Getting a K20D

Nanthiel · 06-21-2008, 03:02 AM

Greetings everyone!

After reading many reviews and the like, I settled on getting a Pentax K20D. I won't be able to get one just now, but I'd like to plan ahead and decide on what other things to buy.

A Bag.
Would this one be sufficient? What exactly can it hold? The site I would buy it from says a DSLR and two lenses.

An extra battery.
Don't know much about these, but there's only two Pentax ones I can find here, an original Pentax D-Li50 and an Ansmann D-Li50 which is much cheaper. Is it's performance much lower?

A memory card.
I've thought about a 4GB SanDisk Ultra II or Extreme III. Is the speed difference between them very apparent in use?

I hope I'm not forgetting something here, if I am, please remind me. =p

Anyway, thanks in advance for all your answers!

- Matej

ChrisA · 06-21-2008, 03:42 AM

Originally posted by Nanthiel

I hope I'm not forgetting something here, if I am, please remind me. =p

A lens, perhaps?

PFH · 06-21-2008, 03:51 AM

Congrats on your decision to go the K20D way, I´m convinced you wont regret it.
When it comes to bags I myself use a Lovepro Slingback AW300. It have plenty of room for my growing collection of equipment, it´s comfortable to carry and have easy access.
I also have a Ansman battery and IMHO there is no difference in performance compared to the Pentax cell.
When it comes to the cards, get the fastest you can afford. I use both the Ultra II and the Extreme II and the speed difference is noticeable. Good luck with your new Pentax

Nanthiel · 06-21-2008, 04:00 AM

A lens? Didn't forget about that, just atm don't need help in that range.

To PFH:
It's kinda hard to find bags around here. The shops I checked either don't sell camera bags or only Kata. The online shops I was looking at though, don't really have a LowePro selection (maybe 2 or so bags each), there's mostly Vanguard and Tamrac.
And thanks for pointing out that Ansmann batteries work just as good. =)

golf140 · 06-21-2008, 06:50 AM

Originally posted by Nanthiel

Greetings everyone!

After reading many reviews and the like, I settled on getting a Pentax K20D. I won't be able to get one just now, but I'd like to plan ahead and decide on what other things to buy.

A Bag.
Would this one be sufficient? What exactly can it hold? The site I would buy it from says a DSLR and two lenses.

An extra battery.
Don't know much about these, but there's only two Pentax ones I can find here, an original Pentax D-Li50 and an Ansmann D-Li50 which is much cheaper. Is it's performance much lower?

A memory card.
I've thought about a 4GB SanDisk Ultra II or Extreme III. Is the speed difference between them very apparent in use?

I hope I'm not forgetting something here, if I am, please remind me. =p

Anyway, thanks in advance for all your answers!

- Matej

Hi I have just purchased a K20D 16-45 kit and Im enjoying every minute of it
It is well built and feels solid and rubust
I would like a spare battery and a remote control in the near future
I have just purchased a couple of sandisk extreme III 2 GB cards and Im waiting for the 8gb version to be delivered (£28.99 from AMAZON inc p&p)
I am using photoshop CS3 extended to help keep things in some sort of order.
The CS3 has more than enough applications than I will ever need

The only other thing I would like is a larger screen than the 20" one I have

Venturi · 06-21-2008, 06:50 AM

Originally posted by ChrisA

A lens, perhaps?

I advise against buying a lens. They're quite expensive and you can't just have one (1). They tend to breed like rabbits and eat money like bunnies in the cabbage patch too.

ksignorini · 06-21-2008, 07:10 AM

May I suggest you buy the largest bag you feel you need, then go one size larger. I bought a Lowepro Magnum and have filled it to the brim. :-) (Yup, those lenses reproduce, I'm sure.)

Have you checked B&H (B&H Photo Video | Digital Cameras, Camcorders) for the bags you are interested in? I've bought lots of gear from them at great prices. Even to Canada I've received everything quickly and without incident.

One more suggestion...the battery grip. I love it. Especially when using a large lens, it really helps balance the camera and makes it 200 time easier to hold.

Fl_Gulfer · 06-21-2008, 08:04 AM

Originally posted by Venturi

I advise against buying a lens. They're quite expensive and you can't just have one (1). They tend to breed like rabbits and eat money like bunnies in the cabbage patch too.

Good one! I wish someone would have warned me.

Confused · 06-21-2008, 09:09 AM

Hi Matej (Nanthiel)

You can purchase official Pentax 'branded' D-L150 7.4v 1620 mAh LIon batteries, but I'll warn you now that they cost between 4 to 5 times the retail price of alternative suppliers. I purchased my 3rd party batteries from SRS Watford (recommended UK store) last year for only £10.00 each inc VAT (tax).

SRS Microsystems ? Pentax, Nikon and Olympus Digital Cameras, Camera Accessories and Lenses

These batteries are often referred to as NP400 (Minolta), which was the description that the now defunct company previously used, prior to their takeover by Sony. The NP400 has a marginally shorter 1500 mAh capacity, but you honestly won't notice this much in normal day-to-day usage. For a useful discussion regarding alternative batteries for the K20D/K10D, simply click-on the following link below.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/134253-post5.html

Best regards
Richard

soalle · 06-21-2008, 10:05 AM

sorry... just pressed the wrong button

cardinal43 · 06-21-2008, 10:06 AM

You can find the LowePro bags listed on Amazon for a good price. I bought the Slingshot 200 a couple of months ago and I like it. However, I only have the K100D, 18-55 kit lens, and the Tamron 70-300, and I have plenty of room.

Nanthiel · 06-22-2008, 04:48 AM

Well, about the online sites you refer, I'm not quite sure if they send to Europe, Slovenia, Maribor, and if they do, the postage is sick, and so is the tax. Sure there's less selection here, but I'm on a limited budget and sending stuff over from America to central Europe costs.

benjikan · 06-22-2008, 05:14 AM

I can send you my "HOLGA" 60mm plastic 3 element fixed f 11.0 lens. That should bring out the best from the 14.6 mega pixel sensor.

I can send it to you if you send me 1200 euros for postage and handling...

Ben

morfic · 06-22-2008, 11:35 AM

I wanted my K20D with a cheap SD card to use it day one, so i went for one of Adorama's "kits", came with a spare battery (a little more capacity than the Pentax one) a cheap Kingston 2GB (i know it will save my day when i leave my Ultra II 4GB in the card reader some day) and the Adorama slinger bag, it's so small i thought i'd never really use it, but now it houses my K20D w/ attached 16-50 (hood off to the side), Meccablitz 48 AF-1, S-M-C 135/3.5, SMS 28/2.8 CF, DA 40/2.8 and Tamron 90/2.5 adaptal.

I think if i move the Meccablitz to the net pouch on outside i can neatly take a K20D+16-50/2.8 +50-135/2.8 kit in this bag w/o sacrificing the shorter primes or macro lens, i might find the 135/3.5 a home in a dry dark drawer perhaps and instead add the Super-Takumar 50/1.4.

SLBK Adorama Slinger Bag, Single Strap Backpack / Shoulder Bag, Black. i guess compare its size with then one you linked to to give you an idea how much one can fit in it.

**rparmar** · 06-22-2008, 12:12 PM

Originally posted by Nanthiel

Well, about the online sites you refer, I'm not quite sure if they send to Europe, Slovenia, Maribor, and if they do, the postage is sick, and so is the tax. Sure there's less selection here, but I'm on a limited budget and sending stuff over from America to central Europe costs.

I bought a Crumpler bag from a place in Wales. Even with shipping to Ireland the price was reasonable. I am sure you can find online retailers in EU that will ship to you.

There are many threads on bags so your time is best spent reading them if you want more info. I think no matter what you get you will want more than one. Right now the Crumpler Pretty Boy 7500 (XXXL) is good for walks when I want to carry three lenses and accessories with my camera. I also have a small shoulder bag with little padding that is perfect for the K100DS plus a smallish lens. That's what I take when I don't think I'll be taking photos (since I always do).

But I still need a backpack for longer hikes and walks with more exertion.

P.S. Off-brand batteries are just as good as branded ones.

06-21-2008, 03:02 AM	#1
Nanthiel Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Maribor, Slovenia Posts: 74	Getting a K20D Greetings everyone! After reading many reviews and the like, I settled on getting a Pentax K20D. I won't be able to get one just now, but I'd like to plan ahead and decide on what other things to buy. A Bag. Would this one be sufficient? What exactly can it hold? The site I would buy it from says a DSLR and two lenses. An extra battery. Don't know much about these, but there's only two Pentax ones I can find here, an original Pentax D-Li50 and an Ansmann D-Li50 which is much cheaper. Is it's performance much lower? A memory card. I've thought about a 4GB SanDisk Ultra II or Extreme III. Is the speed difference between them very apparent in use? I hope I'm not forgetting something here, if I am, please remind me. =p Anyway, thanks in advance for all your answers! - Matej

06-21-2008, 09:09 AM	#9
Confused Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: London Posts: 1,067	Hi Matej (Nanthiel) You can purchase official Pentax 'branded' D-L150 7.4v 1620 mAh LIon batteries, but I'll warn you now that they cost between 4 to 5 times the retail price of alternative suppliers. I purchased my 3rd party batteries from SRS Watford (recommended UK store) last year for only £10.00 each inc VAT (tax). SRS Microsystems ? Pentax, Nikon and Olympus Digital Cameras, Camera Accessories and Lenses These batteries are often referred to as NP400 (Minolta), which was the description that the now defunct company previously used, prior to their takeover by Sony. The NP400 has a marginally shorter 1500 mAh capacity, but you honestly won't notice this much in normal day-to-day usage. For a useful discussion regarding alternative batteries for the K20D/K10D, simply click-on the following link below. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/134253-post5.html Best regards Richard Last edited by Confused; 06-21-2008 at 09:15 AM.

06-21-2008, 10:05 AM	#10
soalle Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Italy -> Canada -> Belgium -> Switzerland Photos: Gallery Posts: 233	Slow flash - fill in flash - k100d sorry... just pressed the wrong button

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

06-21-2008, 03:42 AM	#2
ChrisA Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: London Posts: 393	Originally posted by Nanthiel I hope I'm not forgetting something here, if I am, please remind me. =p A lens, perhaps?

06-21-2008, 03:51 AM	#3
PFH Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Gothenburg, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 483	Congrats on your decision to go the K20D way, I´m convinced you wont regret it. When it comes to bags I myself use a Lovepro Slingback AW300. It have plenty of room for my growing collection of equipment, it´s comfortable to carry and have easy access. I also have a Ansman battery and IMHO there is no difference in performance compared to the Pentax cell. When it comes to the cards, get the fastest you can afford. I use both the Ultra II and the Extreme II and the speed difference is noticeable. Good luck with your new Pentax

06-21-2008, 04:00 AM	#4
Nanthiel Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Maribor, Slovenia Posts: 74 Original Poster	A lens? Didn't forget about that, just atm don't need help in that range. To PFH: It's kinda hard to find bags around here. The shops I checked either don't sell camera bags or only Kata. The online shops I was looking at though, don't really have a LowePro selection (maybe 2 or so bags each), there's mostly Vanguard and Tamrac. And thanks for pointing out that Ansmann batteries work just as good. =)

06-21-2008, 06:50 AM	#5
golf140 New Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: lakeland Posts: 1	Originally posted by Nanthiel Greetings everyone! After reading many reviews and the like, I settled on getting a Pentax K20D. I won't be able to get one just now, but I'd like to plan ahead and decide on what other things to buy. A Bag. Would this one be sufficient? What exactly can it hold? The site I would buy it from says a DSLR and two lenses. An extra battery. Don't know much about these, but there's only two Pentax ones I can find here, an original Pentax D-Li50 and an Ansmann D-Li50 which is much cheaper. Is it's performance much lower? A memory card. I've thought about a 4GB SanDisk Ultra II or Extreme III. Is the speed difference between them very apparent in use? I hope I'm not forgetting something here, if I am, please remind me. =p Anyway, thanks in advance for all your answers! - Matej Hi I have just purchased a K20D 16-45 kit and Im enjoying every minute of it It is well built and feels solid and rubust I would like a spare battery and a remote control in the near future I have just purchased a couple of sandisk extreme III 2 GB cards and Im waiting for the 8gb version to be delivered (£28.99 from AMAZON inc p&p) I am using photoshop CS3 extended to help keep things in some sort of order. The CS3 has more than enough applications than I will ever need The only other thing I would like is a larger screen than the 20" one I have

06-21-2008, 06:50 AM	#6
Venturi Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Tulsa, OK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,636	Originally posted by ChrisA A lens, perhaps? I advise against buying a lens. They're quite expensive and you can't just have one (1). They tend to breed like rabbits and eat money like bunnies in the cabbage patch too.

06-21-2008, 07:10 AM	#7
ksignorini Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 70	May I suggest you buy the largest bag you feel you need, then go one size larger. I bought a Lowepro Magnum and have filled it to the brim. :-) (Yup, those lenses reproduce, I'm sure.) Have you checked B&H (B&H Photo Video \| Digital Cameras, Camcorders) for the bags you are interested in? I've bought lots of gear from them at great prices. Even to Canada I've received everything quickly and without incident. One more suggestion...the battery grip. I love it. Especially when using a large lens, it really helps balance the camera and makes it 200 time easier to hold.

06-21-2008, 08:04 AM	#8
Fl_Gulfer Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Florida Gulfer Photos: Albums Posts: 3,054	Originally posted by Venturi I advise against buying a lens. They're quite expensive and you can't just have one (1). They tend to breed like rabbits and eat money like bunnies in the cabbage patch too. Good one! I wish someone would have warned me.

06-21-2008, 10:06 AM	#11
cardinal43 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,412	You can find the LowePro bags listed on Amazon for a good price. I bought the Slingshot 200 a couple of months ago and I like it. However, I only have the K100D, 18-55 kit lens, and the Tamron 70-300, and I have plenty of room.

06-22-2008, 04:48 AM	#12
Nanthiel Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Maribor, Slovenia Posts: 74 Original Poster	Well, about the online sites you refer, I'm not quite sure if they send to Europe, Slovenia, Maribor, and if they do, the postage is sick, and so is the tax. Sure there's less selection here, but I'm on a limited budget and sending stuff over from America to central Europe costs.

06-22-2008, 05:14 AM	#13
benjikan Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Paris, France Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,308	I can send you my "HOLGA" 60mm plastic 3 element fixed f 11.0 lens. That should bring out the best from the 14.6 mega pixel sensor. I can send it to you if you send me 1200 euros for postage and handling... Ben

06-22-2008, 11:35 AM	#14
morfic Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 428	I wanted my K20D with a cheap SD card to use it day one, so i went for one of Adorama's "kits", came with a spare battery (a little more capacity than the Pentax one) a cheap Kingston 2GB (i know it will save my day when i leave my Ultra II 4GB in the card reader some day) and the Adorama slinger bag, it's so small i thought i'd never really use it, but now it houses my K20D w/ attached 16-50 (hood off to the side), Meccablitz 48 AF-1, S-M-C 135/3.5, SMS 28/2.8 CF, DA 40/2.8 and Tamron 90/2.5 adaptal. I think if i move the Meccablitz to the net pouch on outside i can neatly take a K20D+16-50/2.8 +50-135/2.8 kit in this bag w/o sacrificing the shorter primes or macro lens, i might find the 135/3.5 a home in a dry dark drawer perhaps and instead add the Super-Takumar 50/1.4. SLBK Adorama Slinger Bag, Single Strap Backpack / Shoulder Bag, Black. i guess compare its size with then one you linked to to give you an idea how much one can fit in it.

06-22-2008, 12:12 PM	#15
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,823	Originally posted by Nanthiel Well, about the online sites you refer, I'm not quite sure if they send to Europe, Slovenia, Maribor, and if they do, the postage is sick, and so is the tax. Sure there's less selection here, but I'm on a limited budget and sending stuff over from America to central Europe costs. I bought a Crumpler bag from a place in Wales. Even with shipping to Ireland the price was reasonable. I am sure you can find online retailers in EU that will ship to you. There are many threads on bags so your time is best spent reading them if you want more info. I think no matter what you get you will want more than one. Right now the Crumpler Pretty Boy 7500 (XXXL) is good for walks when I want to carry three lenses and accessories with my camera. I also have a small shoulder bag with little padding that is perfect for the K100DS plus a smallish lens. That's what I take when I don't think I'll be taking photos (since I always do). But I still need a backpack for longer hikes and walks with more exertion. P.S. Off-brand batteries are just as good as branded ones.