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Pentax K10D First Impressions Review

First Impressions Review

Previous: Page 6

Image Parameters

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Overall Impressions
September 30, 2006 By Patrick Singleton
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Connectivity
Software
The K10D will ship with Pentax Photo Browser 3 and Photo Laboratory 3. We have not tested the programs.
 
Jacks, Ports, Plugs
The K10D accepts an external power supply, a corded remote control, USB, and analog video out. It has a window for infrared wireless control, and a port on the bottom that communicates with a battery grip, which has vertical shooting controls.
 
Direct Print Options
The K10D appears to have both PictBridge and DPOF functions. We'll know more for our full review; exploring these options was not possible at Photokina.
 
Battery
The Pentax K10D uses a Li-ion cell, the power source of choice these days for digital cameras. They are small and light, relative to the amount of power they can hold. The battery grip accessory can hold an additional Li-ion cell of the same type, and the user can set how the camera taps the two power sources.

Memory
Pentax chose SD cards as the media format for the K10D. It seems like a bold move. The established high-end DSLRs all take Compact Flash cards. In fact, Pentax made a wise choice – its other cameras use SD cards, so migrators with brand loyalty will be able to use the cards they have. SD cards are widely-available and no more expensive than any other media. They are available in the large sizes most practical for 10-megapixel cameras.

Other Features
Dust-combating technology – Manufacturers have discovered dust. Pentax touts three systems to keep dust out of K10D images: first, the filter over the sensor is covered with a "nanotechnology based fluorine coating," which reminds us of Teflon ®. The dust just can't stick to it very well. Second, the K10D's shake reduction mechanism is vigorous enough to shake dust off the sensor. Third, the K10D has a sticky strip that holds dust shaken off the sensor. If all that fails – perhaps one sneezes into the camera – the K10D has a function to allow manual cleaning, opening the shutter, and exposing the sensor. Pentax sells its own cleaning wands.
 
LCD previews – Showing depth of field on the LCD is a nice option, as is the white balance preview.
 
Old Lens Compatibility – The Pentax K10D can work with old K-mount lenses, and has a range of technology to make it convenient to do so. There are a slew of those lenses around, offering Pentax veterans the chance to keep old equipment in service, and eBay watchers the chance to pick up an oddball lens on the cheap, and experiment.
 
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Pentax K10D First Impressions Review
First Impressions Review
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(add your own)

Previous: Page 6

Image Parameters

Previous: Page 8

Overall Impressions