* Newly developed 14.6 effective megapixels CMOS image sensor
* PENTAX-original SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism assuring greater reliability
* New Live View function
* Expanded Dynamic Range function
* Dust-proof, water-resistant construction
* Large 2.7-inch wide-view LCD monitor
* 7. Universal-type X-sync socket (new feature)
FASTER, HIGHER, FURTHER. HOW ABOUT BETTER?
Digital photo technology has advanced enormously in the past few years. The internationally acclaimed PENTAX K10D has shown just how much enthusiasm can be generated and how high standards can be set by a digital SLR. The expectations attached to the K10D's successor are just as demanding. From the outset the concept for the new PENTAX K20D was clearly to exceed expectations. The K20D is not simply a technically updated version of the K10D: it is a new camera.
TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESSION.
A completely new CMOS sensor has been developed for the K20D, with an impressive 14.6 megapixels of resolution. Along with the indispensable pentaprism finder the K20D also offers Live View - for additional freedom when photographing. The camera has a unique ability to locate dust precisely on the sensor.
OUTSTANDING IMAGE QUALITY.
The new CMOS sensor of the K20D delivers images with extremely fine resolution and brilliance. The reason: our engineers have succeeded in reducing picture noise to an absolute minimum. Also new is the PENTAX Dynamic Range nlargement (DRE) that provides clearly improved contrast range for your photos.
SINGULAR CONTROL CONCEPT.
Most SLRs nowadays pack extensive features into the camera body. However, the features of real value are those that make it possible for the photographer to easily set up the camera so it is ideally suited to their needs. This is where the new K20D achieves a completely new level. A few examples: the Digital Preview image can be stored as a JPEG image, so that, uniquely, changes in white balance settings can be made later; in Raw format photos can also be comprehensively worked on in the camera. Other examples: front/back focus error correction, calibratable monitor, user selectable file names - you adapt the camera to your individual way of working.
UNBELIEVABLE DETAIL: 14.6 MEGAPIXEL CMOS SENSOR.
At any given moment an infinitely large number of light rays strikes the earth. These gradations of light stimulate a fi rework of colour, light and dark. The intense emotion of a photograph is dramatically enhanced by the ability of the camera to capture light within the scene without any loss or degradation. Towards this end a completely new, high- performance sensor has been developed for the PENTAX K20D. With over 14 million pixels supplying the data to the similarly newly developed 14-bit analogue to digital converter, the image is nearer to reality. The result: image quality that leaves a similar fi lm-based photo in the shade.
WATER OFF A DUCK'S BACK: A COMPLETELY SEALED BODY.
The K20D makes light work of heavy weather. 72 seals on the camera body and 38 seals on the battery grip combine to ensure that humidity, dust and sand cannot adversely affect the camera. Additionally, the fibreglass reinforced polycarbonate body with high-grade steel chassis offers the necessary robustness to meet the challenges of demanding daily use.
POWERFUL STABILITY: PENTAX SHAKE REDUCTION.
Pin-sharp pictures are the basis of good photography. The PENTAX Shake Reduction system gives picture taking security in situations where camera shake would not be prevented without a tripod or other camera support. There is also a unique additional advantage of the PENTAX Shake Reduction system. It is integrated into the camera body so it is always available, and with any lens.
KEEP PACE WITH LIGHT: PENTAX PRIME PROCESSOR.
Only a camera of the highest quality will produce pictures with intensity and strength. This is the central idea behind the development of the PRIME processor for the K20D. This engine supplies the necessary computing power to infl uence subtle colour nuances, to comfortably process RAW data, to purposefully manipulate and store preview pictures, to the improve the dynamic range of photos and much, much more. Additionally, the PRIME processor allows continuous shooting from approximately 3 frames per second, up to 20 fps in the Burst Mode.The K20D is fast, however, as stated before, the PENTAX designers had one mission priority: how to produce photos of outstanding quality – not how quickly a lot of shots can be taken.
MORE USEFUL THAN EVER: PENTAX DIGITAL PREVIEW.
Get your settings right fi rst time with Digital Preview. Even with an instant digital image it is often worthwhile to preview the shot, and the ability to adjust settings such as white balance and colour tone is so useful. You can even save the previewed image as a JPEG, to keep that perfectly timed shot. The large 2.7 inch monitor with 230,000 dots shows the result useful clarity and detail.
MINIMISE INTERFERENCE: PENTAX NOISE CONTROL.
With a wide sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6,400 the sensor of the K20D gives its excellent colour fidelity and impressive vividness in practically any photographic lighting situation. The reason is PENTAX Noise Control that efficiently avoids disturbing picture noise. The signifi cant difference compared to conventional noise reduction is that instead of reducing picture noise after shooting, the K20D prevents noise at the outset, where it first develops. The relevant components were designed in such a way that noise is hardly worth mentioning.
SUBTLE SHADOW DETAIL: PENTAX DYNAMIC RANGE ENLARGEMENT.
More delineation, more depth, closer to the original - PENTAX Dynamic Range Enlargement (DRE) tackles an issue that is as old as photography. Until now neither fi lm nor digital imaging could accurately represent the huge dynamic range of the human eye. To put it simply, results were muddy shadows or blown-out highlights. With DRE the dynamic range of your photographs will increase by a full stop - enhancing your photos from drab contrastless depths.
SEE WHAT'S GOING ON: PENTAX LIVE VIEW.
The ability to frame your subject through the lens that takes the image is fundamental to SLR photography. Focus point,depth of field, lighting conditions are just a few of the parameters to check through the taking lens. Now there is a new way. Live View is a real time preview that allows you to experiment with a variety of settings and to try out ideas. What you see on the large 2.7" monitor of the K20D is what you get when you press the shutter button. Live View picture grid lines can be superimposed on the display to compose the scene more precisely. The image can be magnified by a factor of 10, to check critically fine sharpness of detail prior to shooting. The Live View screen offers easy viewing comfort, not only through its increased size of 2.7" and a clear, bright display, but also through its enhanced viewing angle. The display is easily viewed from angles of up to 160º, so comfortably composing a shot from an unusual position is easy.
CLARITY AND COMFORT: THE PENTAPRISM VIEWFINDER.
To critically check composition, the K20D has state-of-the-art technology with Live View and digital preview. However, experienced photographers know that the optical viewfinder remains an indispensable tool in SLR photography. That is why the pentaprism viewfinder of the K20D offers a 95 per cent image field with 0.95x magnification - one the best available today in digital SLR cameras.
CHECKING THE SENSOR: PENTAX DUST ALERT.
Experienced photographers have their own techniques for checking the sensor is clear of dust, and so has the K20D. Dust Alert further advances the Dust Removal function with real reliability. Dust particles can remain clinging to the sensor under very special conditions even if it has shifted after vibration. Dust Alert locates persistent and annoying dust particles and indicate their exact location with pinpoint accuracy, making it easy to clean the sensor with the special (optional) Cleaning Stick.
SMOOTH IS SHARP: PENTAX SHAKE REDUCTION.
Most shots are taken spontaneously - so the vast majority of photographs are taken handheld and not with a tripod. That's why every photographer knows that it is extremely difficult to avoid situations where a shot will be blurred due to camera shake. Times when the lighting conditions require a longer shutter speed. Times when the camera, for various reasons, cannot be held sufficiently steady. The PENTAX Shake Reduction system substantially increases your chances of a sharp shot. If the camera registers a gyroscopic movement, the highly efficient, opto-magnetical sensor technology ensures that the image sensor compensates with a counter movement. Pin sharp photos are the result. This system extends the range by up to 4 stops - an obvious advantage to the photographer. The PENTAX Shake Reduction system is an integral part of the camera body and is fully functional with any lens - such a great advantage!
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