Pentax K20D, K200D officially announced

[David Rasnake]

Pentax made official what many have suspected for several months today, with the release of its new K20D and K200D digital SLRs.

14.6 megapixel K20D finally official

The heavily rumored K20D (which was all but confirmed when what was believed to be its technology-sharing Samsung counterpart appeared briefly by mistake on a Norwegian website earlier this month) brings the impressive specs many were hoping for. Pentax's collaboration with Samsung infuses the camera with a 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor – the highest resolution yet seen on a Pentax K digital.

Other key features and specs include a 2.7-inch display and a live view system, allowing shooters to compose their images on-screen rather than through the viewfinder only. Six user-customizable image style modes provide greater flexibility in adjusting image look and feel in camera.

Pentax also claims to have improved their PRIME image processor and in-body Shake Reduction image stabilization system. Likewise, an expanded dynamic range function improves the camera's overall capture ability in high-contrast lighting situations.

Coming in as the highest-resolution semi-pro camera yet seen, the K20D promises to provide almost everything Pentax shooters had asked for in improving on the venerable K10D. Still, we can't help but be a little disappointed that maximum continuous shooting speed still lags behind the class leaders, at 3 fps.

The K20D should hit markets in April for $1299.95 in kit form only, with an optically redesigned Pentax 18-55mm lens.

K10D remade in smaller K200D form

Taking its compact shape and size from its K100D predecessor, and most of its technical specs from the semi-pro K10D, the K200D looks to provide significant power in a compact DSLR.

The 10.2 megapixel camera uses the K10D's sensor setup. As with some previous models, the K200D is also weather-sealed and dustproof. Six custom image functions provide presets for image look and feel, with further adjustments for saturation, sharpness, and contrast available. As with the K20D, the K200D offers an expanded dynamic range function as well.

As with the K100D, the K200D will retain AA battery power. The addition of an accessory battery grip option combined with the use of lithium cells, however, promises an impressive 1100 shots from the new entry-level Pentax.

Variants, expected for sale by March, include the $799.95 kit with Pentax's new 18-55mm lens, and the $719.95 body-only version.

Pentax K20D specifications:

Sensor	14.6 megapixel, 23.4x15.6mm CMOS
Zoom	N/A
LCD/Viewfinder	2.7", 230K-pixel TFT LCD with Live View; Pentaprism optical viewfinder with diopter adjustment
Sensitivity	ISO 100-6400
Shutter Speed	30-1/4000 seconds
Shooting Modes	Green, Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Shutter and Aperture Priority, Metered Manual, X Speed, Bulb, User
Scene Presets	N/A
White Balance Settings	Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent W, Fluorescent D, Fluorescent N, Flash, Color Temperature, Manual
Metering Modes	Multi, Center-Weighted, Spot
Focus Modes	AF Single, AF Continuous, Manual; Auto, User-Selected Point, Center
Drive Modes	Single, Continuous High, Continuous Low, Burst, Remote, Remote Continuous, Auto Bracket, Extended Bracket, Multi-Exposure, Interval
Flash Modes	On, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Slow Sync + Red-Eye, Trailing Curtain Sync, Wireless
Self Timer Settings	10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off
Memory Formats	SD, SDHC
Internal Memory	None
File Formats	JPEG, RAW (PEF/DNG)
Max. Image Size	4672x3104
Max. Video Size	N/A
Zoom During Video	N/A
Battery	Rechargeable lithium-ion, 740 shots
Connections	USB 2.0, video output, DC input, X-Sync socket, cable switch
Additional Features	Shake Reduction, Live View, Custom Image Functions, Dust Reduction System

 

Pentax K200D specifications:

Sensor	10.2 megapixel, 23.5x15.7mm CCD
Zoom	N/A
LCD/Viewfinder	2.7", 230K-pixel TFT LCD; Penta-Mirror optical viewfinder with diopter adjustment
Sensitivity	ISO 100-1600
Shutter Speed	30-1/4000 seconds
Shooting Modes	Auto Picture, Picture, Scene, Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual, Bulb
Scene Presets	Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, Night Scene Portrait, Standard Flash-Off, Night Scene, Surf & Snow, Food, Sunset, Kids, Pet, Candlelight, Museum
White Balance Settings	Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent W, Fluorescent D, Fluorescent N, Flash, Color Temperature, Manual
Metering Modes	Multi, Center-Weighted, Spot
Focus Modes	AF Single, AF Continuous, Manual; Auto, User-Selected Point, Center
Drive Modes	Single, Continuous High, Continuous Low, Remote, Auto Bracket
Flash Modes	TBA
Self Timer Settings	10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off
Memory Formats	SD, SDHC
Internal Memory	None
File Formats	JPEG, RAW (PEF/DNG)
Max. Image Size	3872x2592
Max. Video Size	N/A
Zoom During Video	N/A
Battery	4 AA batteries
Connections	USB 2.0, video output, DC input, cable switch
Additional Features	Shake Reduction, Custom Image Functions, Dust Reduction System

[usapatriot]

I am little disappointed by the specs of the K200D, I guess we will have to wait till a review or two comes out.

I will be watching Canon's and Nikon new entry level SLR's very closely.

[CalebSchmerge]

I'm a bit surprised that there hasn't been a replacement for the D40 or the D80 announced yet. If things are like the D3/D300 they will be great though. I'm not too wowed by these cameras. The high MP doesn't do much for me. I have never been a fan of live-view on DSLRs - I just prefer the viewfinder too much. I guess its all personal preference though.

[David Rasnake]

While the K20D is a nice camera that I think, given the sensor they're using, should compete strongly with other semi-pro models, I too was hoping for something a little more revolutionary, I guess. Obviously, we'll withhold further judgement until we can give both cams a test run, but it was definitely a conservative decision to carry the tech of the K10 basically intact into the K200 (though smart, as it now outperforms in most respects cams like the Canon XTi).

I was really hoping for a 5/6 fps camera in the K20D, but I don't doubt that the performance otherwise has the potential to be really sharp (and being a little more old school, I guess, I agree with you, Caleb, on the push to live view for every new DSLR).

I'm more excited about the 200 and 300mm primes. Sweet.

dr

[usapatriot]

I was hoping for a bigger buffer for the continuous shooting on the K200D (4 jpeg/4 RAW) at 3.0fps? Gimme a break, this might just be the biggest turn off about the K200D. Also I would have liked to have an ISO 3200 option like the K100D. Oh well I guess you cannot have anything. I guess I will see come summer.

I am sure Nikon will announce its D60 successor to the D40 soon.