Pentax has announced the K20D and K200D, which are the successors the previous generation K10D and K100D, respectively. The K20D has 14.6 megapixels and the K200D gets 10.2 megapixels and they are priced at $1299 and$799, respectively.
K20D Reviews
All in all, the Pentax K20D is a decent camera with enough features to keep top-end enthusiasts, travel photographers and possibly even some pros happy. It’s not the 14.6megapixel sensor that makes this the camera what it is, that almost doesn’t matter – it’s the combination of intuitive layout, functions and relative ease of use.
Pentax’s 14MP K20D is a great choice for a midlevel SLR and offers a lot of bang for the buck.
It really does capture a great deal of detail and unlike Sony’s 14 Megapixel sensor and processing engine, this detail remains at higher sensitivities.
If you have a collection of Pentax lenses, you’ll love the new AF Adjustment custom function, which allows you to precisely calibrate each one to the K20D, and the Dust Alert feature shows you exactly where the dust is on the sensor. Studio photographers can now seriously consider the K20D because of the welcome addition of an X-sync socket, and the camera still offers dust and water-resistance and effective anti-shake and dust-removal systems.
With the launch of the K20D Pentax is taking on the top players in the semi-pro DSLR market. It has a class-leading specification, with build quality, handling and performance to match, and has exactly the sort of features that will appeal to advanced amateurs and semi-professionals.
Steady, well-exposed landscapes at ISOs from 100 to 400 are stunning at 16″ x 24″ (A2) print sizes.
The bottom line is that the K20D has one of the most complete feature set of any DSLR. It brings some unique features and exposure modes into a very thoughtful and ergonomic design. Plus, since image quality and performance are great, there is no doubt the K20D is a worthy digital SLR.
Resolution remained high at all ISO settings up to (and including) ISO 1600 but declined sharply thereafter. . . . Image noise became visible at ISO 1600 when shots were enlarged to 100% but was increasingly obvious as sensitivity was increased.
PopPhoto (full test)
Impressive specs? Yes, but the K20D produced impressive results in the Pop Photo Lab, especially in resolution and detail at most ISOs. At 2350 lines of resolution at ISO 100-400, the K20D delivers slightly higher resolution than the Nikon D300.
We’ve just begun our full lab test with an early production Pentax K20D and out initial findings show that the Pentax K20D is very class competitive (particularly at ISOs 100-1600) against other cameras in this category including the Canon EOS 40D, Sony Alpha 700, and the Nikon D300.
Some of the upgrades and additions are good and will be useful, but there are some that seem to be hardly worth the effort. Would it have been too difficult to fit a 3in screen? Then they could have given it a better pixel count than 230,000 keeping it in line with the newer DSLRs from other manufacturers.
Pentax has been kind enough to let us soend a little time with an early sample of its latest DLSR, the K20D. It’ll be familiar to anyone who’s held a K10D but has a number of added features to keep it competitive in its increasingly crowded market segment.
K20D Sample Images
Pre-Production Samples at PhotographyBLOG
Other K20D Resources
K200D Reviews
The Pentax K200D is a capable digital SLR, a very good choice for consumers who are starting to chafe against the limitations of a point-and-shoot digital camera and want to work with a more advanced camera.
With its agreeable mix of automatic and customizable features and its top-shelf image quality, the Pentax K200D is an excellent camera for DSLR newcomers and more sophisticated lensslingers who want robust performance in a compact interchangeable lens format.
While there are a number of aspects to weigh-up, the choice between the K200D and rival DSLRs really boils down to how much you value build quality and Live View. If you want a tough, weatherproof DSLR at a low price, then buy the K200D. If however you’d prefer a smaller, lighter DSLR with Live View capabilities, then go for one of its rivals.
The Pentax K200D is a great digital SLR for beginner, amateur or casual photographers. It’s a very well built camera that reaches out to the beginner crowd. But there are also plenty of “pro” level features that a photographer can grow into.
Just like the Pentax K100D Super, the K200D ticks very nearly all of the boxes for those wanting an easy to use DSLR that delivers images you’ll want to keep straight out of the camera, and with the minimum of user input and effort to boot.
Pentax’s K200D entry-level SLR gives a lot of bang for the buck and has better performance than last year’s model. Despite low noise and pleasingly detailed images, technically inaccurate colors keep it from capturing the gold medal for image quality.
The handling of the K200D is very simple yet it maintains a reassuring, more professional build quality. Images are sure to please even the most critical photographer, with few serious problems bar slight underexposure on rare occaisions.
Pictures from the test camera had a superficial resemblance to our test shots from the K20D, particularly with respect to the extended dynamic range provided by both cameras. However, the K200D showed less inclination to bias exposures slightly in favour of recording highlight details and the yellow-brown cast we found in test shots taken with the K20D shots was much less evident.
Where to Buy
If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices.
Press Release
PENTAX Announces K20D with 14.6 Megapixels, K200D with Advanced Technologies and Five Digital Lenses
GOLDEN, Colo. –(Business Wire)– Jan. 23, 2008 PENTAX Imaging Company announced today two new digital SLR camera models including the PENTAX K20D digital SLR camera with 14.6 megapixels and the PENTAX K200D digital SLR with 10.2 megapixels. Both cameras are equipped with advanced features including dust-proof and weather-resistant bodies, an improved PRIME image processor, and PENTAX developed Shake Reduction that works with any of the 24 million PENTAX lenses ever manufactured.
PENTAX K20D Digital SLR
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Improving on the technology of the award-winning K10D, the flagship PENTAX K20D is the highest resolution camera in the advanced photo enthusiast category and allows more experienced photographers, who demand complete control, to fully customize the camera. The most significant features in the K20D include:
- A newly developed CMOS image sensor to bring out the optimum performance of PENTAX interchangeable lenses. Featuring 14.6 effective megapixels and the latest noise-reduction technology, the sensor assures superb image quality.
- Custom Image functions that allow users to select between six preset options and further adjust image processing, including saturation, hue, contrast and sharpness. The K20D also offers an Expanded Dynamic Range function that allows users to gain more contrast and detail in bright settings.
- A Live View that allows users to see the full image area to confirm composition, focus status and lighting on the large 2.7 inch LCD monitor. A grid display may be engaged to help assure the perfect arrangement of an image and Auto Focus may be activated by simply pressing the AF button on the back of the camera. Further fine tuning of the image can be confirmed with the 4X or 8X zoom option.
- An improved Dust Reduction system that features the new Dust Alert function to pinpoint the exact location of dust particles for the photographer to remove.
- A weather and dust resistant body that allows photographers to keep shooting even in harsh conditions.
- A PC sync socket for more advanced photographers who use studio lighting.
PENTAX K200D Digital SLR
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With an easy-to-use interface housed in a compact body, the new PENTAX K200D contains all the advanced imaging technology of the award-winning K10D and is designed for users who may be unfamiliar with DSLR cameras but want a camera that will allow them to grow as they learn about photography. With 10.2 megapixels and a 2.7 inch wide view LCD, this model features many of the award-winning advancements of the PENTAX Series including:
- Auto Picture and Scene modes that offer shooting ease, while advanced modes, such as the Sv mode, allow photographers to grow with the camera.
- A weather and dust resistant body, unique in this class of cameras, that allows photographers to keep shooting even in harsh conditions.
- Custom Image functions that allow users to select between six preset options and further adjust image processing, including saturation, hue, contrast and sharpness. The K200D also offers an Expanded Dynamic Range function that allows users to gain more contrast and detail in bright settings.
- An improved Dust Reduction system that features the new Dust Alert function to pinpoint the exact location of dust particles for the photographer to remove.
- A PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction (SR) system for sharp, blur-free images even under difficult shooting conditions, such as macro and telephoto photography or low light settings without a flash.
“Our unique approach to building PENTAX DLSR equipment allows each customer to be confident in their camera choice whether they are just learning about photography or they are a more advanced photo enthusiast,” said Ned Bunnell, president, PENTAX Imaging Company.
“The K20D builds on the technology of the award-winning K10D and is ideal for the advanced photographer seeking maximum resolution from their camera as well as complete control over how the camera captures images. The K200D offers an easy-to-use interface while incorporating advanced imaging technology from the award-winning K10D. This K200D will grow with an amateur photographer’s skill as they learn more about their hobby by offering more features than what is found in entry level models,” added Bunnell.
PENTAX also announced five new lens models all developed specifically for PENTAX digital SLRs bringing the complete line of lenses to 22 current models. Each new lens features a Quick-shift Focus System for instant switching from auto focus to manual and the PENTAX SP coating that protects the exposed lens elements from grease and dust.
Included are two SDM lenses that create a smoother, quieter auto focus. The smc PENTAX DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM (focal length equivalent to 300mm in the 35mm format) and the smc PENTAX DA* 300mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM (focal length equivalent to 450mm in the 35mm format) are high performance telephoto lenses featuring weather resistant and dust resistant bodies.
PENTAX also expands its limited lens series with the smc PENTAX DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited (focal length equivalent to 52.5mm in the 35mm format). This compact lens with one-to-one magnification in a normal focal length features high-grade aluminum construction of the lens barrel, hood, and cap.
PENTAX expands its offering of zoom lenses with the smc PENTAX DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED (focal length equivalent to 82.5mm to 450mm in the 35mm format) with ED elements that compensate for chromatic aberration. Finally, PENTAX updated the standard smc PENTAX DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL II with improved resolution to match higher resolution sensors. This lens offers the ideal zoom focal range (focal length equivalent to 27mm to 82.5mm in the 35mm format) for a wide range of shooting applications.
All of these latest PENTAX products will be displayed at the PMA 2008 Trade Show from January 31 to February 2 in Las Vegas. The PENTAX K20D (body only) digital SLR model will ship in April 2008 for US $1299.95, while the PENTAX K200D digital SLR will ship in March 2008 for US $799.95 (with new 18-55mm lens). The lens pricing and shipping dates are as follows:
- smc PENTAX DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM will ship in March 2008 for $1099.95
- smc PENTAX DA* 300mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM will ship in May 2008 for $1299.95
- smc PENTAX DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED will ship in May 2008 for $399.95
- smc PENTAX DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited will ship in April 2008 for $599.95
- smc PENTAX DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL II will ship as a kit lens with PENTAX K200D in March 2008 (value $199.95).
[tags]pentax, k20d, k200d, press release, announcement, news, review[/tags]
Pentax K20D says
I hope pentax improve AF and PTTL in this camera. If so, I’ll buy one for sure
Pentax K20D says
I’ll post all the info I found around the web about K20D in this blog: http://pentaxk20d.blogspot.com/
Chad says
To bad it’s top fps will remain at 3, I was hoping for 5.
Chad says
To bad it’s top fps will remain at 3, I was hoping for 5.
xxx says
Has anybody clued into the fact that 5 fps is decent considering it’s not quite but almost doubled in resolution?
geezes im already sick of hearing this
xxx says
or 3, whatever.. they spent 2.5 years and all of the money they made out of the k10/k100 on the new sensor, for such a small company, this is a magnificent camera
Santorini says
Sony recently announced a full frame 24+MP CMOS sensor, and an SLR that’ll use it. Later this year, Nikon is expected to release a full frame camera based on that sensor too. What is Samsung’s next step after their 14+MP APS-C CMOS sensor used in the K20D? Pretty soon, they’ll have a full frame CMOS sensor with 25-30MP, and by early to mid 2009 I expect to see that sensor in a full frame Pentax. Finally, it looks like, there’ll be at least 4 manufacturers (Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax) with full frame DSLRs on the market. Other manufacturers may jump in as well (Panasonic?, Leica?). At last, Canon’s monopoly on that market segment is OVER.
Itai says
Neocamera just posted its full-review of the K20D. Seems like it kept up with the K10D and improved several things along the way. There is a detailed list of differences with the K10D on page 3. See: http://www.neocamera.com/review_pentax_k20d_more.html