Pentax K20d recently sold at reduced price of $630 body only and $699 with standard zoom lens 18-55mm. This deal is almost similar with best seller Canon XSi bundle which is $660. As you might already know, Pentax k20d is an advanced camera and XSi is actually an entry level camera.
With extra $30 you can get advanced camera. So what is the benefits on doing so?
Pentax k20D advantages
- Weather seal and Waterproof body
- 14.6 megapixel compared to 12 megapixel
- In body Shake Reduction (image stabilization)
- Better / Bigger Pentaprism viewfinder with 95% coverage, .95 magnification
- 11 AF points, 9 cross sensor
Canon XSi / 450D advantages
- Lightweight and Small Size
- Bigger LCD screen 3″ vs 2.7″
- Better Live View implementation
- AF is snappier especially in low light
- Slightly faster continuous shooting speed
- Access to Canon EOS lens collection
The most significant different you will immediately notice is the camera body. K20D has a bigger body which is waterproof while XSi made by tough plastics that might not survive rain, or drops. But this is also an advantage of XSi, which is lighter and probably more comfortable to carry during travel. K20D has a brighter and bigger viewfinder that you might find more enjoyable when composing a shot.
Shake Reduction in the camera is also one significant different between the two model. While it is potentially save you money in the long run, you can’t see the effect of SR like in Canon lens-based image stabilization. Check out this post about the two kinds of image stabilization.
The last significant difference is the lens collection. Pentax pancake lens (very slim and tiny) fixed/prime lenses and some great value standard zoom lenses. However, Canon lens collection and technology is the best in the industry right now. The differences can be viewed here: Pentax vs Canon lenses.
Who is these cameras are for?
Pentax k20d is great for photographers who captures still images most of the time. It is also great for outdoor photographer because it has weatherproof body. However, to get full protection, you might need Pentax DA* lens which is waterproofed.
Canon XSi is a lightweight camera which is great if you travel frequently by foot and do not want to carry heavy gears on your neck . While I don’t recommend it to take fast moving objects like sports, but when equipped with Canon USM lenses, XSi will do the job pretty well. The main benefit on getting Canon XSi is according to me is the access to Canon lens collection. Canon EOS has plenty to offer, from cheap 50mm f/1.8 lens to high-end telephoto lenses.
In conclusion
Basically, you can’t go wrong with either of the cameras, you will need to research lenses that Canon and Pentax offers. If at the end you are satisfied with Pentax collection, then K20D seems like better deal.
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