I was searching for in a versatile camera. After adding decent quality lenses, storage, a few extras etc the price was going to come in at roughly $3,500 on sale...not bad but enough to make me take one last look around. On spur of the moment my better half said take a look at Pentax - they have been around forever and are known for making above average lens.
So, the K20D pops up with a 14+ mp on sale for $800 or 1/2 the Nikon...so far so good but I was a bit nervous about ordering it despite the good reviews. I spent the better part of the day researching the camera and decided to give it a shot [sorry - bad pun].
Ordered the K20D ($800), 8 gb card ($35), battery grip ($120), extra battery pack ($20), remote ($20) tripod ($18 on special), camera strap (free promo) and the 18-250 mm lense ($350). For $1350 I now have a very versatile camera for almost a 1/3 of the price of the Nikon....suffice to say based on price alone I'm one happy shopper.
Now, for the performance, look feel etc. The 14+ mp really make a difference - resolution is excellent and compares favorable to film. For the first time I don't feel like I'm missing anything major. This camera takes some beautiful shots even with my own limited testing.
The weight and feel are very nice - everything is ergonomically correct at least for my hands, intuitive access on all controls, solid and best of all - sealed! Screen size is adequte and I really appreciate the ability to set colors, font size and other adaptations to fit my needs. Diopter is also adjustable. The lens is reviewed apart but was a great all around choice - responsive and adequate although I intend to purchase additional dedicated/primary lens options soon. One thing I REALLY like about this Pentax is the backward compatibility - Pentax DSLR's allow the use of older Pentax lens so eBay and other options become a great way to find a quality lens at an affordable price. Since my old pricey Minolta lens' are no longer of any use that is a big bonus at least until Sony puts something decent on the market. In the meantime, this was a good starter lense [18-250 mm] that works well with the camera.
The menu and pre-sets are easy to use and versatile although I quickly found myself preferring manual - that is just a personal bias however. Preview was easy to use. There are a lot of negative mention regarding the Live screen option...having been playing with slr's for 20+ years I've never used the screen to take photos with but tested it for a few minutes and found it easy enough to use - just not sensitive to take a quality photo. It is possible to zoom in the live preview mode (contrary to what a few have mentioned) but all in all - it's not a feature I use enough to make a valid statement about.
The only other "flaw" that makes the camera less than perfect is the 3fps - it is substantially slower than other DSLR's on the market. Since I rarely shoot sports or have need for speed - it isn't a major consideration for me however, I would have gone with the Nikon if it were. This camera is able to shoot rapid series of shots in low quality settings of up to 21 fps - a fun little addition for playing around with but with a quality so low it isn't going to give more than email quality.
A few things I REALLY liked about the camera - other than price, resolutoin and intuitive design were several of the upgraded features. In addition to sealing both the camera and battery pack, the ability to take shots in raw and jpeg format at the same time is a great option. Likewise, this is fully compatible with adobe format so saves need for changing formats or fooling around with various options - just set on dual use and go. The battery pack with an extended memory card expand this to a considerable level. I was able to get about 750 pictures off just one battery using a flash part of the time and high resolution settings. The battery pack is very ergonomic, adds a battery back-up that is easy to switch and also allows storage for an additional card and remote control. When fully charged I expect to put at least 1500 photos on the card and battery before changing out - easily.
The camera comes with battery and charger, inexpensive camera strap - neigther were mentioned when I was buying so I ordered a battery charger that had to return.
One additional note - in addition to 10% off the price of a decent/versatile lens - be sure to register before the end of the year. Pentax is offeringa FREE upgrade to 3 year warranty on this purhcase!!! That beats all others hands-down. In addition to the pentax 18-250 mm lens, I also purchased the Tamron 90 mm macro which has a $90 rebate AND 6 year warranty right now. Good stuff! Good deals - even if Amazon has lowered the price $35 since I bought this a week ago [argh] and offers a free camera case that I missed [double argh]. Still very pleased.
Will try to review again after having owned/used but so far REALLY pleased with price, performance and resolution of the camera.
Great RESOLUTION. November 10, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I'm a Wildlife Photographer. This is a great Camera. A little too good for the standard Pentax lenses. The resolution that the Camera supports is wasted on the optics of standard lenses. If you buy this camera, spend the extra 3 or 4 hundred dollars for the Pentax SMC DA* Series 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL IF SDM, or the Pentax SMC DA* Series 50-135mm f/2.8 ED IF SDM lenses. The standard lenses are great for the K20d's predecessor, the K10D, but not the K20D. If you want to get the most from the K20D, a very Sharp lens will take full advantage of the resolution it supports. I have an older Pentax 100mm Macro lens that is allot clearer than the Package lenses that are normally sold with the K20D. Regardless of the lens you use on the K20D, make sure you take advantage of the Camera's AF (Auto Focus) adjustment to fine tune each lens with the camera. I have several lenses so I keep a note pad with the camera lenses with the correct AF adjustment setting for each lens. I was able to tweak a little more sharpness from the 2 standard lenses I bought, but they still aren't as sharp as the above 3 lenses.
I've shot over 3,000 pics from the Camera in just 1 month so far, and I'm ecstatic about the Camera's capabilities. Make sure you buy a SD card with enough space to meet your' requirements. I bought 2 Transcend 16GB SD cards, and I am so Glad I did. I love the large LCD on the camera, to review my pictures.
The only cons I can see on this camera are; The LCD Viewer works poorly in outdoor lighting situations, even with the brightness at max. You need to find a well shaded spot to review your pics. Not a huge inconvenience for me, considering the camera's other advantages. Buy an extra battery too. I have 3 batteries total, since I am away from recharging sources for days at a time.
If you're a Portrait Photographer, you'll like the camera's Bundled "Remote Assistant" Software that allows you to see your image on a Monitor as you shoot your pictures.
K20D October 30, 2008
The Camera I have been waiting years for. I digital SLR that rivals 35mm quality. It works as it is suppose to and got here intact in a timely manner.
Stunning camera October 30, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Old pentax 35mm slr workhorse user here. (with a ton of glass) When digital started I had the "state of the art" Nikon coolpix P&S that was... well... quick snapshots. Graduated to an Olympus c8080 and that was decent. Then *finally* Pentax came back on the scene. Finally get a chance to get the old lenses out of storage. And Pentax glass rocks!
One gripe tho... had to drill a hole the lens cap and attach some fishing line so I could just take it off and let it hang. Royal pain to have to figure out what to do with it when you want to take a quick shot. Shame on you Pentax! ;)
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