tHE NEW PENTAX k20d - MAN THERE ARE SOME NICE FEATURES WITHIN

[h0ughy]

This is a huge leap forward for Pentax, just the increase in versatility is simply breathtaking, but all this And its still only 12 bit where the new canon 40D is 14 bit? Have a look at the features (http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2008/01/pentax_k20d_dslr_gets_official_with _146_megapixels_live_view_and_expan ded_dynamic_range-2.html) - click on the youtube video and have a squiz.

It has certainly made me sit up and take notice. originally i wasn't thinking about upgrading the k10D - but now I am not so sure??:D

[Peter Ward]

I mentioned this camera a while back, but sort of got a ho-humm response.

That said, I agree, it looks like it will be a great astro-cam. The built in intervalometer looks particularly cool.

As for being 12 bit, it is probably the case due the very small pixels (but numerous at 14 MP!) , the well depth of the sensor is insufficient to justify a 14 bit D/A. There also technical reasons (that I won't go into here) as to why higher level D/A conversion (e.g. 16bit) probably won't happen in CMOS for a little while yet.

I'm very keen to get one, but not 'till April they tell me :(

[Dennis]

Too late for this ex-Pentax enthusiast H0ughy - I'm a rabid, dyed in the wool Canon fan now.:)

Cheers

Dennis

[kljucd1]

Hi,

I was told by the Camera Warehouse they should be in Australia by the end of this month, maybe March.

I am going to get this one I think :), or the Canon 450D is looking good so far.

Daniel...

[h0ughy]

not ho hum from me mate - I have had a Pentax for a long time - I even eyed off your glass collection for the Pentax when you were selling them:whistle:. I love the K10D, but the next is a quantum leap in comparison ;)

[h0ughy]

:scared::scared::scared: yes the 450d and the 40D are going to be nice - then the canon glass is a step ahead!!:whistle: Its the 12 vs 14 bits that interests me. be great to have a direct comparison - have to wait a month or so;)

[alan meehan]

david ......sit back down again

[h0ughy]

;):D

[Dennis]

Hey Al

I’m glad you’re keepin’ an eye on the young fella – he gets all carried away and excitable when new gear is announced!:lol::lol:

Cheers

Dennis

[h0ughy]

:sadeyes: but they look great:P

[kljucd1]

Hi,

$1559 for body only from the Camera Warehouse and ships on 3 weeks.

http://www.camera-warehouse.com.au/product.asp?pr=PENTAX-K20D

Regards

Daniel...

[h0ughy]

yeah they are cheaper than the 40d - and so they should be. Don't worry I am eyeing one off. Just need a tax cheque;)

[Zuts]

40D body is $1549

http://www.dirtcheapcameras.com.au/store/product.asp?idProduct=1635

Paul

[h0ughy]

Really well there ya go - I saw then at 1690 about two weeks ago - they must be dropping them to keep the sales going. Well now thats a hard decision then?:help::shrug:

[kljucd1]

Hi,

Luckily all my lenses are compatible with the Pentax, and I don't want to have to pay out for new ones. Otherwise it might be a hard choice for me also.

Daniel...

[kljucd1]

I wander what price they will have the K20D for, might have to flick an email their way :)

Daniel...

[h0ughy]

well it seems as though the pentax has a partner - the samsung GX-20 (same camera?)

[RB]

Stand up again Houghy !!! (two words Yun Lee (http://www.centralds.net/en/index.htm)) :P
Canon 40D @ $1449 (http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/canon40d.htm)
Check out d-d-photographics.com.au (http://www.d-d-photographics.com.au/index.htm)

[Astrod00d]

Yep, and the 40d price has fallen again! $1349 from d-d with a tax invoice.
http://www.d-d-photographics.com/canon40d.htm

Even though I have heaps of Pentax glass, it seems the 40d is just better value than the K20d, based on its' 14-bit D-A alone. That is, provided the 14-bit converter can take advantage of the very small CMOS cells. If it cannot, then 14-bit is just a marketing trick.

I'm sure I've seen a website, somewhere, that has a real world test of 12-bit vs 14-bit in Canon DSLRs eg 400d vs 40d...

<edit> Ah, here it is.. Christian Buil. Seems 14-bit is a genuine improvement... http://www.astrosurf.com/buil/eos40d/test.htm

Cheers,

Rob