Pentax K20D Hands On Preview

Pentax has announced it's new enthusiast level DSLR, the Pentax K20D, set to replace the K10D of 2007. Like that camera, the camera is the result of a collaboration with Korean electronic Samsung. We are told that the electronics are produced by Samsung, while design and camera know-how comes from Pentax. As with the K10D, Samsung has also announced an almost identical model, the GX20.
I recently joined Pentax at the cameras launch in Dubai and spent a couple of days using a pre-production model. While this camera is pretty much the final version, there will probably be final firmware updates before the final release, so we can't give a full review at this time.
At the cameras heart is a newly developed CMOS sensor, produced by Samsung, with an effective resolution of 14.6 million pixels. This places the camera at the top of the tree in regards to resolution, surpassing that of the recent models from Nikon, Canon and Sony. In fact the only DSLR to top the resolution is Canon flagship EOS 1DS Mk III.

The sensor is APS-C sized and at full resolution will produce images sized at 4672 x 3120 pixels. In print terms this equates to approximately 15.6 x 10.4 inches at 300dpi. File sizes are approximately 45MB when opened and around 6MB for a closed JPEG. Files can be saved as Raw in Pentax's own PEF format, DNG, or JPEG. There's also the obligatory RAW+JPEG option.

Like the K10D, the new model has an opto-magnetic 3D-Sensor image stabilisation system. This in-camera system allows users to use standard Pentax K-mount lenses at slower shutter speeds. Pentax claims up to 4 stops slower shutter speeds can be used with the newly improved system. Furthermore the sensors sensitivity covers ISO 100-6400, allowing photography in a range of lighting conditions. Pentax has added a new Dynamic range function allowing +2EV extension for improving highlight and shadow details.
The moving sensor also allows dust to be shaken from the sensor, to be caught by an adhesive pad in the base of the chamber, while an anti-static coating over the sensor reduces the chance of dust adhering to the sensor in the first place.
The camera body maintains a similar look and feel to its predecessor, with a steel chassis and weatherproof seals, while Pentax's design ethos ensures the camera remains small and light, weighing just 800g with battery and SD card. As with other Pentax DSLRs, the K-mount allows compatibility with older Pentax lenses, as well as the new DA range, while an adaptor is available for using Pentax 645 and 67 series lenses. It is also compatible with Samsung and new Schneider lenses.

The LCD screen has been enlarged to 2.7" with 230,000 dots resolution, which fails to match the size or resolution of the Nikon D300 OR Sony A700, but it does now incorporate Live View so images can be composed via the monitor. The monitor is fixed though and lacks the multi-angle hinge found on the Panasonic Lumix L-10 or Olympus E3, which I personally prefer.
Button placement follows a similar pattern to that of the K10D, with easy access to the main functions, while a function button quickly opens the menu to change flash modes, WB and ISO. A rotating scroll wheel is used to change the 11 AF points, while a pair of front and rear command dials offer natural and quick exposure control.

It's not a hard camera to use, feels very comfortable with all of the main fuctions one would require of a semi-pro model. Like other cameras at this level it lacks scene modes, but does offer a range of picture options settings, which can also be customised in the menu.

The menu in particular has seen a few changes, with a better tyoe face and importantly much clearer labelling of some of the functions. One of my criticisms of Pentax cameras in the past has been their somewhat esoteric naming conventions. The sensor cleaning function for example, is no longer named ‘Switch dst msr pt'.
In the playback menu there are a number of direct image manipulation options, including a range of colour filters, an HDR function and colour extract tools. The camera also follows the K10Ds lead by providing in-camera Raw processing. Whenever any of these functions are performed, a new image file is created and saved, leaving you original file untouched. Personally I don't use too many of these functions, but for some, especially if you intend on printing directly from the camera, they can prove very useful.

One welcome improvement is the new 11 point AF with 9 cross sensors. In conjunction with the new standard smc PENTAX-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL II zoom, the AF speed and accuracy shows an improvement over the previous models. However, again, the camera fails to match the AF specification of rivals such as the Nikon D300 and Canon EOS 40D.

Pentax is happy for us to show images from the pre-production model, but it should be reiterated that this is not the final firmware version, and there may be some changes to the final output.

My main criticism is the cameras exposure system. This has been a consistent failure of Pentax, and like earlier models the camera has a tendency to underexpose. This is disappointing as accurate exposure is a fundamental requirement of a camera, and there really is no need for poor metering in this day and age. Having said that, the cameras histogram feature in playback allows the user to assess the images better than simply viewing the monitor, and I found that by using exposure compensation of +1EV, exposures were much improved. Other features such as the dynamic range expansion proved useful, but less so than the Sony A700.

White balance is consistent and produces pleasing results even under mixed lighting. I occasionally needed to switch to a preset from Auto, but that's usual. Colour and tone in general is very good with nice punchy images at the default settings.
The noise at higher ISOs is impressive too, with excellent results at ISO 3200 though images get a little too speckled at ISO 6400, but they are usable and Raw images should be easily fixed in Adobe Camera Raw or similar processing. Unfortunately at the time of review, no Pentax Raw software was available.

A sensor with this many pixels has a distinct advantage, of course, and that is image sharpness. The K20D does produce sharp images, especially when viewed on A4 prints, or on screen. You need to be careful to keep the camera steady however as the closely packed pixel population will show up and amplify the effect of any movement.

Verdict
Pentax (and Samsung) has produced a solid mid range camera with many features that match its rivals. On top of that the densely populated, class beating CMOS sensor is sure to prove popular and give the K20D an edge of its rivals.

The camera is fun to use, without being intimidating and it's backlog of compatible lenses will prove to be useful to existing Pentax users.

On the downside, the inaccurate metering is a disappointment, though easily remedied by anyone with a basic understanding of the principles of exposure, but it really should be better. The price of £899 is very good indeed and should definitely be an incentive to new users to pick the K20D over it's rivals