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Pentax K20D

 
Pentax K20D front
 
  • 15MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 3200 (Increase to 6400)
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • No Video
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • 800g - 142 x 101 x 70mm
  • Released June 2008
  • Succeeded the Pentax K10D
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
59
Imaging
53
Features
52
Overall
52

Pentax K20D summary

Pentax K20D is Pentax's Advanced DSLR camera initially announced on June of 2008. It has a 15 MegaPixel, CMOS APS-C size sensor with a full resolution of 4672 x 3104.

Pentax released this camera as a way to replace the earlier Pentax K10D (Read Full Comparison)

The K20D ranks at #54 out of 92 in Advanced DSLR cameras and over-all #405 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our collection. Please test our Smart camera filter to see camera rankings based on your customized factors.

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Below is a chart of specific factors used in the rating system.

Pentax K20D family

The Pentax K20D is part of a family of products. You can view the detailed list below.

ModelVisualizeResolutionSensor SizeMax fpsReleased
Pentax-K-3-Mark-III front thumbnailPentax K-3 III
K20D vs K-3 III
26MPAPS-C12.0 fps2021
Pentax-KP front thumbnailPentax KP
K20D vs KP
24MPAPS-C7.0 fps2017
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Pentax-K-3-II front thumbnailPentax K-3 II
K20D vs K-3 II
24MPAPS-C8.3 fps2015
Pentax-K-S1 front thumbnailPentax K-S1
K20D vs K-S1
20MPAPS-C5.4 fps2014
Pentax-K-3 front thumbnailPentax K-3
K20D vs K-3
24MPAPS-C8.0 fps2014
Pentax-K-5-IIs front thumbnailPentax K-5 IIs
K20D vs K-5 IIs
16MPAPS-C7.0 fps2013
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Pentax-K-5-II front thumbnailPentax K-5 II
K20D vs K-5 II
16MPAPS-C7.0 fps2013
Pentax-K-30 front thumbnailPentax K-30
K20D vs K-30
16MPAPS-C6.0 fps2012
Pentax-K-5 front thumbnailPentax K-5
K20D vs K-5
16MPAPS-C7.0 fps2010
Pentax-K-7 front thumbnailPentax K-7
K20D vs K-7
15MPAPS-C5.0 fps2009
Pentax-K20D front thumbnailPentax K20D15MPAPS-C3.0 fps2008
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Pentax-K10D front thumbnailPentax K10D
K20D vs K10D
10MPAPS-C3.0 fps2006

Pentax K20D Pros and Cons

Here is a checklist of pros and cons of the Pentax K20D based on features that are often regarded as necessary in a camera.

delivers RAW formats
environment proof
good MP (15MP)
has built in flash
has manual focus
has Top LCD display
image stabilization (Sensor based)
interchangeable lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
supports phase detect autofocus
very good minimum ISO (100)
continuous shooting slow (3.0 fps)
doesn't have external microphone port
doesn't have HDMI port
doesn't have headphone port
does not have selfie friendly display
no moving screen
no video recording
pixelated screen (230 thousand dot)
small screen (2.7 inch)
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Pentax K20D Sensor information

The specification of the sensor on the Pentax K20D is 23.4mm x 15.6mm (APS-C). The 365 mm² sensor has the ability to capture 4672 x 3104 pixels using aspect ratios of 3:2. The camera has got Image Stabilization (Sensor based). Optical stabilization is preferable than digital stabilization since the latter can easily produce cropping.

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The CMOS sensor boasts 15MP and has a native ISO range of 100 to 3200. The ISO can also be widened digitally to a maximum of 6400. RAW photos are supported therefore you have more room to maneuver in post.

The image below displays the K20D's sensor size when compared to other common sizes. The K20D sensor comes with a crop factor of 1.5 and is highlighted in green.

Pentax K20D sensor size Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

To get an understanding of various aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Pentax K20D dimensions

Pentax K20D weighs around 1.76 lbs (800 grams / 28.22 oz) and the physical size of the camera is 142mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8"). The weight of average Advanced DSLR camera is 776 grams and the Pentax K20D is similar in comparison with various competitors.

Photography Glossary

Below is a photo of the Pentax K20D next to a soda to help you have a feel for its size.

Pentax K20D dimensions scale

The top view below will provide the button design on the K20D.

Pentax K20D topview buttons dials

Pentax K20D Lens information

The K20D works with the Pentax KAF2 mount and has 17 lenses available for sale. Here is a few of the lenses we have in our database that will work with the K20D.

ModelVisualizeFocal LengthApertureStabilizedWeight
Samsung-D-Xenon-18-250mm-F3.5-6.3 lensSamsung D-Xenon 18-250mm F3.5-6.318-250mmf/3.5-6.3 455g
HD-Pentax-DA-55-300mm-F4.0-5.8-ED-WR lensHD Pentax DA 55-300mm F4.0-5.8 ED WR55-300mmf/4.0-5.8 466g
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Samsung-D-Xenon-35mm-F2-AL lensSamsung D-Xenon 35mm F2 AL35mmf/2.0 195g
Venus-Laowa-105mm-F2-Smooth-Trans-Focus-Pentax-KAF2 lensVenus Laowa 105mm F2 Smooth Trans Focus105mmf/2745g
Samsung-D-Xenon-50-200-F4-5.6-ED-Pentax-KAF lensSamsung D-Xenon 50-200 F4-5.6 ED50-200mmf/4.0-5.6 255g
Samsung-D-Xenon-100mm-F2.8-macro lensSamsung D-Xenon 100mm F2.8 macro100mmf/2.8 345g
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Pentax-smc-DA-60-250mm-F4.0-ED-IF-SDM lensPentax smc DA 60-250mm F4.0 ED IF SDM60-250mmf/4.0 1040g
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Pentax K20D Connectivity

The K20D has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes

Digital cameras that include NFC and / or Bluetooth compatibility can be used wirelessly with smartphones. You are able to send pictures and usually alter settings without connecting straight with the camera.

Some apps also give a Liveview and release the shutter when you are not close to the camera. If the camera includes a HDMI out, it can be hooked up to an external screen. Many cameras will allow you to charge the battery pack with the USB socket.

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Pentax K20D Video information

Pentax K20D doesn't capture video. If you are wanting a camera to shoot just pictures, it is not a concern.

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Pentax K20D Weather Sealing

Pentax K20D has environment proofing which makes it a excellent pick to use during challenging conditions. This can be particularly helpful any time you are not sure about the elements you may encounter during outdoor photography.

Pentax K20D Display and Viewfinder

The Pentax K20D has a 2.7 inch fixed display having a resolution of 230 thousand dots.

Please be aware that the display screen offers no touch support. The K20D also includes a Top LCD display so you can instantly look at camera settings.

Pentax K20D screen and viewfinder Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

The View Finder details regarding Pentax K20D are as follows:

  • ViewFinder Optical (pentaprism)
  • Coverage 95%
  • Magnification 0.64x

Viewfinders are rather handy during bright outdoor situations which will make the camera display washed out and difficult to view.

Pentax K20D Shutter information

Pentax K20D continuous shooting speed is 3.0 fps. The maximum shutter speed is 1/4000 sec.

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Pentax K20D Flash and Hot shoe information

Pentax K20D has got both built-in flash and external flash support. The maximum flash sync speed is 1/180 sec.

Pentax K20D Autofocusing information

Pentax K20D has got both Phase Detect Auto Focus along with Contrast Based Auto Focus. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot more quicker & precise as compared with Contrast Based autofocusing.

The Sensor has 11 focus points to select from. Pentax K20D supports manual focusing in case it is required during low light or you need to have more accurate focusing control.

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Pentax K20D Battery life

The average Advanced DSLR camera battery life is 909. Nikon D780 has the best (2260) battery life within this class of cameras.

Following is a list of Advanced DSLR cameras that have the highest battery life:

ModelVisualizeBattery LifeRAWNFCBluetooth
Nikon-D850 front thumbnailNikon D850
K20D vs D850
1840 yesyesyes
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Nikon-Df front thumbnailNikon Df
K20D vs Df
1400 yesnono
Canon-EOS-90D front thumbnailCanon 90D
K20D vs 90D
1300 yesnoyes
Nikon-D500 front thumbnailNikon D500
K20D vs D500
1240 yesyesyes

Pentax K20D for varying categories of photography

The following diagram provides a rundown of the Pentax K20D for varying categories of photography. To view more, go to the specific paragraph below.

Pentax K20D Portrait photography highlights

The Pentax K20D has a rating of 71 which is very good, meaning that it is a very decent pick to use for portrait images. Photographing portraits favors heavily to sensor specs, RAW support plus the flexibility to work with off-camera lighting.

Photography Glossary
has manual focus
sensor resolution is decent (15 megapixels)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
exports RAW formats

Pentax K20D Street photography features

Coming in at a nice rating of 65, the Pentax K20D is a respectable option to buy for street photography. A decent street photography camera gives a perfect balance of picture quality plus portability.

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built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
exports RAW formats
environment proofing
no moving screen

Pentax K20D as a Sports photography camera

A above average sports photography points total of 68 means the Pentax K20D is a very decent option for shooting sports. A camera must have excellent focusing plus fast shutter speeds for sports photography.

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has image stabilization (Sensor based)
good megapixels (15 megapixels)
nice sensor size (APS-C)
weather proof
has phase detect AF
slow continuous shooting (3.0 frames/s)

Pentax K20D Travel photography info

Size is really critical when getting a camera for travel. Over-all, the Pentax K20D gets a very good 64 as a travelling camera which is a respectable option to buy for your travels.

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environment sealing
MP count good (15MP)
flash built-in
doesn't have selfie friendly display

Pentax K20D Landscape photography factors

For those who are planning to buy a digital camera for landscape photographs, the most significant factor will be image quality. The Pentax K20D with it's very good score of 70 as a landscape camera is a very decent pick amongst its competition.

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you can focus manually
change lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent megapixels (15 megapixels)
good sensor size (APS-C)
exports RAW files
weather sealing
tiny screen (2.7 inches)

Vlogging with Pentax K20D

A vlogging camera ought to come with a articulating screen, microphone port and preferably image stabilization. Considering every thing, the Pentax K20D is not really very good for vlogging as it comes to a low score of 9.

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lack of video recording

Pentax K20D Alternatives

If you need alternatives to the K20D, here is a collection of the top ranked cameras that fall under the family of Advanced DSLR.

The line chart followed below will give you a summary of the K20D versus it's top ranked competitors suggested earlier.

Here are a few more cameras you may view as alternatives. To see a full comparison, just click on the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Make
Pentax
Model type
Pentax K20D
Class
Advanced DSLR
Released
2008-06-25
Body design
Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS
Sensor size
APS-C
Sensor measurements
23.4 x 15.6mm
Sensor surface area
365.0mm²
Sensor resolution
15 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
3:2
Peak resolution
4672 x 3104
RAW support
Highest native ISO
3200
Highest enhanced ISO
6400
Lowest native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
AF touch
Continuous AF
AF single
AF tracking
AF selectice
Center weighted AF
AF multi area
Live view AF
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Total focus points
11
Lens
Lens support
Pentax KAF2
Number of lenses
151
Focal length multiplier
1.5
Screen
Display type
Fixed Type
Display diagonal
2.7 inch
Display resolution
230 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage
95%
Viewfinder magnification
0.64x
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating
65
DXO Color Depth rating
22.9
DXO Dynamic range rating
11.1
DXO Low light rating
639
Features
Minimum shutter speed
30 seconds
Fastest shutter speed
1/4000 seconds
Continuous shutter speed
3.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation
Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance
13.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash settings
Auto, Red-Eye, Slow, Red-Eye Slow, Rear curtain, wireless
External flash
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Fastest flash sync
1/180 seconds
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Highest video resolution
None
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
800 gr (1.76 lb)
Physical dimensions
142 x 101 x 70mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8")
Other
Battery ID
D-LI50
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse feature
Storage media
SD/MMC/SDHC card
Storage slots
1
Retail cost
$700