Colours aren't technically as accurate as they could be, though they're not very far off compared with other cameras in this price range and tend to look pleasing nonetheless. The automatic colour balance does a good job of neutralising colours, though it leaves a slight warm cast when shooting in incandescent lighting. That's not uncommon among higher-end dSLRs, and given that this is Pentax's flagship model, we're not surprised to see this here.
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The meter tends to underexpose when faced with a tricky situation, but typically did a good job of delivering the right exposure for a given shot. We do have to say that we prefer Nikon's 3D Colour Matrix Metering II for trickier shots, but we like that the K20D errs on the side of caution by underexposing rather than overexposing and blowing out highlights.
Conclusion
Overall, the K20D is a very good camera for the price. Pentax users looking to step up should feel comfortable doing so. If you're brand agnostic and looking for a solid mid-range SLR, the K20D is a safe bet.
In comparison, it has an extra stop of sensitivity than the Canon EOS 40D, which tops out at ISO 3,200 compared with the K20D's ISO 6,400. Plus, if you think you'll use the Pentax's wireless flash control, you should note that Canon forces you to buy a separate controller, or its priciest flash unit, if you want that. Nikon's D80 has come down in price recently and offers a tempting alternative, though it has 10 megapixels compared with the K20D's 14, and neither that Nikon nor Canon has the K20D's weather sealing.
Additional editing by Shannon Doubleday
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Richard Hirons 10 June 2008
Good: So easy to use, may be it is because I am an old film person.
Bad: Lack of longer zoom lenses from Pentax
Comment: I have tried and owned other makes, including the Nikon D80, superb images but infuriating menu controls. I was thinking of buying the D300 but was put off by the size.
So I am comparing it to others that I have owned and used.
The image stabilization is ok, I use a Sigma 50-500mm EX DG lens, hand held with good results, also with a Sigma 105mm macro lens hand held and no problems.
The image quality is as good as the best, with detail in the shadows as good as the Nikon D300.
And the best bit is with a good lens you dont have to get too close, Just crop in without loosing detail, Jpeg images 11meg +,
and RAW images are just huge, so pleanty to play with in Adobe! and still print up A3!
Some very good points are the top l.c.d panel is lit by green leds so can be seen even on the darkest or brightest day.
another nice point is the "remote" sensor is also on the back of the camera as well as the front, Why dont other manufacturers do this? Little things I know, but they all add up too a very good camera.
If you want a very fast shutter rate, maybe not for you but I find 3 frames a second plenty fast enough.
One i can recommend, with a customer service dept that are very helpfull.
One other point is that Pentax dont bring out new cameras (revamped old models) every few months or suddenly, usualy just after you have bought it, start giving "cash back" deals.
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