After months of rumours, leaked photos and predicted specifications, Japanese lens manufacturers Pentax recently announced their much awaited successor to the K10D digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR), the K20D. At 14.6 megapixels, the mid-range K20D will be the highest in its class, an increase of 4.6 megapixels over the previous version. Features include a newly developed CMOS image sensor that claims to bring out the optimum performance of one's chosen lens; dust-proof and weather-resistant bodies; and a Shake Reduction feature compatible with any of the 24 million Pentax lenses ever made.

The first product of Pentax's recent partnership with Samsung, the K20D also boasts a large, high-resolution LCD (2.7" TFT), a versatile continuous shooting mode, an improved autofocus system and a sensitivity level of up to the equivalent of ISO 6400. A user-friendly interface and a forgiving learning curve ensure that even though the K20D is capable of producing professional-quality photographs to suit the needs of expert shutterbugs, it's still an ideal choice for those new to photography. The K20D is expected to ship in April 2008, with a price tag of US$1,299.95.