Pentax K10D Digital Camera
Review

Carrying a large 10-megapixel sensor and innovative feature set, the K10D is Pentax’s most advanced DSLR to date. It adds a new image processor and enhanced A/D converter, said to supply a more faithful rendering of the scene. The camera benefits from Pentax’s well-considered design and subtle feature innovations, working to maximize efficiency and simplify operation for knowledgeable photographers. Incorporating mechanical sensor-shift image stabilization and dust reduction, the K10D provides automation in the most critical areas, though it lacks Scene modes and expanded help menus suited to first time SLR owners. Currently the most capable camera to dip below the $600 plateau, Pentax expects the K10D’s performance, originality, and affordable price tag will lure photographers away from bigger brands.  

Specs aside, the true litmus test for any DSLR is administered in our test lab. We harnessed our lab coats and ran the K10D though a battery of scientific tests, evaluating its performance in terms of noise, resolution, color accuracy, dynamic range, speed, and white balance.

The K10D’s image quality is solid all around, though unremarkable. Color fidelity approximates previous models in the line, but falls short of industry leaders in precision and white balance accuracy. Image detail and noise levels are well-balanced throughout the lower portion of the camera’s ISO range, maintaining adequate dynamic range up to ISO 800. The faithful reproduction, however, begins to wane once the sensitivity hits the ISO 800 mark, giving way to a more “processed” and artificial look. In all, images captured up to ISO 400 look pleasing, but ISO 800 and 1600 settings should be used sparingly.

The camera isn’t going to outrace many prosumer models with its 3 frames per second (fps) burst rate, yet it does take the crown within its price bracket. Its 3 fps shooting speed is acceptable for events and portraits but won’t have enough leg to capture quick action or sports. Bursts will continue indefinitely when shooting JPEGs, and can persist for a 9 or 11 shot RAW sequence, depending on the format being utilized.  

Pentax packs a deep feature set into the K10D’s modest 5.6 x 4.0 x 2.8-inch skin. Among its more surprising offerings is the inclusion of direct DNG capture, Adobe’s open source RAW format – an option that’s noticeably absent from competing cameras. Pentax couples it with its own proprietary PEF RAW format, and allows users to convert either file in-camera, saving the processed JPEG along side the native RAW image. The processor and interface are limited, but its convenience is unparalleled. Pentax’s treatment of RAW files on the K10D is generally more flexible and considered than most DSLRs.

A dedicated RAW button is prominently affixed to the camera body, placed just beyond the lens mount. The control resides where most cameras put a depth-of-field preview, and is easily accessible in shooting position. The button switches the camera in or out of RAW capture without forcing shooters to bring the camera away from their face and access a menu. The positioning and concept are logical, and indicate the level of consideration Pentax has put into workflow and shooting fluidity.  

Pentax has constructed the K10D’s depth-of-field preview around the shutter button. The control can be used to access a traditional, optical depth-of-field preview – viewed in the eyecup – or can be used to call up a digital preview on the LCD screen. The digital preview offers an efficient way to view the effects various settings and alterations will have on the image without consuming space on the memory card. It’s a creative feature, but falls short of the continuous Live Preview now available on a number of current DSLRs – the Canon 40D, Nikon D300, Olympus E-510, among them.

Fitted with 11-point autofocus with 9 cross-type sensors, the K10D’s AF system is the fastest of any sub-$1,000 camera we’ve evaluated to date. Unfortunately, the speed comes with concessions, kicking out excessive audible noise when used with DA lenses. In low contrast scenes, the autofocus would often hunt, yet still performed more adeptly than other sub-$1,000 DSLRs in the same conditions. The closest competitor in this regard is the Nikon D80, which is not as capable or quick in low light, and currently sells for roughly $100 – $200 more than the K10D in kit form. 

Pentax packaged the K10D with an inventive feature that includes a Sensitivity Priority mode, which is loosely akin to a Program mode, and allows users to set an ISO while the camera selects a correlating aperture and shutter speed for an average exposure. Conversely, a unique Shutter and Aperture Priority mode is available, which sets the ISO to meet a selected aperture and shutter speed. Like the Pentax K100D Super, a customizable Auto ISO provides a high and low limiter to help control and optimize noise and detail.

The level of detail Pentax has put into improving flexibility and workflow is impressive. In its Hyper Program mode, users can assign priority at what’s called the “Program Line.” This offers a way to prearrange shots prior to capture, rather than continually adjusting the same settings for each and risk missing a key moment. The K10D’s Program Line can be set to prioritize for Speed, Depth-of-Field, or for maximum sharpness given the applied lens.    

Pentax made a number of revisions to the external design of the camera to cater to more demanding photographers. Principle among these is an improved viewfinder, which carries .95x magnification and 95 percent frame coverage, and a bulked up exterior that sports a reported 72 seals. The K10D’s plastic shell is draped in textured rubber and recalls robust sports watches from the ‘80s. The design is solid, and offers an alternative to the heavy pro bodies made by Nikon and Canon. 

The 10-megapixel K10D is the most complete DSLR to break the sub-$600 price barrier (following rebate), adding an extremely capable camera to the entry-level price point. The K10D could be considered more of a shooter’s camera than a printer’s camera since its well-rounded feature set surpasses its printed output. It performs amply in ideal conditions, though low light scenes displayed a number of image quality issues. A host of automation is fused throughout the camera’s interface. The adjustments, however, are aimed at expediting alterations hands-on photographers are apt to make; the K10D is not a DSLR tailored to beginners. Its unique inclusion of in-camera image stabilization, 11-point autofocus (primarily cross-type), DNG capture, in-camera RAW processing, and dust reduction for under $600, however, offers a solid value to any level shooter.

For a more in-depth review, visit the Pentax K10D Review at our partner DigitalCameraInfo.com