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Top Pentax K10D Camera Reviews
Lets Go Digital wrote a review on the
Pentax K10D and said: "The pictures are of a very high
quality, thanks to the SAVOX VIII and the PRIME processor. The
JPEGs from the camera could have been a little sharper and the
white balance could react more accurately to certain light
sources, but there is little reason to complain. Pentax did very
well with noise. They found a good balance between noise
suppression and detailing, although personally, I would have
preferred a bit more detail."
Imaging-Resource wrote a review on the
Pentax K10D and said: "The printed results tell more of that
story. The K10D's images really impressed us. We noticed the
detail hold together far better, especially in the reds of our
test target. Reds are almost always pumped excessively, but the
K10D's more conservative approach preserves detail like few
we've seen. And that holds true even at ISO 1,600."
Pentax K10D News Release Summary:
GOLDEN, CO. (September 13, 2006)…PENTAX Imaging Company
announced today the PENTAX K10D digital SLR camera with 10.2
effective megapixels and a host of advanced technologies
including a PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction (SR) system and a
weather- resistant body.
Designed to deliver high-quality digital images and responsive
operation for advanced photo enthusiasts, the K10D features an
array of PENTAX innovations in image capture and camera
functionality.
The most significant features in the K10D include:
• A PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction (SR) system that
effectively offers a 2.5 to 4 stop advantage for sharp,
blur-free images even under difficult shooting conditions, such
as macro and telephoto photography or low light settings without
a flash. The SR mechanism is designed to minimize camera shake
by oscillating the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally
at high speed using magnetic force, while adjusting the speed of
oscillation in proportion to the amount of camera shake detected
by built-in sensors. As a result, the system does not require
special anti-shake lenses and can be used with more than 24
million PENTAX lenses produced since 1964.*
• A newly-developed Pentax Real IMage Engine (PRIME) designed
exclusively for PENTAX digital SLR cameras to produce
well-balanced, true-to-life images. In order to meet the
performance requirement in handling 10 megapixel data, PENTAX
also incorporated a new high performance 22 bit A/D converter to
quickly transfer images with accurate color tones and richer
gradation from the CCD to the imaging engine.
• A new Dust Removal (DR) system incorporating PENTAX-original
Special Protect (SP) coating to help keep the CCD surface
dust-free, and a shift mechanism to shake dust off the CCD.
• A dependable dust-proof, weather-resistant body construction
featuring 72 seals throughout the camera to allow photographers
to continue shooting even in dusty or rainy environments.
*Lenses compatible with this mechanism are the PENTAX K-, KA-,
KAF- and KAF2-mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an
adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some
functions may not be applicable with certain lenses.
“Advanced photographers will not find another 10 megapixel
digital SLR that offers features such as a weather-resistant
body, shake reduction, and great ergonomics, at any price, ”
said Ned Bunnell, director of marketing, PENTAX Imaging Company.
“With the K10D introduction, PENTAX is now able to offer digital
SLRs for two important users − the first time SLR customer who
can buy the K100D and now the K10D for the more advanced users.”
Along with the body, PENTAX announced a D-BG2 battery grip for
exclusive use with the PENTAX K10D. This battery grip can be
used in combination with the camera's rechargeable lithium-ion
batteries to double the camera's battery life. With a vertical
shutter-release button, preview lever, two control dials,
AE-lock button and green button, the new battery grip makes
vertical-position shooting simple and effortless. It also
features the same dust-proof, weather-resistant construction as
the K10D camera body.
PENTAX also announced the smc PENTAX-DA 70mm F2.4 Limited lens,
designed for exclusive use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras and
featuring an ultra-thin pancake design and uni-focal,
medium-telephoto optics. With a medium-telephoto perspective,
this new lens is ideal for many applications including
portraiture and landscape. The high-performance optics ensure
outstanding image quality, and provide distinctive visual
expression. Materials used for this lens are selected for
optimum holding comfort and operability, and the new lens is
designed to be extremely thin and lightweight, for go-anywhere
portability for casual, day-to-day snapshot photography.
The K10D body will ship by November 2006 for US $899.95, and as
a kit with the DA 18-55mm lens for US $999.95. The D-BG2 Battery
Grip will ship at the same time for less than US $190.00. The
PENTAX DA 70mm lens will ship in October 2006 for less than US
$600.00.
PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production
of digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, flash units,
binoculars, scopes, eyepieces, mobile printers and scanners. For
more than 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable,
reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and
businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX
Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.
K10D Digital SLR Fact Sheet
High-quality image reproduction
The K10D features a large, high-performance 23.5mm x 15.7mm CCD
with 10.2 effective megapixels as its image sensor, assuring the
reproduction of true-to-life, rich-gradation images.
PENTAX-original Shake Reduction mechanism for blur-free
images
The K10D is equipped with the exclusive, PENTAX-developed Shake
Reduction (SR) system, which effectively reduces camera shake
for sharp, blur-free images even under demanding shooting
conditions, such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting in the
dark or at night without supplementary flash illumination, or
using extended exposures for sunset scenes. This innovative
mechanism shifts the position of the CCD image sensor vertically
and horizontally at high speed using magnetic force, while
adjusting the shifting speed in proportion to the amount of
camera shake detected by built-in sensors. It offers an
outstanding compensation effect equivalent to 2.5 to 4
shutter-speed steps. As a result, it does not require special
anti-shake lenses, and can be used with almost all existing
PENTAX interchangeable lenses.*
* Lenses compatible with this mechanism are the PENTAX K-, KA-,
KAF- and KAF2-mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an
adapter); and 645- are 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Some
functions may not be applicable with certain lenses.
Newly developed A/D converter for truthful image data
conversion
The K10D incorporates a high-performance A/D converter, which
faithfully converts the analog data collected by the CCD image
sensor into digital data. With the highest resolving power (22
bits, or 4.2 million gradations) among all existing digital
cameras, it offers a digital-conversion capacity 1,024 times
greater than conventional 12-bit, 4,096-gradation A/D
converters.
Newly designed PRIME imaging engine
The K10D incorporates the new PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine)
as its imaging engine. Designed exclusively for PENTAX digital
SLR cameras, this new imaging engine produces well-balanced,
true-to-life images through efficient control of CCD signals,
saturation, brightness, white balance, sharpness and contrast.
Its new memory (DDR2: Double Data Rate 2) also serves to enhance
speedy image processing and high-speed data transfer.
Dust Removal system to help keep the CCD surface dust-free
The K10D features the new Dust Removal (DR) system to prevent
dust from sticking to the surface of the CCD image sensor (or
low-pass filter). Applied to the CCD surface through a vapor
deposition process of a fluorine compound, the PENTAX-original
Special Protect (SP) coating effectively prevents dust and
stains from adhering to the surface. In the next step, dust that
still remains on the surface will be shaken off when the SR
system shifts the CCD at high speed. The dust that is shaken off
the CCD will fall onto an adhesive sheet positioned at the
bottom of the SR unit, eliminating any possibility of its
returning to the CCD surface.
Dust-proof, weather-resistant construction
The K10D boasts a reliable dust-proof, weather-resistant
construction, with special seals applied to 72 different parts
of the camera body, including the shutter release button and
switches/levers/dials. This dependable body makes it possible to
use the K10D in the rain or at dusty locations without worries.
Original exposure system for faithful reproduction of
creative intentions
Hyper Program function
The K10D's Hyper Program function allows the user to instantly
switch to the Shutter-Priority AE (Tv) mode or Aperture-Priority
AE (Av) mode from the Program AE mode, with a simple turn of the
electronic dials on the grip (one on the front for index-finger
control, and the other on the back for thumb control). To return
to the Program AE mode, simply press the green button positioned
next to the shutter release button.
Hyper Manual function
When shooting in the Metered Manual mode, a single push of the
green button allows the user to instantly set the proper
exposure for the subject.
Sensitivity-Priority mode:
The K10D features a new Sensitivity-Priority AE (Sv) mode, which
is designed to automatically select the optimum combination of
aperture and shutter speed for user-selected sensitivity. The
sensitivity can be shifted instantly (in 1/2 or 1/3 steps) by
turning the electronic dial. Since this mode eliminates the need
to recall a menu screen for sensitivity changes, the
photographer can react more quickly to changing photographic
conditions.
Shutter & Aperture-Priority mode:
Another exposure mode offered by the K10D is Shutter &
Aperture-Priority AE (TAv) mode, which is designed to
automatically select the most appropriate sensitivity for a
user-selected shutter-speed & aperture combination.
Bright, clear viewfinder
Featuring a glass pentaprism, the K10D's viewfinder offers a
96-percent field of view and a 0.95-times magnification for easy
viewing of the subject and effortless confirmation of focus and
composition. Coupled with the acclaimed Natural-Bright-Matte II
focusing screen, it delivers a large, bright subject image.
Auto sensitivity control up to ISO 1600
The K10D's auto sensitivity control function automatically sets
the optimum sensitivity up to ISO 1600, based on such data as
the subject's brightness level and the lens' focal length. Since
this function allows the use of higher shutter speeds in poor
lighting situations (such as indoor sports events and night
scenes), it helps the photographer to effectively reduce camera
shake and prevent blurred images. For specialized applications,
the sensitivity can be set manually from ISO 100 to ISO 1600.
Continuous shooting at approximately 3 images per second
To trace the movement of an active subject or capture a sequence
of the subject's expressions, the K10D offers a continuous
shooting mode that allows the photographer to capture a series
of images at a maximum speed of approximately 3 images per
second. In the JPEG recording format, the user is allowed to
take as many images in succession as wished, until the capacity
of an SD memory card runs out, or in RAW mode up to 9 images at
3.0 fps.
Reliable shutter unit
The K10D's shutter unit is designed to withstand nearly 100,000
releases, while assuring high-precision operation over the
entire shutter-speed range — up to a top speed of 1/4000 second.
It also features a flash synchronization speed of 1/180 second
for more versatile flash photography.
11-point wide-frame AF
The K10D's sophisticated SAFOX VIII autofocus system features 11
sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the
middle) to automatically focus on the subject with utmost
precision, even when it is positioned off center. The in-focus
sensor point is automatically superimposed in red in the
viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation.
Extra-large, wide-view LCD monitor
The K10D incorporates an extra-large 2.5 inch color LCD monitor
on its back panel. Its wide-view design allows the photographer
to check the monitor image from 140 degrees both vertically and
horizontally, ensuring effortless image viewing even from a
diagonal position. With approximately 210,000 pixels, it also
offers digital zooming of playback images up to 20 times for
easy confirmation of the image's focusing status and details.
Compatibility with supersonic motor-driven lenses
The K10D is designed to be compatible with supersonic
motor-driven autofocus lenses (currently under development),
which are expected to provide smoother, quieter autofocus
operation than conventional lenses.
Additional features:
Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted
metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic
applications
High-rigidity stainless-steel chassis
32 custom functions to personalize camera operations
Extended bracket function to capture three images of the same
subject at different contrast, saturation, sharpness or
white-balance levels
Compatibility with conventional SD memory cards and newly
introduced SDHC memory cards
Choice of two preview functions (digital/optical)
Simultaneous recording of RAW and JPEG images
Manual fine adjustment of white balance
Day-by-day folders to simplify the arrangement and search of
recorded images
Six built-in digital filters (Black-and-white, Sepia, Slim,
Soft, Brightness and Color) for easy editing of recorded images
Remote shutter release from the front and back sides of the
camera using optional remote controller
PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 3 RAW data processing software and
PENTAX PHOTO Browser 3 browser software, included on the
accompanying CD-ROM
Compatibility with PictBridge, DPOF, Exif Print and PRINT Image
Matching III systems
SD Logo and SDHC Logo are trademarks
PENTAX and smc PENTAX are trademarks of PENTAX Corporation
PENTAX PHOTO Browser and PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory are trademarks
of PENTAX Corporation
All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies.
Design and Specifications are subject to change without notice
smc PENTAX-DA 70mm F2.4 Limited FACT SHEET
Ultra-thin, super-lightweight design
Thanks to its newly developed, high-performance optics, this new
medium-telephoto lens measures only 26 millimeters long and
weighs a mere 130 grams. When mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR
camera body, it protrudes very little from the camera's front
panel and offers a focal length equivalent to 107mm in 35mm
format, making it a perfect choice for casual portrait and
landscape photography.
Limited Lens-series quality
Distinctive visual description:
The PENTAX Limited Lens series is designed for distinctive
visual description by combining a series of mechanical and
numerical evaluations with human assessment of test-shooting
samples. As a result, this lens produces smooth, natural skin
tones and beautiful out-of-focus backgrounds at open aperture in
portrait applications, while assuring crisp, high-contrast
images at closed-down aperture in landscape photography.
Premium appearance:
The lens barrel, hood and cap are all made of a high-grade
aluminum material, shaped for perfect proportions and striking
beauty. The focusing ring is designed for superb accessibility
and maximum ease of focusing operation.
SP coating to protect the lens against weather and grease:
The PENTAX-original Super Protect (SP) coating is applied to the
front surface of this lens. Through a vapor deposition process,
the lens surface is coated with a special fluorine compound to
repel dust, weather and grease, making it easy to wipe off
fingerprints and cosmetics.
Digital SLR-exclusive optical design:
This lens is exclusively designed for use with PENTAX digital
SLR cameras, with an image circle perfectly proportioned to the
CCD size (23.5mm x 15.7mm), and optics optimized for digital
imaging characteristics. Combining high-quality image
reproduction with an ultra-thin, super-lightweight design, it is
a perfect partner to PENTAX digital SLR cameras.
Additional Features
PENTAX-developed Quick-Shift Focus System for instant switching
to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus
by the AF system
Detachable, extendible lens hood (included) for enhanced
portability
Nine-blade diaphragm for natural out-of-focus description
Pentax K10D Best Price:
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