a few more k20 shots

just a few snap shots with the K20. these arent intended to be test shots, I am merely shooting around and getting familiar with the camera. As soon as i coordinate specific tests comparing K10 vs. K20, I'll be sure to include full sized jpegs with varying ISO values.

all images ©2008 Mark Dimalanta

the pentax k20d

a shot of the K20 taken with my K10 and FA 50 f1.4


A shot of a pair of my K10's, with the K20


First shot from the K20, DA* 50-135 at 123mm, 1/800s, wide open at f2.8, ISO 200

another shot from K20, Da* 50-135 at 135mm, 1/800s, wide open at f2.8, ISO 200


I have been happily using my new k20d for the past few weeks. we all had to respect the information embargo put forth by pentax japan, until today. It was rather amusing watching the forums and seeing all the speculation that floated around, some close and some really farfetched. now that the cat is out of the bag, over the next few days i will start to post images shot with the k20d, comparisons with the k10, as well as my overall impressions of the new flagship.

First and foremost, the sensor is a collaborated design between samsung and pentax. 14.6 mp CMOS

When i first handled the camera, the first thing i noticed was the slightly warmer tone from the CMOS, but i was blown away at how smooth and buttery the images were straight from the camera. I had an email session with my buddy Ben K. out in paris, and his early glamour and fashion editorial images simply knocked my socks off!!! Over the course of the next few days, im sure you will all begin to see images roll out.

thats just for starters, i will add more details soon. so check back here often...

Here are some links to a few youtube videos from that "brett favre" looking guy John Carlson. click on either camera link:

K20d: video on you tube

K200d: video on you tube







SMC DA 35mm F2.8 macro limited

SMC DA 55-300 f4-5.8 ED


I am especially excited about the DA* 300 and DA* 200mm f2.8, this lens will follow in the footsteps of the much heralded FA* 200 2.8

SMC DA* 300 f4 ED [IF] SDM

SMC DA* 200 f2.8 ED [IF] SDM

first surf of the year, january 1, 2008

Pentax K10d and Pentax DA 70mm pancake limited

despite being small, the first surf of the year was clean, glassy and picturesque.

Fearlessness, the story of Lisa Anderson

The Virginia farm girl comes full circle. Of the many starts and stops in this colorful life of pro surfings’ most dynamic female, her return to Huntington Beach opens up a new chapter for Lisa Anderson. When you live in a town called “surf city”, you don’t have to travel too far to see your surf icons. All my heroes have stopped by at one time or another. It also helps, that the biggest surf contest in the world (the US Open of Surfing) happens annually in my backyard. What a treat to ride my bike along Main St., in front of Huntington Surf & Sport, and see Lisa Anderson at her “fearlessness” book-signing, last December 15, 2007.

Born March 8, 1969, a few years my senior, Lisa Anderson, always seemed worlds ahead me and moving a million miles an hour. She always seemed to have her act together, pushing forward and breaking numerous ground for women’s professional surfing. I was always in awe of her talent, but never knew much about her. The Feb’ 96, Surfer Photo Annual wherein Lisa graced the cover with the words ... Lisa Anderson surfs better than you” is my all-time favorite. Many guys of the era, and even today secretly wish they were blessed with half the talent. Poll any male surfer and the truth would be, that they either loved her for everything beautiful about her, or hated her because she actually did surf better than most. (HAHA) Lisa’s influence and aggressive surfing style put a face to women’s surfing and the ROXY brand of clothing, helping to develop truly female surf fashion.

“Fearlessness” holds nothing back and lets you into the life of Lisa, where only a select few were ever invited. Nick Carroll does a fantastic job of allowing you inside Lisa's life to learn what really went on behind the scenes. It’s well written and streams smoothly. I read it in a few days time and applaud Lisa's courage and honesty to relay her life experiences in a way to make us all realize that despite her superhuman surfing ability, she is just like one of us. A young girl with the hope and fearless determination to fulfill her passions, despite any obstacle. A truly fine example of living out your dreams.

“ ‘Lisa takes big steps’, she says seriously. ‘she takes real big steps. She's very brave ... she works at relationships, but she’ll walk away if she has to.

‘It's a natural thing for her now, going to Huntington. She’s gone back to where she’s first started.’ “ -Nicole (Lisa's childhood friend, fearlessness)

Thankfully for us, were glad to welcome her back home to Huntington Beach. As lisa states in her preface, "Funnily enough, I chose to move back to Huntington Beach, California. this time it wasn't running away."

It was uplifting, to finally meet and talk with one of my all time favorite surfers. After she signed my book, I read the preface that Lisa had written, and i'll share with you her final comment... "I have new dreams now -not about winning world titles but about giving my kids everything I can. and of course, the one in which I find great love that lasts forever. In that quote alone, it foreshadowed her realness and sincere disclosure. I couldn't wait to finish the book.

I stopped and took the time to ask Lisa a few questions. I feel I know a little more about her, especially after reading her book. Although, Lisa is no longer competing and I missed the chance to shoot her during those times, I entertained the opportunity to shoot her freesurfing in the near future. If we ever do luck up on an exotic surf trip, i’d be confined to follow the old rule of surf journalism, as taught to me by my friend and venerable surf photog veteran, Erik Aeder... “Show, but don’t tell... Let secret spots stay secret."

MD: What would you be doing if you weren’t a pro surfer or involved with the surf industry?

LA: “I would definitely be a parent because i love kids, probably have more than 2 kids by now. But if i weren’t a surfer, I’d probably be a pro snowboarder. I love the snow and the mountains. I always loved doing something active, so somehow the energy would have come out in some way or another.”

MD: Would you care to share any good or bad experiences with regard to surfing?

LA: “Surfing has always been a positive thing for me. Whether there were times when i neglected my surfing, It was always knockin’ on my door, telling me to get out there and get back in the water. Surfing always left me feeling satisfied, rejuvenated and fresh. It’s always been there for me and there really hasn’t been any negative experiences...”



all words/images ©2008 Mark Dimalanta Photography