The New York Times-20080124-A Camera for Sharp Shots Even When Lights Are Low

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A Camera for Sharp Shots Even When Lights Are Low

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Pentax on Wednesday introduced the K20D, a digital single-lens reflex camera for serious photographers that it will show off next week at the Photo Marketing Association trade show in Las Vegas. The sensor in the K20D uses complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technology, better known as C.M.O.S., instead of the more common charge-coupled device, or C.C.D. This new wave in digital cameras allows a vastly greater sensitivity to light, yielding better pictures.

C.C.D. cameras, including most compacts, can be turned up to a sensitivity of about ISO 400 before pictures show grainy noise. Pentax says the K20D can operate at ISO 3200, and with a custom setting, even at 6400. The camera can employ higher shutter speeds as well, freezing motion without blur, even in dimly lighted rooms.

This sensor's 14.6-megapixel resolution is higher than that of many direct rivals, for sharper shots over all, and at 28.2 ounces, the camera is lighter and smaller. A so-called kit lens is not included, as Pentax expects buyers of this $1,499 weather-sealed body to pick a more serious lens, perhaps one of the five new ones it is also displaying next week. MARTY KATZ

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