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9 New D-SLRs

Hot 2008 models add high-tech features for less money

The K20D's dustproof and weather-resistant body contains a 14.6-megapixel image sensor, the latest noise-reduction technology, sensor-shift stabilization that works with all lenses and an improved dust-reduction system.

Pentax K20D
With a pixel count exceeded only by the $7,999 Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III among current 35mm-based D-SLRs, the $1,299 K20D features a newly developed 14.6-megapixel CMOS image sensor, a result of the Samsung/Pentax partnership. Combined with the Pentax PRIME imaging engine, the new sensor provides good image quality at ISOs up to 6400.

Other K20D features include rugged dustproof and water-resistant construction, a 2.7-inch LCD monitor with live-view capability, an improved sensor-dust removal system, sensor-shift Shake Reduction that works with all lenses, a PC socket for studio flash systems, 3 fps shooting and more.

A new Custom Image function lets you select natural, bright, portrait, landscape, vibrant or B&W modes and then fine-tune tone, saturation, contrast and sharpening. A new Expanded Dynamic Range function improves highlight and shadow detail.

 

The 10.2-megapixel K200D offers the only dust- and weather-resistant body in its class, works with all lenses and features an improved dust-reduction system.

Pentax K200D
The K200D improves on the excellent K100D Super entry-level D-SLR by upping the megapixel count to 10.2, increasing the LCD monitor size to 2.7 inches, improving dust- and weatherproofing with special seals at 60 different points, adding a RAW button that switches from JPEG to RAW + JPEG recording at a touch, improving the sensor-dust removal system with Dust Alert (which shows on the LCD monitor exactly where any dust on the sensor is), and adding the K20D's Custom Image Function that lets you fine-tune saturation, tone, contrast and sharpness. Retained are quick 11-point AF, 16-segment metering and Pentax's sensor-shift Shake Reduction that works with all lenses.

Aimed at the D-SLR newcomer, the K200D features a host of Auto Picture and Scene modes that make shooting popular subjects simple. There's also the full range of "serious" modes (program, shutter- and aperture-priority AE, and metered manual).

Like the K20D, the K200D is compatible with virtually all Pentax-mount lenses, including the new SDM ones with built-in supersonic focusing motors.

 

Water- and dust-resistant, the GX-20 offers 14.6-megapixel resolution, sensor-shift Optical Image Stabilization that works with all lenses, a 2.7-inch LCD monitor with Live View function and more.

Samsung GX-20
Sharing the new Samsung 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor with the Pentax K20D, the new Samsung GX-20 also includes such features as a 2.7-inch LCD monitor with live-view capability, rugged dust- and water-resistant construction, sensor-shift shake reduction with all lenses, double dust-removal system and more. RAW images are saved in the "universal" Adobe DNG format. Like the K20D, the GX-20 can use virtually all Pentax lenses (some older ones have limitations). Samsung offers several Schneider D-series lenses for the camera, which also can be used on Pentax D-SLRs.

Other notable features include 14-bit RAW images, one-touch RAW shooting, ISO settings to 6400, 11-point wide-area AF, Shutter and Aperture Priority AE (automatically sets the most appropriate ISO for the shooting conditions) and Sensitivity-Priority AE (automatically sets the shutter speed and aperture for the ISO you select; you can select the ISO merely by turning a dial) and easy operation.

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