Digital SLR Reviews Blog

Pentax K20D 14 6MP Digital SLR Camera with Shake Reduction Body Only

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

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Shake Reduction / Image Stabilization / Vibration Reduction doesn’t work
I will be returning this. The Shake Reduction doesn’t work, in fact, it appears to make some pictures worse and definitely makes the camera run a little slower. I tested extensively with a Tamron 18-200mm set at 200mm, f6.7, 1/15s. In all my tests the pictures with the Shake Reduction on were either the same or worse than with the Shake Reduction set to off. This is very disappointing. This is the reason I bought this camera and not the D90 or the XSi. I wanted to use a 18-200mm with Shake Reduction (Nikon charges $800 for the lense alone in this scenario). I spent a long time on this expensive decision and I am very disappointed. I hope for other Pentax owners that this is an isolated example.

5 Stars I’ve owned my K20D for two months…
I came from Nikon, which does offer great products. I am now however, a full-fledged Pentax evangelist. I can’t say enough about their products. I now own a K20D and two lenses: the DA* 16-50 f/2.8 and the DA* 50-135 f/2.8. The combination of these two lenses and the K20D offers some of the best semi-pro quality available for the money.

There are 4 main features that made me buy this camera:

1) Price. Hands down, it is in my opinion, the most value for your money.

2) Weather proofing. 72 weather proofing seals on the camera body and coatings on their DA series lenses make this camera ideal for travel.

3) Top-side LCD panel. This is a must-have feature for anyone serious about photography.

4) Front AND Rear dials. This allows for quick modifications of various camera settings and are customizable for each exposure mode.

Regarding image quality – the camera is somewhat important as we’re now dealing with sensors instead of film, but the glass (lenses) are without a doubt the most important element of the equation. So – that said, you should seriously consider replacing the kit lens with a DA* or Limited series lens as soon as possible. The kit lens is very good (compared especially to competitor kit lenses). However, the DA* lenses are phenomenal.

Regarding comfort – the camera is very comfortable to hold. I have trouble putting it down. It literally goes everywhere with me.

Buy it. Don’t hesitate. You won’t regret it.

5 Stars The camra I have been waiting for
I have been taking pictures since 1978. I have used many different camera brands and types, both film and digital. This is my favorite. Pentax did a very good job making the controls user friendly. I was able to figure out 85% of the functions without ever opening the well written manual. That is always a plus in my opinion.

The file size is huge. It allows for major cropping. It will work with all of the old manual Pentax lenses as well as the new auto-focus models. For someone like me that has old glass, it will save you a lot of money. The other plus is that there is a lot of high quality glass available on EBay that will work with this camera, if you don’t mind using manual exposure. I have taken beautiful pictures using lenses from the late 70’s.

Overall if you are looking to step up to a DSLR I think it would be hard to beat the K20D. I enjoy using it everyday.

Do your part in stimulating the economy. Buy this camera!

5 Stars Great camera, great value
This is a really solid camera. It feels solid yet comfortable in my hands–I do have fairly large hands so take that into account.

I love the fact you can access all the main functions with external buttons and dials without having to go into a software menu.

I’m not going to go into all the details because there are so many but count on reading the manual several times, because even though the main buttons and dials can access the main functions, you won’t know how without the manual. For example, after owing the camera for a couple of months I just learned the other day how to change iso without using the Fn button.

I was debating getting the K-7 but I decided to save the money and get some quality glass instead. Most people are going to go through several bodies (at least) in their life but a great piece of glass will last you forever.

Of course, I won’t lie, the 14.6mp doesn’t hurt;)

5 Stars Excellent camera
The Pentax K20D takes excellent pictures and is very easy to use. I bought this model over less expensive Pentax DSLRs because it had LiveView. It would be nice to be able to focus while using LiveView, but this apparently is not technically possible. I do a lot of macro photography and even though LiveView is a great feature to have, I get by with just the viewfinder most of the time.

I added an Eye-Fi wireless SD card which sends my pictures directly to my computer without the need to plug it in, so I haven’t used the Pentax bundled software.

I added a grip, extra battery, and remote control. It is great to have an extra battery, remote, and extra SD card stored in the grip. The grip makes it a bit heavy – very much like an film SLR.

Overall it is an easy to use camera right out of the box. Oh, if you buy this camera from Amazon, it comes with the same accessories as if you bought it from the Pentax store (not gray market or repackaged). For some reason Amazon doesn’t list what is in the box as Pentax does. It took several phone calls and then a roll of the dice to finally confirm that everything listed on the Pentax site was the same as what came in the box on Amazon’s site. One thing to note though is that while it comes with an AC cord, it is not an AC adapter to power the camera. The AC cord it comes with is for the battery charger. If you want to power the directly from AC you must buy the AC adapter. Neither Pentax or Amazon are clear about this detail. The AC adapter is about $100 extra. Most people will not need it. Battery power is excellent, though a spare is nice to have. The battery charges fully in less than 3 hours and full charge is indicated by a light on the charger.

Buy/More Info