Pentax K10D

 
Connectivity
Software (8.0)
The K10D ships with two software applications: Photo Browser v3.1 and Photo Laboratory v3.1. Both applications are available for Windows and Mac platforms. Photo Browser is a typical application for importing, sorting, and printing images. Its layout is simple and organized, and the application generally intuitive.

The main display is organized into four primary areas – folder hierarchy, thumbnail display window, EXIF data, and image thumbnail. Selected images are opened in a new, free-floating pop-up window, with image data listed below it. The panels can be scaled to emphasize a particular area, while the number and size of thumbnails can also be tailored. A slide show can be viewed, and opens in a smaller pop-up window, with image data superimposed over the left portion of the image.

These options are fairly typical of most packaged software applications, but Photo Browser is noticeably faster and less demanding on the computer. We suspect many K10D owners will opt to use the more-powerful Adobe Bridge for organization, but Photo Browser is adequate and a wise selection when PC memory is limited.

Photo Laboratory is a RAW file converter that allows automatic or manual corrections in processing. During the conversion, users can adjust white balance, exposure, contrast, saturation, sharpness, distortion, lens correction, and noise reduction using horizontal sliders. The application can show out of gamut warnings in each channel, and allows adjustments to be made to the tone curve. In general, it’s a pretty powerful application with quick performance times, and is much more competitive than Photo Browser.

The RAW processor in Photo Laboratory is impressive, though conversions made alongside Adobe Camera RAW seem to lack luster and sharpness on their respective defaults.

Jacks, ports, plugs (6.75)
The K10D’s main connectivity hub is located on the left side of the camera body. The ports are protected by a hinged plastic door that snaps tightly shut. Three port terminals are housed within: wired remote, USB/video out, and external power (DC). A connection port below the camera supplies communication with an optional battery grip.

The camera has two windows for infrared communication with a wireless remote control: one on the front of the camera, placed along the handgrip, and one on the back near the AF button. The latter is a convenient touch for photographers standing behind the lens on untimed exposures.

Direct Print Options (7.5)
The K10D is PictBridge- and DPOF (Digital Print Order Format)-compatible, enabling print orders to be made within the camera, and direct printing to compatible printers. Print orders can be created for single images or a specified group. Printing directions are saved onto the memory card with the photos and can be used at any kiosk or retail outlet.

For single images, users can specify the number of copies (up to 99), and select whether or not a date stamp is imposed on the print. The DPOF setting is accessed through the Function menu and is a simple, intuitive process. Note that print settings cannot be applied to RAW files.

Images are printed directly to PictBridge-compliant printers, without the assistance of a computer, via the USB connection. Direct printing is accessed through a Transfer mode option within the Setup menu. Once tethered to a printer, a menu appears on the camera that provides options to set paper size, paper type, print quality, and apply borders. These are basic settings that most DSLRs include.

Battery (6.75)
The K10D’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery (D-LI50) is advertised by Pentax to attain 500 shots on a full charge (without flash), which is markedly behind the 1,500+ shot claims of other prosumer models. Pentax lists 480 shots attainable with 50 percent flash usage, and a sustainable charge for 330 minutes in Playback mode when measured in accordance with CIPA standards.

The camera’s quoted battery life is disappointing for prosumer or potential professional shooters; many wedding and event photographers typically exceed 1,500 or 2,000 exposures per shoot, forcing pros considering the K10D to inflate the price (to include the additional battery grip and multiple batteries) or look elsewhere for a more practical alternative. However, interested consumers should bear in mind that most entry-level DSLRs hover in the 450 to 1,000 shots-per-charge range.

A battery level indicator is visible in the viewfinder, alerting users to power levels during shooting. Once the battery level dips below its minimum designation, the indicator flashes and users will not be able to capture another image.

In practice, we found the K10D’s battery was surprisingly more capable than Pentax claimed; we got slightly more than 700 shots per charge (without much use of flash). This is still disappointing, but granted nearly 40 percent more endurance than the specs indicate.

Memory (3.5)
In the vein of previous models in the line, the K10D contains a single memory card slot that accepts SD and SDHC media. This design is becoming increasingly more common among entry-level DSLRs and is an effective way to help keep the size of the camera down. SDHC cards are currently offered in up to 32 GB.

It’s a bit unfortunate (though not surprising) that the K10D contains just a single card slot. Many higher-end DSLRs on the market now include dual slots, which provides additional storage space, as well as the opportunity to shoot RAW + JPEG to different media.

Other features (7.5)
Digital Preview – Cleverly incorporated into the depth-of-field preview button, the camera can display a "digital preview" on the LCD depicting the potential shot using the active settings.

Dual Self Timers/Remote Sensors – We mentioned this previously in the review, but it deserves another mention. While a subtle – and only occasionally useful touch – the K10D’s dual infrared sensors illustrate the logic driving the camera’s design. With one sensor placed on the front handgrip, and another on the back next to the LCD, remote shooters can control the camera from nearly any angle in close proximity.

Sensor Cleaning – Along with the shake reduction mechanism and coated CCD, Pentax has included a provision to lock up the mirror and clean the sensor manually. This is not unique to the K10D, but is useful for stubborn dust particles fixed to the imager.

Custom Functions – 32 custom options can be set to the user’s specification. The K10D's custom options are similar to those offered on Canon’s prosumer DSLRs. They are flexible and useful, but do not reach the depths of Nikon’s D200/D300 models, which allow the user to determine the actual size of the spot meter. To view a full list of the K10D’s custom settings and their functions, refer to the Menu section of this review.

D-BG2 Battery Grip – The K10D accepts Pentax’s D-BG2 accessory battery grip, which carries an extra battery and additional shutter release for vertical shots. The additional battery can be used in conjunction with the one in the camera. Users can assign priority to a particular cell or set the camera to utilize the battery with more charge.

Legacy Lens Compatibility – The K10D is compatible with older Pentax lenses and Pentax medium format glass (with an adapter). There is some loss of functionality with certain lenses, but they can still be mounted to the camera and capture images.

Time Function – World time can be set for 71 cities in 28 time zones.