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Expert Recommendation
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Overview
The Pentax K20D is an outstanding value with best-in-class image quality, a large and bright pentaprism optical viewfinder, excellent quality weather-sealed body, and an in-body image stabilization system. The kit lens is one of the best in class, and the sensor resolution is the highest in its class. It has a top-mounted LCD, which helps confirm critical shooting parameters, like shutter speed and ISO, and its live view feature is great for shooting landscapes.
My Best In Class Pick
Pentax K20D (with 18-55mm Lens)
While it’s a DSLR, which supports interchangeable lenses and the ability to view through the lens, one can always use it as a typical point-and-shoot camera with its kit lens mounted and in Auto Mode or a Scene Mode.
DSLRs have a real advantage in low light because of their much larger-sized pixels (6-10 times) than a typical compact camera. They focus faster too by using a phase-detection AF system, which is generally faster than the contrast detection method used by compact cameras.
This feature-packed DSLR provides unbeatable value. Its features, including 14MP resolution (best in class), weather-sealed body, large and bright pentaprism viewfinder (great for framing on bright sunny days & in fading light conditions), live-view (great for shooting landscapes & portraits with camera on a tripod), RAW-DNG image format, ISO6400 setting are usually found in much higher-priced DSLRs. It supports a RAW-DNG format (DNG is standard RAW format recognized by most image editing programs, while other cameras use proprietary RAW formats, which may not be supported by older image editing software) and includes a unique Sensitivity (ISO) priority and Shutter+Aperture priority modes.
It has in-body shake-reduction (CCD-shift type) feature so image stabilization is available for all of its lenses. You can save a lot of money by buying cheaper non image-stabilized lenses.
Other useful features are the sensor dust-reduction system & a live view mode in which one can use the rear LCD for framing the shot (as is the case with point-and-shoot cameras).
The camera provides a useful top-mounted LCD, which can be used to quickly verify critical parameters like the ISO setting and shutter speed. It saves on battery life too.
The camera also offers the highest amount of cross-type AF points (at this price range), which helps more quickly auto-focus when the scene contains subjects with weak vertical lines (e.g. when taking photographs while holding the camera in a vertical orientation). It shows the ISO speed in the optical viewfinder, which is a nice feature as ISO is an important parameter for low light shooting.
Its kit lens is among the better ones. The camera uses less noise reduction than others at high ISOs. Consequently resulting images are full of fine details and noise reduction artifacts are minimal.
It would have been perfect but for the missing AF assist lamp. Instead it uses Flash strobe as AF assist in low light (as is being done by many other such DSLRs except those from Nikon).
In nutshell, the best-in-class features, image quality, large & bright pentaprism optical viewfinder, build quality and in-body image stabilization makes this camera a steal at the prevailing price.
Comparison with Pentax K200D (with 18-55mm Lens)
The Pentax K20D has better build quality, a larger and brighter pentaprism viewfinder, higher resolution, a live view, and better features.
Comparison with Nikon D60 (with 18-55mm VR Lens)
The Pentax K20D has better build quality, a larger and brighter pentaprism viewfinder, a higher resolution sensor, in-body shake reduction, which makes it possible to use much cheaper non image-stabilized lenses, RAW-DNG format, and a top-mounted LCD.
Pros
- +Class-leading resolution
- +In-body shake reduction feature
- +Larger and brighter pentaprism viewfinder (cheapest camera with such a feature)
- +Top mounted LCD and weather sealed body
- +One of the better kit lenses
- +Good high ISO performance
- +ISO6400 setting (highest in this price range)
- +RAW - DNG format
- +Well built
Cons
- -Lacks an AF assist lamp
Where to buy
Pentax K20D (with 18-55mm Lens)
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Best Price:
$898
See It »
- $898 - $1249 Compare Prices »
Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices
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(from 110 reviews)
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(from 118 reviews)
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(from 175 reviews)
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| Price | $898 - $1249 | $1099.99 | $900 - $1159 | |
| Size (W x H x D) | 5.6 x 4.0 x 2.8 in | 5.2 x 3.7 x 2.9 in. | 5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 in. | |
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Effective Sensor Resolution
The Effective Sensor Resolution tells you the total number of pixels that are recorded when you take a picture. The units are MP, which stands for megapixels or millions of pixels. For outstanding fine compression prints, 3MP is required for 5x7's, 7.1MP for 8x10's, and 10.9MP for 11x14's. The effective sensor resolution is only one of many important factors that will determine the quality of the photograph when displayed or printed at different sizes.
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14.6 megapixels | 10.2 megapixels | 10.2 megapixels | |
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Sensor Size
Most digital cameras, even most digital SLRs, have sensors that are smaller than a standard frame of 35 mm film (36 x 24 mm). These smaller sensors have a number of effects on the captured image and the use of the camera, including an increased depth of field, decreased light sensitivity, increased pixel noise, and increased degree of enlargement.
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23.4 x 15.6 mm CMOS sensor | 23.5 x 15.7 mm CCD senso | 23.6 x 15.8 mm CCD senso | |
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Shutter Lag Time (including auto-focus time)
This is the time from fully pressing the shutter button until the image is captured. Longer shutter lag times make it more difficult to capture the desired moment.
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0.3 sec | 0.3 sec | 0.3 sec | |
| Power to First Shot Time | 0.5 sec | 0.6 sec | 0.5 sec | |
| Max Shooting Speed (continuous) | 3.0 frames/sec | 2.8 frames/sec | 3.0 frames/sec | |
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Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)
The 35 mm equivalent focal length is a measure that indicates the angle of view of a particular combination of a camera lens and the sensor size. The term originates from the time when the vast majority of photography was done with 35 mm film. On any 35 mm film camera, a 30 mm or less lens is considered a wide-angle lens.
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27 mm | 27 mm | 27 mm | |
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Max Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)
The 35 mm equivalent focal length is a measure that indicates the angle of view of a particular combination of a camera lens and the sensor size. The term originates from the time when the vast majority of photography was done with 35 mm film. Larger max focal lengths make distant objects appear more magnified.
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84 mm | 84 mm | 83 mm | |
| Auto Focus Assist Light Available | Flash Strobe | Flash Strobe | Yes | |
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Max Aperture (wide-angle)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (wide-angle) is the largest possible size at the wide-angle limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/3.5 | f/3.5 (f/2.8 with Sigma 18-50mm lens) | f/3.5 | |
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Max Aperture (tele-photo)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (tele-photo) is the largest possible size at the tele-photo limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/5.6 | f/5.6(f/2.8 with Sigma 18-50mm lens) | f/5.6 | |
| Max ISO Setting | 6400 | 1600 | 3200 | |
| Battery Type | Proprietary Lithium Ion Rechargeable | four AA sized | Proprietary Lithium Ion Rechargeable | |
| Battery Life | 530 shots | 550 shots | 500 shots | |
| Image Quality | ||||
| lens quality | good | good (very good with Sigma 18-50mm lens) | good | |
| colors & fine details | excellent | very good | very good | |
| High ISO performance | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | |
| view finder quality | Excellent | Very good | Good (ISO indication missing) | |
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Image Stabilization Available
Image stabilization features are designed to reduce the blur that results from normal, minute shaking of a lens due to hand-held shooting. However, image stabilization does not prevent motion blur caused by the movement of the subject or by extreme movements of the camera.
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Yes (in-body) | Yes (in-body) | Yes (lens based) | |
| Max Usable ISO (subjective) | 1600 | 1600 | 1600 | |
| Sensor Raw Format Available | Yes (RAW-DNG too) | Yes (RAW-DNG too) | Yes | |
Pentax K200D (with 18-55mm Lens)
This DSLR from Pentax provides terrific value in its category (entry-level DSLRs).
It too has in-body shake-reduction (CCD-shift type) feature & a top-mounted LCD.
The camera has one of the larger and brighter viewfinders among entry-level DSLRs, which helps when verifying your focus & low light shooting. The camera also offers the highest amount of cross-type AF points (among entry-level DSLRs). It too shows the ISO speed in the optical viewfinder.
Other useful features are the weather-sealed body, sensor dust-reduction system, RAW-DNG format.
It is the only DSLR which runs on standard AA batteries.
When coupled with bright Sigma 18-50mm lens, the camera gathers lot of light and produces sharp & more blur-free images under variety of conditions. Nevertheless its kit lens is among the better ones. The camera uses less noise reduction than others at high ISOs. Consequently resulting images are full of fine details and noise reduction artifacts are minimal.
It too uses Flash strobe as AF assist in low light.
If you are on a budget and don’t want to spend a fortune on lenses, the K200D with the Sigma 18-50mm lens is the best option overall.
Comparison with Nikon D60 (with 18-55mm VR Lens)
The Pentax K200D has an in-body shake reduction feature, which makes it possible to use much cheaper non image-stabilized lenses, supports RAW-DNG format, has a larger viewfinder, and has a top-mounted LCD. However if you are often taking pictures of people in low light without a flash then the Nikon D60 is the better choice because of its dedicated AF assist lamp, which is less annoying than using a flash strobe as the AF assist.
Pros
- +In-body shake reduction feature
- +Larger and brighter viewfinder
- +Top mounted LCD and weather sealed body
- +One of the better kit lenses
- +Good high ISO performance
- +RAW - DNG format
- +Uses AA batteries
Cons
- -Lacks an AF assist lamp
Where to buy
Pentax K200D (with 18-55mm Lens)
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Best Price:
$1099
See It »
Recommended with
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Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC SLD ELD Aspherical Macro Lens for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras$398.99 @ Amazon.com
- Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
- Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Nikon D60 (with 18-55mm VR Lens)
Nikon is currently the only DSLR manufacturer that includes a dedicated Auto-Focus assist light on all their DSLR camera models. Other entry level DSLRs use a Flash strobe as the AF assist in low light, which might startle the subject and is annoying too. The Nikon D60 was recently introduced as an entry-level DSLR by Nikon.
The camera also has ISO3200 option and comes with image stabilized kit lens. However the ISO speed setting is not indicated in the optical viewfinder. The kit lens is among the better one of these and produces images with good corner-to-corner sharpness.
The image quality including high ISO performance is one of the best.
Comparison with Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 (with 18-70mm Lens)
The Nikon D60 has a better kit lens and has a dedicated AF assist lamp.
Pros
- +AF assist lamp
- +ISO3200 option
- +Good high ISO performance
- +Good kit lens
Cons
- -No in-body shake reduction
- -Smaller viewfinder
Where to buy
Nikon D60 (with 18-55mm VR Lens)
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Best Price:
$900
See It »
- $900 - $1159 Compare Prices »
- Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
- Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 (with 18-70mm Lens)
Like Pentax, Sony also makes a DSLRs with a built-in image stabilization feature. The Sony A200 is their current entry-level model. However the kit lens is among the worst and suffers from purple fringing and soft corners (blurring of fine details in corners of image). The ISO speed is not visible in viewfinder, which is a negative. It does not have a dedicated AF assist lamp and uses a Flash Strobe for the purpose. Nevertheless when coupled with bright Tamron AF 17-50mm lens, the camera provides great value producing sharp blur-free images.
Comparison with Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi (with 18-55mm IS Lens)
The Sony A200 has an in-body shake reduction system.
Pros
- +In-body shake reduction feature
- +Large and bright viewfinder
Cons
- -One of the worst kit lenses
- -Lacks dedicated AF assist lamp
- -Smaller range of compatible wider aperture lenses
Where to buy
Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 (with 18-70mm Lens)
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Best Price:
$494
See It »
- $494 - $659 Compare Prices »
Recommended with
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Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP ZL Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens for Konica Minolta and Sony Digital SLR Cameras$459.00 @ Amazon.com
- Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
- Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi (with 18-55mm IS Lens)
Like K20D this DSLR too has a live view mode. Like the Pentax K200D, it shows the ISO speed in optical viewfinder, which is a nice feature.
The camera’s image stabilized kit lens is one of the best around with good corner-to-corner sharpness. The camera has good high ISO performance too. However it lacks an AF assist lamp and uses a flash strobe instead to auto-focus assist in low light.
Comparison with Fujifilm FinePix S100FS
The Canon Rebel XSi has much better resolution, dynamic range and noise performance, and less image processing artifacts.
Pros
- +One of the best image-stabilized kit lens
- +Higher resolution
- +Live view feature
Cons
- -Lacks dedicated AF assist lamp
- -Lacks in-body image stabilization feature
Where to buy
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi (with 18-55mm IS Lens)
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Best Price:
$552
See It »
- $552 - $1925 Compare Prices »
- Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
- Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Fujifilm FinePix S100FS
This camera is top of line superzoom offering from Fuji. Equipped with a 50% larger sensor (than other superzooms) and a 14x optical zoom range, it is being promoted as an all-in-one alternative to DSLR cameras. The rich feature set includes a tilt LCD (up and down), ability to zoom during movie capture and RAW mode.
However the camera disappoints on the image quality front. The images suffer from fringing problems (purple/green halos around high contrast borders). The effect is quite noticeable. In addition the lens produces soft corners blurring away fine details in that area.
Pros
- +Tilt LCD
- +Good zoom range and feature set
Cons
- -Less noisy among superzooms but no match to DSLRs
- -Soft corners in images
- -Fringing problems at high contrast edges
Where to buy
Fujifilm FinePix S100FS
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Best Price:
$649
See It »
- $649 - $999 Compare Prices »
How It Works
You tell us your budget, intended uses, and desired features. We show you personalized recommendations from unbiased experts to quickly identify the best digital camera for you.
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