Pentax K10D Digital Camera with 18-55mm Lens

Product Rating
5 of 5
4 reviews

Price Range
$0 - $0

Product Description

Summary

I don't know what type of review you are looking for, but I have found my K10D to be a far more effective high quality image tool than the Canon 400D that I had for about a week. Once you get the settings tweaked correctly, even the jpegs have far better color accuracy.

The only instances of less noise on the Canon were found to be because Canon has more automatic in-camera noise reduction so blurs a bit more detail as well.

I still feel the K10D is the best of its type in image quality along with its better build and fit & finish, even though I wish Pentax would correct a few niggles with a firmware update.

1) I feel they should improve the jpg processing for a better tone curve closer to how well its RAW files can be interpreted by outside programs like ACR or Lightroom with an eye toward increasing Dynamic Range like the 22-bit processor advertises.

2) Add an edge sharpening algorithm as a menu option so those who need to save post processing time can choose this instead of the dark halo sharpening Pentax uses:

CUSTOM MENU>

.................SHARPENING>

......................1- DEFAULT
......................2- EDGE USM

3) Solve or minimize VPN so there is more usable Dynamic Range in the Shadows. The range is there (so far in RAW), but gets cut short if VPN begins to show. If the noise was patternless, it would be no problem.

4) When in Auto-ISO and HyperProgram, for example indoors, the range being 100-800, the K10D will start off at ISO 800, and as you slow up the shutter speed, the Auto ISO will lower the ISO until it reaches 100.

Then, you will not be able to choose faster shutter speeds because the ISO will be locked at 100. In other words, you can't reverse direction, expecting the ISO to go back towards 800.

One manager at Pentax was told about this, and just said this is how we "designed" it, so it will not be fixed. I think this should be fixed aka designed better.

4a) Also on tweaking Auto ISO, as per a suggestion by the indubitable Ken Rockwell:

"If using auto ISO in auto, Av, or program mode, the k10d should stay at your chosen lowest ISO value and allow you to set a shutter speed threshold at which the ISO will change to the next highest or lowest level needed to maintain proper exposure at a given aperture."

5) A menu option for Noise Reduction levels that can be user defeatable to preserve Pentax philosophy of no noise reduction (unlike Nikon where it can NEVER be turned completely off - even in RAW)

All of this is almost completely doable in a firmware update, and would make the K10D an even better tool than it already is, and would make a lot of common concerns into non-issues and get people off the fence in buying a K10D. Pentax even has mentioned they might use firmware to introduce 16 bit RAW files ( as originally intended) hopefully taking more advantage of the 22-bit PRIME processor.

Hopefully they realize the importance of doing this (and the maybe some of the other tweaks) for the current already sold K10D cameras that people invested $1000 in, rather than making the decision to focus on including these things in the K10D replacement scheduled to come out already in the fall.

Strength

Build Quality
Image Quality
Raw Button
TAv mode (and other innovative modes)
Quality Pentax optics including hand built Limiteds and Pancake lenses
Upcomiong Super Sonic Motor in-lens AF motors by June
Yes, you can get lenses for Pentax DSLR's
Compatability in ALL MODES back to 1980 wit "A" lenses
Compatability further back with M and screw mount lenses
More ACCURATE autofocus
Weatherproofing
etc.

Weakness

Outlined in my suggestions in my review.

Summary

I have been a Pro Photographer for about 25 years. I am a Canadian based in Paris, France.I have worked in New York, London, Paris, Milan and LA and have used everything from Bronica to 'Blad's to Sinar to Fuji 680 to Pentax 6-7 and 645 and Canon. I was sponsored here in France by Canon. I had been quite curious about the new direction of Pentax and their affiliation with Samsung and Tokina/Hoya. I always loved Tokina lenses especially their 80-200 f2.8 lens. Most of my work gets published in magazine and on occasion as PLV's and catalogues. In almost all cases I used my 8 MP Canon camera's for all of my magazine work.

As of about two weeks ago, I decided to go with Pentax and am now sponsored by them. I was not approached by them and was not offered any financial remuneration for doing so. I made the decision to switch because of the fine reputation has had with all of the pro studio photographers. I just think that the K10D does 80-90 percent of all of the things I would expect from a camera. I am also using all of their pancake lenses as well as their 12-24, 16-45 and 100 macro. I will receive the 16-50 and 50-135 when they come out in March.

I will use the K10D for an up and coming editorial in "Issue One" magazine UK.
http://www.issue-one.com.

I really think Pentax DSLR's have come of age

http://www.pressbook.com/homebook.asp?langue_id=2&owner_id=5144

Strength

Excellent image quality up to 800 iso. Very fine optics. Incredible constructon and resonable price.

Weakness

Lack of Synchro Flash X input. No problem I use a remote sensor on my Hot Shoe for studio work

Summary

Finally, a pro camera from Pentax. You'd think with all those incredible lenses they'd have a pro body.

Well, now they do.

This is a robust, well-thought out camera and makes me wonder if the sleeping giant is going to emerge the way they dominated the 50's and 60's. They certainly have the optics for it!

Strength

Solid feel, fast response, good long burst of RAW (if you need it) at a fast frame rate (unlimited until card full in jpeg).

Very clever new modes , TAv and Sv. Probably has a lot of engineers scratching their heads and saying "DUH, why didn't I think of that?"
I like the fact that all my old lenses work like a charm with this camera. Even old M and K lenses. That's a lot of expensive glass I won't have to replace!
The spare memory card in the battery grip is pretty clever, too.

MAIN POINTS -------------------

In body shake reduction. That means my M 200 f/4 from the Paleolithic (an excellent lens) has image stabilization. For less than a thousand bucks! For no bucks, since I already own the lens.

Dust reducer . It may not totally replace Peck Pads and Eclipse fluid, but it significantly reduces the need for them

customizable control wheels allow you to make the camera fit your style of shooting.

Weakness

I wish there were more customizable settings for the control wheels.

Summary

I moved over to Pentax from the Canon 20D. I did so primarily for a change but also to try out another company's technology. I'd been a Canon user since 1976, my first camera being the FTB. This move was quite a switch because I'd never used any other camera brand. Over the years I've owned the A1 (still do), F1, digital rebel and the 20D. Pentax intrigued me with their technology and as I've alwaysa dmired their lens quality, decided to give the K10D a try. After a little over a month, I am not disappointed! Image quality and control is excellent and the look, feel and build are probably equal to or better than the 20D. I like the image stabilization feature as it allows me to use smaller aperature lenses with no loss of usability, not to mention the savings factor. I am currently carrying the DA 16-45 and DA 50-200 in my bag. I used the Sigma lineup on my Canon, the 18-50 f2.8 and the 70-200f2/8 so I have some quality lenses for comparisons. The Pentax set up has better tone and overall image quality, especially with the 16-45 which I feel is a superior lens. In photoshop, I have less to fix with my new stuff, the images are that good. In the raw format they're close to unbelievable......really! I've shot some action stuff and landscapes primarily so far and can share the following in comparison to my Canon/Sigma set up:
1. Cleaner, sharper images, especially at larger aperatures.
2. Better macro capability.
3. Better in-camera control.
4. Good user interface.
5. Maybe not as fast continuous shooting but adequate for sure.
6. Much, much lighter than the Canon/Sigma telephoto combo. The DA50-200 is really pretty nice for the price and size.
7. For the money (I saved a lot selling the 20D and both Sigma lenses) a very good camera/lens comination.

I'm not an expert so I don't feel qualified to go into details that I'm not really familiar with or don't really care about. In my experience though, I feel qualified to say what works and what doesn't or, what is a good buy or not. This pentax equipment is top rate, surely on par with the big brothers and maybe a bit better. Anyone using this camera for a variety of subjects will find it user friendly, well built, fast and accurate. I would imagine that the new lenses Pentax has planned for early next year will make it an even better outfit. What else can I say?......if you're in themarket for a quality dslr and want to take advantage of shake what i think is a great camera buy the Pentax.

Strength

build quality
shake reduction system
weather tight seals
excellent image quality
nice assortment of lenses that don't break the bank

Weakness

none so far