Originally posted by ScooterMaxi Jim Want to make a few observations regarding the OP, and more recent posts.
The OP has a K200D, and is wondering about the comparison to the K20D. The K200D was one of the last CCD sensors - and as a 10mp it was very lovely and rich at the lower ISOs, but not very useful past about 400 ISO. Some folks say it was the best sensor in a Pentax in good light, but not at all good in low light. Not that the K20D is close in low light capabilities to the K5 - but it is closer to any of the 16 mp CMOS sensors (starting with the K5) than it is compared to the K200D. If it is at all significant to you, the WR sealing on the K20D is absolutely superb; better than the more recent models.
The 14mp Samsung sensors in the K20D and the K7 had the differences mentioned above, but the real concern between the two was difference in dynamic range (stills shooting). The K20D was considerably better, and the metering was more conservative - preventing blown highlights in all but the most difficult situations. However, the shadow noise is greater than the later models. While I wouldn't say that the K20D is comparable to current models, it is adequate for the majority of shooting situations (but not action sports) - and it probably remains the most dependable and trouble-free of the Pentax dSLR models.
Thanks for these sharp additional informations. Anyway, I won't have the budget for either the K20D or the K-5 before months, and from what I've seen, K-5 sensor is a great improvement when needing higher ISO (and I often need, mainly when I'm shooting at 200mm or more without a tripod, not using SR because SR is not reliable on an old K-mount zoom). I could keep the K200D for tougher conditions outside shots and use the K-5 in all other "normal" conditions... pricing delta between K20 and K5 is not that big now on used market so I see it as a better investment when having 2 bodies for 2 different type of photography. K20D would probably be too similar the my K200D. I just regret they moved the buttons that were on LCD left and moved the LCD on the left end, more finger prints on it^^
---------- Post added 09-18-15 at 07:46 PM ----------
Originally posted by aoeu The only times I turn off SR is when I use a tripod.
Not a matter, I almost never use SR, as I only have 1 KAF lens (70-210mm) where it could be usefull if it is reliable with this zoom (SLR designed zoom, not DSLR). Tell me if I'm wrong but I've seen that AF and SR functions are reliable only with modern DSLR designed lenses. (Using AF with my Sigma AF-K 70-210mm made me miss 60% of my shots, so I now only use it with MF)