A new firmware update is available for the Pentax K20D DSLR. Version 1.03 improves the on board Shake Reduction (SR) apparatus and also improves the overall functionality. Download it from here.
Nikon should take a page out of Pentax’s book. Instead of hiking prices (like Nikon) , Pentax has been slashing the prices of their products. Effective immediately, the MAP price of the PENTAX K20D body and two K20D lens kit configurations have been reduced by $200.00 USD. The new MAP pricing is as follows:
Pentax has announced a significant price drop on their K Series. The PENTAX K20D digital SLR body alone and all other K20D body and lens configurations will have an in-store instant $100.00 Consumer Rebate. PENTAX is also extending the K20D FREE Three Year Warranty (one year standard, two years extended) on all K20Ds purchased by March 31, 2009.
The new prices:
* PENTAX K2000 two lens kit (PENTAX K2000 body, smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL lens, and an smc PENTAX DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 AL lens) will be $649.95.
* PENTAX K2000 single lens kit (PENTAX K2000 body, smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL lens) will be $549.95.
* PENTAX K2000 body only is $499.95.
The PENTAX K20D digital SLR camera body has dropped to $999.95 and the company also dropped the price of PENTAX Optio W60 digital camera to $299.95. More details are available at www.pentaxslr.com.
Mark Goldstein from the Photography Blog reviews the Pentax 20D which is quite solid and includes an extremely angular, sculpted handgrip. The 20D is targeted at the more serious photographer and making it dust and water resistant, makes the DSLR quite stable and resilient to wear and tear.
Calling it just an upgrade to the previous 10D is not correct according to Goldstein since the 20D brings new features to the table. The new 14.6 megapixel Samsung CMOS sensor results in great image quality and the new AF Adjustment custom function which lets you calibrate old Pentax lenses is spot on.
Conclusion: “Despite the half-baked Live View mode and an increase in price over the K10D, the Pentax K20D is a significant improvement on its predecessor. The shutter release mechanism and auto-focusing system are still noisy, and we'd upgrade the supplied 18-55mm kit lens as soon as possible to get the best out of the sensor, but overall the K20D remains one of the most innovative DSLRs currently available, which we can once again highly recommend.”
On reviewing the Pentax K20D DSLR, Pop Photo found the DSLR impressive and hence calls it a rare talent. The K20D captures the most detail in its price class at ISOs below 1600, which is largely due to the inclusion of the Samsung-produced APS-C-sized CMOS sensor. The live view was found easy to activate and according to the reviewer the body is extremely durable since a tough plastic shell surrounds a rigid stainless-steel frame.
The new 14.6-megapixel Pentax K20D DSLR was reviewed by the folks over at Shutterbug. On reviewing the camera, the website comes to the conclusion that the K20D should be seen as an “evolutionary” camera and not “revolutionary”. Targeting the experienced user, the K20D is versatile and advanced.
The website concludes: “Aside from the ultrahigh-resolution sensor, the Live View feature should keep Pentax competitive in the advanced or “prosumer” D-SLR category. Do note, however, that Live View is slightly different than it is with other D-SLRs. When AF is selected, focusing does not begin until after the shutter release button is fully depressed. Consequently, instead of a delay for focus acquisition while composing an image, “shutter lag” occurs just before the photo is actually taken. Frankly, as with any D-SLR that provides Live View, manual focus is preferable whenever it’s important to capture just the right instant.”
PopPhoto played around with the 14.6MP Pentax K20D DSLR and agreed with the popular consensus that the DSLR is a great buy. The camera comes equipped with the first Samsung-produced APS-C-sized CMOS sensor which captures 14.6 megapixels (effective) in 4672x3120-pixel files, with up to 12 bits per color in RAW.
The K20D proved to be a workhorse and the image quality as found to be “excellent” till upto 1600ISO. The tough body with extensive weather and dust seals makes the camera extremely durable. However the K20D is far from perfect and one grouse the reviewer had was that the camera accepts only SD or SDHC cards.
Digital Camera Info took a pre-production model of the newly announced 14.6-megapixel Pentax K20D for a spin. Its water-resistant camera body, its comfortable grip and its compatibility with old Pentax lenses are listed as some of the pros. However the K20D disappoints when it comes to the clunky live view feature and the slow processing speeds.
An excerpt from the review: “It is the best option for photographers who have bags of old Pentax lenses laying around and otherwise won’t be able to use them. “
The Pentax K20D DSLR camera like many other also made its debut this week.Toting a dust and splash-proof body, the camera boasts of an effective resolution of 14.6 megapixels and can store can store files as JPEG or as RAW or depending upon user preference, simultaneously as both JPEG and RAW.
The Pentax K20D DSLR has a 11-point autofocus system with 9 cross sensors (SAFOX VIII) and also includes a Live View function. The luminous sensitivity of the K20D operates over an extended range of ISO 100 to ISO 6400 and the K20D will retail for $1,299 in April.
