Pentax K10D

Likes

- Design and feature set built logically around photographers’ needs - Dedicated RAW button - Mechanical image stabilization (Shake Reduction) - Dust Reduction - Sensitivity Priority, Aperture and Shutter Priority mode - Program Line is clever and practical - Camera can intelligently discern sharpest settings for given lens (MTF Priority) - Clever integration of Green button - Customizable Auto ISO - Shoots direct to DNG - In-camera RAW processing - Multiple infrared receivers for remote control (front and back of the camera) - Lens compatibility - Bright, relatively large viewfinder for APS-C-sized image sensor - Interchangeable focusing screens

Dislikes

- Autofocus system is loud, noisy, and at times, just irritating - Autofocus isn’t as accurate as we had hoped - AF assist illuminator built into the pop-up flash (not on camera body) - LCD is not as sharp as competing models; displayed colors are oversaturated - Options in Fn menu delay operation – would have benefited from dedicated controls (white balance, ISO, flash EV compensation, drive) - Dust Reduction system projects loud grumble - Limited X-sync at 1/180 - No commander flash (would have been strong addition to feature set) - Single SD card slot

Conclusion
Priced at $799 and available online for $599 during the holiday push, the K10D supplies a prosumer feature set at an entry-level price point. The feature-laden K10D introduces Sensitivity Priority, adds a dedicated RAW button near the lens mount, captures direct DNG files, and allows users to process RAW files in the camera. Dust reduction and sensor-shift image stabilization are also constructed into the camera body. Images produced by the K10D, however, indicate some of the camera’s limitations; uncorrected photos display errant colors, inaccurate white balance, and soft edges. Image quality and performance speeds are on par with other similarly-priced DSLRs, but do not approach prosumer models from Canon or Nikon.

The K10D is not a top performing DSLR, though it offers a competitive design and feature set deserving of comparisons to these models. At its reduced price, the K10D brings an advanced DSLR into the realm of general consumer affordability, and provides an economic alternative for seasoned shooters on a budget.

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