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Larger, heavier, and sturdier in its construction than Pentax's existing six-megapixel D-SLRs, the ten-megapixel Pentax K10D defies its mid-tier price. No other model in its class is so well sealed against the elements, for example. And its bright, sharp pentaprism viewfinder is among the biggest we've seen in a D-SLR, making manual focusing easy if you're using older Pentax K-mount optics. That said, the camera's 11-point wide-area autofocus system features nine cross-type points for fast and accurate motion tracking. Another K10D asset -- one that's especially valuable in low light and with slower lenses -- is its sensor-shifting Shake Reduction (SR) system. Because it's built into the camera body, it works with any ordinary, existing Pentax lens. As advertised, it let us shoot handheld and still get sharp results at shutter speeds up to four stops slower. The K10D's brains match its ergonomic physique. Two innovative exposure modes complement the standards. In Sv (Sensitivity Value) mode -- essentially "ISO priority" -- we set the ISO and the camera chose the shutter speed and lens aperture. In TAv (Shutter and Aperture Value) mode, we manually set shutter speed and lens aperture, and the camera automatically adjusted the ISO to achieve proper exposure. The K10D is unique in its ability to write RAW images as either Pentax PEF or Adobe DNG files. For us, though, the K10D's biggest "wow" is its in-camera processing capability. It allowed us to take a digital-preview test shot, adjust white balance, and see those changes live, on the LCD screen. We could also "develop" RAW images as new JPEGs and "push" or "pull" their exposure in camera -- or change their size, quality, contrast, sharpness, saturation, and white balance as needed. The Pentax K10D is the only D-SLR available to offer that winning level of sophistication.
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| Slowest Shutter Speed |
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30 |
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| Fastest Shutter Speed |
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4000 |
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| Built-In Flash |
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Yes |
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| Continuous Shooting |
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3 images/sec |
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| Flash Sync Speed |
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1/180 |
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| Lens Mount |
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Pentax AF (digital only) |
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| Screen Size |
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2.5 in |
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| Screen Resolution |
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210,000 |
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| Screen Type |
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LCD |
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| Maximum ISO |
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1600 |
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| Max Continuous JPG |
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3 |
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| Max Continuous RAW |
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12 |
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| Battery |
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Rechargeable D-LI50 Lithium-ion battery |
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| Width |
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5.6 in |
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| Height |
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4 in |
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| Depth |
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2.7 in |
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| Weight |
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27.9 oz |
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| Release Date |
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September 2006 |
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More Pentax K10D Articles
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July/August 2007
Ruggedness is an advantage that sets professional SLRs above lesser models. The very affordable Pentax K10D erases that distinction, though. |
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April 2007
Where there's smoke...there's a breathtaking photo you can make at home. |
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February 2007
If you're looking for top image quality for less than a grand, one of these rigs is your perfect 10. |
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January 2007
With the new 10MP K10D, Pentax has truly arrived in the DSLR category, and the K10D is a serious player in the advanced amateur DSLR game. |
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January 2007
Version 1.10 adds wireless flash control and numerous control configurations. |
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More Digital SLR Articles
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September 2008
This is a heck of a kit for under five hundred bucks. |
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August 2008
The Canon EOS Rebel XSi, Nikon D60, Olympus E-520, Pentax K200D, and Sony Alpha 350 are Midlevel Marvels. |
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July 2008
A crusading photographer takes on the dirtiest subject of his career: oil. |
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May 2008
The only excess is of good stuff. |
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May 2008
America's top-selling DSLR: Canon's EOS Digital Rebel XTi. Second: Nikon D40. More...
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User Reviews
Here's how our visitors have reviewed this camera.
RATINGS |
AVERAGE RATINGS |
Overall quality |
9.86
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Ease of use |
9.33
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Fit and finish |
9.81
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Click-to-click speed |
9.19
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Display quality |
9.38
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Flash quality |
7.62
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Image quality |
9.62
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Overall value |
9.9
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RATING SCALE: 1 = WORST 10 = BEST |
Read other reviews
Submit your own review
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