Pentax K20D

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. An improved Dust Reduction system features prevention, removal and alerting devices. Combine these new innovations with the renowned PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction (SR) system, Pentax Real IMage Engine (PRIME) and incorporate them in a dependable dust-proof, weather-resistant body – you've now got a superb camera that allow photographers to shoot anytime, anywhere, even in dusty or rainy environments.

High-quality image reproduction

[1] Newly developed CMOS image sensor :

The K20D features a newly developed CMOS ( complementary metal oxide silicon ) image sensor measuring 23.4 mm x 15.6 mm. After a thorough review of previous image sensors, PENTAX greatly reduced the area of circuitry around the pixel field to expand the light-sensitive area, while narrowing the camera' depth to nearly 60%, it achieved overall downsizing. Since it can detect diagonal light with great accuracy, the sensor can bring out the optimum performance of PENTAX interchangeable lenses. It also keeps annoying digital noise to a minimum by automatically raising its own sensitivity, allowing to increase the sensitivity from ISO 100 to the highest level of ISO 6400 ( via a custom function ).

[2] Approximately 14.6 effective megapixels for true-to-life, rich-gradation images :

The K20D's new CMOS sensor features an approximately 14.6 effective megapixels. Coupled with a high-performance imaging engine incorporating PENTAX-original image-processing technologies programmed to yield natural, true-to-life descriptions, it assures fine-detailed, rich-gradation images. In addition, the K20D features a new Custom Image function, which lets the photographer select one of six finishing touches to reflect his or her creative intentions with great ease.

[3] High-performance, high-speed PRIME imaging engine :

The K20D incorporates the PENTAX-original PRIME ( PENTAX Real Image Engine ) as its imaging engine. Designed exclusively for PENTAX digital SLR cameras, it assures well-balanced, true-to-life images with faithful color reproduction by efficiently controlling digital signals transmitted by the CMOS image sensor and other photographic factors, including white balance. This imaging engine also features a DDR2 ( Double Data Rate 2 ) memory to assure speedy image processing and high-speed data transfer.

PENTAX-original SR ( Shake Reduction ) mechanism assuring greater reliability

The K20D is equipped with the PENTAX-developed SR ( Shake Reduction ) mechanism, which effectively reduces camera shake for sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark or at night without supplementary flash illumination, or using extended exposures for sunset scenes. This innovative mechanism offers an outstanding compensation effect equivalent to approximately 2.5 to 4 shutter-speed steps. In addition, the lighter image sensor unit and refined data-control algorithm realize further image stabilization. Since it does not require special anti-shake lenses, this extends outstanding shake-reduction benefits to nearly all existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses. *

* Lenses compatible with this mechanism are : PENTAX K-, K A -, K AF - and K AF2 -mount lenses, screw-mount lenses ( with an adapter ); and 645- and 67-system lenses ( with an adapter ). Some functions may not be applicable with certain lenses

New Live View function

The K20D features a new Live View function, which allows the user to view the image on the LCD monitor on the camera's back panel during shooting. This comes handy when the photographer must move his or her eye from the viewfinder in specialized applications, such as low- and high-angle compositions. This function also allows the user to confirm the shake-reduction effect on the monitor during the shooting.

Expanded Dynamic Range function

The K20D has added a dynamic-range expansion function, which allows the user to expand a dynamic range ( or a range of gradation reproduction ) while retaining the proper contrast to avoid white-washed areas. With an approximately 1EV expansion effect, it assures beautiful, rich-gradation images.

Comprehensive Dust Removal system, including prevention, removal and confirmation devices

The K20D features the user-friendly Dust Removal (DR) system to prevent dust from sticking to the surface of the CMOS image sensor (or low-pass filter). Applied to the image sensor surface through the vapor deposition of a fluorine compound, the PENTAX-original SP ( Super Protect ) coating effectively removes dust and stains from the surface. In the next step, dust that still remains on the surface will be shaken off when the SR system shifts the image sensor at high speed. Finally, the dust that is shaken off the image sensor will fall onto an adhesive sheet positioned at the bottom of the SR unit, eliminating any possibility of its returning to the image sensor surface. This upgraded DR system even offers a new Dust Alert function, which allows the user to confirm the dust-adhesion status of the image sensor in advance.

Custom Image function for easy creation of intended images

The K20D is equipped with a new Custom Image function that lets the users select one of the six modes and adjust the image's finishing touches to their presence. Allowing a minor adjustment of tone, saturation, contrast, and sharpness, this function enables the user to take photographs with their intend image. The user easily operates the selection and adjustment process by recording a preview images and checking the effect.

Versatile exposure system for faithful reproduction of creative intentions

[1] Hyper Program function :

The K20D's Hyper Program function allows the user to instantly switch to the Shutter- or Aperture-Priority AE mode from the Programmed AE mode, with a simple turn of the electronic dials on the grip. To return to the Programmed AE mode, simply press the green button positioned next to the shutter release button.

[2] Hyper Manual function :

When shooting in Manual mode, a single push of the green button allows the user to instantly set the proper exposure for the subject.

[3] Sensitivity-Priority mode :

The K20D features a unique Sensitivity-Priority (Sv) mode, which is designed to automatically select the optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed for a user-selected sensitivity. The sensitivity can be shifted instantly in 1/2 or 1/3 steps by turning the electronic dial on the back panel.

[4] Shutter/Aperture-Priority mode :

Taking full advantage of the unique capability of digital cameras permitting automatic shift of sensitivity at any time, the Shutter/Aperture-Priority (TAv) mode automatically selects the most appropriate sensitivity for a user-selected shutter-speed/aperture combination. It allows the user to experiment with a greater range of photographic expressions with great ease.

Bright, clear viewfinder

Featuring a glass pentaprism, the K20D's viewfinder offers an approximately 95-percent field of view and an approximately 0.95-times magnification for easy viewing of the subject and effortless confirmation of focus and composition. Coupled with the acclaimed Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen, it delivers a large, bright subject image.

Dust-proof, water-resistant construction

The K20D boasts an extremely reliable dust-proof, water-resistant construction, with special seals applied to 74 different parts of the camera body, including the shutter release button and all the switches, levers, dials. This dependable body makes it possible to use the K20D in the rain or dusty locations without worries.

Continuous shooting at approximately three images per second

To trace the movement of an active subject or capture a sequence of the subject's expressions, the K20D offers a continuous shooting mode that allows the photographer to capture as many as 38 images in succession ( in JPEG recording format ) at a maximum speed of approximately three images per second. When switched to the new high-speed advance mode, the user can take up to approximately 115 images at the speed of approximately 21 images per second. **

** The image size is fixed at 1.6 megapixels in the Burst Shooting mode.

Large 2.7-inch wide-view LCD monitor

The K20D features a large 2.7-inch color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots on its back panel. Its wide-view design allows the photographer to check the monitor image from approximately 160 degrees both vertically and horizontally. Since it assures effortless image viewing from a diagonal position, it facilitates low- and high-angle shooting using the Live View function.

High-precision 11-point wide-frame AF

The K20D's sophisticated SAFOX VIII autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to automatically focus on the subject with utmost precision, even when it is positioned off center. When the subject is captured in focus, the in-focus sensor point is automatically superimposed in red in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation.

Powerful rechargeable batteries

The K20D features new, large capacity lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, which can capture approximately 740 images *** , approximately 50% more compared with conventional one, when fully recharged. Drastic improvement of battery capacity is realized with through energy saving design.

*** Under testing condition prescribed by PENTAX, when using D-LI50 lithium-ion rechargeable batteries with no flash.

Other features

More external Pentax K20D reviews!

Sensor	• 14.6 million effective pixels* • 15.1 million total pixels • 23.4 x 15.6 mm CMOS sensor • 1.5x FOV crop • RGB primary color filter
Anti-dust measures	• Sensor shake system • Anti-dust coating • Dust alert*
Image sizes	• 4672 x 3104 (14.5 MP) • 3872 x 2592 (10.0 MP) • 3008 x 2000 (6.0 MP) • 1824 x 1216 (2.2 MP)
Image quality	• RAW (PEF or DNG) • RAW + JPEG (choice of 4 sizes and 4 compression levels) • JPEG 14.5MP (4 compression levels) • JPEG 10.0MP (4 compression levels) • JPEG 6.0MP (4 compression levels) • JPEG 2.2MP (4 compression levels)
Lens mount	Pentax KAF2
Compatible lenses	• KAF2 • KAF • KA • K (with certain restrictions)
Autofocus	• 11-point TTL phase-match AF with 9 cross-type sensors (SAFOX VIII)
Lens servo	• Single-servo AF (AF-S) • Continuous-servo AF (AF-C) • Manual focus (M)
AF Area mode	• Single Area AF • Dynamic Area AF • Auto Area AF
Focus lock	Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
AF Assist	built-in flash
Exposure mode	• Green mode • Programmed auto (P) with flexible program • Shutter-priority auto (Tv) • Aperture priority auto (Av) • Sensitivity priority auto (Sv) • Manual (M) • Flash sync speed (X)
Metering	TTL 16-segment metering • Multi segment metering • Center-weighted • Spot
Metering range	• EV 0 to 21 (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20 °C)
Exposure compen.	• +/- 3.0 EV (1/2 EV steps) • +/- 2.0 EV (1/3 EV steps)
AE Lock	Available
AE Bracketing	• 3 or 5 frames, +/- 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 (1/2 EV steps) • 3 or 5 frames, +/- 0.3, 0.7, 1.0, 1.3, 1.7, 2.0 (1/3 EV steps)
Sensitivity	• Auto • ISO 100 - ISO 3200 (in 1EV, 1/2 EV or 1/3 EV steps) • ISO 6400 (expanded)*
Shutter	• Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter • 30 to 1/4000 sec (1/3 EV steps) • Flash X-Sync: up to 1/180 sec • Bulb
White balance	• Auto • Eight manual modes with fine-tuning     o Daylight     o Shade     o Cloudy     o Tungsten     o Fluorescent W     o Fluorescent D     o Fluorescent N     o Flash • Manual preset white balance (immediate or from photo)
WB fine tuning	Yes
Color modes	• Bright • Natural • Portrait • Landscape • Vibrant (All with adjustment for Saturation, Hue, Contrast and Sharpness) • Monochrome (with adjustment for Filter type, Toning, Contrast and Sharpness)
Digital filters	• B&W (4 types) • Sepia (3 Types) • Color (18 types) • Color extract (6 type) • Soft (3 levels) • Illustration • HDR (3 Type) • Slim (+/- 8 levels) • Brightness (+/- 8 levels)
Viewfinder	• Optical fixed eye-level • Penta-prism type • Built-in diopter adjustment (-2.5 to +1.5 m-1) • Frame coverage 95% (approx.) • Viewfinder magnification approx. 0.95x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1 • Focusing screen: Natural-Brite-Matte II
Viewfinder information	Focus indications, AE/FV lock indicator, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure/Exposure compensation indicator, Flash output compensation, Exposure compensation, Number of remaining exposures, Flash-ready indicator
LCD monitor	• 2.7" TFT LCD* • 230,000 pixel • Color* and brightness adjustable
Live view	• TTL using image sensor* • 4X or 8X enlargement • Grid view
Built-in flash	• P-TTL pop-up flash • Guide number approx. 13 at ISO 100
Sync contact	Hot shoe, X-sync socket*, flash synchronization at shutter speeds of up to 1/180 sec
Flash mode	• Auto, Slow-sync (both with red-eye reduction option), trailing curtain sync mode, Wireless mode
Flash compensation	• -2 to +1 EV • 1/2 steps
Shooting modes	• Single frame shooting (S) mode • Continuous shooting (Hi, Lo) mode: approx. 3.0 frames per second • Burst (approx 21fps at 1.6MP) • Self timer • Remote (0sec, 3sec, continuous) • Auto bracket • Extended bracket • Multi-exposure
Continuous buffer	• JPEG: 38 (at 3fps), until card fills (at 2.3 fps) • RAW: Approx. 14 frames (PEF) • RAW: Approx. 16 frames (DNG)
Self-timer	• 2 or 12 sec
Remote control	• Remote Control ML-L3 (optional, Infrared) • Camera Control Pro software (optional)
Text input	Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input is available with LCD monitor and multi-selector; stored in EXIF header
Playback functions	• One image • Two images • Index (4, 9, or 16 thumbnails) • Enlargement (up to 32X) • Image rotation • Folder view • Slideshow • Histogram • Dark/bright areas
Storage	• Secure Digital / Secure Digital HC
Video output	NTSC or PAL selectable
Connectivity	• USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) • Mass storage / PTP selectable • Video out • DC-IN (optional AC adapter and adapter connector)
Power	Lithium-Ion battery pack D-LI50 (7.4 V, 1620 mAh)
Dimensions	141.5 x 101 x 70 mm (5.6 x 4.0 x 2.76 in)
Weight (no batt)	715 g (25.2 oz)
Weight (inc. batt + SD card)	800 g (28.2 oz)
In the box	K20D body, USB Cable I-USB17, Video Cable I-VC28, Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery D-LI50, Battery Charge Cradle D-BC50, AC Plug Cord, Strap O-ST53, Hotshoe Cover FK, Eyecup FP, Body Mount Cover, Finder Cap for ME, Focusing Screen LF-80 Frame Matte, Bottom Cap K10D, Software CD-ROM S-SW74/75
Optional accessories	AC Adapter Kit D-AC50, Battery Charger Kit K-BC50, Battery Grip BG2, Cap D-BG2 (for battery grip), Focusing Screen LL-80 AF Divided Matte, Focusing Screen LI-80 AF Scale Matte, Remote Control F, Cable Switch CS-205, Magnifying Eyepiece O-ME53, DSLR Gadget Bag, DSLR Sling Bag

* New or changed compared to the K10D

Battery Grip BG2

Battery grip for the K20D camera. Weather-sealed grip holds a D-LI50 battery, and can also store an extra SD memory card and infrared remote control. Grip has vertical release function, e-dials, depth-of-field preview, green button, and more. PLEASE NOTE: This grip doesn't include an extra battery, memory card, or infrared remote, which are available separately.

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Magnifying Eyepiece O-ME53

Magnifying eyepiece for Pentax digital SLR cameras. It features 1.2x magnification and clip-on mount.

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