[robbiec]

Best thing you can pair the K20D with is a copy of Lightroom 3.*, the raw conversion / noise handling gives the K20D an extra couple of stops in ISO range compared to the reviews when it came out. Try and stay away from red light as well, even the K-5 hates red light in the upper ISOs. Have fun, the K20D is still a monster at low ISO (<800) and a dream to handle.

[hinman]

1/200 sec, f/3.2, 65mm, iso 1600, 0 Ev


1/25 sec, f/3.2, 95mm, iso 500, 0 Ev



1/60 sec, f/3.2, 90mm, iso 800, 0 Ev



1/500 sec, f/2.2, 77mm, iso 640, 0 Ev

You can see more in my blog post comparing the performance of FA 77mm f/1.8 with DA* 50-135mm f/2.8. They both did well relatively speaking but I was more surprised on how well the DA* zoom worked for me in wide open shots in the dance event that I did about 2+ years back with a K20D. It was quite a difficult shoot as it was long and tiring for 4+ hours of shooting and fast movement happened throughout the dance. And flash and tripod were not appropriate and not used in the shooting.

Robbie is correct in the red lighting and perhaps any red related subject and your best treatment is to shoot raw and have a copy for post processing.

Thanks,
Hin

[stormtech]

Congratulations on getting the K20D. I like mine so much that I just bought a second one.

Best recommendation since this is your first DLSR and the K20D has so many buttons/levers/menu items is to take one thing at a time. Start with the "P" setting and watch what the camera is choosing for settings. Then slowly start trying different settings in the different modes (Av, Tv, Tav, etc). Take it easy until you get to know it so you don't get overwhelmed and quickly frustrated.

And best of all, there are many knowledgeable and helpful folks on this forum - don't be afraid to ask questions!

[kelvinor]

I recommend you to buy K-5 if you have sufficient budget. The K5 has better noise control than K-5 and K-7. You can also consider to buy K-R , which have the good noise control also with lower price. It is will be more difficult to shoot night scene with long exposure by K-7 and K20D and it is known problem.