Pentax K20D First Impressions

[teko]

The highest resolution DSLR you can buy for less than $8000 (unlike Canon Canon 1Ds III).

Overall, we found the K20D exciting in early testing. The combination of a 14.6 MP low-noise CMOS sensor; a dust/splash-sealed body, grip, and lenses; and the new SDM motor lenses is very satisfying. This is not the camera for sports shooters, as the 3FPS shooting speed will be laughable to action shooters. However, the incredible feature set, useful and unique program modes, and solid construction and performance will likely be well-received by the rest of the photo world. Our full review should provide even more answers to our questions about the K20D. If you have any specific question, chime in on the comments and we'll do our best to address those as well.

Full article: http://www.anandtech.com/digitalcameras/showdoc.aspx?i=3259

[BLWNHR]

I'm a K10D owner and had the chance to have a play with a K20D yesterday. As a portrait/landscape camera it is totally unbeatable for even double the money. Unfortunately the AF system simply isn't fast enough for the type of shooting I'm doing now, and waiting for the revised version with new AF isn't an option.

This disapoints me a lot as I love the functionality of the K10D, the image quality and 'look' of the images has won me work, but I've reached its limitations.

[Visual Reality]

Maybe you didn't see this part?

Back to the camera, we mounted the 16-50 DA* SDM and we were frankly blown away. We thought the lens was broken because we couldn't hear the autofocus motor at all during focusing. The focus was so fast we assumed it wasn't focusing but we quickly saw the lens was definitely focusing.

Our everyday cameras right now are a Canon 5D full-frame and 40D with Ultrasonic lenses and a couple of L lenses, and an Olympus E-3 with a Leica 25mm F1.4 and the new 12-60mm SWM lens. The Pentax DA* SDM is quieter than any of these cameras, including the 24-105mm Canon L. It is also subjectively as fast as or faster than any of these cameras with their best motor lenses. We were shooting test shots in my available darkness office and the DA* SDM AF performance was nothing short of remarkable.

Anyway, from a CaNikonian, this is disappointing to me:

The 16-50 f2.8 fast wide angle to short telephoto (24-75mm equivalent) features a lens motor and sealing against dust and moisture, just like the K10D and K20D camera bodies. At first glance, the street price of around $700 will seem very high until you compare it to similar offerings from Canon and Nikon. The 17-55mm f2.8 IS Canon will set you back $1000 or more and the Nikon 17-55 f2.8 is a healthy $1190. The Canon 16-35 f2.8 L is another comparable lens at $1370. By comparison the Pentax DA* 16-50mm f2.8 SDM, designed and built to similar Pro specs, is an absolute bargain.

I wish I could get a deal like that.

[VTEC_EATER]

I wish I could get a deal like that.

Well, it doesn't look like you have pulled the trigger on any Nikon/Canon stuff yet, so you may want to reconsider if these are important things to you.

I certainly don't feel Pentax would be a step down from a Canon or Nikon. Pentax has been, and still is, putting out quality products. They just don't get as much press as Canon and Nikon.

[Rooz]

The highest resolution DSLR you can buy for less than $8000 (unlike Canon Canon 1Ds III).

sony a350 also has a 14mp sensor. so based solely on a resolution arguement, the a350 is much better value.

[Visual Reality]

Well, it doesn't look like you have pulled the trigger on any Nikon/Canon stuff yet, so you may want to reconsider if these are important things to you.

I certainly don't feel Pentax would be a step down from a Canon or Nikon. Pentax has been, and still is, putting out quality products. They just don't get as much press as Canon and Nikon.

Actually my D80 should be here tomorrow. After all the research I did, I concluded that the ergonomics and build of the Nikon cameras was something I really came to admire.

That K20D looks very sexy though...I will just prefer Nikon.

[VTEC_EATER]

Actually my D80 should be here tomorrow. After all the research I did, I concluded that the ergonomics and build of the Nikon cameras was something I really came to admire.

Ahh. I didn't know you pulled the trigger. Congrats. You will really like the D80, its a great camera.

[DigitalJ]

The Sony is 14.2MP and the Pentax is 14.6MP so they are still correct but its probably not significant.

[BLWNHR]

The K20D is a brilliant camera, excellent layout and the options just make sense. I really like Pentax gear and thinks it doesn't get anywhere near the recognition it deserves. I also believe that by the end of next year they will have new models that fit the needs of what I need to do, but that is simply too long to wait.

Even if the K20D is faster than any Canon or Nikon with SDM lenses there still is no SDM lens available longer than 135mm. I need double that.

Oh, and they are not just talking about 'resolution' as far as megapixels, but 'resolution' as good image quality. Despite there only being a 0.4MP difference, the difference in image quality is substantial.

[TheWengler]

Isn't there a DA* 200mm f/2.8?

[DigitalJ]

Oh, and they are not just talking about 'resolution' as far as megapixels, but 'resolution' as good image quality. Despite there only being a 0.4MP difference, the difference in image quality is substantial.

In the event you were thinking that I was dissing Pentax, I wasn't. I don't yet have a DSLR, I am just a videographer looking to get into Still photography and while I am leaning towards Nikon, the Pentax is on my short list.

[Rooz]

As a portrait/landscape camera it is totally unbeatable for even double the money.

actually the fuji s5 is better at both, has a nicer body, (d200), and its cheaper. dont get me wrong the fuji has its own issues, but for portraits and landscapes, its the king for value. the 5d probably being the cream of the crop but obviously for a pretty big premium.