Thank you Pentax, K20 rocks!

mayo_bryan · 07-17-2009, 07:18 PM

I just got the k20 as well. I had the k10 before it and sold it months before the k20 was released. I only wished I kept the k10 so I would have not missed shooting. from what I remember, the k20 blows the k10 away. my reason for the k20 this time was the price and being able to shoot. I'm planing on the k7 in the furture but not until price is alot lower and some bugs are fixed. back to the k20, I love it and get some good lens and enjoy your "semi-pro dslr".

ozlizard · 07-17-2009, 09:33 PM

Quote:

semi-pro dslr

If the K20 is classified as a semi-pro (and I know that's what they call it) I can't wait until Pentax bring out a pro spec DSLR! With this sort of IQ and large print out capabilities I will certainly be able to produce pro quality photo's with this camera, and some good glass of course. Will be getting some prints done soon, don't know what size yet but probably 24"x13" or thereabouts and will post how they turn out.

jstevewhite · 07-17-2009, 10:54 PM

Originally posted by ozlizard

If the K20 is classified as a semi-pro (and I know that's what they call it) I can't wait until Pentax bring out a pro spec DSLR! With this sort of IQ and large print out capabilities I will certainly be able to produce pro quality photo's with this camera, and some good glass of course. Will be getting some prints done soon, don't know what size yet but probably 24"x13" or thereabouts and will post how they turn out.

It's called "semi-pro" primarily because Canon and Nikon have convinced everyone - even lots of Pentaxians! - that a camera that's not full frame can't be "professional". Which is absurd, of course. Hasselblad makes a much larger sensor with much lower pixel density. Doest that mean that Canon and Nikon don't make "pro" cameras? If Pentax finally releases the 645D, will that mean that Canon and Nikon no longer manufacture any pro cameras?

Autofocus speed is another reason Pentax cameras "can't be professional" - because, as we all know, only sports photographers are professionals. Or maybe the new rage in weddings is having the bride sprint down the aisle at Olympic speeds?

There have been many reasons expressed by various people. The only one that makes *any sense at all* to me is that the Pentax line is not very "deep" in the sense of accessories, lenses, etc. Canon and Nikon both make ... lots of different lenses. If you need those lenses, then Pentax probably isn't your best choice.

But hey. I think professional is as professional does, frankly.

Ira · 07-18-2009, 06:44 AM

Originally posted by jamesm007

Seeing how I just bought my K20 5 months ago, got the free 3 years of warranty, got a great deal $630 for the body

WalMart now has the body for $599.

It's impossible to stay ahead of the game with this stuff. Pentax is behaving a lot like Apple.

Raybo · 07-18-2009, 07:20 AM

Recieved my K-20 a few weeks ago, I was using a K100DS, so far it's..........................................

photog · 07-19-2009, 02:37 AM

Originally posted by ozlizard

Why so?
Havn't printed anthing yet but looking forward to seeing the end results, I also use the Sigma 10-20, a great lens and much improved on the K20 I must say!

Glad you are pleased with the k20. I have been testing mine and it has exceeded my expectations. Exposure determination in "M" by green button on landscape gives me just short of blowing highlights and seems very consistent. I haven't used my Sigma 10-20mm yet but the lens has the resolution to match the camera. Good to see brew and other Aussies coming on board.
Ron McDermott

ozlizard · 07-19-2009, 03:36 AM

Quote:

I haven't used my Sigma 10-20mm yet but the lens has the resolution to match the camera

You will love this lens coupled with this camera...amazing resolution and colour! I agree the K20 has exceeded my expectations too. Havn't tried the green button yet, just been shooting in AV mode so far. This camera really gives you the confidence to go out and capture want you want and the resolution to give you plenty of top end in PP.

ozlizard · 07-21-2009, 12:53 AM

An expample of how good this camera is...the following shot was taken under the most trying of conditions...a howling south westerly straight from the antarctica, so strong that I had to hold the camera whilst mounted on a tripod to try and prevent it from moving. Add to that spray from the crashing waves and intermittent rain. I honestly thought that none of the images would be in focus, but guess what they were all ok apart from one where some rain got on the lens!

photog · 07-22-2009, 12:05 AM

Fantastic shot, Ozlizard. Keep it up! BTW have you checked the focus accuracy on your K20?
Ron McDermott

ozlizard · 07-22-2009, 01:30 AM

Thanks Ron. How do you check the focus accuracy and why do you need to do that?

photog · 07-22-2009, 11:23 PM

Hey ozlizard you asked: "How do you check the focus accuracy and why do you need to do that?"
Go inyo yeh menus in the usual way. The last menu on the right is the custom settings. Key dawn to the third last itim "AF adjust". You will need a focus target. If you google Pentax focus target you should find a pentax blog / site with a link to a very good tatget. Download and print on good paper an good quality.
Set camera on tripod, light not too bright to allow full aperture and set appropriate shutter speed. have target at about 45 degrees to image plane so that the lower part is closer to camera than the upper.
Use autofocus carefully and shoot image. Magnify 16x or more and maybe the sharpest part of image will coincide with the focus target. But if not you will need the AF adjust. Trial and error will get you there. A fantastic feature.
AF errors are not unknown in the DSLR field!
If this is not clear send me a private message and I will give you a phone call.
Ron McDermott

ozlizard · 07-23-2009, 01:48 AM

Thanks Ron, will give that a go.

Jonson PL · 07-23-2009, 04:11 AM

Originally posted by jamesm007

The K-7 is a fine camera but I don't need video, more AF speed, the K20D is very accurate. Or a metal body, glass reinforced polycarbonate is as strong as steel but can flex without breaking. the K-7 is tougher because it can withstand more cold.

Good point

Originally posted by jamesm007

The K20D is still the low iso 100-400 detail champ officially as far as pro reviews. Until the K-7 gets reviewed and we see if it has more detail, same or less. And as a heavy cropper and landscape shooter this is most important to me.

Originally posted by ozlizard

An expample of how good this camera is...the following shot was taken under the most trying of conditions...a howling south westerly straight from the antarctica, so strong that I had to hold the camera whilst mounted on a tripod to try and prevent it from moving. Add to that spray from the crashing waves and intermittent rain. I honestly thought that none of the images would be in focus, but guess what they were all ok apart from one where some rain got on the lens!

Great shot. Good to hear that you like the K20. I was extremely tempted when it came out, and I had the K10. I still look forward to getting the CMOS sensor at some point.

Seeing your work, you might be interested in what Andy does :
http://www.andymcinroy.com/

WalterGA · 07-24-2009, 06:29 PM

Got a new K20D coming UPS on Monday...really looking forward to cranking 'er up. Didn't even consider the K7. Thought I'd surely buy a Canon 50D, but, considering that I already have a Pentax flash and a bunch of lenses that I used with the old ME Super and the more recent ISt Ds2, I'm pleased with the features of the K20 at such a low price.

The only negative I see, relative to the more expensive Canon products, is the burst speed being less than half of the 40-50D.

If anybody knows of any other "flaws" in the K20, I'd sure like to hear them. Already ordered a 2000mah battery through Amazon @ less than 1/2 the cost of a Pentax name brand battery.

pentaxmz · 07-25-2009, 12:00 PM

Originally posted by jstevewhite

It's called "semi-pro" primarily because Canon and Nikon have convinced everyone - even lots of Pentaxians! - that a camera that's not full frame can't be "professional". Which is absurd, of course. Hasselblad makes a much larger sensor with much lower pixel density. Doest that mean that Canon and Nikon don't make "pro" cameras? If Pentax finally releases the 645D, will that mean that Canon and Nikon no longer manufacture any pro cameras?

Autofocus speed is another reason Pentax cameras "can't be professional" - because, as we all know, only sports photographers are professionals. Or maybe the new rage in weddings is having the bride sprint down the aisle at Olympic speeds?

There have been many reasons expressed by various people. The only one that makes *any sense at all* to me is that the Pentax line is not very "deep" in the sense of accessories, lenses, etc. Canon and Nikon both make ... lots of different lenses. If you need those lenses, then Pentax probably isn't your best choice.

But hey. I think professional is as professional does, frankly.

Wow, you're all over the place with this one but I do sense that seemingly typical Pentaxian resentment toward Canon and Nikon.

With all due respect, you need to be corrected on a few misleading statements. A professional digital camera is not defined by it being full frame. Rather it is very useful features such as flash sync speed, auto focus speed, fps, the number quick access buttons/dials (for ISO, WB, etc.), accessories availability, quality and selection of lenses, HDMI or similar output, live view functionality, durability, reliability, upgrade paths to current and future models, etc. The K20D (and the K7) do not meet enough of these requirements to be classified as a professional camera.

I don't quite understand this fixation about this... who really cares? If you love your Pentax, go out and take pictures. Enjoy it for what it is but don't get annoyed if someone tells you it's not a 'professional' camera.

Please, enough with the Canon/Nikon conspiracy to take over the world! How about focusing on Pentax's inability to get their act together and do some #%$^& advertising! They do have Hoya money so they can afford it if it were important enough.

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07-17-2009, 07:18 PM	#16
mayo_bryan Inactive Account Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: tennessee Photos: Gallery Posts: 19	I just got the k20 as well. I had the k10 before it and sold it months before the k20 was released. I only wished I kept the k10 so I would have not missed shooting. from what I remember, the k20 blows the k10 away. my reason for the k20 this time was the price and being able to shoot. I'm planing on the k7 in the furture but not until price is alot lower and some bugs are fixed. back to the k20, I love it and get some good lens and enjoy your "semi-pro dslr".

07-17-2009, 09:33 PM	#17
ozlizard Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Bridgetown West Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 903 Original Poster	Quote: semi-pro dslr If the K20 is classified as a semi-pro (and I know that's what they call it) I can't wait until Pentax bring out a pro spec DSLR! With this sort of IQ and large print out capabilities I will certainly be able to produce pro quality photo's with this camera, and some good glass of course. Will be getting some prints done soon, don't know what size yet but probably 24"x13" or thereabouts and will post how they turn out.

07-17-2009, 10:54 PM	#18
jstevewhite Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Midwest Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,407	Originally posted by ozlizard If the K20 is classified as a semi-pro (and I know that's what they call it) I can't wait until Pentax bring out a pro spec DSLR! With this sort of IQ and large print out capabilities I will certainly be able to produce pro quality photo's with this camera, and some good glass of course. Will be getting some prints done soon, don't know what size yet but probably 24"x13" or thereabouts and will post how they turn out. It's called "semi-pro" primarily because Canon and Nikon have convinced everyone - even lots of Pentaxians! - that a camera that's not full frame can't be "professional". Which is absurd, of course. Hasselblad makes a much larger sensor with much lower pixel density. Doest that mean that Canon and Nikon don't make "pro" cameras? If Pentax finally releases the 645D, will that mean that Canon and Nikon no longer manufacture any pro cameras? Autofocus speed is another reason Pentax cameras "can't be professional" - because, as we all know, only sports photographers are professionals. Or maybe the new rage in weddings is having the bride sprint down the aisle at Olympic speeds? There have been many reasons expressed by various people. The only one that makes any sense at all to me is that the Pentax line is not very "deep" in the sense of accessories, lenses, etc. Canon and Nikon both make ... lots of different lenses. If you need those lenses, then Pentax probably isn't your best choice. But hey. I think professional is as professional does, frankly.

07-18-2009, 06:44 AM	#19
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	Originally posted by jamesm007 Seeing how I just bought my K20 5 months ago, got the free 3 years of warranty, got a great deal $630 for the body WalMart now has the body for $599. It's impossible to stay ahead of the game with this stuff. Pentax is behaving a lot like Apple.

07-18-2009, 07:20 AM	#20
Raybo Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 872	Recieved my K-20 a few weeks ago, I was using a K100DS, so far it's..........................................

07-19-2009, 02:37 AM	#21
photog Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Brisbane, Qld, Australia Posts: 165	Originally posted by ozlizard Why so? Havn't printed anthing yet but looking forward to seeing the end results, I also use the Sigma 10-20, a great lens and much improved on the K20 I must say! Glad you are pleased with the k20. I have been testing mine and it has exceeded my expectations. Exposure determination in "M" by green button on landscape gives me just short of blowing highlights and seems very consistent. I haven't used my Sigma 10-20mm yet but the lens has the resolution to match the camera. Good to see brew and other Aussies coming on board. Ron McDermott

07-19-2009, 03:36 AM	#22
ozlizard Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Bridgetown West Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 903 Original Poster	Quote: I haven't used my Sigma 10-20mm yet but the lens has the resolution to match the camera You will love this lens coupled with this camera...amazing resolution and colour! I agree the K20 has exceeded my expectations too. Havn't tried the green button yet, just been shooting in AV mode so far. This camera really gives you the confidence to go out and capture want you want and the resolution to give you plenty of top end in PP.

07-21-2009, 12:53 AM	#23
ozlizard Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Bridgetown West Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 903 Original Poster	An expample of how good this camera is...the following shot was taken under the most trying of conditions...a howling south westerly straight from the antarctica, so strong that I had to hold the camera whilst mounted on a tripod to try and prevent it from moving. Add to that spray from the crashing waves and intermittent rain. I honestly thought that none of the images would be in focus, but guess what they were all ok apart from one where some rain got on the lens!

07-22-2009, 12:05 AM	#24
photog Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Brisbane, Qld, Australia Posts: 165	Fantastic shot, Ozlizard. Keep it up! BTW have you checked the focus accuracy on your K20? Ron McDermott

07-22-2009, 01:30 AM	#25
ozlizard Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Bridgetown West Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 903 Original Poster	Thanks Ron. How do you check the focus accuracy and why do you need to do that?

07-22-2009, 11:23 PM	#26
photog Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Brisbane, Qld, Australia Posts: 165	Hey ozlizard you asked: "How do you check the focus accuracy and why do you need to do that?" Go inyo yeh menus in the usual way. The last menu on the right is the custom settings. Key dawn to the third last itim "AF adjust". You will need a focus target. If you google Pentax focus target you should find a pentax blog / site with a link to a very good tatget. Download and print on good paper an good quality. Set camera on tripod, light not too bright to allow full aperture and set appropriate shutter speed. have target at about 45 degrees to image plane so that the lower part is closer to camera than the upper. Use autofocus carefully and shoot image. Magnify 16x or more and maybe the sharpest part of image will coincide with the focus target. But if not you will need the AF adjust. Trial and error will get you there. A fantastic feature. AF errors are not unknown in the DSLR field! If this is not clear send me a private message and I will give you a phone call. Ron McDermott

07-23-2009, 01:48 AM	#27
ozlizard Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Bridgetown West Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 903 Original Poster	Thanks Ron, will give that a go.

07-23-2009, 04:11 AM	#28
Jonson PL Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Copenhagen Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,842	Originally posted by jamesm007 The K-7 is a fine camera but I don't need video, more AF speed, the K20D is very accurate. Or a metal body, glass reinforced polycarbonate is as strong as steel but can flex without breaking. the K-7 is tougher because it can withstand more cold. Good point Originally posted by jamesm007 The K20D is still the low iso 100-400 detail champ officially as far as pro reviews. Until the K-7 gets reviewed and we see if it has more detail, same or less. And as a heavy cropper and landscape shooter this is most important to me. Originally posted by ozlizard An expample of how good this camera is...the following shot was taken under the most trying of conditions...a howling south westerly straight from the antarctica, so strong that I had to hold the camera whilst mounted on a tripod to try and prevent it from moving. Add to that spray from the crashing waves and intermittent rain. I honestly thought that none of the images would be in focus, but guess what they were all ok apart from one where some rain got on the lens! Great shot. Good to hear that you like the K20. I was extremely tempted when it came out, and I had the K10. I still look forward to getting the CMOS sensor at some point. Seeing your work, you might be interested in what Andy does : http://www.andymcinroy.com/

07-24-2009, 06:29 PM	#29
WalterGA Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 110	Got a new K20D coming UPS on Monday...really looking forward to cranking 'er up. Didn't even consider the K7. Thought I'd surely buy a Canon 50D, but, considering that I already have a Pentax flash and a bunch of lenses that I used with the old ME Super and the more recent ISt Ds2, I'm pleased with the features of the K20 at such a low price. The only negative I see, relative to the more expensive Canon products, is the burst speed being less than half of the 40-50D. If anybody knows of any other "flaws" in the K20, I'd sure like to hear them. Already ordered a 2000mah battery through Amazon @ less than 1/2 the cost of a Pentax name brand battery.

07-25-2009, 12:00 PM	#30
pentaxmz Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 659	Originally posted by jstevewhite It's called "semi-pro" primarily because Canon and Nikon have convinced everyone - even lots of Pentaxians! - that a camera that's not full frame can't be "professional". Which is absurd, of course. Hasselblad makes a much larger sensor with much lower pixel density. Doest that mean that Canon and Nikon don't make "pro" cameras? If Pentax finally releases the 645D, will that mean that Canon and Nikon no longer manufacture any pro cameras? Autofocus speed is another reason Pentax cameras "can't be professional" - because, as we all know, only sports photographers are professionals. Or maybe the new rage in weddings is having the bride sprint down the aisle at Olympic speeds? There have been many reasons expressed by various people. The only one that makes any sense at all to me is that the Pentax line is not very "deep" in the sense of accessories, lenses, etc. Canon and Nikon both make ... lots of different lenses. If you need those lenses, then Pentax probably isn't your best choice. But hey. I think professional is as professional does, frankly. Wow, you're all over the place with this one but I do sense that seemingly typical Pentaxian resentment toward Canon and Nikon. With all due respect, you need to be corrected on a few misleading statements. A professional digital camera is not defined by it being full frame. Rather it is very useful features such as flash sync speed, auto focus speed, fps, the number quick access buttons/dials (for ISO, WB, etc.), accessories availability, quality and selection of lenses, HDMI or similar output, live view functionality, durability, reliability, upgrade paths to current and future models, etc. The K20D (and the K7) do not meet enough of these requirements to be classified as a professional camera. I don't quite understand this fixation about this... who really cares? If you love your Pentax, go out and take pictures. Enjoy it for what it is but don't get annoyed if someone tells you it's not a 'professional' camera. Please, enough with the Canon/Nikon conspiracy to take over the world! How about focusing on Pentax's inability to get their act together and do some #%$^& advertising! They do have Hoya money so they can afford it if it were important enough.