Pentax K10D

Auto Mode (9.5)
The Pentax K10D has two straight automatic exposure modes. The first, tagged Green mode – now a hallmark of Pentax cameras – sits in the initial slot on the mode dial. Green mode locks out control to a point-and-shoot capacity, setting the camera for an even overall exposure. The next position on the mode dial accesses its Hyper-Program mode, which adjusts the camera for an average exposure at what’s called the Program Line. In Program mode, users have the option to shift aperture and shutter speed values using the e-dials while retaining the same exposure. Once settings have been shifted, hitting the Green button returns the user to the camera’s original selections.

One of the more creative inclusions on the K10D is its Program Line, which lets users prioritize exposures in Hyper-Program mode for speed, depth-of-field, or optimum sharpness for the lens in use. When Hi Speed is given priority, the camera defaults to the fastest possible shutter speed; when Depth is prioritized, a small aperture is used to produce greater depth-of-field; when MTF is selected, the camera sets the aperture that yields the sharpest image from the applied lens. This setting can be used to great benefit, though it’s designed to assist photographers with an awareness of their equipment and the craft, not an auto setting for point-and-shooters.

Movie Mode (0.0)
Like all current DSLRs, the Pentax K10D does not record video. DSLRs with live preview are theoretically capable of capturing video clips, however. In discussions we’ve had with various DSLR engineers, they’ve stated that the lone obstacle standing in the way is money: roughly $100 onto the MSRP. However, most contend the $100 differential would be too much to relinquish competitively, even given the potential appeal of a hybrid recorder with interchangeable lenses.

Drive / Burst Mode (6.0)
The K10D’s maximum burst rate is listed at 3 frames per second (fps) for both RAW and JPEG files. Pentax claims the camera will continue at that pace indefinitely when shooting JPEGs, and for 12 consecutive RAW files.

In practice, we found the camera can indeed achieve the stated 3 fps capture rate; however, it could only maintain it for the first 31 JPEGs before slowing. It continued on at roughly 2 fps for another eight images before dropping to about half its original tempo for the remainder of the burst. In RAW capture, the camera sustained a burst for 9 PEF and 11 DNG files.

The 3 fps burst rate is slightly faster than most entry-level 10-megapixel DSLRs, though well-short of the pace other "prosumer" models achieve. The older Canon EOS 30D and Nikon D200, for instance, hit 5 fps, while successors to both exceed 6 fps – twice as fast as the K10D. The K10D is, however, one of the fastest DSLRs at its price point, and far less expensive than Canon and Nikon’s prosumer offerings.

The Burst mode will be helpful for shooting events, weddings, or general functions, though it won’t be quick enough for sports photography. The camera’s 11 and 9-shot buffer helps in those situations, but falls short of the 17 or so most prosumer models attain.

Stored alongside the burst options are settings for the self-timer and wireless remote control (optional accessory: Pentax Remote Control F). 12- and 2-second delays (with mirror lockup) can be set for either or both.

Playback Mode (9.25)
Playback mode is accessed with a small capsule-shaped button on the lower portion of the back of the camera. The camera defaults to single image view, recalling the last recorded image on screen. Photos can be viewed alone, with basic information, full information (smaller image thumbnail), or with a histogram overlay. Users can zoom in and scroll around images, view a thumbnail display, watch a slide show, and set a print order. Less common options allow for digital filters to be applied to captured images and RAW images to be processed.

The in-camera RAW processing module is basic, yet its inclusion alone is laudable. Both PEF and DNG files can be processed in the Playback mode, with options to modify file size and compression, white balance, ISO (exposure), image tone, saturation, sharpness, and contrast. Processed RAW files can then be saved as JPEGs.

Custom Image Presets (0.0)
Like many SLRs tailored to experienced photographers, the K10D is void of Scene modes. The camera includes a collection of automatic and semi-automatic modes, but none are designed to optimize settings for specific scenarios, such as Landscape, Portrait, Fireworks, etc.