Pentax?s European and Japanese top brass have held talks to discuss the price of the firm’s soon-to-be-launched K20D digital SLR, after Samsung announced its similar, much cheaper, GX-20 camera.

The talks, which took place at the PMA show in Las Vegas on 31 January, were held ?to sort out the interesting situation with the [K20D] price’, according to a Pentax UK spokesman.

The spokesman would not reveal details of the discussions, telling us to expect an announcement on this matter before the camera?s expected launch in March.

When announced on 24 January Pentax stated that the 14.6-million-pixel K20D will cost £999.99 with an 18-55mm lens. The Samsung GX-20 ? also featuring a 14.6MP CMOS imaging sensor ? will debut at £699.99 with an 18-55mm lens ? that?s £300 less. The Samsung model is also due to be available in March.

The cameras are the result of the continuing joint venture between the two companies, who set their prices independently.

Pentax K20DPMA Live