Competitive Set
Canon EOS 40D ($1,150 street, body only) Yes, it costs less, but the 10.1MP Canon EOS 40D doesn't capture detail on par with the 14.6MP Pentax K20D (you get about 10 percent less). But fewer megapixels help give the Canon a burst advantage of 6.5 fps, versus the K20D's 3 fps, and its DIGIC III processor better reduces noise at ISO 1600 and 3200. The K20D is built to take similar abuse, but Canon's 9-zone AF system outguns the Pentax in low light, and its slightly larger (though not sharper) 3-inch LCD is a plus. Both cameras have live preview, but the Pentax also boasts sensor-shift image stabilization, a clear advantage over the EOS 40D. And the Canon pop-up flash still doesn't support wireless flash control -- advantage, Pentax.
Sony Alpha 700 ($1,350, body only) Images from the 12.2MP Sony A700 have slightly less resolution and detail than those from the Pentax K20D, but the image quality of JPEGs from the Sony is better at all ISOs due to higher color accuracy and, at high ISOs, lower noise. The Sony has a larger and higher-resolution 3-inch LCD, plus slightly superior sensor-shift image stabilization. The K20D appears to have a few more gaskets for greater resistance to water and dust, though the Sony's magnesium-alloy casing and aluminum-alloy chassis are built to last. The K20D's live preview mode might sway macro shooters towards it; the A700's faster, more sensitive AF system will definitely appeal to sports and action photographers.
VITAL STATISTICS
Imaging: 14.6MP effective, APS-C-sized CMOS sensor captures images at 4672x3120 pixels with 12 bits/color in RAW mode.
Storage: SD and SDHC. Stores JPEG, PEF RAW, RAW DNG, RAW + JPEG.
Burst rate: JPEGs (Fine mode): Up to 38 shots at 3 fps. RAW: Up to 16 DNG RAW at 3 fps. JPEG 1.3MP: Up to 115 shots at 21 fps.
AF system: TTL 11-point system. Single-shot and continuous AF. Tested sensitivity down to EV -1 (at ISO 100, f/1.4).
Live view: TTL Phase matching modes with short blackout time.
Shutter speeds: 1/4000 to 30 sec plus B (1/3-, 1/2-, or 1-EV increments).
Metering: TTL evaluative 16-segment metering (coupled with lens and AF information), centerweighted, and spotmetering (approx. 5%). EV 0-21 (at ISO 100). Exposure bracketing 3 or 5 frames in 1/3- or 1/2-EV steps.
ISO range: Normal: ISO 100-3200. Expanded: ISO 6400 (in 1/3-, 1/2-, or 1-EV increments).
Flash: Built-in retractable P-TTL pop-up flash. GN 43 (at ISO 100, feet). Hot-shoe, X-sync socket, sync-speed: 1/180 sec, P-TTL, high-speed-sync, wireless-sync with Pentax dedicated flash.
Image stabilization: Image sensor shift mechanism, 2.5-3 stops' advantage.
Viewfinder: Fixed eye-level pentaprism.
LCD: 2.7-in. TFT with 76,700-pixel (230,000-dot) resolution, 170-degree viewing angle.
Output: Hi-Speed USB 2.0, NTSC/PAL video.
Battery: Rechargeable D-LI50 lithium ion battery, CIPA rating, 720 shots, half with flash.
Size/weight: 5.6x4.0x2.76 in., 1.87 lb with battery and SD memory card.
Street price: $1,299 (estimated), body only.
For info: www.pentaximaging.com.
VIEWFINDER TEST
Accuracy: 95% (Excellent)
Magnification: 0.94X (Excellent)
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