In-Camera Image Processing and Software
When Nikon introduced the D300 late last fall, some reviews detailed the in-camera image processing capabilities as if Nikon had invented the wheel. In fact, many of the "new" in-camera image-processing capabilities of the D300 were already features of the K10D. The K10D has remarkable abilities for capturing and manipulating raw, DNG (Adobe Digital Negative format), TIFF, and JPEG files.
The K20D extends those capabilities even further. JPEG images can be processed in-camera with digital filters, including sepia, color extraction, black and white, soft focus, and an illustration function that looks like a pencil drawing. Digital filters do not work for raw and TIFF files, but these get their own even more extensive in-camera processing options.
In playback mode, you hit the Fn (function) key, and then the down arrow on the four-way controller to bring up the parameters used to record the RAW image. You can then scroll through and change any parameter. These include image resolution, white balance, ISO sensitivity, color space (sRGB/AdobeRGB), high ISO Noise Reduction (four levels), and Custom Image.
The Custom Image function allows adjustment of Image Tone, Saturation, Filter Effects, Hue, Contrast, and Sharpness. Once you are satisfied with the RAW image changes, you can then hit OK and save the file under a new name. This preserves the original RAW file (like a negative) for future processing and creates a new processed file. This in-camera RAW processing can be very useful at a show or in the field where you are away from a computer. It is also useful if you want to process just a few RAW images.
Perhaps to prove their claim that 24 million Pentax lenses will work on the K20D, Pentax includes comprehensive Autofocus adjustment tweaking for any lens that will mount on the K20D. The user can make fine adjustments to AF plane both forward and back to provide best AF performance of older full-frame lenses on the K20D. This even includes the ability to save and recall profiles for up to 20 lenses.
The K20D software is also very useful. Image processing is accomplished in Pentax Photo Browser 3 and Photo Laboratory 3. This Pentax software is a custom version of SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0, which is a very well-regarded RAW converter. While some manufacturers ignore the studio photographer needs, Pentax Remote Assistant 3 allows computer control of a tethered K20D. Most studio photographers demand this capability.
Frankly, most users don't bother with software packaged with their new digital cameras, but both these programs are capable and powerful. SILKYPIX in particular is regularly updated and it is fully Vista compatible. It also includes a version on the CD for Mac OS 10.3 or later. More Information on SILKYPIX can be found at their website.
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dug777 - Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - link
I think I understand what you're saying, like A & S (full Manual even) priority modes from Nikon, but within Program auto?haplo602 - Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - link
Hey finaly an SLR review on anandtech I can agree with.BUT you left out THE big feature of K20D - dynamic range manipulation. You can move the dynamic range in one or both directions on the K20D.
f.e. the camera will shoot the shadows at 200iso while highlights are shot at 100iso ... like a real time HDR option.
I saw comparison photos of this in a magazine and that was a WOW moment (unlike Windows Vista :-)). finaly one revolutionary feature and long needed in the DSLR technology.
Wesley Fink - Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - link
We were also impressed with the dynamic range expansion options on the K20D, and we will be covering this in more detail in the full review. Most other manufacturers in prosumer space have similar capabilities under differnt names, but the flexibility of the Pentax variant will definitley be examined in the full review.dash2k8 - Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - link
It's always good to see companies push the technology envelope, because other brands will be forced to follow suit and in the end, the consumers benefit. From a practical point, however, this Pentax release would probably not be as big an industry splash as, say, a Canon 50D with 14.6 mpixels, given the market for each brand. But it sure paves the way for a brighter tech future for all photographers.Heidfirst - Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - link
oh & apart from the SDM part compare the specs. of it to the Tokina AT-X 165 PRO DX ... ;)Wesley Fink - Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - link
Tokina is the T in THK (Tokina Hoya Kenko) and has recently developed several lenses with Pentax. These Tokina lenses are offered in mounts other than Pentax so as not to compete with thier own brand. However, as you point out, SDM is not a feature of these Tokina lenses.WalkingDead - Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - link
The Pentax lens also has full weather seals.Heidfirst - Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - link
at least in my part of the world the A350 has been shipping for a week or so.
this sounds very similar to what is available on Minolta/Sony & I just always presumed that all other camera manufacturers had similar?
Wesley Fink - Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - link
The Sony A350 has not yet shipped in the US market. It is not even available direct from Sony, who says it will be available March 24th. Amazon is showing the A350 will be released April 25th. The new Sony A200, announced at CES, has been available in the US for several weeks.Heidfirst - Wednesday, March 12, 2008 - link
I am assured that the A350 is now shipping in the USA - 1 well known guy on the forums is expecting his today.