Pentax K20D
Pentax · DSLR · 14.6 MP · APS-C
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Pentax |
| Model | K20D |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2008 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | January 23, 2008 |
| Camera type |  DSLR |
| Camera size | 142 x 101 x 70 mm |
| Camera weight | 800 g |
Optics49/100 | |
About the OpticsPentax K20D Overview and OpticsThe Pentax K20D optics score is 49 out of 100. This camera features a 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor, which is an APS-C size. The shooting speed of 3 frames per second is lower than many modern cameras. However, the camera’s Prime processor ensures efficient image processing. The Pentax K20D has a DXOMARK sensor score of 65, which is respectable but not outstanding in today’s market. The camera uses the Pentax KAF lens mount, offering compatibility with a wide range of lenses. With built-in image stabilization, the K20D reduces the effects of camera shake for sharper images. The camera’s aspect ratio is 3:2, which is a standard format for photography. Comparing the Pentax K20D optics to current camera models, it provides a decent performance but falls short in some areas, such as shooting speed and sensor score. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 14.6 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4672 x 3104 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 16 x 23 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 3 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Pentax KAF |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Prime |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 32003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 64003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 110300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  Yes |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video | |
About the VideoThe Pentax K20D does not possess video capabilities. However, it has built-in time-lapse functionality. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | No |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | N/A |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | N/A |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | N/A |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  Yes |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | N/A |
Features47/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Pentax K20D receives a feature score of 47 out of 100. Its screen size measures 2.7 inches with a resolution of 230,000 dots. The camera does not have a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, or Bluetooth capabilities. When comparing these features to modern cameras, the K20D seems to fall behind. Many current models offer touchscreens and flip screens for ease of use and improved composition. Additionally, the lack of GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth limits the camera’s connectivity and sharing options. The Pentax K20D’s specifications reveal that it might not be the best choice for those seeking advanced features and seamless connectivity. However, for users who prioritize simplicity and are not concerned with the latest technology, the K20D still provides a solid shooting experience. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  Yes |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 2.7" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 2300001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. | No |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery27/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Pentax K20D receives a storage and battery score of 27 out of 100. The camera has a single memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, and MMC cards. In today’s market, this limitation may be an inconvenience for photographers who prefer multiple card slots for backup or overflow storage. The battery life of the Pentax K20D allows for 500 shots, powered by a D-LI50 battery. This capacity is decent, but not exceptional compared to current cameras. Additionally, the camera lacks USB charging, which is a feature found in many modern models. Considering these specifications, the Pentax K20D’s storage and battery performance is adequate but falls short in comparison to newer cameras on the market. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / MMC |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | D-LI50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 500 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |