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Pentax K10D review
Designed to deliver high-quality digital SLR photography and responsive
operation for advanced photo enthusiasts, the 10.2 effective megapixel K10D
features an array of PENTAX innovations in image capture and image
functionality. The PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction (SR) system effectively
offers a 2.5 to 4 stop advantage for sharp, blur-free images even under
difficult shooting conditions. A newly developed 22-bit A/D converter
designed to convert a large volume of data more faithfully and swiftly, and
a new PENTAX Real Image Engine (PRIME), designed exclusively for the K10D,
produces well-balanced, true-to-life images. The K10D also comes equipped
with a new Dust Removal (DR) system to keep dust off the CCD surface, a
PENTAX-original exposure system for faithful reproduction of the
photographer’s creative intentions, and a dependable dust-resistant,
weather-resistant body construction featuring 72 seals throughout the
camera to allow photographers to continue shooting even in dusty or rainy
environments. All combined, the K10D delivers exceptionally high image
quality and responds brilliantly to the exacting demands of advanced
photographers.
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. 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 a built-in sensor. 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.*
Newly developed A/D converter for truthful image data conversion - The K10D
incorporates a high-performance 22bit A/D converter, which faithfully
converts the analog data collected by the CCD image sensor into digital
data. 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 imaging engine produces high-definition,
true-to-life images through well-balanced control of CCD signals, including
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 keep the CCD surface dust-free - The new Dust
Removal (DR) system prevents dust from sticking to the surface of the CCD
image sensor (or low-pass filter). The PENTAX-original Super Protect (SP)
coating effectively removes dust and stains from the surface. 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-resistant, weather-resistant construction - The K10D boasts a reliable
dust-proof, water-resistant construction, with special seals applied to 72
different parts of the camera body, including the shutter release button
and switches/levers/dials, making 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 This 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. Hyper Manual function When shooting in 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 a
user-selected sensitivity. The sensitivity can be shifted instantly (in 1/2
or 1/3 steps) by turning the electronic dial. This mode eliminates the need
to recall a menu screen for sensitivity changes, allowing the photographer
to 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. Customizable Electronic Dial Functions This
function, assigned to the front and rear electronic dials, can be changed
to suit the users preferences, further enhacing the creative control of the
image.
Bright, clear viewfinder - Featuring a glass pentaprism, the K10D’s
viewfinder offers a 95-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. This function allows the use of higher shutter speeds in poor
lighting situations (such as indoor sports events and night scenes),
helping 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 three images per second - Continuous
shooting mode allows the photographer to capture a series of images at a
maximum speed of approximately three images per second. In the JPEG
recording format, the user is allowed to take as many images in succession
as desired, until the capacity of an SD memory card runs out. In RAW and
RAW+JPEG recording formats, 10 images and 6 images respctively can be taken
before the buffer is filled
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 centre. The in-focus sensor point is
automatically superimposed in red in the viewfinder for at-a-glance
confirmation. Manual focus point selection is possible.
Extra-large, wide-view LCD monitor - The K10D incorporates an extra-large
2.5-inch colour 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. Manual focus point selection is
possible.
Powerful rechargeable batteries for extended shooting - The K10D features
new, large-capacity lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, which can capture
approximately 500 images** when fully recharged.
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.
Other features - Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering,
centre-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
Two Raw formats, PENTAX RAW (PEF) and Adobe Digital Negative (DNG) with in
camera RAW processing possible Manual fine adjustment of white balance Date
folder to simplify the arrangement and search of recorded images Six
built-in digital filters (Black-and-white, Sepia, Slim, Soft, Brightness
and Colour) 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
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