First impressions on my new k20d

[ibargureni]

<p>Hi again!<br>

Well my new kit has just arrived and I am already playing with it (the Tamron hasn't arrived yet). So far, I like the overall handling of the lenses and the body. The 18-55 does seem quite well constructed for a kit lens. The 55-300 seems to be a good performer (even if I don't have other lenses in this range to compare it with). I'll post some images when I take some interesting photos with the gear (so far, all the images are quite boring...).</p>

<p>Regarding focusing, I haven't tried high end Canikon products, but I can compare this with the Nikon d70s and Olympus e500, and I can tell you it isn't any slower. I find the focusing action quite fast actually. The 55-300 does hunt in some situations in the longer end and I find the focus marking in the viewfinder is a bit smaller than the real sensor. I mean, it can autofocus in a point a bit outer from the marks, but can be easily handled.</p>

<p>One thing I wanted to try with this body was the fps in continuous shooting. I don't use this mode very often, but I was curious as a number of people is quite unsatisfied with this point. After trying it, I would say it's as fast as I would ever need, and I loved the deep buffer, as I the 4 raw shot buffer of my d70s did sometimes limit my shots (more than the fps, indeed).</p>

<p>I have also tried some high iso shots, and I've found even iso 6400 could serve me in some extreme situations. I find it could be similar to iso 1600 in my d70s and e500, and I did use these values in extreme situations. I think I'll like this camera with the Tamron combo for low light!!!!</p>

<p>I have navigated through all the menus (I have already updated to firmware 1.03) and I think I've set up the camera more or less to my needs. Something I was shocked with was the sensor cleaning vibration system.... what a vibration! My Olympus does also have a similar system, but it is just a kind of minimal buzzz sound. In this camera, it actually vibrates!</p>

<p>I have found the viewfinder quite good to even manual focus, and the quite limited LiveView system does allow precise manual focusing when the light isn't very low.</p>

<p>Well, now I think I'll start making questions as they arise... hehehe. Thanks for reading my brick!</p>

[miserere_mei]

<p>First impressions go a long way, so I'm happy you like it so far. :-)</p>

[andrewg_ny]

<p>Congratulations on your new kit. Good for us experiencing a case of AF-envy to hear from those with experience that the grass isn't all that much greener.</p>

[bob-c]

<p>Congratulations Ioritz. Best of luck with your new equipment. I can't wait to see more of your work.</p>

[michael_kuhne]

<p>Glad you got this great deal, Ioritz! You have an outstanding camera at a great price. If you ever shoot JPEGs they are great from this camera. Acting upon seeing the images shown by another member, Javier, who also shoots JPEGs, I duplicate his settings for general use- in "bright" image mode, the default image mode the camera ships with, which automatically bumps sharpness and contrast up one notch, I then bump each up one more notch. The effect is almost like shooting Fuji Velvia film. For certain subjects or situations, like where peoples' skin tones are most important, I switch from the "bright" mode to another. Just hit the Fn button, then the OK button to bring up this menu.</p>

<p>You will no doubt enjoy the excellent responsiveness of the exclusive Pentax Hyper System design. Very fast and efficient. This does not function in the "Green" setting on your mode dial, which is specific for auto-only. The "P' Program setting is Hyper Program. This means that at any time, as you watch what the camera is selecting for aperture or shutter speed, if not happy with that, you can instantly intercede by changing either to what you wish by simply using the front finger dial or rear thumb dial. The first click freezes, then more clicks change. This immediately switches your operation to aperture or shutter priority. A touch of the green button on top instantly restores full Program operation. Turning the camera off then on also cancels.</p>

<p>The "M" Manual setting is Hyper Manual. A touch of the green button will give you instant metering-to-center exposure setting. If not happy with the shutter speed or aperture, you can adjust from there. When doing this, if you hit the AE-L button first, you will get fast tandem adjustment. As you turn the dial to change aperture, the shutter speed will automatically follow to keep your exposure centered. Likewise if adjusting shutter speed, the aperture will follow. Using the Hyper Manual system is also great for using your spot meter for quickly spot-metering around a scene.</p>

<p>When Dpreview first encountered this system years ago in their test of the Pentax *ist-D, they were amazed and referred to it as simplicity itself and a stroke of genius.</p>

<p>Enjoy your wonderful new camera!</p>

[shaloot]

<p>Hi Ioritz, your camera wasn't shipped with the latest firmware? I'm asking this because a month ago a friend bought a k20d and I'm not sure if he knows to check or update firmware.... I'll email him anyways to double check, but just wanted to know if K20d's were shipping out not completely updated...<br>

Glad you're enjoying the camera, we'll be looking for you this sunday in the POW thread!</p>

[ibargureni]

<p>Thanks for the initial howto, Michael! I have already read most of the user manual, so I know the theory quite well. I am trying to familiarize with the controls, but they seem to be intuitive. By the way, I find the use of the Green button very useful in most of its uses.</p>

<p>Somanna, my K20d came with firmware 1.01, so I upgraded it to version 1.03 (I found it really easy to upgrade).</p>

<p>I have two exams next week, so I'll show you how my desktop looks as a sample photo for now...<br>

<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3645/3657515405_67fae84ee0.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>And my focus alignment "set-up".... (yes I'm still a student....)<br>

<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3653/3657519393_f1517afe27.jpg" alt="" /></p>

 

[ibargureni]

<p>[sorry did a repost...]</p>

[miserere_mei]

<blockquote>

<p>yes I'm still a student....</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Nobody's perfect :-)</p>