Pentax Imaging Company has thrown down a gauntlet in the competitive “enthusiast” SLR arena with a refreshed K20D. This is a sub-$1,300 SLR (US pricing is $1299.95, Canadian pricing not given) with a 14.6 megapixel image sensor. Outwardly the K20D looks the same as the K10D, which garnered many favourable reviews for its high-end features at a mid-level price. The most noticeable difference is the larger 2.7-inch LCD on the back.
But it is inside where things get really interesting. The sensor is CMOS design that has 14.6 megapixels, developed in collaboration with Samsung. The sensor’s ISO sensitivity goes as high as 6400. Supporting the new sensor are a number of advanced technologies that have also shown up on performance class SLRs from other manufacturers – image appearance presets (which tweak adjustments to saturation, hue, contrast and sharpness); an expanded dynamic range setting; a sensor dust reduction system plus a system that shows the photographer where dust has lodged on the sensor; sensor-based image stabilization; and a Live View function that allows the photographer to compose using the LCD monitor. Maintained is the pro-level weather and dust sealing that made the K10D a hit with many photographers The K20D is scheduled to be available for sale in April.
K200D Digital SLR
Pentax also shored up the entry level SLR end with a new model, the K200D. This model shares some of the advanced technology contained in the K20D such as sensor-based image stabilization, sensor dust reduction, high dynamic range and 2.7-inch LCD screen, but uses 10.2 megapixel sensor. As befits an entry-level model, it has many Scene modes that help the novice use the best settings depending on the type of subject being photographed.
But it is inside where things get really interesting. The sensor is CMOS design that has 14.6 megapixels, developed in collaboration with Samsung. The sensor’s ISO sensitivity goes as high as 6400. Supporting the new sensor are a number of advanced technologies that have also shown up on performance class SLRs from other manufacturers – image appearance presets (which tweak adjustments to saturation, hue, contrast and sharpness); an expanded dynamic range setting; a sensor dust reduction system plus a system that shows the photographer where dust has lodged on the sensor; sensor-based image stabilization; and a Live View function that allows the photographer to compose using the LCD monitor. Maintained is the pro-level weather and dust sealing that made the K10D a hit with many photographers The K20D is scheduled to be available for sale in April.
K200D Digital SLR
Pentax also shored up the entry level SLR end with a new model, the K200D. This model shares some of the advanced technology contained in the K20D such as sensor-based image stabilization, sensor dust reduction, high dynamic range and 2.7-inch LCD screen, but uses 10.2 megapixel sensor. As befits an entry-level model, it has many Scene modes that help the novice use the best settings depending on the type of subject being photographed.
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