Samsung GX-20
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Photography |
| Founded | June 16, 1919 in Japan |
| Headquarters | Tokyo , Japan |
| Products | Cameras, lenses, imaging equipment |
| Parent | Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd. |
The Pentax K20D and its counterpart, the Samsung GX-20,, are digital single-lens reflex cameras boasting a resolution of 14.6 megapixels. These models were introduced by Pentax on January 23, 2008. The K20D was distributed in the United States from February 2008 until late 2009.
While the camera bodies of both the K20D and GX-20 were engineered by Pentax, their CMOS sensors were produced by Samsung, reflecting a collaborative alliance initiated in 2005. Despite sharing similar internal components, each model features distinct design elements, firmware configurations, and image processing techniques. Marking a milestone for Pentax, the K20D was their first DSLR to incorporate a CMOS sensor co-developed with Samsung. This partnership leveraged Samsung’s advanced sensor technology to enhance Pentax’s position in the digital SLR arena—a market where Pentax entered comparatively late with its first DSLR debuting in 2003.
Upon release, these cameras possessed the highest resolution sensor available in the APS-C image sensor format, at 14.6 megapixels. In 2009, Pentax unveiled the Pentax K-7, the K20D’s successor featuring a refined CMOS sensor design, a more compact body, and additional capabilities such as HD video recording.
Firmware updates have been issued to improve performance and compatibility. The most recent version 1.04 was released in April 2010 to address issues related to certain SDHC memory cards. An earlier update, version 1.03 from April 2009, enhanced Shake Reduction (SR) functionality and autofocus reliability under specific conditions. Firmware files are accessible for download via the official Pentax website.
Features
The K20D serves as the follow-up to the highly regarded Pentax K10D prosumer DSLR model. Released concurrently with the Pentax K200D, which represents a major enhancement of the entry-level Pentax K100D, the K20D introduces several advancements over its predecessor, including:
- A CMOS image sensor featuring:
- increased resolution at 14.6 megapixels compared to the K10D's 10.2 megapixels
- enhanced sensitivity reaching up to an ISO equivalent of 6400, surpassing the K10D's maximum ISO 1600
- A marginally larger and higher-definition main LCD display that supports live view functionality and allows for color calibration through custom settings
- An improved continuous shooting mode providing two options: 3 frames per second at full resolution or a rapid 21 frames per second at a reduced resolution of 1.6 megapixels
- The capability to capture a sequence of bracketed exposures with a single shutter actuation
- Upgraded autofocus and image stabilization (shake reduction) mechanisms
- Introduction of the Dust Alert system, which detects dust on the sensor and marks their positions to facilitate cleaning
- Enhanced dynamic range by one EV
- Adjustable autofocus offset to correct front- or back-focusing issues for up to 20 different lenses
- An X-sync port designed for studio flash integration
- A new "★★★★" JPEG quality setting that delivers superior image compression and fidelity
- Multiple in-camera noise reduction intensity options
- Distinct edge sharpening levels for JPEG outputs, addressing prior criticisms related to sharpness in the K10D
- Additional image tone modes such as Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, and Monochrome, complementing the existing Bright and Natural profiles
- Optional automatic fine-tuning of white balance even when manually selecting the light source type
- Customizable filename prefixes to easily differentiate files when using multiple K20D cameras
- Built-in hot-pixel mapping functionality
- A trap-focus feature compatible with certain autofocus lenses, specifically Pentax DA and FA lenses equipped with an MF/AF switch (refer to page 112 of the K20D manual)
- Interval shooting capability allowing users to program up to 99 shots at specified intervals and start times
By August 2009, the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for just the K20D body in the U.S. was $629. When bundled with a DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II lens kit, the cost was $699.
Samsung GX-20
As part of a collaboration between Pentax and Samsung Techwin, the K20D was also marketed under the name Samsung GX-20. These two models are nearly identical but exhibit minor differences. The GX-20 features button labels printed in a slightly smaller font size, with buttons themselves differing somewhat in shape and layout. Additionally, its hand grip design varies enough that the battery grip designed for the K20D is incompatible; instead, a dedicated battery grip for the GX-20 was made available.
The firmware on the Samsung GX-20 differs from that of the K20D by employing distinct menu structures and iconography. Notably, it does not support Pentax’s PEF raw image format, opting instead for Adobe’s raw format. Reports indicate that JPEG processing on the GX-20 diverges from that of its Pentax counterpart. Samsung’s firmware updates for the GX-20 were based on Pentax’s releases for the K20D, with versions 1.01 and 1.03 issued shortly after Pentax’s corresponding updates. However, Samsung discontinued firmware support before Pentax’s release of version 1.04 for the K20D; consequently, no GX-20 firmware version 1.04 was developed or distributed. While a K20D running firmware 1.04 can handle 32 GB SDHC cards, a fully updated GX-20 with firmware 1.03 only supports SDHC cards up to 16 GB. Firmware updates intended for the Pentax K20D are not compatible with the Samsung GX-20.
References
External links
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- Blog dedicated to the Pentax K20D, tracking its development and launch
- (in Japanese) Promotional materials for the K20D, K200D, and associated lenses
- Comprehensive review of the Pentax K20D on Neocamera
- DPReview.com brief hands-on experience with the Pentax K20D
- In-depth Pentax K20D evaluation by Richard Butler, June 2008, DPReview.com
- Official K20D User Manual from Ricoh Imaging