Pentax K20D is considered to be the highest-resolution camera in the advanced photo enthusiast category. It has a large 2.7-inch color LCD monitor that allows the user to view the monitor image from approximately 160 degrees both vertically and horizontally. It also facilitates low and high angle shooting using the Live View function.
The Pentax K20D boasts its newly developed CMOS image sensor that measures 23.4mm x 15.6mm. It is equipped with the 14.6 megapixel that provides clear and vibrant images. It has the capacity to achieve higher sensitivity levels up to 6400 in the expanded ISO mode. It also features its Shake Reduction mechanism that reduces the camera shake for sharp, blur-free images even when under difficult situation. This mechanism offers outstanding compensation equivalent approximately 2.5 to 4 shutter speed steps. The lighter image sensor unit refined data control algorithm offer improved image stabilization compared to previous models. The Pentax Shake Reduction is compatible with the Pentax interchangeable lenses.
Its large 2.7-inch color LCD monitor allows the user to view the monitor image from approximately 160 degrees both vertically and horizontally. It also facilitates low and high angle shooting by using the Live View function. The live View function allows the user to confirm the Shake Reduction effect on the monitor while shooting.
The Pentax Real Image Engine (PRIME) is included in K20D that ensures well-balanced, true-to-life images with color reproduction by efficiently controlling digital signals transmitted by the CMOS image sensor. This also allows complete control over other factors that includes white balance and the new Custom Image functions. This imaging engine also offers a Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) memory to ensure fast image processing and high-speed data transfer.
K20D is powered with the new Custom Image function that lets the user to choose one of the six modes and adjust an image processing to their preference by automatically adjusting the tone, saturation, contrast, and sharpness. These modes include Natural, Bright, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, as well as B&W image modes. The user can easily see the effect of their adjustments by using the digital preview option.
In addition, there is also a dynamic-range expansion function that allows the user to expand the dynamic range while preserving the proper contrast to avoid white-washed areas. K20D also offers an extremely reliable water-resistant as well as dust-proof construction with special seals applied to 72 different parts of the camera body including the shutter release button and all the switches, levers, dials. It makes possible to use the K20D in the rain or dusty locations. Through the power of the Dust Removal system, it has the ability to prevent dust from sticking to the surface of the CMOS image sensor.
The Pentax Super Protect (SP) coating which is applied to the image sensor surface through vapor deposition of a fluorine compound prevents dust from sticking to the surface. The upgraded Dust Reduction system also offers the new Dust Alert function that shows the user exactly where the dust may be sticking to the sensor surface.
The Hyper program Function allows the user to immediately switch to the Shutter-Priority or Aperture-Priority AE mode from the Programmed AE mode with a simple turn of the electronic dials on the grip. K20D also features its unique Sensitivity-Priority mode designed to automatically select the optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed for a user-selected sensitivity. K20D is powered with the large capacity Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries that can capture approximately 740 images when fully charged.
