Pentax K10D Digital Camera Review

 
Model Design / Appearance (8.75)
The Pentax K10D sports a solid rectangular shell with sloping contours and deep insets that aid in handling. The camera stands a bit larger than previous models in Pentax’s line, though its general silhouette is similar in scale to Canon’s EOS 40D. Its polycarbonate exterior feels dense and surprisingly resilient in hand, exuding a tough plastic aesthetic that’s akin to robust sports watches from the '80s.

Pentax promotes the K10D’s “dust-resistant, water-resistant construction,” making note of the 72 seals affixed to the camera body. The dials, buttons, body joints, and retractable parts of the camera are all purportedly splash- and dust-resistant, and the camera’s imaging chip has been bathed in a protective coating to ward off dust deposits.

As with the K100D, the K10D houses a built-in Dust Reduction (DR) mechanism that vibrates the CCD to dispel dust and dirt from the sensor. The feature can be set to run each time the camera is powered on (delaying start-up), or can be activated manually by selecting the “Dust Removal” option within the Setup menu. Pentax’s take on the now-prevalent feature is competitive with other manufacturers’ offerings, though it’s noisier.

In all, the K10D is extremely durable for a sub-$1,000 DSLR. It surpasses the more-expensive Nikon D80 and approaches the prosumer-grade aspirations of the Nikon D200. Compared to entry-level DSLRs, the K10D build quality is notably ahead of the curve.

Size / Portability (7.5)
With maximum dimensions spanning 5.6 x 4.0 x 2.8 inches, the K10D is distinctly larger than previous models in Pentax’s arsenal. The camera is closest in size to Canon’s EOS 40D, while slightly larger than Nikon’s D80 and smaller than the D300. The K10D weighs 28 ounces when fitted with a memory card and battery.

                    DSLR Size/Weight Comparison

Camera model	Size, weight
Pentax K10D	5.6 x 4.0 x 2.8 inches, 28 ounces
Canon Rebel XTi	4.98 x 3.71 x 2.56 inches, 18 ounces
Canon EOS 40D	5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 inches, 26.1 ounces
Nikon D80	5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 inches, 21 ounces
Nikon D300	5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 inches, 29.12 ounces
Sony Alpha A100	5.25 x 3.75 x 2.84 inches, 19 ounces
Olympus E-510	5.35 x 3.6 x 2.67 inches, 16.6 ounces

The camera may seem a bit heavy upon initial touch to seasoned Pentax shooters; however, the weight will likely feel satisfying and reassuring. The K10D is the first Pentax DSLR that doesn’t feel like a toy; its design and moderate heft communicate its more photographer-oriented nature and allude to its dense feature set.

Handling Ability (8.25)
Draped largely in rubber, we found the K10D comfortable to hold and operate. The opposing curves on the front and back of the protruding handgrip are effectively balanced and neutralize the weight of the lens. The design offers a secure handle in shooting position, and allows the camera to be controlled with only the right hand (ideally when carrying).

There is no vertical grip on the camera body - it comes as an optional accessory. For most of camera’s target audience, this shouldn’t be a problem, as it would have added bulk and weight to the camera body. However, most photographers quickly adjust to the convenience of a vertical shutter release.



Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size (8.5)
The control interface is busier than previous Pentax designs, but still relatively restrained when compared to some models by Nikon and Olympus. There is a nice balance between the number of external controls and menu-relegated features, along with the ability to adjust some of the controls for personal preference. The assignment of controls, however, is another story. ISO, white balance, flash exposure compensation, and Drive mode are confined to the Function menu. Since these settings may be adjusted for successive shots, it’s a shame they weren’t given dedicated buttons.

Three controls are accessible by the user’s stabilizing left hand in shooting position: Focus mode, flash, and RAW. The dedicated RAW button sits just beyond the base of the lens and is easily within reach of the user’s left thumb. The unique control immediately switches in or out of RAW format and is extremely well placed.

The inclusion of two jog e-dials on the K10D – rare among sub-$1,000 DSLRs – helps facilitate quick exposure adjustments and navigation through settings. Many manufacturers opt for a single dial setup, which requires users to simultaneously depress a button while rotating the dial to toggle between settings.

The Green button, which has become a permanent fixture on Pentax cameras, is flexible and intelligently utilized in various modes. In Manual mode, the Green button meters and sets aperture and shutter speed settings for an even middle-gray exposure. This is often a good shortcut, allowing photographers to just shift the desired setting up or down, rather than manually scrolling across the range. When using program shift in Hyper-Program mode, hitting the Green button after manually shifting exposure settings returns you to the camera’s original selection, which again saves a lot of time.

The camera also includes dedicated autofocus (AF) and auto exposure-lock (AE-L) buttons. The separation of the two functions allows users to expose and focus on different areas of the composition. We also found the dedicated AF button useful when tracking moving subjects and getting a quick read on the focal distance.

Menu (7.25)
Similar to many Canon PowerShot and Fujifilm FinePix point-and-shoots, menu options on the K10D are stowed in two places, accessible with the menu or function (Fn) buttons. The primary menu, entered using with the Menu button, is a tabbed, linear structure organized into four categories. Graphically, the layout is similar to previous models in the line, though the K10D adds a more distinguishable background that helps delineate selections. Options appear in large, white text overlaid onto a solid gray backdrop, with a discernable blue bar that scrolls and highlights the selected options. Each menu tab carries its own color: red for Record, blue for Playback, cyan for Setup, and orange for Custom Settings, helping distinguish the various categories. Two thin, horizontal lines assume the color of the selected tab and frame the available settings along the top and bottom third of the page. The more-defined graphic interface is a welcome organizational improvement for the line, and increases visibility in bright daylight.

Depressing the menu button provides access to the Record, Playback, Set-up, and Custom Settings menus.

The following options are available in the Record menu:

Record Menu
Exposure Mode	Select Exposure Mode (only available in USER mode)
JPEG Rec. Pixels	Determines the image size for JPEG files
JPEG Quality	Sets the compression for JPEG shots
Image Tone	Sets Color Tone
Saturation	Adjusts saturation (slider)
Sharpness	Adjust sharpness levels (slider)
Contrast	Adjust Contrast (slider)
File Format	Set the recording format
RAW file format	Select PEF or DNG files
Extended Bracket	Set Bracketing range (WB, Saturation, Sharpness, Contrast)
Multi-exposure	Set multiple exposure (2-5 frames), Select consistent EV (Auto Adjust)
Memory	Select settings to recall when powered is cycled
Shake Reduction	Manually set focal length for older legacy lenses

The Playback menu:

The Setup menu:

Custom Settings options:

The function button accesses basic shooting settings in Capture and Playback mode, which are selected using the four-way controller: