This dSLR camera, first launched in 2006, is one of many famous dSLRs produced by Pentax. The K10D is the early version of the K20D, and offers dSLRs functions in a hefty, rugged body.
Following on the cheaper side of the dSLR market, the Pentax K10D has an average currently price range of $500 – $800, which is fairly cheaper for a professional camera. It comes with an auto lens out of the box, and a number of different lenses can be added – Pentax sells quite a few different kits, so you’re bound to have a good selection no matter your needs.
If you’re in the market for a sub-$1000 dSLR camera, then read on.
Body
The body of this dSLR was specifically designed to be rugged, durable, and weather resistant. The case is made to block dust, which can get on mirrors and lenses and ruin shots, and it is water resistant, so you don’t have to fear grabbing that last minute shot in the rain.
The body of this camera is beautiful to behold, and has a professional, no-nonsense look to it. Unlike some high end cameras, such as the Cybershot line, where the lens is a long barrel along the left side of the device, giving it an almost camcorder appearance, this camera has a traditional shape to it.
The viewfinder is nestled comfortably above the LCD, which is nearly centered in the back of the camera. There are a number of controls on both sides of the LCD, and they are intuitively placed so that the thumb of the shooting hand can control nearly everything needed while taking a shot.
There is a built in flash, and it is a pop up, which keeps the camera compact and easier to store, and reduces the worry over breaking or damaging the flash protrusion.
Features
This camera features a 10 megapixel sensor, which is the resolution that can be found with many average point and shoot cameras now. With 10 megapixels, large, high quality prints can be made. The resolution can be downgraded to eight and six megapixels for smaller shots.
The camera features 11-point autofocus, which means you’d be hard pressed to find a subject you couldn’t photograph clearly. The AF comes in both single and continuous mode, and works quickly when needed. If you prefer to do the focusing yourself, there’s also manual focus.
The ISO has a range from 100 – 1600, so you won’t miss out on any night shots. Shutter speed can be delayed up to 30 seconds, and can be increased up to 1/4000 of a second.
Exposure can be manipulated in both 1/3 and 1/2 increments, something that HDR photographers will especially enjoy.
Image Quality
Image quality is what you would expect from Pentax high quality, sharp, accurate, with low noise at lower and moderate ISOs.
Cons
Noise gets pretty unacceptable after about 800 ISO, and at the highest ISO, you’re not going to be getting awesome night shots without keeping the ISO low and cranking up the exposure, which could prove problematic with many bright lights.
There can also be problems with the auto focus in lower lights. This, of course, could be rectified by using manual focus, but that only works with still shots.
Conclusion
This camera, like many other sub-$1000 dSLRs, is a very good choice for those needing a (relatively) inexpensive digital SLR camera. If you are looking to take a lot of night shots, or if you want a camera that can provide perfectly despite the settings, than you may want to save your money for a few more months and get a higher-end camera.
By: Blair Mathis