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Pentax K10D - usability
SLR cameras are called system cameras for a reason. Using additional accessories, they gain much in the way of usability. Pentax is the only company that makes it possible to use M42 and Pentax medium format lenses. In addition, it is also possible to use manual focus K mount lenses with the optional AF 1,7X teleconverter, turning them into autofocus lenses.
I'm very familiar with Pentax cameras, which made it easy for me to grow accustomed to the K10D. However, if you have no prior experience with Pentax cameras, it's quite easy to get lost. There were only two things that really bothered me. First of all, ISO sensitivity is not displayed in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen, unless you're in Sv or TAv mode. This means you have to press the OK button to see the ISO setting, which is quite awkward to do, especially if you already framed the shot. The other thing that bothered me was the battery grip. If the buttons on the grip are enabled, it's possible to inadvertently press the shutter release with the palm. For that reason, I kept the buttons disabled most of the time.
In order to really use everything the camera has to offer, getting acquainted with the menu settings is imperative. Many functions are completely new and add a lot of value to the camera. I needed a few days of familiarising myself with the camera in order to make the most of them. However, once you set the camera to your liking, you won’t need to enter the Custom settings menu again.
The camera is turned on with a lever at the shutter release. No surprises here, it functions well. It might surprise you when you turn it on, though. If sensor cleaning is active, the camera emits a relatively loud noise. For a non-pro camera, the viewfinder is excellent. After all, it does use a pentaprism rather than a pentamirror.
The battery grip provides a better, erm, grip. It’s also quite innovative. It houses an additional battery, space for another memory card and a wireless remote relase.
Autofocus is satisfactory. While it may not be very fast, this is mostly the limitation of the in-lens motors. However, new lenses with ultrasonic motors will be introduced soon, which should make focusing much faster. I also noticed that the AF points are very wide. The camera focused on a miniscule contrast point on a white wall, even though the point was quite far away from the selected focus point. Even though contrast was only found at the very edge of the focus point, the camera would focus on it. Focus in low light was excellent. Really, really excellent. The shutter release is smooth, and with a bit of care, you won't jerk the camera when you press it. The mirror is loud and returns relatively slowly.
Metering mode, focus points, aperture, shutter time and exposure compensation are easy and quick to adjust. Autofocus activation via a dedicated button and manual focus after autofocus are also very useful. There are several novel bracketing modes, too. No use wasting too many words on the Shake Reduction system. It’s the same system used in the K100D and performs wonderfully. The dedicated RAW button also adds further unique usability to the camera.
I was also provided with two very good Pentax lenses. These were the SMC Pentax DA 12-24 mm f/4 ED AL IF and my recommendation for the K10D kit lens – the SMC Pentax DA 16-45 mm f/4 ED AL.
In review mode, the images are very saturated visible even in strong sunlight. Due to my extensive experience with other cameras, I noticed another shortcoming. This is not all that important to the enthusiast photographer. However, if you wish to use it in extremely demanding conditions, where you have to adjust most parameters for every shot you take, the camera is a bit slow. Personally, I was extremely impressed by the camera. However, since it's impossible to adjust the settings until the images are recorded to the card, it’s not suitable for really fast shooting. Then again, that’s the only thing that really bothered me.
Seen as a whole, the Pentax K10D is a very useful camera with enough options to customise it completely to your taste.
Pentax K10D, 16 mm, 1/45 s., f/13, ISO100.
Pentax K10D, 16 mm, 1/750 s., f/9.5, ISO100.
Pentax K10D, 16 mm, 1/500 s., f/13, ISO100. After taking a few shots, I noticed a large dust particle on the sensor. Note that this was a brand new camera. Despite the dust removal function, the particle wouldn’t disappear. However, I noticed no additional particles, which means that this one was obviously a particularly difficult one to remove. Apparently, it was something sticky and greasy. I really didn’t want to remove it, since it was perfect for test purposes.
Pentax K10D, 16 mm, 1/180 s., f/9.5, ISO100. In strong backlight, exposure correction is required. In this case, I didn’t actually use exposure compensation. Rather, I metered on the tarmac, locked the exposure, and reframed.
Pentax K10D, 16 mm, 1/180 s., f/22, ISO100, -0.5 EV.
Pentax K10D, 40mm, 1/90 s., f/8, ISO100.
Pentax K10D, 12mm, 1/750 s., f/8, ISO100.
Pentax K10D, 12mm, 1/500 s., f/13, ISO100, +1.5 EV.
Pentax K10D, 24mm, 1/250 s., f/8, ISO100.
Pentax K10D, 12mm, 1/60 s., f/8, ISO800.
Pentax K10D, 12mm, 1/180 s., f/6.7, ISO100, +1 EV. There’s a lot of talk about the dynamic range due to the camera’s 22 bit AD converter. I know from my past experience with scanning that such claims are a good sales point. I didn’t expect too much from this "miracle”. In high contrast conditions, the Pentax K10D functions well. With a bit of exposure compensation, +1 EV in this case, burned out highlights can be avoided. For better results ...
… there’s always Photoshop. A few clicks to open up the shadows, and there you have it. Ever since digital is affordable to the masses, the shot isn't over once the shutter is pressed.
Pentax K10D, 12mm, 1/250 s., f/6.7, ISO200. Want more saturation? Just go to the menu.
Pentax K10D, 12mm, 1/250 s., f/6.7, ISO100.
Pentax K10D, 14mm, 1/350 s., f/11, ISO100.
Pentax K10D, 15mm, 1/8 s., f/4, ISO1600. Shake Reduction proved incredibly useful.
Pentax K10D, 12mm, 1/45 s., f/4.5, ISO1600. For me personally, the noise at ISO 1600 is perfectly acceptable for an A4 print.
Pentax K10D, 12mm, 1/15 s., f/4, ISO1600.
Pentax K10D, 24mm, 1/8 s., f/4, ISO1600.
Pentax K10D, 24mm, 1/4 s., f/4, ISO1600. (100% crop)
Pentax K10D, 24mm, 1/2 s., f/4, ISO1600. All fireworks shots were taken without a tripod and with SR on. (100% crop)
Pentax K10D, 12mm, 1/1000sec., f/8, ISO200.
Pentax K10D, 15mm, 1/250sec., f/6.7, ISO200.
Pentax K10D, 12mm, 1/180sec., f/6.7, ISO200, -1EV.
Pentax K10D, 24mm, 1/125sec., f/5.6, ISO200.
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Avtor :
Matjaz Intihar, translated by: Joze Sveticic
Pentax K10D DIWA Awards Review samples
Pentax K10D DIWA Awards Test - English
Testi
fotografske opreme (fotokamere, objektivi, oprema) -
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