K20D vs. Canon 40D

[kopio]

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=27234722

The review of Chasseur d'Images shows the K20D is an excellent camera, they give the K20D a 5* (out of 5).

In summary:

+ the good points of the K10D remain: viewfinder, weather sealing... or even improved: SR, usability/user interface
+ very good sensor and image processing engine
+ simple direct access to commands and image styles with Fn button
+ wireless highspeed flash with builtin flash
+ socket for studio flash
+ complete built in image post processing engine and even raw dev.

- no SR in viewfinder
- shutter only 1/4000th
- shutter speed of only 3p/s
- LCD screen with just 230000 pixels and no HDMI output

In comparison to the competitors (according to the mag)

K20D vs C 40D

1100 EUR for C 40D vs 1200 EUR for K20D. Viewfinder, weather sealing and IQ of 40D not as good as K20D, but 40D does 6pic/s.

K20D vs N D300

The D300 is EUR 500 more expensive, and is slightly better in every area than the K20D. N also offers a wider selection of lenses. Regarding IQ, the K20D is more than a competition to the D300

K20D vs O E3

E3 is nicely built, excellent viewfinder and fast AF, but IQ is much lower than K20D.

K20D vs S alpha700

The alpha700 has a 12MP sensor, but only with a 12bit ADC. The dynamic range is lower than the K20D. IQ wise, the K20D produces better photos, but the K20D is slightly behind build quality and viewfinder.

Hi Fengwei,

In what way is the K20D more than a competition to the D300. I'm considering upgrading my D200 either to a K20D or a D300. As you know I'm currently using 2 different systems for different work.

Was quoted by OP, K20D was way higher than D300.

 

[creampuff]

woohoo.

That price is fine (same at alan photo last I checked) - it's not unreasonably out of line with the US prices.

IT's the DA* price which is painful. (Since it's 699 in the US and SGD 1.45k here.)

Let me put it this way. Get the camera or lens NOW rather than later. Why?

The US dollar is plummeting, and is already hitting record lows against other currencies, especially the yen. In other words, for most Japanese companies which are export oriented (like Pentax), their products are getting more expensive due to the strengthening yen. If the US$ weakens further, it might undo Japan's recent economic recovery and tip it into recession like the US is already in. Stronger yen + higher commodity prices + high oil prices = more expensive cameras.

For the US, inflation will rear it's head with the lower interest rates and weakening dollar and higher commodity prices. Prices of goods in the US will eventually go up rather than down. So buy now before prices creep up.

BTW who wants to make me an offer for my lightly used, almost brand new K10D and my trusty K100D so that I can upgrade to a K20D?

 

[night86mare]

Hi Fengwei,

In what way is the K20D more than a competition to the D300. I'm considering upgrading my D200 either to a K20D or a D300. As you know I'm currently using 2 different systems for different work.

Was quoted by OP, K20D was way higher than D300.

how much is the d300? :dunno:'

i remember in uk it was more expensive than k20d. maybe i remembered wrongly

 

[dnaxe]

By DA*, I suppose you're referring to the 16-50? I got just quoted much lower than that, but no stock though...

yup.

With no stock, talk is cheap... (seriously..)

 

[fengwei]

Hi Fengwei,

In what way is the K20D more than a competition to the D300. I'm considering upgrading my D200 either to a K20D or a D300. As you know I'm currently using 2 different systems for different work.

Was quoted by OP, K20D was way higher than D300.

Sorry I wish I could give you an answer, but I can't. It's not my review

But I do think D300 is a better camera overall. IQ wise, depends on who is using the camera I guess.

One thing for sure, there is no way that the D300 is cheaper than a K20D. Otherwise I don't mind getting a D300 right away (then sell it elsewhere for a profit :think

 

[fengwei]

Yes was just at CP and they have the K20D body at $1850. The 200mm is the same price plus they have all the DA and FA Limiteds. No more complaints of no lens availability.

Wow! All the FA Limiteds? That sounds the first time in town, isn't it

 

[fengwei]

woohoo.

That price is fine (same at alan photo last I checked) - it's not unreasonably out of line with the US prices.

IT's the DA* price which is painful. (Since it's 699 in the US and SGD 1.45k here.)

I don't know where you got the quote of 1.45k for a DA*1650 lens. Some here got the DA*1650 plus 50135 lenses together from a local store for around 2.5k only. And if you think the local price is to exp, you can always buy them from oversea Especially from the US, you can even get International Warranty (which is covered by our local agent)...

 

[dnaxe]

I don't know where you got the quote of 1.45k for a DA*1650 lens. Some here got the DA*1650 plus 50135 lenses together from a local store for around 2.5k only. And if you think the local price is to exp, you can always buy them from oversea Especially from the US, you can even get International Warranty (which is covered by our local agent)...

I must have seemed like an easy target

hmm.

 

[creampuff]

Wow! All the FA Limiteds? That sounds the first time in town, isn't it

Yeah I thought my old eyes were playing tricks too but I saw them all.
Plus they had the 10-17, 18-250 and a couple of other lenses.
BTW the K10D lithium battery goes for $60, bought another one for my camera.

 

[Mahler1]

K20D = S$1850 ;p

D300 = S$2550 :sweat:

 

[kopio]

I guess it's just OP's pricing of k20d is way higher than $2K.

 

[Mahler1]

1. I don't think the image quality in JPEG is identical. I will choose K20D for more natural color. :heart: :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[fengwei]

I guess it's just OP's pricing of k20d is way higher than $2K.

I guess they just wanna tell you that they can't get the K20D camera for you lah :bsmilie:

 

[istDeS]

Yeah I thought my old eyes were playing tricks too but I saw them all.
Plus they had the 10-17, 18-250 and a couple of other lenses.
BTW the K10D lithium battery goes for $60, bought another one for my camera.

When i saw. I thought my eyes were playing tricks also and take a look again carefully.:bsmilie:

 

[skypacker]

I had a really tough time at the McLaren F1 demo at the Padang today! The slow focus speed of the K100ds and its inability to keep a moving subject in focus when on continuous focusing mode in decent light was depressing. And, the tiny buffer filling up with just 3 shots all the while taking so long to clear (Sandisk Ultra II card) merely added to my problems. LOL... I really hit a brick wall today with the K100DS and Sigma 70-300.:sweat: Barely any shots came out properly, and that was with manually prefocusing, praying and clicking off a few shots hoping the car was in focus in the frame. :bsmilie:

The crowd and the limited field of view was definitely a factor (I was at the crowded corridor/balcony of the old supreme court) but the K100ds was quite a bit of a letdown. It's an excellent camera for landscape and still life shooting, and I know sport shooting is not it's forte, but today was too frustrating, so I have decided to re-evaluate my options.

Time to upgrade to a K20D or even go down the Canikon route. The D300 is a dream camera, but too expensive, so I am tempted to get a 40D. It's the thought of buying new Canon lenses ($$$) that puts me off, and ofcourse the loss of in-body SR..

A K20D + Sigma/Tamron 18-50 or so might be better for the wallet I think. The DA*s are way out of my budget for now, so no hope there.

Been out of touch the last few weeks with happenings on the K20D front, so I apologize if these questions seem superfluous. How good is the K20D's continuous focus speed and tracking ability in real-life? As for the buffer, I understand that it is 38 JPEGs and 14 PEFs at 3fps. In real-life burst shooting, does the camera lock up for a long time while the buffer is being cleared? Any comments/tips on the above would be most appreciated.

 

[Zenten]

Been out of touch the last few weeks with happenings on the K20D front, so I apologize if these questions seem superfluous. How good is the K20D's continuous focus speed and tracking ability in real-life? As for the buffer, I understand that it is 38 JPEGs and 14 PEFs at 3fps. In real-life burst shooting, does the camera lock up for a long time while the buffer is being cleared? Any comments/tips on the above would be most appreciated.

Believe me, if you are seeking speedy and accurate AF, you'd be better off with the Canon 40D

 

[skypacker]

Bros, I ended up getting a K20D today. SG$1820 body only from CP Marina.

The difference between this and the K100DS is like day and night. Broke, but very happy with my purchase. The continuous shooting, focusing and tracking are good enough for my requirements. Build quality is AWESOME. And, high ISO shots are impressive!

Pentaxians, forget about the Canon 40D, do yourself a favor and get a K20D instead.

 

[fengwei]

Bros, I ended up getting a K20D today. SG$1820 body only from CP Marina.

The difference between this and the K100DS is like day and night. Broke, but very happy with my purchase. The continuous shooting, focusing and tracking are good enough for my requirements. Build quality is AWESOME. And, high ISO shots are impressive!

Pentaxians, forget about the Canon 40D, do yourself a favor and get a K20D instead.

Congrats on the new camera, glad to know it's working well for you

Now let's see some photos

Cheers and happy shooting.

 

[istDeS]

Bros, I ended up getting a K20D today. SG$1820 body only from CP Marina.

The difference between this and the K100DS is like day and night. Broke, but very happy with my purchase. The continuous shooting, focusing and tracking are good enough for my requirements. Build quality is AWESOME. And, high ISO shots are impressive!

Pentaxians, forget about the Canon 40D, do yourself a favor and get a K20D instead.

Congrats on the new camera. "SG$1820 body only" that sounds easy for your pocket.:bsmilie:

 

[creampuff]

skypacker, congrats. Now you're one of the pioneer members of the K20D club over here.