Pentax K20D - Expert Reviews

Pros: Sharp 14.6-megapixel images, dust reduction, sensor-based stabilisation, live view

Cons: Live view needs some work, noise performance not quite as good as some other units, burst mode slower than some competing models

Verdict: There is a lot to like about the Pentax K20D. It produces some of the crispest, sharpest pictures of any camera in its class. It also has a stack of features, including live view and sensor-based stabilisation. Some users will want a faster burst mode ...

Review summary: The Pentax K20D is a 14.6 Megapixel mid-range DSLR which packs-in a broad range of features many of which are normally reserved for semi-pro models. Announced in January 2008, it's the successor to the popular K10D, from which it inherits an ...

Pros: Highly detailed images across ISO range., Built-in Shake Reduction., Dust and weatherproof body., Broad degree of customisation., Highly detailed images across ISO range., Built-in Shake Reduction., Dust and weatherproof body., Broad degree of ...

Cons: Basic Live View system., Anti-shake not as effective as rivals., Semi-pro pricing, but not as quick or tough., Tendency to underexpose., Basic Live View system., Anti-shake not as effective as rivals., Semi-pro pricing, but not as quick or tough ...

Verdict: Pentax has certainly made a number of improvements over the already very capable K10D, which in turn makes the K20D a powerful and feature-packed DSLR. The biggest and most important is of course the sensor, with the K20D delivering the most detailed ...

Review summary: In the K20D, PENTAX has moved to a 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor offering approximately 50 percent more resolution than 10 megapixel sensors, and 20 percent more resolution than 12 megapixel sensors. Noise is minimized and maximum sensitivity is achieved ...

Verdict: PENTAX has built a host of user-friendly features in the K20D include a comfortable eye level viewfinder with 95% field of view coverage, a large 2.7 inch color LCD monitor, a top-mounted LCD data panel and a host of exposure modes, metering and focus ...

Review summary: Despite a price difference of more than £300, both the Pentax K20D and the Sony Alpha 350 scored the same mark in their recent AP reviews. As these 14-million-pixel cameras have similar specifications, we decided to see how they compared in a head-to ...

Review summary: An affordable high-resolution camera? Sounds good, but how does the K20D measure up against its rivals?...

Pros: Great build and handling, good colour, good noise control, features

Cons: Underexposure, sluggish AF, flat-packed live view, limited burst shooting

Verdict: This is a solid camera with much to recommend it, not least its sensor and lovely handling. It stands its ground well against its rivals, even having an edge in terms of resolution. Despite some concerns about the exposure system, I managed to produce ...