The real Pentax K20D

[Big Red]

the new Pentax K20D has been officially anounced now




Body color
Black
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

[Big Red]

some of the bits that interest me are:

The K20D features a newly developed 14.6 Mp 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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Lot of other stuff too but this stuff is my main interest ... have to wait until April to get one here though

[radar]

Shane,

looks like a very nice camera, I suspect there still isn't a cure for PAS is there?

Cheers,

André

[Big Red]

Shane,

looks like a very nice camera, I suspect there still isn't a cure for PAS is there?

Cheers,

André

Pentax Acquisition syndrome ??

guilty

[BT*ist]

It looks impressive. I can't wait to see the detailed review : I won't believe claims that "Image Quality rivals the D300".... although I hope they're true. Also, I'd love to see some image quality examples of the 1.3MP 20fps shooting!

That said, can't see myself upgrading from the K10D for (hopefully) a little while yet....

[Oneputt]

Order in yet Shane?

[Big Red]

Order in yet Shane?

nup ... i'll just get one when i see one

[Grev]

Only real concern is this, can Samsung make good sensors?

[Big Red]

Only real concern is this, can Samsung make good sensors?

looks promising so far going by the user reviews of the guys who have them.

[Grev]

That is good then, because when we first got the news about a month or so ago, my first comment was, "I hope it isn't going to be a noise factory."

[Big Red]

That is good then, because when we first got the news about a month or so ago, my first comment was, "I hope it isn't going to be a noise factory."

guess i'll find out this arvo

why are couriers so slow ?

[Big Red]

WOOHOO

[methd]

I'd be wary about 14 (15) MP in a cropped 1.5 x camera.... maybe wait for official reviews insted of owners.

[Big Red]

I saw your post so nipped down to the Jetty and took a couple of test pics.
I can't process the RAW files through Photoshop yet so here is two default jpegs resized to 800 only ...
first one at F13 1/4000 3200 iso...


and this one at F4 1/1000 100 iso ...

[Grev]

That is good then, because when we first got the news about a month or so ago, my first comment was, "I hope it isn't going to be a noise factory."

guess i'll find out this arvo

why are couriers so slow ?

I had a brief play with it at work, it's not too bad, definitely not as bad compared to the K10 (sensor wise). Although without pixel peeping, it's hard to judge how good or bad it is, I shot a few under tungsten/fluro mix with heavy shadows and the noise in the dark parts do seem to turn out greyish though.

[Big Red]

That is good then, because when we first got the news about a month or so ago, my first comment was, "I hope it isn't going to be a noise factory."

guess i'll find out this arvo

why are couriers so slow ?

I had a brief play with it at work, it's not too bad, definitely not as bad compared to the K10 (sensor wise). Although without pixel peeping, it's hard to judge how good or bad it is, I shot a few under tungsten/fluro mix with heavy shadows and the noise in the dark parts do seem to turn out greyish though.

bought it from Photo Continental on friday morn and had it friday arvo so haven't read the maunual or changed the defaults yet... went to seaworld on sunday and took quite a few underwater pics at high iso to try and get the speed up in the low light ... couldn't see any noise in the jpegs although you would be hard pressed to see the noise underwater anyway.
had a bright cloud cover so a lot of dark pics but i'm pleased with how it worked out.
cropping such large images is much better than the K10D

[Big Red]

Had a good day out on Sunday giving the K20D a work out.

Still set on defaults so i just resized the Jpegs and posted them up.

I normaly don't use AF but the Dolphins were too quick so i tried it and was pleasantly surprised considering i only had a second or two to find where they coming out of the water, frame and shoot ... it didn't miss lock once !!

another surprise was the quality of the burst mode pics ... pretty good and very usable for the web.

anyway ... if you want a look ...
http://bigred4x4.blogspot.com/2008/03/seaworld.html

[Glen]

Shane some nice images in your blog. I liked the polar bear and trainer shots, especially when you caught the trainer in mid air. Looks to be a fine camera, definitely has some capability at high iso judging by your first post. In your blog I preferred the iso 100 shots to the higher iso, but that is probably a reflection of other factors as well. Hope you enjoy the camera, it is nice to have some diversity.

[Grev]

bought it from Photo Continental on friday morn and had it friday arvo so haven't read the maunual or changed the defaults yet... went to seaworld on sunday and took quite a few underwater pics at high iso to try and get the speed up in the low light ... couldn't see any noise in the jpegs although you would be hard pressed to see the noise underwater anyway.
had a bright cloud cover so a lot of dark pics but i'm pleased with how it worked out.
cropping such large images is much better than the K10D

That's right, we only had them in on Thursday afternoon and some went on display Thursday night, so you bought one of our first K20s!

[Big Red]

Shane some nice images in your blog. I liked the polar bear and trainer shots, especially when you caught the trainer in mid air. Looks to be a fine camera, definitely has some capability at high iso judging by your first post. In your blog I preferred the iso 100 shots to the higher iso, but that is probably a reflection of other factors as well. Hope you enjoy the camera, it is nice to have some diversity.

thanks Glen, i will enjoy it... you can bet on that

[Big Red]

bought it from Photo Continental on friday morn and had it friday arvo so haven't read the maunual or changed the defaults yet... went to seaworld on sunday and took quite a few underwater pics at high iso to try and get the speed up in the low light ... couldn't see any noise in the jpegs although you would be hard pressed to see the noise underwater anyway.
had a bright cloud cover so a lot of dark pics but i'm pleased with how it worked out.
cropping such large images is much better than the K10D

That's right, we only had them in on Thursday afternoon and some went on display Thursday night, so you bought one of our first K20s!

Yeh the guy i spoke to when i rang said they had only just come in ...