Pentax K20D Summary

15 Megapixels15 MegapixelsSingle Lens ReflexSingle Lens ReflexStabilization: Compensates for tiny involuntary movements of the camera.Stabilization: Compensates for tiny involuntary movements of the camera.Continuous DriveContinuous DriveManual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.Spot MeteringSpot MeteringDepth-Of-Field Preview: Improve perception of DOF before shooting.Depth-Of-Field Preview: Improve perception of DOF before shooting.Weatherproof - Seals protect from dust, humidity and light splashing.Weatherproof - Seals protect from dust, humidity and light splashing.Accepts Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) and SD memory.Accepts Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) and SD memory.Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed reviewDiscontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.Discontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.

Pentax K20D Assessment

The 14.6 megapixels Pentax K20D is amazingly fitted with nearly every feature possible for a DSLR camera: stabilization, dust-reduction, weatherproofing, advanced customization, digital white-balance preview, depth-of-field preview and live-view. Among similarly-priced cameras, It is only outpaced in terms of continuous shooting speed by the 10 megapixels Canon EOS 40D and the 12 megapixels Sony Alpha A700
Sony Alpha A700
which shoot at 6.5 FPS and 5 FPS respectively. It also lacks an eye-start sensor which can automatically turn off the rear LCD like on the Sony Alpha DSLRs and the Canon Digital Rebel XTi.

The Pentax K20D performs quite well, both in terms of image quality and responsiveness. Its high-resolution sensor gives it the highest resolution in its class. The sensor delivers plenty of details without increasing noise levels compared to an average lower-resolution DSLR. Still, image noise is slightly behind the latest offerings from Canon.

With several innovative features, the K20D distinguishes itself from its competitors. These features include: sensitivity priority mode, shutter-and-aperture priority mode (camera selects ISO), choice of program line for automatic mode, digital white-balance preview and in-camera RAW conversion. Digital white-balance preview is an incredibly efficient way to select the appropriate white-balance. Otherwise, one has to take test shots until the desired results are obtained.

The bottom line is that the Pentax K20D is a feature-rich camera with excellent ergonomics and a rather good overall performance. Only the Sony Alpha A700 comes close to the K20D's feature set. The main difference is that the A700 has a faster continuous drive but the K20D is better sealed. The K20D is officially usable in the rain, while the A700 is only protected against humidity and dust. Another close competitor is the more expensive Nikon D300 which sports a 12 megapixels sensor and a 6 FPS continuous drive (8 FPS with optional grip) but lacks stabilization and its weather-seals are specified against casual moisture and dust, not rain.

Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed review Read the full Pentax K20D review here.

PROS CONS

Excellent retention of details at all ISO

Yellow color shift at ISO 3200 and 6400
Quite accurate metering Poor white-balance under artificial light
Excellent focusing speed and accuracy Image parameter increments too wide
Fast and responsive Below average battery life
Built-in stabilization for all lenses Sealed body means doors are harder to open
Durable weatherproof body
Innovative exposure modes & program line
Digital white balance preview
Extremely flexible image parameters
Customizable auto ISO
In-camera RAW conversion
Excellent ergonomics
Large viewfinder
ExcellentExcellent Excellent

Pentax K20D Related Information

Sister Models
Pentax K10D - 10 Megapixels, ISO 1600 Max, Unlimited 3 FPS drive, 2.5" LCD 210K Pixels
Pentax K200D - 10 Megapixels, ISO 1600 Max, 4 Images @ 2.8 FPS Continuous drive, AA batteries, Smaller viewfinder (0.85X vs 0.95X magnification), Only one control-wheel, No TAv mode
Pentax K20D
Buy from these sellers: Buy From Amazon.com
By Neocamera on 2008-03-15

Please Support Neocamera

All information on Neocamera is provided free of charge yet running this website is a huge endeavor. Purchases made via affiliate links found throughout the site help keep it running and up-to-date. There is no additional cost to you, so please consider buying via these links to our affilates:

  • Best Buy Banner
  • Amazon Banner
  • Photography Store Banner
  • BH Photo Banner

If you found any information on this site valuable and did not purchase via our affiliate links, please considering donating via PayPal:

Any amount will be greatly appreaciated. Thank you for your support!

Pentax K20D Highlights

Pentax K20D
SLR digital camera

Sensor-Size: 24 x 16mm

APS-C Sensor

Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI

15 Megapixels DSLRISO 100-6400
Pentax K Mount
1.5X FLM
Shutter 1/4000-30s
2-Axis Built-in StabilizationFull manual controls, including Manual Focus
95% Coverage
Large Viewfinder
Custom white-balance with 2 axis fine-tuning
WeatherproofSpot-Metering
Built-in Dust ReductionHot-Shoe & Sync-Port
3 FPS Drive, 38 ImagesLithium-Ion Battery
2.7" LCD 230K PixelsSecure Digital High Capacity
Buy from these sellers: Buy From Amazon.com

Camera Bag

Clear

Your camera bag is empty. To add a camera or lens click on the star next to its name.

Your camera bag is empty.

Add cameras or lenses by clicking on the star next to their name.

Updates

    2023.11.20

  • 2023.11.20

    Best Digital Cameras of 2023 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras of 2023

    Find out which are the Best Digital Cameras of 2023. All the new Mirrorless Digital Cameras from entry-level to high-end professional.

  • 2023.07.10

  • 2023.07.10

    Fujifilm X-H2 Review Update Poster

    Fujifilm X-H2 Review

    40 Megapixels APS-C Hybrid Mirrorless Digital Camera with 7-stop IBIS. Fastest shutter ever and 8K video capture. Large builtin EVF with 0.8X magnification and 5.8 MP, plus an Eye-Start Sensor. Packed with features and large number of controls in a weatherproof and freezeproof body.

  • 2023.05.07

  • 2023.05.07

    Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G Review Update Poster

    Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G Review

    Review of the unique Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G lens. The optical zoom of this lens spans ultra-wide-angle and medium focal-length coverage, making it one of the most versatile Full-Frame lenses on the market.

  • 2023.01.15

  • 2023.01.15

    Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 Review Update Poster

    Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 Review

    Review of the Huion Inspiroy Dial 2 tablet, a medium sized drawing surface with dual dials and customizable buttons. Connects via USB-C or Bluetooth 5.0 with Windows, Linux and Android support.

  • 2022.12.08

  • 2022.12.08

    How to Pack for a Photo Trip Update Poster

    How to Pack for a Photo Trip

    Find out how to pack for a travel photography trip, carry your gear safely while meeting airline regulations.

  • 2022.11.13

  • 2022.11.13

    Best Digital Cameras of 2022 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras of 2022

    The best digital cameras of 2022. A short list of the most outstanding models in their respective categories. Choose one for yourself or as a gift.

  • 2022.09.21

  • 2022.09.21

    Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 60-250mm F/4 SDM, the constant-aperture telephoto zoom with the highest zoom-ratio on the market.

  • 2022.09.20

  • 2022.09.20

    Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 50-135mm F/2.8 SDM, the lightest professional telephoto zoom native to the K-mount.

  • 2022.09.10

  • 2022.09.10

    Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW Review Update Poster

    Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW Review

    Review of the Pentax DA* 11-18mm F/2.8 DC AW, the widest professional ultra-wide zoom native to the K-mount.

  • 2021.11.24

  • 2021.11.24

    50 Gifts Under $50 For Photographers in 2021 Update Poster

    50 Gifts Under $50 For Photographers in 2021

    50 Gifts photographers will love. All for under $50 USD. 2021 Edition.

  • 2021.11.17

  • 2021.11.17

    Best Digital Cameras for 2021 Update Poster

    Best Digital Cameras for 2021

    Neocamera shows which are the very best Digital Cameras for 2021 in every category: Mirrorless, DSLR, Premium Compact, Ultra-Zoom and Rugged.

  • 2021.09.04

  • 2021.09.04

    Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW Review Update Poster

    Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW Review

    Exclusive review of the Pentax HD DA* 16-50mm F/2.8 PLM AW professional lens of Pentax K-Mount APS-C DSLR cameras.