Pentax K10D

The 10-megapixel K10D is the first viable prosumer body released by Pentax, marking a departure from the simplified 6-megapixel mold that characterized the manufacturer’s previous efforts. At the camera’s core are an APS-C-sized CCD chip and PRIME image processor, capable of 22-bit A/D conversion. Eleven-point autofocus (with 9 cross-type), mechanical image stabilization (Shake Reduction), dust removal, and weatherproofing are integral portions of the design. However, impressive as the K10D’s components may be, the camera earns its distinction through the practical subtleties woven throughout its design. For $599 (with rebate) during the holiday push, the K10D is one of the strongest values on the market.

Physical Tour

Front (9.0)
The K10D’s front façade is dominated by a large Pentax KAF2 mount (compatible with Pentax KAF2, KAF, and KA lenses), placed slightly off-center to the right. The mount contains communication connections for lens and AF information. The mount ring is visually balanced by a deep, sloping protrusion that forms the camera’s handgrip. Built into the textured grip is a self-timer lamp and remote control receiver.

Below and to the left of the lens mount is the lens release. Along the flat right plane of the mount platform is the focus mode lever. Above that is a dedicated RAW button. Further up, near the viewfinder hump, is the flash release control.

In the upper-right portion of the K10D’s front face, a "K10D" emblem is brushed into the body, with a silver "D" below it. In the lower left portion of the front is a square red "SR" logo, denoting the "Shake Reduction" system. In light of the blue-chip rumblings and corporate dealings, a Pentax logo is prominently strewn across the front of the flash.

Back (7.0)
The camera’s 2.5-inch LCD screen demarcates the back of the K10D. The screen sits on a raised platform that houses the majority of the controls. Running vertically down the left side of the LCD is a column of four buttons. They are, from top to bottom: menu, trash, info, and play.

The right side of the camera is dense, with more dedicated controls than previous Pentax models. The real estate just to the right of the monitor – roughly halfway down the camera – houses the four-way controller, encircled by an AF point switching dial. The setup bears resemblance to Canon’s quick control dial, though it’s slightly smaller. Above the dial is an AF button, which focuses on the subject prior to metering. Diagonally up toward the viewfinder is an exposure compensation button, which doubles as the lamp for the monochrome LCD. Just below is an additional self-timer lamp and remote control receiver.

Pentax placed two critical controls below the AF mode dial: the Shake Reduction switch and the function (Fn) button.

At the top left, just below the slope of the viewfinder hump, is the bracketing button. Moving to the right is the eyecup, which encircles the viewfinder. Further along is the e-dial, which adjusts exposure settings. An auto exposure lock (AE-L) button sits at the topmost portion of the camera.

At the bottom of the camera, to the right of the Shake Reduction switch, is a rotating lever to open the media door (on the right side of the camera). A card access lamp, which indicates when data is being written to the card, is above the card release.

Left Side (7.5)
The left side of the K10D is relatively barren, with the exception of a rectangular port cover that houses three jacks: a cable switch, USB/Video out, and a DC input.

Right Side (7.25)
The camera’s thick right side forms the handgrip. A hinged door sits at the left, opening to the card slot.

Top (8.25)
The top of the camera is well organized and reasonably open. To the right of the viewfinder hump is an informational LCD screen. Moving toward the front of the camera is a large, silver shutter release, with the power dial formed around it. The power switch has three positions: off, on, and depth-of-field/digital preview. To the left of the shutter release is the green button, which resets exposure settings and sets the appropriate exposure in Manual mode.

A small mode dial is to the far left, with a rotating Metering mode lever formed below it. A hot shoe sits atop the viewfinder hump, just in front of the eyecup.

Bottom (7.25)
The bottom of the camera is strictly utilitarian, though it lacks the textured rubber that blankets the majority of the body. A metal tripod socket sits below the lens axis, along the camera’s focal plan. To the left of the socket is an elongated port cover that protects the accessory battery grip connector. Farther left is the battery cover, secured by a small lever, which is somewhat cumbersome to open.