Pentax K20D user reviews (Body Only)

5.0 stars

"The K20D made me a better Photographer! Thanks Pentax!" on August 28, 2009 by Jahomg

Pros: Offer excellent benefits to ALL experience levels Several cameras in one body
Stainless Steel and Alloy Chassis-Great fit in the hands
Weather seals Great Protection
Wide range of proprietary and 3rd party lenses
Everything in a thumbs reach

Cons: I would love to see the insides of the K7 -- mated to a full frame sensor in the K20D Body. I'm not complaining I'm just dreamin' -- I LOVE MYCAMERA!

I'm still getting used to all the features --

Summary: Today Sony announced the A500, A550 and the A850 and the K20D beat these models on price, features and sensor power. Granted the A850 is a 24M, Full Frame Pro model (1999.00 USD) and yet the K20D, a two year model, had more in common with the A850. To be fair the A550 was closer in senor size -- however the K20D still be it on price, features and power --- ok, ok may be I'm bias -- but check the review at dpreview.com. And just for kicks do a side-by-side comparison with K20D, K7, A850, A550, A500 -- the K20D and the K7 kick major A** on features and price. For example, the K7 - 1299.00 the A850 1999.00 (body Only) the K20D - 619.00 and the A550 and A500 - 1049.00 and 749.99 respectively-- Amazon.com check it out and happy picture taking!

PS. The Pentax K20D is making me a better photographer because:

1. I had money left in the budget to buy studio lights (beginner set) and I was able offer portraits to friends -- allowing me to further explorer one of my passions.

2. The K20D can be used in full automatic mode all the way to full manual mode with many modes in between. -- It like having several cameras in one body!

3. With the K20D -- I have been able to learn on the spot from my mistakes -- make corrections -- and still get a great shot in the moment -- the more I use the camera -- the better I get -- the more I remember! -- Now that can be said about any DSLR -- However- where else can you get a "mid-level" camera with lots of power and an awesome price!

4. Pentax has been leading the way with "In-body" shake reduction -- I have night shots hand holding the camera -- simply amazing!

5. Having a camera this forgiving has given me the confidence to shoot subjects that I would have stay away from with cameras that didn't offer the same features set and reputation.

6. The Pentax ik20D is an awesome camera and while it may be considered a mid-level camera-- It has demonstrated to me that is equally comfortable in a studio setting as it is taking family photos -- And to me that what counts -- A camera that will help me be a better photographer at my current skill level and lead the way as my skills improve.

Thank you Pentax

Jah

4.0 stars

"Hard to beat for the money." on January 20, 2009 by topgun2009

Pros: Shake reduction built into the camera.
Camera is backwards compatible with older lenses.
Great weather sealing and built very sturdy.
Great pictures.
Controls are laid out well with good ergonomics.
Great selection of prime lenses to use.

Cons: Would like a little faster focusing system.
Could use some 400mm longer lenses in the Pentax lineup.
Needs more FPS if you are shooting sports photography.
Could use better focusing in low light situations.

Summary: I have used Pentax SLR's, both film and digital, for many years. The K20D is the first Pentax DSLR that I have been happy with and it can only get better from here. Most of the Pentax lenses are top notch, particularly the "Star" and "Limited" lenses. With Pentax you get more bang for the buck, particularly since you don't have to pay a fortune extra for stabilized lenses as this function is built into the camera. This is a great camera for portraits, landscapes, and other types of photography. If you need to shoot in very low light situations or a lot of sports photography you probably need to look at other brands. I have done some sports with success but in situations where the 3 FPS was good enough to capture what I needed. Camera is great for everythng else.

4.5 stars

"An outstanding work-horse of a camera." on May 20, 2011

Pros: Outstanding picture quality and so many adjustment features at your fingertips.

Cons: Wish the fps was a little faster.

4.5 stars

"Pentax made switching to digital a snap." on April 9, 2010 by couliseaux

Pros: Easy controls with lots of custom settings. High ISO. More bells and whistles than I'll likely ever learn to use.

Cons: Auto focus fumbles in low light. Maybe too many shooting modes.

Summary: I was reluctant to switch from 35mm, and shot with a Pentax PZ-20 for years. This camera was an easy upgrade, after I finally decided to make the leap to digital. I love the high ISO and get great results with lower sensitivities. Using any Pentax lens ever made is a huge plus, I still love my old manual focus. I use it mainly for fine art and portraiture, and have a hard time finding any real faults with it.