I want to step up to a DSLR, and I've looked at the sample pictures with this camera on Pbase, and I really like what I see. I'd like to get the body and start with a 50mm F1.4 lens for good low light indoor shots. But, you know the deal about DSLRs is that once you pick a body, you have to stay with it because all your glass will fit that body.

I've just about made up my mind on this, but I was just wondering if anybody had experience owning/using it.

Since you don't have already have a DSLR system then just about any major manufacturer of DSLR cameras that you might go with will do quite nicely. If you do go for the Pentax be sure to post your assessment of the camera here. I don't believe there are very many (if any) members here who have the K20D and I, for one, would be very much interested in how she performs.

But most importantly, make sure you share and post your photos.

Good luck with your decision.

I just bought one for my fiance'

My friend owns one and is absolutely in love with it.

I've had a K20D since last winter. Before that, a K100D. The K20D rocks.

From my limited point of view, it is the best value body out there. Performance is great, build quality surpasses the competition. I often see people arguing performance and specifications between the K20D and the higher-end offerings from the Big Guys. The debate is with a camera costing twice as much.

Body aside, the Pentax K mount is probably the best value and for lenses, too. I don't think that is really debatable. However, modern high-dollar telephotos are less common in Pentax mount.

If I were a semi-pro or pro photographer shooting, for instance, sports, I would probably go high-end Canon or Nikon and suck up the price differential. However, I don't do that. I like to do scenery and use a variety of glass. I'll generally shoot in manual and try a number of settings and lenses on the same scene. At least to me, it makes a difference in the photos. There is usually one that just stands out from the others. I wouldn't get that opportunity on auto.

The color rendering from SMC Pentax M and SMC Pentax A glass is a beautiful thing. Crazy beautiful. I compare my photos to my dad's Sony, the colors do not compare. They put out a legendary product back then. I have never used the newer high-end glass, it is said to be good but is not cheap. The kit lens actually performs well enough, I just don't like all the plastic. I use it for point-and-shoot: I am too slow in manual and the onboard flash is almost impossible with a "dumb" lens.

You mention a 50mm 1.4. I have one circa 1975 that is beautiful. Also a 1.7 and a 2.0. Those are common (and inexpensive) in Pentax. I think the other guys are a lot more dollars. The SMC Pentax M and A 50 / 1.7 is a great performer that can be found cheap.

I recommend it highly.

jocko_nc thanks for the comments.

Get your hands on one, if you can find a dealer that carries it...

www.pentaxforums.com

Some really knowledgeable Pentax folks there...

I have a K10D and Love it I would like to be able to move up a little later but the K10D works fine for me for now. And the above link does have some great folks and some good deals on cameras.

I love my K20D as I also love my K100D.
I got the SMC A 50mm 1.7 and boy what a lens for that cheap..its insane. The only bad thing is I keep comparing it's sharpness to every other lens making it hard to accept zoom lenses! :D
pentaxforums rock btw. Very nice people that do not put others down for using different cameras unlike most other fan boys. :thmbsp: