Pentax has recently lagged behind Canon and Nikon in both the scope of its digital SLR range and sales of its cameras. This is a shame, as when the company gets it right its cameras are hugely impressive.

More people ought to notice its K20D, the new top-of-the range 14-megapixel model that upgrades the 10-megapixel K10D with a professional-specification body that feels almost armour-plated. In fact, its tough magnesium-alloy casing is sealed against the intrusion of water or dust.

The K20D’s other main features are similarly impressive. Light sensitivity extends from ISO100 up to ISO6400 enabling low light photography without flash, there’s maximum quality raw file shooting alongside the more common JPEG, three frames per second continuous shooting (up to an unlimited number of JPEGs or 16 raw files), a 2.7in screen for both shot composition (thanks to Live View) and playback, built-in image stabilisation to counterbalance camera shake – plus a dust prevention system to avoid unsightly spots appearing in images. In short, most of what any keen photographer would want is here.

No SD memory card is supplied, although one is needed to store images, but that’s the same with any SLR, and the good news is that compatible SDHC cards are now available in up to 32GB capacities.

Switch the camera on and, as you’d expect from the price tag, it's up and shooting with little delay. The body is fairly weighty at 715g without the 18-55mm kit lens attached, and if we’ve a grumble that monitor screen could be enlarged still – to the 3in found on competing cameras.

Image-wise the K20D delivers appealing rich and warm colours when left on its factory default settings, and reproduction using the supplied lens is razor sharp. That can’t take away from the fact that the K20D is pricey for anyone who doesn't need a high resolution for printing large images or the tough exterior, though we did find it retailing online for £695 at time of writing.

Incidentally, if you spot a Samsung GX-20 that looks similar, don’t be confused – the two companies share a development deal so you’re looking at 99 percent the same camera.