Intro - เกริ่นนำ
Pentax K20D เปิดตัวกล้องดิจิตอล SLR ตระกูล K ซึ่งพัฒนาต่อจากรุ่นเดิม โดยมีการเพิ่มความละเอียดให้สูงขึ้นเป็น 14.6 ล้านพิกเซล ด้วยเซ็นเซอร์ภาพ CMOS ใหม่ และสะดวกกับการถ่ายภาพมากขึ้นด้วยระบบ Live View ที่กำลังแพร่หลายในกล้องดิจิตอล SLR ในปัจจุบัน
Pentax K20D ใช้เซ็นเซอร์ CMOS ขนาด 23.4x15.6 มม. ให้ความละเอียด 14.6 ล้านพิกเซล พร้อมทั้งมีการปรับปรุงหน่วยประมวลผลให้มีประสิทธิภาพและทำงานได้อย่างรวดเร็ว โดย Pentax ใช้ชื่อว่า PRIME (Pentax Real Image Engine) ซึ่งช่วยให้กล้องถ่ายทอดสีสันออกมาได้อย่างสมจริง นอกจากนี้ Pentax
ใช้หน่วยความจำแบบ DDR2 ทำให้การประมวลผลและโอนถ่ายข้อมูลทำได้อย่างรวดเร็วมากขึ้น
ฟังก์ชั่นที่ได้รับการพัฒนาให้มีประสิทธิภาพและดูโดดเด่นมากขึ้นใน K20D อย่างเช่น การเพิ่มไดนามิกเรนจ์ให้กว้างขึ้น ช่วยให้ภาพถ่ายมีการไล่โทนสีอย่างเป็นธรรมชาติ ระบบกำจัดฝุ่นที่เกาะอยู่ที่ผิวหน้าของเซ็นเซอร์ภาพ ช่วยให้เซ็นเซอร์รับภาพปราศจากสิ่งรบ กวน และถ้าหากฝุ่นยังติดอยู่ที่ผิวหน้าของเซ็นเซอร์ภาพ เมื่อใช้ระบบป้องกันภาพสั่นไหว โดยการสั่น ตามทิศทางการสั่นไหวของกล้องด้วยความถี่สูงก็จะทำให้ฝุ่นนั้นหลุดออกไปได้ เปรียบเสมือน มีระบบกำจัดฝุ่นแบบสองขั้นตอน
ระบบ Custom Image Function ช่วยให้ผู้ใช้สามารถปรับเลือกโหมดการทำงาน 6 โหมดตามความต้องการ รวมทั้งสามารถปรับสีสัน ความอิ่มตัว คอนทราสต์ และความคมชัดเพิ่มเติมได้ ฟังก์ชั่นที่โดดเด่นที่มีอยู่ใน K10D อย่างเช่นระบบป้องกันภาพสั่นไหว ก็ยังคงใช้กับ K20D ช่วยให้ถ่ายภาพ ด้วยความเร็วชัตเตอร์ ต่ำกว่าปกติ 2.5-4 สตอป
K20D มีโหมดถ่ายภาพ ให้เลือกใช้งานตามความต้องการ ซึ่งรองรับทั้งการใช้งานแบบมืออาชีพ และมือสมัครเล่น อาทิ ออโต้ (กรีนโซน) โปรแกรม (P) ที่สามารถปรับชิฟท์ความเร็วชัตเตอร์และรูรับแสงได้ ออโต้รูรับแสง (TV) ออโต้ความเร็วชัตเตอร์ (AV) ออโต้แบบปรับความไวแสง (SV) ซึ่งผู้ใช้ ปรับตั้งความไวแสง ส่วนกล้องจะปรับความเร็วชัตเตอร์และรูรับแสงที่เหมาะสมโดยอัตโนมัติ
นอกจากนี้ยังมีฟังก์ชั่นที่น่าสนใจอื่นๆ อาทิ ปรับความไวแสงได้แบบอัตโนมัติและปรับเองจาก ISO100 - ISO 3200 ปรับเพิ่มได้ถึง ISO6400 ปรับไวท์บาลานซ์แบบออโต้และปรับตามสภาพแสง 8 แบบ ถ่ายภาพต่อเนื่องความเร็ว 3 ภาพต่อวินาที สามารถปรับบูสต์ขึ้นเป็น 21 ภาพต่อวินาที แต่ความละเอียดจะลดลงเป็น 1.6 ล้านพิกเซล จัดเก็บภาพด้วย SD Card และ SDHC Card ปรับเลือกฟอร์แมทภาพแบบ RAW และ JPEG ด้วยปุ่มเพียงปุ่มเดียว จอมอนิเตอร์ขนาด 2.7 นิ้ว ความละเอียด 230,000 พิกเซล จุดโฟกัส 11 จุด และมีอุปกรณ์เสริม Battery Grip (D-BG2) ให้เลือกใช้ด้วย
Major Features
High-quality image reproduction
[1] Newly developed CMOS image sensor :
The K20D features a newly developed CMOS ( complementary metal oxide silicon ) image sensor measuring 23.4 mm x 15.6 mm. After a thorough review of previous image sensors, PENTAX greatly reduced the area of circuitry around the pixel field to expand the light-sensitive area, while narrowing the camera' depth to nearly 60%, it achieved overall downsizing. Since it can detect diagonal light with great accuracy, the sensor can bring out the optimum performance of PENTAX interchangeable lenses. It also keeps annoying digital noise to a minimum by automatically raising its own sensitivity, allowing to increase the sensitivity from ISO 100 to the highest level of ISO 6400 ( via a custom function ).
[2] Approximately 14.6 effective megapixels for true-to-life, rich-gradation images :
The K20D's new CMOS sensor features an approximately 14.6 effective megapixels. Coupled with a high-performance imaging engine incorporating PENTAX-original image-processing technologies programmed to yield natural, true-to-life descriptions, it assures fine-detailed, rich-gradation images. In addition, the K20D features a new Custom Image function, which lets the photographer select one of six finishing touches to reflect his or her creative intentions with great ease.
[3] High-performance, high-speed PRIME imaging engine :
The K20D incorporates the PENTAX-original PRIME ( PENTAX Real Image Engine ) as its imaging engine. Designed exclusively for PENTAX digital SLR cameras, it assures well-balanced, true-to-life images with faithful color reproduction by efficiently controlling digital signals transmitted by the CMOS image sensor and other photographic factors, including white balance. This imaging engine also features a DDR2 ( Double Data Rate 2 ) memory to assure speedy image processing and high-speed data transfer.
PENTAX-original SR ( Shake Reduction ) mechanism assuring greater reliability
The K20D is equipped with the PENTAX-developed SR ( Shake Reduction ) mechanism, which effectively reduces camera shake for sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting conditions, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the dark or at night without supplementary flash illumination, or using extended exposures for sunset scenes. This innovative mechanism offers an outstanding compensation effect equivalent to approximately 2.5 to 4 shutter-speed steps. In addition, the lighter image sensor unit and refined data-control algorithm realize further image stabilization. Since it does not require special anti-shake lenses, this extends outstanding shake-reduction benefits to nearly all existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses.
New Live View function
The K20D features a new Live View function, which allows the user to view the image on the LCD monitor on the camera's back panel during shooting. This comes handy when the photographer must move his or her eye from the viewfinder in specialized applications, such as low- and high-angle compositions. This function also allows the user to confirm the shake-reduction effect on the monitor during the shooting.
Expanded Dynamic Range function
The K20D has added a dynamic-range expansion function, which allows the user to expand a dynamic range ( or a range of gradation reproduction ) while retaining the proper contrast to avoid white-washed areas. With an approximately 1EV expansion effect, it assures beautiful, rich-gradation images.
Comprehensive Dust Removal system, including prevention, removal and confirmation devices
The K20D features the user-friendly Dust Removal (DR) system to prevent dust from sticking to the surface of the CMOS image sensor (or low-pass filter). Applied to the image sensor surface through the vapor deposition of a fluorine compound, the PENTAX-original SP ( Super Protect ) coating effectively removes dust and stains from the surface. In the next step, dust that still remains on the surface will be shaken off when the SR system shifts the image sensor at high speed. Finally, the dust that is shaken off the image sensor will fall onto an adhesive sheet positioned at the bottom of the SR unit, eliminating any possibility of its returning to the image sensor surface. This upgraded DR system even offers a new Dust Alert function, which allows the user to confirm the dust-adhesion status of the image sensor in advance.
Custom Image function for easy creation of intended images
The K20D is equipped with a new Custom Image function that lets the users select one of the six modes and adjust the image's finishing touches to their presence. Allowing a minor adjustment of tone, saturation, contrast, and sharpness, this function enables the user to take photographs with their intend image. The user easily operates the selection and adjustment process by recording a preview images and checking the effect.
Versatile exposure system for faithful reproduction of creative intentions
[1] Hyper Program function :
The K20D's Hyper Program function allows the user to instantly switch to the Shutter- or Aperture-Priority AE mode from the Programmed AE mode, with a simple turn of the electronic dials on the grip. To return to the Programmed AE mode, simply press the green button positioned next to the shutter release button.
[2] Hyper Manual function :
When shooting in Manual mode, a single push of the green button allows the user to instantly set the proper exposure for the subject.
[3] Sensitivity-Priority mode :
The K20D features a unique Sensitivity-Priority (Sv) mode, which is designed to automatically select the optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed for a user-selected sensitivity. The sensitivity can be shifted instantly in 1/2 or 1/3 steps by turning the electronic dial on the back panel.
[4] Shutter/Aperture-Priority mode :
Taking full advantage of the unique capability of digital cameras permitting automatic shift of sensitivity at any time, the Shutter/Aperture-Priority (TAv) mode automatically selects the most appropriate sensitivity for a user-selected shutter-speed/aperture combination. It allows the user to experiment with a greater range of photographic expressions with great ease.
Bright, clear viewfinder
Featuring a glass pentaprism, the K20D's viewfinder offers an approximately 95-percent field of view and an approximately 0.95-times magnification for easy viewing of the subject and effortless confirmation of focus and composition. Coupled with the acclaimed Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen, it delivers a large, bright subject image.
Dust-proof, water-resistant construction
The K20D boasts an extremely reliable dust-proof, water-resistant construction, with special seals applied to 74 different parts of the camera body, including the shutter release button and all the switches, levers, dials. This dependable body makes it possible to use the K20D in the rain or dusty locations without worries.
Continuous shooting at approximately three images per second
To trace the movement of an active subject or capture a sequence of the subject's expressions, the K20D offers a continuous shooting mode that allows the photographer to capture as many as 38 images in succession ( in JPEG recording format ) at a maximum speed of approximately three images per second. When switched to the new high-speed advance mode, the user can take up to approximately 115 images at the speed of approximately 21 images per second. **
**
The image size is fixed at 1.6 megapixels in the Burst Shooting mode.
Large 2.7-inch wide-view LCD monitor
The K20D features a large 2.7-inch color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots on its back panel. Its wide-view design allows the photographer to check the monitor image from approximately 160 degrees both vertically and horizontally. Since it assures effortless image viewing from a diagonal position, it facilitates low- and high-angle shooting using the Live View function.
High-precision 11-point wide-frame AF
The K20D's sophisticated SAFOX VIII autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to automatically focus on the subject with utmost precision, even when it is positioned off center. When the subject is captured in focus, the in-focus sensor point is automatically superimposed in red in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation.
Powerful rechargeable batteries
The K20D features new, large capacity lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, which can capture approximately 740 images *** , approximately 50% more compared with conventional one, when fully recharged. Drastic improvement of battery capacity is realized with through energy saving design.
***
Under testing condition prescribed by PENTAX, when using D-LI50 lithium-ion rechargeable batteries with no flash.
Other features
Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
Reliable, durable shutter unit assuring more than 100,000 shutter releases
High-rigidity stainless-steel chassis
36 custom functions to personalize camera operations
Universal-type X-sync socket ( new feature )
RAW button for single-action image-file switching
Digital Preview for recording images in addition to checking
Optional Battery Grip ( D-BG2 ) for extended shooting sessions
Nine digital filters to add creative and artistic touches
In-body RAW data development for image filing in JPEG and TIFF formats
Compatibility with SDM equipped lenses for quiet, extra-smooth autofocus operation
PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 3, RAW data processing software, PENTAX PHOTO Browser 3, browser software and PENTAX REMOTE Assistant 3, camera control software, included on the accompanying CD-ROM
PENTAX K20D Specifications
Effective Pixels approx.14.6 megapixels
Image Sensor Total pixels approx.15.07 megapixels
Type CMOS with a primary color filter
Size 23.4mm x 15.6mm
Color Depth 8 bit (JPEG) or 12 bit (RAW)
Recorded Pixels JPEG : [14.6M] 4672 x3104 pixels, [10M] 3872 x 2592 pixels, [2M] 1824 x 1216 pixels
RAW : [14.6M] 4672 x 3104 pixels
Sensitivity (Standard output sensitivity) Auto, Manual : ISO100 - 3200 ( 1EV steps or 1/2EV steps ) can be expand to ISO6400, Bulb mode : up to ISO1600
Recording Formats RAW ( Original ), JPEG ( Conforms to Exif 2.21 ), Conforms to DCF ( Design rule of Camera File system ) 2.0
Image Formats Compressed : JPEG - Baseline ( : Premium, : Best, : Better, : Good ), RAW+JPEG : avaiable
Compressed : RAW ( PEF )
Non-compressed : RAW ( DNG )
Storage Media SD, SDHC memory card
White Balance Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, Fluorescent Light ( W, D, N ), Flash, Manual setting, with WB fine adjustment
Viewfinder Type Pentaprism type
Focusing screen Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen
Field of view approx. 95%
Magnification approx. 0.95X ( with 50mm F1.4 lens, infinity, -1m-1 )
Diopter adjustment approx. -2.5 - +1.5m-1
LCD Monitor Type TFT color LCD monitor, brightness adjustable, Color adjustable, Wide angle view
Size 2.7 inch
Dots approx. 230,000 dots
Live View TTL by Image sensor
Field of view approx. 100%
Display Enlargement ( 4X, 8X ), Grid pattern
Preview Method Live View, Digital preview, Optical preview
Playback One Image, Two Images, Index ( 4 or 9 or 16 thumb nails ), Enlargement ( up to 32X, scroll available ), Image Rotation, Folder view, Slideshow, Histogram, Bright/Dark area
Digital Filter B&W ( 4 type ), Sepia ( 3 type ), Color ( 18 type ), Color extract ( 6 type ), Soft ( three-level amount adjustable ), Illustration, HDR ( 3 type ), Slim ( +/- 8 level amount adjustable ), Brightness ( +/- 8 level amount adjustable )
Focusing System Type TTL Phase-matching 11-point wide autofocus system ( SAFOX VIII )
Focus Mode AF-single (with focus lock); AF-continuous available *
Manual focus
Focus Point Auto, Select, Center
AF assist lamp avaiable ( by Built-in Flash )
Image Stabilizer Type Image sensor shift mechanism , Max 4 stops
Dust Removal Type Image sensor moving mechanism and SP coating with Dust Alert
Exposure Control Metering System TTL open-aperture 16-segment metering ( coupled with lens and AF information )
Metering Mode (1) Multi-segment metering (2) Center-weighted metering (3) Spot metering
Exposure Range EV 0 - 21 ( at Standard Output Sensitivity 100 with 50mm F1.4 lens )
Modes (1) Green, (2) Program AE, (3) Sensitivity-Priority AE, (4) Shutter-Priority AE, (5) Aperture-Priority AE, (6) Shutter and Aperture Priority AE, (7) Metered Manual, (8) X speed, (9) Bulb
Exposure Compensation ?3 EV ( 0.5EV steps ), ?2 EV ( 0.3EV steps )
Auto-bracketing 3 or 5 frames within range of ?0.5EV, ?1.0EV, ?1.5EV, ?2.0EV ( 0.5EV steps ) or ?0.3EV, ?0.7EV, ?1.0EV, ?1.3EV, ?1.7EV, ?2.0EV ( 0.3EV steps )
AE Lock availiable
Shutter Shutter Type Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter
Shutter Speed 1/4000 - 30 sec. and bulb
Drive Modes Single-frame , Continuous ( Hi, Lo ), Burst, Self-timer ( 12s, 2s ), Remote control ( 0s, 3s ), Remote control continuous, auto bracket, extended bracket and Multi-exposure
Continuous shooting approx. 3fps, sequence : until 38 frames ( JPEG and continuous (Hi) ) , 14frames ( RAW (PEF) ), 16frames ( RAW (DNG) )
approx. 2.3fps, sequence : until the memory card becomes full ( JPEG and continuous (Lo) ), 14frames ( RAW (PEF) ), 16frames ( RAW (DNG) )
Burst mode approx. 21fps, sequence : 115frames ( 1.6M JPEG )
Built-in Flash Type Built-in retractable P-TTL pop-up flash
Guide number approx. 13 ( Standard Output Sensitivity 100/m )
Angle of view coverage 28mm wide-angle ( equivalent to 35mm )
Flash Synchronization Hot shoe, X-sync socket, sync-speed : 1/180 sec., P-TTL, high-speed-sync, wireless-sync with PENTAX dedicated flash
Data Folder Folder Name Date ( 100_MMDD??? ) / PENTX ( 100PENTX, 101PENTX??? ) ,
File Name Standard / User customize
Power Sources Rechargeable D-LI50 lithium-ion battery
Optional AC adapter also available.
Battery Life Number of recordable images approx. 530 *1 ( 50% use Flash ) , approx. 740*2 ( Normal Recording )
Playback time approx. 330 minutes *2
Interfaces USB2.0 ( HI-SPEED ) / Video , DC input , Cable switch, X-sync socket
Lens Mount PENTAX KAF2 bayonet mount
Usable Lens PENTAX KAF2-, KA-mount lenses.
*
Power zoom function available. K-mount lenses usable with restrictions. S-mount lenses,67/645 lenses usable with adapter and with restrictions.
Dimensions approx. 141.5(W) x 101(H) x 70(D)mm ( 5.6 x 4.0 x 2.76 inches )
Weight approx. 715g ( 25.2 oz. ) without battery and SD memory card.
approx. 800g ( 28.2 oz. ) loaded and ready with battery and SD memory card
*1
Recofding capacity shows approximate number of shots recorded during CIPA-compliant testing. Actual performance may vary depending on operating conditions.
*2
According to the result of PENTAX in-house testing.
