Pentax K10D Latest Review

One of the not so big names in the field of photography is Pentax. It has released the Pentax K10D last September 14, 2006. Unlike its predecessors, Pentax K10D is tougher, bigger and is fully packed with features that may send shivers down the spine of even the big and leading name brands. This digital camera is equipped with a 10 megapixel CCD that is stabilized, water and dust proof seals, image processing pipeline of high quality, exposure modes that are unique, and an eleven point auto focus.

The Pentax K10D offers an optical viewfinder that let you show 95% of the image frame. For those who wear eyeglasses, it also has a diopter correction. To prevent unwanted light from going to the viewfinder, Pentax K10D also has an detachable eyepiece blind.

On the rear deck of the camera you will find the LCD screen. Unlike point and shoot cameras, the LCD screen of the Pentax K10D cannot be used as a viewfinder. The LCD screen’s main purpose is for after exposure image review and menu navigation. It is 2.5” with 210,00 pixel. The TFT screen is hue accurate, with an adjustable brightness, and the image frame is shown almost 100%. It does not have a coating that is anti-reflective for the LCD screen though, which makes it quite difficult reviewing images in bright light.

The Pentax K10D allows its users to mount almost every mount lens Pentax has ever manufactured and this even includes every KA mount lenses.

Just like its predecessors the Pentax K100D and K110, the Pentax K10D uses an auto focus system with eleven-auto focus point contrast detection. But unlike the K100, the AF of this new model is faster and more accurate especially in low light settings. It has the ability to automatically select the closest auto focus point to the subject. The Pentax K10D’s continuous focus is also excellent for those action shots. The AF can also be set to manual too wherein the user grips the focusing ring and adjust the focus manually.

The Pentax K10D’s shake reduction or image stabilization system counterbalances camera shake. It does this by shifting the camera’s free-floating CCD sensor. This is a great image stabilization system since it works with any lens mounted on it. Because of this system, 3 stops slower shutter speeds can be used to shoot. One unique feature of this CCD shifting system is it can also be used to shake off dust from the sensor.

When the user deems there is a need for supplemental lighting, there is a flash release button so that flash can be used. The built-in flash can also be used as lamp to assist the AF especially on dim, low-lit settings. The flash’s field view is 18mm with a maximum range of almost 15 feet. The Pentax K10D also sports a hot shoe wherein flash units can be mounted.

The storage device used by the Pentax K10D is a SD or SDHC memory card. This is not included with the camera though and since it does not have a built-in memory storage you need to purchase one. This camera saves the image in JPEG, PEF RAW and DNG RAW formats.

The image quality of the Pentax K10D by default is of pro quality. But it also comes down on what lenses are mounted, the image processing, and the exposure system’s accuracy. The image quality can also be easily adjusted and tweaked using the Pentax K10D’s other features like contrast, color saturation and sharpening.

Pros: Truly a camera designed by photographers for photographers, the Pentax K10D can provide the features and functionality of what most photographers are looking for nowadays. It has features at par with big name products and that includes its superb image stabilization system that can support almost any lens and can also be used to dust off dirt.

Cons: They lack in the long lenses area which are usually used to shoot wildlife or sports events. Its battery life is also a little bit below overage.

Overall: The Pentax K10D is for amateurs and pros alike. If you are looking for a fully armed camera for lesser the price, you might want to consider the Pentax K10D.

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