Compared to...

Studio scene comparison (JPEG)

This is our standard studio scene comparison shot taken from exactly the same tripod position. Lighting: daylight simulation, >98% CRI. Crops are 100%. Ambient temperature was approximately 22°C (~72°F).

Canon EOS 50D vs. Pentax K20D

Camera settings:

  • Canon EOS 50D: Canon EF 50 mm F1.4 lens, Aperture Priority, ISO 100
    JPEG Large/Fine, Manual WB, Default Parameters (Standard), Self-Timer (with MLU), ALO disabled
     
  • Pentax K20D: Pentax 50 mm F1.4 lens, Aperture Priority, ISO 100
    JPEG Large/Premium, Manual WB, Default Parameters (Natural), Self-Timer (auto MLU)
Canon EOS 50D
Pentax K20D
4.5 MB JPEG (4752 x 3168)
9.4 MB (4672 x 3104)

Despite the fact that the nominal resolution of these two cameras is very similar their output has quite different characteristics. While the amount of resolved detail is broadly comparable, the K20D image looks much more processed, with stronger sharpening and contrast and more accentuated colors - though it also has a touch more detail too. While Pentax' approach to processing certainly has more 'consumer appeal' the Canon output gives you more latitude in post processing.