Checking Out My New K20D

DavidWasch · 07-03-2009, 07:39 AM

I will be getting my new K20D in a couple of days, and just wanted to know if there are any tests or checks for it to be sure the camera is in top condition. I believe the firmware should be upgraded to v1.03. Any known bugs or quality control issues I should check for?

Thanks.

-David

Mann · 07-03-2009, 03:33 PM

I think it was the MENU button you have to hold, upon powering up the machine, to check the firmware version. If it's not 1.03, you could check out the Pentax site to get it.

Are you getting the stuff delivered to your place, or are you going to pick the stuff up at a store? If it's the latter, I'd check out the package while you're there.

**Ash** · 07-03-2009, 04:25 PM

A lot of things surface after you've taken it home and tried out all the different features. If you're getting it new there should be a good returns policy to go with it, as well as warranty in case things fail in the short term.

As sturdy and robust as Pentax dSLRs are, it's still worthwhile ensuring you have these up your sleeve.

Ratmagiclady · 07-03-2009, 06:22 PM

I suggest bumping the sharpness up a couple of notches for your initial playing around, the regular setting's a bit conservative for better post, but turning it up should help you get confident you're getting good focus and all.

I have no idea if any K20ds are shipped with the updated firmware, so go ahead and check.

**eaglem** · 07-03-2009, 06:43 PM

Good choice of camera and I hope it all goes well for you.

**Just1MoreDave** · 07-03-2009, 10:08 PM

You can check for dirt on the sensor. Set your lens to f22 and take a photo of anything bright and evenly lit. Here in Colorado, I use the cloudless blue sky, but I see you're in Connecticut so you'll need a white wall or ceiling.

Then look at the photo full-size on your computer. Any dirt on the sensor will be obvious. Run the cleaning mode a few times and check again. A perfectly clean sensor is nice but not necessary. Big spots that show up at f8 are irritating.

flyer · 07-04-2009, 02:11 AM

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

You can check for dirt on the sensor. Set your lens to f22 and take a photo of anything bright and evenly lit. Here in Colorado, I use the cloudless blue sky, but I see you're in Connecticut so you'll need a white wall or ceiling.

Then look at the photo full-size on your computer. Any dirt on the sensor will be obvious. Run the cleaning mode a few times and check again. A perfectly clean sensor is nice but not necessary. Big spots that show up at f8 are irritating.

The K20D has a custom function (Dust Alert) to check for dust on the sensor. It's very easy to use and practical.

DavidWasch · 07-04-2009, 07:13 AM

Originally posted by Mann

Are you getting the stuff delivered to your place, or are you going to pick the stuff up at a store? If it's the latter, I'd check out the package while you're there.

Originally posted by Ash

If you're getting it new there should be a good returns policy to go with it, as well as warranty in case things fail in the short term.

As sturdy and robust as Pentax dSLRs are, it's still worthwhile ensuring you have these up your sleeve.

I picked up the camera through Amazon, so I have to check it out at home (an hope there are no problems. I do think the return policy on Amazon stuff is pretty good, though.

-Davd

DavidWasch · 07-04-2009, 07:14 AM

Originally posted by Ratmagiclady

I suggest bumping the sharpness up a couple of notches for your initial playing around, the regular setting's a bit conservative for better post, but turning it up should help you get confident you're getting good focus and all.

I have no idea if any K20ds are shipped with the updated firmware, so go ahead and check.

Thanks for the timpe on sharpness. I'll have to give it a try.

DavidWasch · 07-04-2009, 08:24 AM

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

You can check for dirt on the sensor. Set your lens to f22 and take a photo of anything bright and evenly lit. Here in Colorado, I use the cloudless blue sky, but I see you're in Connecticut so you'll need a white wall or ceiling.

That CT dig hurts Dave, it really hurts.

**Just1MoreDave** · 07-04-2009, 11:23 AM

Originally posted by flyer

The K20D has a custom function (Dust Alert) to check for dust on the sensor. It's very easy to use and practical.

I can't believe I have to do this manually!

Originally posted by DavidWasch

That CT dig hurts Dave, it really hurts.

I was just there last week, and I don't think my sneakers dried out until I got back. But it sure was green!

brecklundin · 07-05-2009, 07:32 AM

Originally posted by DavidWasch

I will be getting my new K20D in a couple of days, and just wanted to know if there are any tests or checks for it to be sure the camera is in top condition. I believe the firmware should be upgraded to v1.03. Any known bugs or quality control issues I should check for?

Thanks.

-David

I just received my K20D (bought at Amazon also) last week and it had Firmware 1.01 so it needed upgrading. So, yeah, check it. I have found nor read any issues associated with the firmware change. And it is a very painless and easy process...just follow the directions and then the bouncing ball.

DavidWasch · 07-05-2009, 09:13 AM

Glad to hear you had no problems with Amazon-- nor with the camera.

Tuesday... I only have to wait until Tuesday... (sigh)

photog · 07-05-2009, 04:44 PM

Ratmagiclady wrote "I have no idea if any K20ds are shipped with the updated firmware, so go ahead and check". The answer is that the camera will not come with the updated firmware. I just last week took delivery of a K20. I think the firmware was 1.01.
The update was just as smooth as silk!
Ron McDermott

07-03-2009, 07:39 AM	#1
DavidWasch Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Connecticut, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 167	Checking Out My New K20D I will be getting my new K20D in a couple of days, and just wanted to know if there are any tests or checks for it to be sure the camera is in top condition. I believe the firmware should be upgraded to v1.03. Any known bugs or quality control issues I should check for? Thanks. -David

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
New user checking in!	PALADIN85020	Welcomes and Introductions	2	09-05-2010 01:25 AM
New guy just checking in	sconaway	Welcomes and Introductions	4	04-25-2010 12:59 AM
Checking in...	Thumper473	General Talk	0	02-24-2009 10:55 PM
Newbie checking in!	jimmy-d	Welcomes and Introductions	5	01-06-2008 06:30 PM
Checking in	Brucie	Welcomes and Introductions	1	01-06-2008 12:44 PM

07-03-2009, 03:33 PM	#2
Mann Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 124	I think it was the MENU button you have to hold, upon powering up the machine, to check the firmware version. If it's not 1.03, you could check out the Pentax site to get it. Are you getting the stuff delivered to your place, or are you going to pick the stuff up at a store? If it's the latter, I'd check out the package while you're there.

07-03-2009, 04:25 PM	#3
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	A lot of things surface after you've taken it home and tried out all the different features. If you're getting it new there should be a good returns policy to go with it, as well as warranty in case things fail in the short term. As sturdy and robust as Pentax dSLRs are, it's still worthwhile ensuring you have these up your sleeve.

07-03-2009, 06:22 PM	#4
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	I suggest bumping the sharpness up a couple of notches for your initial playing around, the regular setting's a bit conservative for better post, but turning it up should help you get confident you're getting good focus and all. I have no idea if any K20ds are shipped with the updated firmware, so go ahead and check.

07-03-2009, 06:43 PM	#5
eaglem Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 43,166	Good choice of camera and I hope it all goes well for you.

07-03-2009, 10:08 PM	#6
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	You can check for dirt on the sensor. Set your lens to f22 and take a photo of anything bright and evenly lit. Here in Colorado, I use the cloudless blue sky, but I see you're in Connecticut so you'll need a white wall or ceiling. Then look at the photo full-size on your computer. Any dirt on the sensor will be obvious. Run the cleaning mode a few times and check again. A perfectly clean sensor is nice but not necessary. Big spots that show up at f8 are irritating.

07-04-2009, 02:11 AM	#7
flyer Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ste-Anne des Plaines, Qc., Canada Posts: 2,013	Originally posted by Just1MoreDave You can check for dirt on the sensor. Set your lens to f22 and take a photo of anything bright and evenly lit. Here in Colorado, I use the cloudless blue sky, but I see you're in Connecticut so you'll need a white wall or ceiling. Then look at the photo full-size on your computer. Any dirt on the sensor will be obvious. Run the cleaning mode a few times and check again. A perfectly clean sensor is nice but not necessary. Big spots that show up at f8 are irritating. The K20D has a custom function (Dust Alert) to check for dust on the sensor. It's very easy to use and practical.

07-04-2009, 07:13 AM	#8
DavidWasch Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Connecticut, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 167 Original Poster	Originally posted by Mann Are you getting the stuff delivered to your place, or are you going to pick the stuff up at a store? If it's the latter, I'd check out the package while you're there. Originally posted by Ash If you're getting it new there should be a good returns policy to go with it, as well as warranty in case things fail in the short term. As sturdy and robust as Pentax dSLRs are, it's still worthwhile ensuring you have these up your sleeve. I picked up the camera through Amazon, so I have to check it out at home (an hope there are no problems. I do think the return policy on Amazon stuff is pretty good, though. -Davd

07-04-2009, 07:14 AM	#9
DavidWasch Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Connecticut, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 167 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ratmagiclady I suggest bumping the sharpness up a couple of notches for your initial playing around, the regular setting's a bit conservative for better post, but turning it up should help you get confident you're getting good focus and all. I have no idea if any K20ds are shipped with the updated firmware, so go ahead and check. Thanks for the timpe on sharpness. I'll have to give it a try.

07-04-2009, 08:24 AM	#10
DavidWasch Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Connecticut, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 167 Original Poster	Originally posted by Just1MoreDave You can check for dirt on the sensor. Set your lens to f22 and take a photo of anything bright and evenly lit. Here in Colorado, I use the cloudless blue sky, but I see you're in Connecticut so you'll need a white wall or ceiling. That CT dig hurts Dave, it really hurts.

07-04-2009, 11:23 AM	#11
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by flyer The K20D has a custom function (Dust Alert) to check for dust on the sensor. It's very easy to use and practical. I can't believe I have to do this manually! Originally posted by DavidWasch That CT dig hurts Dave, it really hurts. I was just there last week, and I don't think my sneakers dried out until I got back. But it sure was green!

07-05-2009, 07:32 AM	#12
brecklundin Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,674	Originally posted by DavidWasch I will be getting my new K20D in a couple of days, and just wanted to know if there are any tests or checks for it to be sure the camera is in top condition. I believe the firmware should be upgraded to v1.03. Any known bugs or quality control issues I should check for? Thanks. -David I just received my K20D (bought at Amazon also) last week and it had Firmware 1.01 so it needed upgrading. So, yeah, check it. I have found nor read any issues associated with the firmware change. And it is a very painless and easy process...just follow the directions and then the bouncing ball.

07-05-2009, 09:13 AM	#13
DavidWasch Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Connecticut, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 167 Original Poster	Glad to hear you had no problems with Amazon-- nor with the camera. Tuesday... I only have to wait until Tuesday... (sigh)

07-05-2009, 04:44 PM	#14
photog Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Brisbane, Qld, Australia Posts: 165	Ratmagiclady wrote "I have no idea if any K20ds are shipped with the updated firmware, so go ahead and check". The answer is that the camera will not come with the updated firmware. I just last week took delivery of a K20. I think the firmware was 1.01. The update was just as smooth as silk! Ron McDermott