dSLR Dad

Pentax has updated the K20D dSLR firmware to version 1.03.  This update is supposed to help improve the accuracy of SR (Shake Reduction) function.  You can download the firmware update software at Pentax Global.

This is the second article in the dSLR Dad 2008 Camera of the Year Series.

The year was 2008.  It was a year in which HD video became a feature for dSLRs with the Nikon D90 and Canon EOS 5D Mark II.  It was a year that Nikon crammed the best bits of the D3 into a smaller and cheaper package of the D700.  It was also the year where you, the readers of dSLR Dad, have chosen the Pentax K20D as your choice for Camera of the Year.

Yes you read that correctly.

(more…)

Vote For Your Choice

It’s that time of year again. Time to push out one year and bring in another. And on this, the last day of 2008, I offer up the nominees for dSLR Dad Camera of the Year 2008 (listed in chronological order): (more…)

Popular Photography Magazine has published their review of the 14.6MP CMOS Pentax K20D (available at Amazon and B & H Photo). Amazon is estimating that this item will be released on May 5, 2008.

The 10.2MP Pentax K10D was a DSLR bargain in 2007 with its nearly pro body, excellent image quality, fast AF, image stabilization, and a price of only $920 (body only) when launched. It’s still a steal at $700 (street). But if you want a camera with higher resolution, larger LCD, live view, and other enhancements, check out the new 14.6MP Pentax K20D ($1,299, estimated street).

At first, the Pentax K20D seems to be a twin to the K10D. Pentax kept what was outstanding in the K10D and improved it in all the right places, so the K20D is more of an upgrade than a new design. We got our hands on one of the first production units, and after running it through the Pop Photo Lab and field tests, found five reasons why this camera promises to be a big hit.

Click to read the entire Camera Test Pentax K20D – - PopPhotoMarch 2008

Pentax has announced the new 14.6-megapixel K20D dSLR. It is expected to ship in March for $1,299.95 (body only price). New features include:

• APS-C sized 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor (12-bit RAW output only)
• 2.7 inch Live View LCD
• Improved dust reduction system
• weather /dust sealing
• IS0 up to 3,200 (but how does ISO 800 look)
• 11 point Auto Focus system
• SD and SDHC card

It looks like Amazon already has the Pentax K20D 14.6MP dSLR available for pre-order. (more…)