PENTAX K10D - THE BEGINNING OF GREAT THINGS

THE PENTAX K10D WAS LAUNCHED IN 2006

The K10D offers 10.2 effective megapixel CCD sensor, coupled with a 22-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a shake reduction system which also provides a dust removal feature to keep dust off the sensor surface.

The K10D features an image processor called PRIME (Pentax Real IMage Engine), which interfaces with DDR2 RAM, providing 800MB/s bandwidth.

The camera body is dust and weather-resistant featuring 72 seals throughout the camera.

Images can be saved in JPEG, Pentax raw image format (PEF) or standard DNG format.

The K10D features the "crippled" KAF2 mount. Like the full-featured KAF2 mount, this has power contacts for the lens and supports power zoom and MTF information transferred from the lens to the body, but lacks the mechanical stop-down coupler necessary for full compatibility with the oldest Pentax K-mount lenses. The "crippled" KAF2 lacks the mechanism to mechanically sense a lens's aperture ring setting. For that reason, when using the manual aperture ring on K-mount lenses, it is necessary to set the 'Use aperture ring' setting in the 'Custom Menu' to 'Permitted' and use stop-down metering mode (Pentax calls it optical preview) to ensure proper exposure.

The K10D supports in-lens ultrasonic focusing motors, known as SDM by Pentax. Lenses equipped with the motor are quieter and faster in auto-focus operation.

The K10D is compatible with most M42 lenses via a apapter.

No video.

1 slot for memory card.

Battery - DL150

Battery Life - 500 shutter releases (no flash)

Shutter life - Approximately 100,00 shutter clicks.

CONCLUSION: The Pentax K10D may not have the fastest Auto Focus system and the JPEG images may not be the highest quality, but those small issues do not affect my shooting style nor do the affect my feelings about this camera. I shoot in RAW and the RAW files produced by this camera are quite good if not exceptional. The K10D is a great landscape camera, also it excels in the macro department. This camera is also great for shooting portraits, depending on your style. If you're one of those photographers who likes to bounce around and use quick auto focus to capture your subject then perhaps this camera isn't the best match, but if you're methodical such as myself, and take your time with your subject, then this camera is perfect. The cons I would mention are battery life, slow auto focus and sub par JPEGS. This camera would not make for a great sport camera, although it can be used to do so.

SAMPLE PHOTO'S