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Auto Mode
The Pentax K20D has a fully automated “Green” mode that essentially turns the DSLR into a point-and-shoot. This Auto mode shows up as a green speck on the mode dial. Only the image size options can be changed, and access to the Recording menu is limited. There is also a Program exposure mode that automates the shutter speed and aperture but allows you to adjust items in the Recording menu and through the function button.
Drive / Burst Mode
Despite the huge increase in resolution, the Pentax K20D’s Burst mode hasn’t suffered. It hasn’t improved much, either. It snaps 3 frames per second (fps), the same rate as the K10D. The K20D’s burst lasts for 38 consecutive JPEG shots or 14 RAW shots. There is also a Low-Speed burst mode that shoots 2.3 fps up to the capacity of the memory card in JPEG or up to the same 14 RAW files. The new DSLR adds a High-Speed burst mode that snaps 20 fps for up to 115 images, but the resolution is reduced to just 1.6 megapixels. After a standard 3 fps burst for six shots, the camera we looked at took nearly 30 seconds to write the burst to memory. Clearly, the pre-production model has a ways to go before it’s ready for shipping.
There are 2- and 12-second self-timers along with an infrared remote control option that can snap images on demand or wait for 3 seconds before firing the shot. There is also the ability to hook in a cable and shoot with it. All of the Burst modes, self-timers, and remote options are available by pushing the function button and pushing upward on the multi-selector.
Of note is the interval timer shooting feature in the Recording menu. You can set what time it starts to shoot and how often to shoot, and also how many pictures to shoot, from 1-99.
Playback Mode
The Playback mode on the pre-production model needs some work before the K20D goes on sale in April. The processing times are horrid. It takes nearly 10 seconds at times for the Playback mode to open when its button is pushed, but Pentax will no doubt improve this before it ships.
The images on the camera can be magnified up to 32x with the back adjustment dial and can be scrolled around for a fuller view with the multi-selector. Index screens of nine images at a time can be viewed along with a folder view. Pictures can be deleted with the designated button to the left of the LCD screen or in the menu.
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Playback Menu
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Playback Display
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Bright/Dark Area (On, Off), Quick Zoom (Off, x2, x4, x8, x16, x32)
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Instant Review
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Display Time (1, 3, 5, Off), Histogram (On, off), Bright/Dark Area (On, Off)
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Live View
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Show Grid (On, Off), AF Frame Display (On, Off)
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Digital Preview
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Histogram (On, Off), Bright/Dark (On, Off)
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Slide Show
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Interval (3, 5, 10, 30 seconds), Repeat Playback (On, Off)
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According to the manufacturer, there will also be RAW development on the production model. The Playback mode isn’t anything special. There aren’t many editing features, but most owners of this camera will opt for superior editing software running on a PC or Mac, anyway.
Custom Image Presets
This DSLR does not have any Scene modes. The closest thing it has is a position on its mode dial called “USER.” This allows you to save current settings and recall them later.
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