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Pentax K20D
Pentax K20D
B
HQ Grade: B
A is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of digital cameras.
B means they are good, with some standout features.
C means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.
  • 5 out of 5
"The K20D a great DSLR"
  • 5 out of 5
"Best value..."
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Question Answered!
Taylor (Taytay) 0 pts
June 22, 2008 2:14 PM
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Best for Band Photographer?

Hello! I am about to purchase my first DSLR camera and I am hoping for some advise. I am going to be shooting in very low light settings with a lot of movement. Basically, I am going to be a band photographer. I am hoping for a camera that will give me bright colors and clear images in dark, and maybe even foggy, lighting conditions. My price range is somewhere between $800 and a little over $1,000. Some of the brands that I have been looking into are Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Olympus. Thank you for your time!
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Answers This question has been answered!
by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58450 pts
June 23, 2008 6:47 PM
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Frankly, I'd stick with Canon and Nikon. Not that Pentax or Olympus are bad cameras, they're not. But frankly, the quality of the lens glass in Nikon and Canon cameras are matched by none. My recommendation is the Canon Xsi. Great in all conditions and works great with action shots. One thing is to get as fast a lens as you can afford. The faster the lens, the better your low light performance.
Best Answer
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Taylor (Taytay) 0 pts
June 25, 2008 11:42 PM
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Thank you very much for that James!

I will most definitely be taking your advise. I didn't expect to get that great of an answer from anybody, but I found that piece to be extremely helpful.

And I don't feel nearly as confused about making my selection anymore. Once again, thank you for your time.

~Taylor
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58450 pts
June 26, 2008 1:03 PM
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We're happy to help. Enjoy and let us see some pictures when you go!
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Dave 21 pts
June 27, 2008 8:42 PM
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Look at the Pentax k20d which some say is even better in low light conditions then the canon 40d!! So , do some research online and findout which will work best for you!!
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Jack J. Hetherington 1 pts
August 6, 2008 4:44 PM
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Can I use my old Pentax thread mount lenses with this camera? If not, which one can I use them with?
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58450 pts
August 7, 2008 12:05 AM
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Only if it's a K mount and probably only in manual.
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Alan Schamber (alanschamber) 659 pts
September 3, 2008 2:09 PM
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I hate when answers are so biased.
James... you know what??? No one ever made AF lenses like Pentax, and YOU KNOW THAT. There is simply no lens that even matches the Pentax limited edition, so please: shut the hell up!

For the last answer: yes, old lenses are manual focus only, but you've got Shake Reduction with ALL of them for free, while Nikon and Canon cannot offer you that, Olympus doesn't even have old lenses (since they now use the 4/3s system).

Something else... the Canon XSi is simply not even near the performance and quality of the K20. I own it... and you cannot get even near as bang for the buck. And to follow, you cannot get professional lenses as cheap in the Nikon and Canon line up, like in the Pentax. I've got the DA* 16-50, and is an awesome lens, and is 35% cheaper than the 17-55 of Canon, and even 45% cheaper than the Nikon one.

Conclusion... bang for the buck??? Pentax.

Alan Schamber.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58450 pts
September 3, 2008 9:10 PM
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Yeah, I hate it when answers are biased as well. And you're a Pentax fanboy. And an abusive one at that.
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Alan Schamber (alanschamber) 659 pts
September 4, 2008 1:15 PM
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I'm a Pentaxian, yes... because I decided to be so. I decided not to pay a fortune for pro lenses. I decided not to pay again and again for image stabilization, with each lens. I decided that I didn't wanted to pay 5000 dollars for a camera to be weather sealed (in your face, Canon). I decided that I didn't need a 400 f2,8 to dream of... since I'm no way near to be able to afford it (and for what? I don't take sport pictures in my free time).
Yes... I am biased... but in my own experience. I use Nikon at work (Nikon D3), and it's the best (with the Leica M8 I've used a couple of times... but still, cannot afford a Leica hole system: it's around 20 thousand dollars, to start talking), but still I choose Pentax for my own system.

So... what's your experience??? Why you recommend only Canon or Nikon, and claim that they have better glass that Pentax and Olympus???

Alan Schamber.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58450 pts
September 4, 2008 6:42 PM
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Photo minor in college. Was also yearbook photographer as well. First camera was a Pentax. I like Pentax. Have never said anything but positive things about them. I just think that Canon and Nikon make better cameras. Good vs. Better. That's what I'm saying. I do this for a living. Nikon and Canon are the best lenses in the world right now. I don't see pros in news and sports photography buying very many leica lenses. Not to say that aren't great, they are, but I believe they're overrated.

I didn't say buy first tier Canon or Nikon lenses, btw. I'm on record here at DHQ as saying that 2nd tier lens makers like SIGMA are giving Canon and Nikon a run for their money with comparable quality for less price. I've sourced Photography magazine on that.

And not to sound arrogant or anything, but I think I have a few more points than you. Those are my bonafides. Now, should I "shut the hell up" again or are you satisfied?
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Alan Schamber (alanschamber) 659 pts
September 4, 2008 11:41 PM
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Let's see... two degrees in photography, now studying to become a photojournalist, while I work as a staff photographer (don't really know how to say it in english: pericia... which is photography that is the back up of more information, that is taken into account by a judge, in a certain cause). I also have won three 1st prizes, in different things.

I like Nikon... and I dislike Canon. And... Nikon makes better cameras than Pentax... but Pentax make better cameras, for the money.
And... Canon has the best telephoto lenses in the world right now. Nikon has the best wide angle lenses in the world right now (at least in DSRL). But... I will have to disagree: is well known that Pentax FA limited lenses, are the best autofocus lenses ever made... specially the FA 31 ltd and 77 ltd, both f1,8. Those lenses are rated to be as good as any other lenses wide open. Go... try them, and then try to say again that Canon or Nikon have better lenses. Oh... and did you try the DA limited edition??? Really good glass... and small as any other lenses out there. And never talk about the FA*85 f1,4, or the FA 43 limited, or the FA* 28-70, or the FA*24, or the FA 50 1,4 (which is rated to be, taking ALL into account... sharpness, contrast, bokeh, vignetting... the very best autofocus 50 f1,4 lens)... and the legendary FA*200 f4 macro...

And all this... without even taking into account all those manual lenses out there, that will ALSO have image stabilization, no matter that they don't have AF... like the A 50 f1,2... which is rated OVER most 50 primes ever made.

So... is Pentax really making glass not even near Canon and Nikon??? New glass like the DA*200, the DA limited edition, the DA*16-50, the DA 35 macro limited... and other lenses, show that's not true.

Enough??? Or you want another round?
Alan Schamber.
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Alan Schamber (alanschamber) 659 pts
September 4, 2008 11:44 PM
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And forgot... do you know why photojournalist use either Nikon or Canon??? Because those cameras are given away for free. Oh, sure... the professional choose his system in base of gear... sure. Well....... no.

Nowadays Nikon is far better than Canon, and it's not because of long lenses, but because of ultrawide lenses. Are those really used in sports??? No... so... why do professionals still use Nikon for that???

Alan.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58450 pts
September 5, 2008 12:57 PM
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Nikon is better than Canon. Never said otherwise. I have found that most sports pros go Canon while most news pros go Nikon.

And I never said that "Pentax really making glass not even near Canon and Nikon" I said that Pentax makes fine lenses. Did you even bother to read where I said my first camera was a Pentax? I loved that camera. I said that Nikon and Canon are making the best at the moment. That's what I said.
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Alan Schamber (alanschamber) 659 pts
September 5, 2008 4:50 PM
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I can read. And you are saying that Nikon and Canon are making better glass. And that's NOT true. I even prefer Oly glass nowadays than Canon. Why? Today's Canon mid-range lenses are no way near Olympus and Pentax mid range lenses. Look at the 12-60 (Olympus) and the 17-70 (Pentax), and you will see what I'm talking about: far better than the 17-85 of Canon, in ALL aspects. Want more? Lower range glass... is Canon making any good glass at this point? No. Kit lenses are the worst of the market.
OK... let's go to the higher end:
24-70s: the Canon L design, is no even near the performance of the Sony's, and even less than the Nikon. The Sigma is even challenging the Canon's IQ.
16-35: Nowadays for wide angle, the Nikon 14-24 is considered to be the best ever made...
70-200: Ok.. in this one Canon strikes back, with that lens being the best 70-200 of all... at least, the ones that are in production right now.

Primes??? Let's see:
14: is no way even near the performance of the 14-24...
24: that Canon is no even near the performance of the Pentax FA*24...
28: Compare ANY of those to the Pentax 31 Ltd, and you would be ashamed.
35: again... compare it to the 31 or the 43 Ltd...
50: the 50L is faster, but no way near the performance of Pentax wide open, and never talking about Voightlander or Carl Zeiss.
85: first compare it with the Nikon 85... and if you think the Canon L is better, compare it to the Pentax 77 Ltd, and with the FA*85.

Tired of doing this... conclusion: Canon is no way making the best glass nowadays. Nikon? Probably... but don't add Canon just because.


Alan.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58450 pts
September 8, 2008 1:48 PM
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Preference does NOT equal fact, my friend. You keep making these absolutist statements about what lenses are better but when reads your replies closer, all we see is PREFERENCE and OPINION. I do agree that SIGMA is challenging Canon, however. I've read that in several reviews by Photography Mag.

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Alan Schamber (alanschamber) 659 pts
September 8, 2008 4:00 PM
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It's not just an opinion... have you read? Can you actually say I am not right??? Where?

And to finish... Sigma is not challenging Canon, since Canon almost own them. And also... the coatings in Sigma lenses are no way near the Nikon, Pentax and Canon coatings. So... no, they are not challenging. Maybe for the price... but not in performance.


Alan.

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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58450 pts
September 10, 2008 1:19 PM
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Well, since you yourself said you "prefer" Pentax, and you offer nothing but rhetoric to support your preference and no source of facts, yes, I can.

Sigma is challenging Canon. Unless you claim to know more than Photography magazine now. The thing is, the main lenses have superior coatings, I agree. But in value vs. quality, Sigma has really improved. But I'm still a Canon/Nikon fan. You can't get much better.
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Alan Schamber (alanschamber) 659 pts
September 10, 2008 9:03 PM
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Oh come on guy. I'm getting tired of giving facts that show that Canon is no way bang for the back, and that Canon nowadays is NOT the best or even not near Nikon nowadays. I've said that I prefer Pentax, since I do prefer Pentax. But I've said WHY I prefer Pentax.

What facts are there for you to claim that? Olympus is making the sharpest lenses???

Fact is that most people don't need Canon or Nikon. Nikon is the best? Yes. Everyone should go Nikon, then??? NO!!! That's a huge NO. Is Ferrari the best? Probably. Should everyone go for Ferrari, when people won't get the car even to 120 miles per hour??? The answer then, is NO. For the ones that will go that fast, yes... Ferrari is probably the best choice (I know... I'm just trying to make a point, and I don't want to discuss about car brands... Lamborghini, Rolls Royce, and all the others... I know them, but they are not for THIS discussion). But what about people who doesn't need a car that goes up to 200 miles per hour??? Shouldn't they buy the best they can, within their budget??? And THAT is what I'm talking about. And for that... Pentax and Olympus are KINGS.

Alan Schamber.
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58450 pts
September 11, 2008 4:46 PM
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But that's the problem, Alan, YOU OFFER NO FACTS. None that can be sourced and verified that is. You say they are facts, PROVE THEM. Otherwise, they are just your opinions and your preferences.

As for whether most people need either Nikon or Canon and the Ferrari example. Apples and oranges. If I had said they need a Canon 5D or a Nikon D3, you'd have a point. But that isn't the case, is it? In fact, I mentioned ENTRY LEVEL DSLRs.
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Alan Schamber (alanschamber) 659 pts
September 11, 2008 7:32 PM
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You are talking about specific models, and I was just talking about brands. That is compare apples and oranges.
Want facts???
OK:

www.dpreview.com

www.luminous-landscape.com

www.amazon.com

In the first one you will find technical consideration of cameras. In the second one, you will find professional photographer's point of view (look for the things I say) and in the third one... you will find prices.

Facts are that no other brand gives you bang for the buck as Pentax does. Compare... decide... take those pages and your cameras for a trip... have an anal masturbation with your kit lens, or whatever you may prefer. But facts are there, if you look for them.

The K10 was bang for the buck, and that is well known... and now the better K20...

Have a nice day...




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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58450 pts
September 11, 2008 7:47 PM
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If you're talking about "bang for the buck" I have no problem with the Pentax. In fact, I haven't said ANYTHING negative about the Pentax. My first 35mm camera was a pentax and I loved it. I was talking about Good, vs. better vs. best. So I think you're under a misimpression that I think Pentax is inferior or is a bad camera platform. Which is something I never said.

And again, being obscene and abusive only makes your credibility suspect, not mine.
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PHOTOCOP 0 pts
November 16, 2008 11:13 PM
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Its a DRAW!!! Rematch DeRuvo vs Schamber
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by James DeRuvo (byjamesderuvo) 58450 pts
November 17, 2008 1:28 AM
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Hey, with is sheepskins, I'll take a draw!
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Alan Schamber (alanschamber) 659 pts
November 17, 2008 8:00 AM
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hahahahahaha

Whenever you want :p

Alan.
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Alan Schamber (alanschamber) 659 pts
November 17, 2008 8:05 AM
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Actually... a lot of time has passed.

Have you noticed that nowadays the best image quality from an APS-C size sensor is currently the K20?

Really... look everywhere.

The output is noisy. Yes. But there is detail that no other brand can get close at ISO 1600 and when the files are correctly processed, it's just above everything (correctly processed... little curves, only chroma noise reduction, and little sharpening).

Yes... you can look in the web for comparisons, and even... try to figure out what happened with the Canon 50D, which is actually worse than the 40D in the image quality side...

Alan.
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Sortof 0 pts
February 22, 2009 8:38 AM
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The whole discussion is futile....... Nikon and Canon sell better because the customer chooses to buy them, rather then Pentax. They did the same with videorecorders, which led to the demise of the two (!) better systems (V2000 by Philips and Sony's betamax) in favour of VHS. Baffles me still today....... people are not always smart........
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Alan Schamber (alanschamber) 659 pts
February 25, 2009 1:06 AM
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Sortof... look at the DxOMark... and you will see something really interesting about Canon.

Alan.
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