Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

wedgetail · 10-07-2010, 03:50 PM

With the new models coming for Xmas is it a good time to look for a well looked after K20d for my 18 year old son's first DSLR.
He has been using my Kx when he can pry it out of my hands, would the K20d be a suitable camera for him to learn on?

enoxatnep · 10-07-2010, 03:58 PM

I can't see why not. When I bought my first SLR, I bought something I could grow into instead of hitting a limit within a few months. The K20D would probably give him lots to grow into. And if he's already been playing with the Kx, I imagine he wouldn't have to be using the Green Mode for too long, if he still is.

**eccs19** · 10-07-2010, 03:58 PM

I would think that any DSLR would be a good camera to learn with. Anywhere from a *istD to a K7. For that matter, any brand, but may as well stick to Pentax.

**Michaelina2** · 10-07-2010, 04:08 PM

If he likes the K-x, get him a K-x & kit similar to yours. In that way, when you learn something new, or he discovers something, you can share the experience. Kids drift away quickly.

Give him something that will help keep your lines of communication well oiled.

...my 2 cents (not refundable)...

chalion · 10-07-2010, 04:13 PM

Actually, I would use this as a rationale for me to get the K5 and to gift the son with the K-x.

**dadipentak** · 10-07-2010, 04:17 PM

Originally posted by chalion

Actually, I would use this as a rationale for me to get the K5 and to gift the son with the K-x.

There you go!

paperbag846 · 10-07-2010, 04:50 PM

I think the K20d is a better camera to learn with than the K-X for a few reasons (I'm assuming the k20d is the same price, or less expensive, then the K-X by now... if not, my opinion would be to buy the less expensive camera).

The fact that the K20d has everything accessible from the outside is far less frustrating for a beginner, and can really make photography more of a kinesthetic sport, which makes it fun, which fosters learning. The k20d is also more robust, and will weather the inevitable bump or drop (or rain!) that it will see in an 18 year old's hands.

Andrew Lang · 10-07-2010, 05:10 PM

i had the k-x for about a month before i wanted the k20 or k7, i opted for the k20d and absoloutely do not regret my decision. i'd get the k20

Duh_Vinci · 10-07-2010, 05:29 PM

I believe that K20D is an excellent body from many perspectives. It is indeed easy to use and learn, and plenty of advanced features to not get bored.

Regards,
D

chalion · 10-07-2010, 05:55 PM

The only difference I noted from my K100D & K200D vs the K20D, is that the first 2 used AA batteries (or rechargeables - same as the K-x), while the K20D has a rechargable battery pack. It also weighs a bit more too, but that was trivial compared to the performace upgrade. That may be something to consider if you get the K20D, to get a spare battery. I have 2 and just recharged the one that was in my K20D since I bought it back in April. That either tells you it can take alot of pictures...........or that it slowly discharged in my camera...

brofkand · 10-07-2010, 06:56 PM

Teach him to be a man, get him a K1000 with a broken meter.

In all seriousness, the K20D would be a great DSLR for a beginner. It has a lot of advanced features, but he can safely turn them off until he knows what they do. The good thing about it is he can grow into the features, so that he'll get a LOT more use out if the camera. As opposed to a low-end camera like a Nikon D40 that he'll outgrow in a year or so, anyway.

SpecialK · 10-07-2010, 09:43 PM

Quote:

The only difference I noted from my K100D & K200D vs the K20D...

How loud is your K100d shutter? The K20D is about 1/2 as loud.

**Ash** · 10-07-2010, 09:53 PM

Can't get better value in a K20D nowadays.
14.6Mp, clean shooting at least to ISO 800, even ISO 1600 at times and a solid, full-bodied body.

All the best in deciding for your son.

WerTicus · 10-08-2010, 01:59 AM

With the exception of high iso performance, dynamic range and probably autofocus the k20d is better than the k-x in everyway. You'll probably find yourself using it in light conditions that dont give the advantage to the k-x.

As someone else said the best choice would be k-5 for yourself and k-x becomes the hand me down :P

**interested_observer** · 10-08-2010, 02:47 AM

After the K100 for 3 years, I upgraded to the K20 18 months ago. Excellent camera to grow into, especially with you around (if you do not go the K5 route). I am still learning, my skills increased substantially with the K20 and I seriously doubt that I will ever out grow the body. It has a lot to offer. There is quite a lot to like about it. I have even found ISO 3200 to be very usable on the rare occasion (using a noise utility of course), but the main option for me was the ISO 100. For the feature set it offers, the prices can be quite good.

10-07-2010, 03:50 PM	#1
wedgetail Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: adelaide Photos: Albums Posts: 211	K20D for a Learner ? With the new models coming for Xmas is it a good time to look for a well looked after K20d for my 18 year old son's first DSLR. He has been using my Kx when he can pry it out of my hands, would the K20d be a suitable camera for him to learn on?

10-07-2010, 05:55 PM	#10
chalion Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: SE Pennsylvania Photos: Albums Posts: 628	The only difference I noted from my K100D & K200D vs the K20D, is that the first 2 used AA batteries (or rechargeables - same as the K-x), while the K20D has a rechargable battery pack. It also weighs a bit more too, but that was trivial compared to the performace upgrade. That may be something to consider if you get the K20D, to get a spare battery. I have 2 and just recharged the one that was in my K20D since I bought it back in April. That either tells you it can take alot of pictures...........or that it slowly discharged in my camera... Last edited by chalion; 10-07-2010 at 05:58 PM. Reason: Confirming date of K20D purchase, lol

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
For Sale - Sold: K20D, Battery Grip, NEW K20D battery, cable remote (Worldwide)	Albert Siegel	Sold Items	6	09-23-2010 08:02 AM
In Canada: Summer Rebates for K20d or K20d plus lens	Pentaxtic	Pentax DSLR Discussion	1	07-17-2009 11:34 AM
Magic Lantern Guides: Pentax K20D and MasterWorks: Jumpstart Guide for the K20D.	Reportage	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	10	02-12-2009 10:24 PM
New Learner	CAPTURE	Welcomes and Introductions	2	12-09-2007 01:19 AM

10-07-2010, 03:58 PM	#2
enoxatnep Closed Account Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The edge of nowhere, Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 467	I can't see why not. When I bought my first SLR, I bought something I could grow into instead of hitting a limit within a few months. The K20D would probably give him lots to grow into. And if he's already been playing with the Kx, I imagine he wouldn't have to be using the Green Mode for too long, if he still is.

10-07-2010, 03:58 PM	#3
eccs19 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Lisle, Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,510	I would think that any DSLR would be a good camera to learn with. Anywhere from a *istD to a K7. For that matter, any brand, but may as well stick to Pentax.

10-07-2010, 04:08 PM	#4
Michaelina2 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SE Michigan USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,302	If he likes the K-x, get him a K-x & kit similar to yours. In that way, when you learn something new, or he discovers something, you can share the experience. Kids drift away quickly. Give him something that will help keep your lines of communication well oiled. ...my 2 cents (not refundable)...

10-07-2010, 04:13 PM	#5
chalion Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: SE Pennsylvania Photos: Albums Posts: 628	Actually, I would use this as a rationale for me to get the K5 and to gift the son with the K-x.

10-07-2010, 04:17 PM	#6
dadipentak Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,590	Originally posted by chalion Actually, I would use this as a rationale for me to get the K5 and to gift the son with the K-x. There you go!

10-07-2010, 04:50 PM	#7
paperbag846 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,395	I think the K20d is a better camera to learn with than the K-X for a few reasons (I'm assuming the k20d is the same price, or less expensive, then the K-X by now... if not, my opinion would be to buy the less expensive camera). The fact that the K20d has everything accessible from the outside is far less frustrating for a beginner, and can really make photography more of a kinesthetic sport, which makes it fun, which fosters learning. The k20d is also more robust, and will weather the inevitable bump or drop (or rain!) that it will see in an 18 year old's hands.

10-07-2010, 05:10 PM	#8
Andrew Lang Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Thunder Bay Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 184	i had the k-x for about a month before i wanted the k20 or k7, i opted for the k20d and absoloutely do not regret my decision. i'd get the k20

10-07-2010, 05:29 PM	#9
Duh_Vinci Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Virginia, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,300	I believe that K20D is an excellent body from many perspectives. It is indeed easy to use and learn, and plenty of advanced features to not get bored. Regards, D

10-07-2010, 06:56 PM	#11
brofkand Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 836	Teach him to be a man, get him a K1000 with a broken meter. In all seriousness, the K20D would be a great DSLR for a beginner. It has a lot of advanced features, but he can safely turn them off until he knows what they do. The good thing about it is he can grow into the features, so that he'll get a LOT more use out if the camera. As opposed to a low-end camera like a Nikon D40 that he'll outgrow in a year or so, anyway.

10-07-2010, 09:43 PM	#12
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,482	Quote: The only difference I noted from my K100D & K200D vs the K20D... How loud is your K100d shutter? The K20D is about 1/2 as loud.

10-07-2010, 09:53 PM	#13
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Can't get better value in a K20D nowadays. 14.6Mp, clean shooting at least to ISO 800, even ISO 1600 at times and a solid, full-bodied body. All the best in deciding for your son.

10-08-2010, 01:59 AM	#14
WerTicus Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Perth Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 1,514	With the exception of high iso performance, dynamic range and probably autofocus the k20d is better than the k-x in everyway. You'll probably find yourself using it in light conditions that dont give the advantage to the k-x. As someone else said the best choice would be k-5 for yourself and k-x becomes the hand me down :P

10-08-2010, 02:47 AM	#15
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	After the K100 for 3 years, I upgraded to the K20 18 months ago. Excellent camera to grow into, especially with you around (if you do not go the K5 route). I am still learning, my skills increased substantially with the K20 and I seriously doubt that I will ever out grow the body. It has a lot to offer. There is quite a lot to like about it. I have even found ISO 3200 to be very usable on the rare occasion (using a noise utility of course), but the main option for me was the ISO 100. For the feature set it offers, the prices can be quite good.

K20D for a Learner ?

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!